The Washington Informer - March 14, 2024

TOPA Under Siege, Tenant Advocates Say

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The Bowser administration officially launched the Housing in Downtown program with a hardhat tour at the Elle, what will soon be the District’s first office- to-residential conversion in the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District.

Once completed, the Elle, which is the former Peace Corps headquarters on 20th and L streets in Northwest,

will have 163 residential units. Due to this project’s inclusion in the District’s tax abatement program, some of those units will be available to tenants earning below the the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area’s average median income.

However, this office-to-residential conversion wouldn’t be protected under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), a nearly 40-year District law that allows tenants first dibs at the purchase of their apartment building when their landlord wants to make a sale.

“The Tenant Opportunity to Pur-

Activists Storm Wilson Building in Demand of Cease-fire Resolution

Local Palestinian Turns to Council for Action After Losing More than 20 Family Members in Gaza

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Since last October, when Israel ramped up its offensive against Palestinians, D.C. resident Moataz Salim lost more than 20 family members living in Gaza, including a cousin killed in an airstrike in January along with her husband and children.

Salim, 26, counted among those who marched through the John A. Wilson Building on Tuesday afternoon to demand that the D.C. Council passes a resolution in support of a cease-fire in Gaza.

Once inside the Wilson Building,

he and more than 50 people interrupted a Committee of the Whole hearing taking place in the council chambers and approached D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) on the dais.

The group, which also included the Rev. Graylan Hagler, Nee Nee Taylor of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, Jacqueline Luqman of Black Alliance for Peace, the Rev. Anthony Motley, and Busboys & Poets owner Andy Shallal, unsuccessfully attempted on two occasions to engage council members participating in an active shooter response training on the fourth floor.

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

A current federal-class action lawsuit alleges that the District’s state education agency denied students with disabilities equal access to their education by failing to provide them with safe and reliable transportation to and from school.

For more than a year, parents have taken to social media and participated in D.C. Council and State

5 Protestors outside the John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C. speak out against the threat to Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) protections on March 12. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

TOPA Page

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:

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PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor

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Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

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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

5 Housing and Urban Development Secretary

Housing and Urban Development Secretary

Marcia Fudge Announces Retirement

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge, a former Congressional Black Caucus Chair and a staunch advocate for the Black Press of America, has announced that she’s stepping down from her role in the Biden-Harris administration.

The 71-year-old Fudge disclosed that her last day in office would be March 22. After decades of public service, she’ll return to her home state of Ohio.

“It’s time to go home,” she told USA TODAY. “I do believe strongly that I have done just about everything I could do at HUD for this administration as we go into this crazy, silly season of an election.”

Fudge, the second Black woman to lead HUD, has been a key figure in steering the agency through housing challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also pushed for the federal government to include the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), on

behalf of the Black Press of America, in its advertising spend. Her departure comes amid the intensifying campaign season, with President Joe Biden facing off against the twice-impeached and four-times indicted Republican former President Donald Trump.

“It is not a red or blue issue,” Fudge declared. “Everybody knows that it is an issue, so it’s not one-sided. It’s an American issue.”

CBC Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) and members praised Fudge’s leadership and decades of service.

“Since her confirmation in March of 2021, Secretary Fudge has worked tirelessly to provide access to safe and affordable housing to millions of American families, with a particular focus on racial equity and addressing the gap in Black homeownership,” the CBC’s statement read.

Biden praised Fudge’s leadership, her dedication to rebuilding HUD, and her expanding efforts to build generational wealth through homeownership. He expressed gratitude for her contributions and wished her well in her next chapter as she transitions from public service to private life. WI

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Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Honored by Arena Stage With Top Arts Award

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson received the “American Voice Award” for supporting civil and human rights. The honor was recently presented before the world premiere opening of Kia Corthron’s play “Tempestuous Elements,” currently at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.

The award honors public officials' extraordinary support and advocacy for American arts and arts education.

“Justice Jackson stands in the magnificent tradition of Anna Julia Cooper as a trailblazing leader, undaunted by inequity and galvanized by her work in service of liberation and justice for all people,” said Hana S. Sharif, artistic director for Arena Stage, comparing Jackson to the educator depicted in the play. “This is emblematic of the spirit of the American Voice Award. I am

honored to present Justice Jackson with this award.” The American Voice Award was established in 2005. Previous recipients of the honor include Rep. Judy Chu (DCA), Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and others.

Jackson, sworn in as the 116th Supreme Court Justice on June 30, 2022, also has a unique connection to theater, having participated in student productions and an improv group throughout her Harvard career. Justice Jackson earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Harvard University, graduating with the latter cum laude in 1996. She is the first Black woman and former federal public defender to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Biden-Harris Administration Continues Efforts to Address Gender Pay Gap on Equal Pay Day

The Biden-Harris administration used March 12, Equal Pay Day, to reaffirm their commitment to advancing pay equity and women’s economic security. White House officials said the administration is keenly aware that, despite notable progress in recent years, the gender pay gap remains a significant issue in the United States.

Administration officials noted that the country has experienced a robust economic recovery characterized by equitable growth. Women’s participation in the labor force has reached its highest level in decades, and the gender pay gap has narrowed to its lowest recorded level.

However, the White House acknowledged that challenges persist. They said persistent pay disparities between men and women remain evident, as women earn only 84

cents for every dollar that men earn. These discrepancies are even more pronounced for women of color, exacerbating economic inequalities. Estimates reveal that these inequities result in women losing over $1 trillion annually and hundreds of thousands of dollars over their careers.

The president and vice president asserted that they are dedicated to addressing these disparities and have committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals in the workforce. Recognizing the critical role of pay equity in fostering a strong and inclusive economy, the administration has announced new initiatives to tackle pay gaps and support women’s economic security.

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Marcia Fudge

The Clara Makes Debut in Ward 8 Housing, Retail and Islamic Museum on Site

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Ndidi Okakpu could not wait to attend the ribbon cutting of The Clara, a mixed-used development including affordable rental housing located in Anacostia on March 8.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), The Clara’s development team, and local Islamic leaders, delivered speeches before the official ribbon cutting.

Okakpu stepped inside the new building and toured an apartment unit on the sixth floor.

Okakpu, a District native who lives in Chicago, was impressed.

“I love it,” she said. “So far, it is lovely. The rooms are nice, efficient, and clean. I look forward to seeing this develop positively.”

ABOUT THE CLARA

Masjid Muhammad acquired the properties at 2313-2315 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE in the 1960s and the adjacent parcel at 2323 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE in the 2000s. It was formerly the site of the Clara Muhammad School, one of more than 80 schools in inner cities across the country, named in honor of the wife of Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad.

It was also the site of Shabazz Bakery and Muhammad Mosque #4. Later, it became the home of Muhammad Ali’s Champs Gourmet Cookies, and for nearly 10 years, it served as the site for America’s Islamic Heritage Museum.

The 81 new affordable hous-

ing units include studios, as well as one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. The facility has 61 units reserved for households earning up to 50% of the median family income (MFI) and the remaining 20 units for those earning up to 30% of the MFI.

The site also features 11,000 square feet of retail space for local businesses, including Sweet Tooth Bakery and Restaurant, and TOIZ, a youthowned environmental tenant services company that provides laundry, vending, and environmental equipment.

The Clara, a $47 million project, was developed through a partnership between the District government and Banneker Ventures, a Black-owned full-service real estate development and construction firm with offices in the District and suburban Maryland. Banneker Ventures and Medina Living Ideas for Family Excellence (L.I.F.E.) Community Development Corporation serve as the project team for The Clara. WI

““I love it,” she said.

“So

far, it is lovely.

are nice, efficient, and clean. I look forward to seeing this develop positively.”

5 Politicians such as D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (second from left) and Mayor Muriel Bowser (center left), religious leaders such as Imam Talib Shareef (center right), and residents gathered for the ribbon cutting of The Clara, a new housing development in Ward 8. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

MARCH 4

1794 – Eli Whitney receives a patent for the cotton gin.

1933 – Famous music producer and composer Quincy Jones is born in Chicago.

1977 – Fannie Lou Hamer, voting rights activist, civil rights leader and philanthropist, dies in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, of complications from hypertension and breast cancer at 59.

1999 – Chess player Maurice Ashley beat Adrian Negulescu to become the first Black International Grandmaster.

MARCH 15

1988 – Eugene Antonio Marino is named Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, becoming the first Black Catholic archbishop in the United States.

MARCH 16

1869 – Hiram R. Revels makes his first speech in the Senate, opposing the readmission of Georgia without adequate safeguards for Black citizens. This was the first official speech by a Black in Congress.

1956 – Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome, the first African American to serve as general manager of an NFL franchise, is born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

MARCH 17

1877 – President Hayes appoints Frederick Douglass marshal of District of Columbia.

1919 – Famed singer Nat King Cole is born in Montgomery, Alabama.

1946 – Jackie Robinson makes his professional debut as a member of the Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn

MAR. 14 - 20, 2024

Dodgers' AAA minor league team, in the Daytona Beach ballpark that now bears his name.

MARCH 18

1934 – Country music singer Charley Pride, one of just three African Americans ever inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, is born in Sledge, Mississippi.

1941 – Soul music legend Wilson Pickett is born in Prattville, Alabama.

1963 – Famed actress and singer Vanessa L. Williams is born in the Bronx borough of New York City.

1972 – The USS Jesse L. Brown, named for the first African American naval aviator in the U.S. Navy, is launched.

MARCH 19

1894 – Loretta Mary Aiken, best known as famed comedian Moms Mabley, is born in Brevard, North Carolina.

MARCH 20

1852 – Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is published.

1910 – Award-winning artist Allan Crite is born in North Plainfield, New Jersey.

1915 – Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a seminal recording artist often referred to as "the original soul sister" and "the godmother of rock and roll," is born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas.

1916 – Ota Benga, a Congolese man once kept in a human zoo exhibit at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, commits suicide in Lynchburg, Virginia, at 32.

1936 – Legendary Jamaican music producer Lee "Scratch" Perry is born in Kendal, Jamaica.

1948 – Actor James Baskett receives an Honorary Academy Award for his performance as Uncle Remus in Disney's "Song of the South," becoming the first African American male actor to win an Academy Award.

1957 – Renowned filmmaker and actor Spike Lee is born in Atlanta. WI

SPIKE LEE

NAT

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BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

What’s a quote from a Black author that inspired and had a profound impact on you?

MICHELLE B. / LOS ANGELES, CALIF..

“Every white person in this country knows one thing. They know that they would not like to be black here. If they know that, they know everything they need to know. And whatever else they may say is a lie.”

- James Baldwin

ASAFO AKOFENA / TEMA, GHANA

“When you are filled with self-hate, your mind is reversed. Meaning you will love the things that destroy you, and you will hate the things that advance your growth.”

- Dr. Amos Nelson Wilson

BRYAN DUNSTON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

“If you can only be tall because somebody is on their knees, then you have a serious problem. And my feeling is that white people have a very, very serious problem, and they should start thinking about what they can do about it. Take me out of it.”

- Toni Morrison

PATRICK F / NEW YORK, N.Y.

“When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you, and your story will heal somebody else.”

- Iyanla Vanzant

REGINA BRADLEY / CHICAGO, ILL.

“I can’t believe what you say when I see what you do.”

- James Baldwin

Black Fraternities Unite to Promote Black Male Voting

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Louis Williams, a member of the Colorado Spring, Colorado alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., is bothered by what is going on politically in the country and wants to play a role to get more Black men voting and in the political process.

Williams, 30, flew from Colorado to the District to participate in the third annual National Panhellenic Council Fraternity Days on the Hill, with programming primarily taking place at the Salamander Washington DC in Southwest.

“I came here to see what we plan to do from a broad perspective,” he said. “We’re on the brink of the destruction of democracy.”

Williams’s fraternity leadership was joined by leaders and members of Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and Iota Phi Theta at the conference. During the convening, which took place from March 10-12, participants listened to speakers on how Black Greek fraternities can work together to increase African American male voter turnout.

The Black Male Vote

The conference took place as data has emerged that this year Black people may not be as enthusiastic about President Biden as opposed to 2020.

A New York Times-Siena poll in late October found that 22% of Black voters in six battleground states, including the key swing state of Mich-

igan, would vote to re-elect President Trump while 71% said they would support Biden. Biden won 92% of the Black vote in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.

A Pew voter study revealed Black men are more likely than Black women to vote for Republicans. In 2016, 14% of Black men voted for Trump, compared with 4% of Black women. In 2020, Pew reported 12% supported Trump, compared with 5% of Black women.

BLACK FRATS UNITE

At the voter rally that occurred on March 12, leaders of the fraternities were unanimous in the need for Black men to go to the polls throughout the year.

“We need to embrace the reality we are facing,” said Dr. Willis Lonzer, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha, on the role Black men are playing in getting out the vote. “We are dealing with apathy. We are not carrying our weight.”

Lonzer said the Black fraternities coming together and tapping into their unique, collective strength is key.

“We cannot do what the sororities do,” he said. “They are engineered differently from us. They are going to do what they do. We need to embrace our role as Black men.”

Lonzer said each of the fraternities have some sort of voter registration and education campaign. Alpha Phi Alpha’s campaign is “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People.”

“We need to coordinate our different campaigns, so we are not stepping on one another,” he said.

Richard B. Mattox serves as the Eastern Province polemarch for Kappa Alpha Psi. Mattox noted that Trump once said he would “be a dictator for a day” and referenced a quote from former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie saying, in essence, that Trump would suspend parts of the Constitution, if re-elected.

“The Constitution contains the 13th Amendment, the 14th Amendment and the 15th Amendment,” Mattox said. “If that happens, slavery would be legal. You are a slave again.”

Mattox said the Black fraternities have the tools to inform people about the consequences of election and “we have to go back and tell the story.”

Mark E. Jackson is the first grand vice basileus for Omega Psi Phi. While he complimented the Black fraternities coming together, he said he wished there had been better communication about the event taking place.

“Next year, we should have activities at Howard University and at the University of the District of Columbia,” Jackson, 57, said. “We should also involve the high schools in this city.”

Jackson recommended the participants approach their faith leaders and “ask for five minutes to talk about the importance of voting and to pass out information.”

Sherard Cooley is an active member of Alpha chapters in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Cooley, 43, gave the conference high marks.

“It is great to see the Divine Nine fraternities together,” Cooley said. “Most of the time, we are depicted going against each other. But we are trying to work together.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5Dr. Willis Lonzer, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha, Richard Mattox, Eastern province polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi, and Mark E. Jackson, first vice grand basileus of Omega Psi Phi, talk about ways to get more Black men to vote during the National Panhellenic Council Fraternity Days on the Hill convening on March 12. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Mayor Bowser Interrupted by Pro-Palestine Activists at Artomatic 2024 Opening

By WI Staff WI Contributing Writer

During her speech at the opening of Artomatic 2024 Friday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was abruptly interrupted by a group of activists who jumped on stage, advocating for a ceasefire in Palestine.

Among the protestors was local business owner Andy Shalal of Busboys and Poets, who passionately stated, "I have family members being killed in Palestine."

The Mayor, visibly surprised by the interruption, rushed off stage, leaving attendees shocked and confused. The activists continued to voice their demands for an immediate ceasefire and for the Mayor to take a stand on the issue.

Using the works of hundreds of artists and performers throughout the DMV region, Artomatic is a seven-week free exhibition to celebrate the local artistic community.

This incident comes in the wake of

several controversial actions taken by institutions to suppress commentary against the genocide in Palestine. Renowned artist Ai Weiwei recently had museum shows canceled due to his outspoken criticism of Israel’s war on Gaza.

Additionally, there have been instances of institutions censoring artworks and silencing artists who have attempted to address the issue.

The incident at Artomatic 2024, along with Ai Weiwei's experiences, highlights the growing politicization of the arts and the challenges faced by artists and institutions that seek to address controversial political issues. Many in the creative community note that such challenges raise important questions about freedom of expression, censorship, and the role of art in promoting social and political change. Within a short timeframe, Bowser returned to the stage once the commotion settled and completed her speech.

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Among the protestors was local business owner Andy Shalal of Busboys and Poets, who passionately stated, "I have family members being killed in Palestine."

3D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's speech at the opening of Artomatic 2024 was abruptly interrupted by a group of activists who jumped on stage, advocating for a ceasefire in Palestine. (WI File Photo)

https://www

The 2024 African American Credit Union Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on March 5 honoring pioneers of the credit union industry during the Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. at the OAS House of the Americas. Honorees this year were (l-r) Anthony Taylor, board director of Ascend Federal Credit Union; Karen Madry, president and CEO of Afena Federal Credit Union; Maurice Dawkins, president and CEO of American Spirit Federal Credit Union, John Bratsakis, president and CEO MD/DC Credit Union Association, and Robert N. Trunzo, retired president and CEO of TruStage. (Courtesy Photo/AACUC)

‘Blacks in Wax’ Actors Highlight Hip-Hop Icons

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

When Tatum Primus, an 11th grader at Benjamin Banneker High School in Northwest, took on the role of hip-hop superstar Queen Latifah for this year’s “ Blacks in Wax,” she knew she had a lot of work ahead in order to prepare for the role

“Before I did this role, I knew what a queen she was,” said Tatum, 16. “I wanted to learn more, so I did a lot of research. I learned how much she put into the hip-hop movement.”

Tatum said she watched many BET Awards shows to get a sense of Queen Latifah’s speech, diction, fashion sense and mannerisms. She also watched Queen Latifah’s music videos and some episodes of “The Equalizer,” which the multi-hyphenated artist stars in on CBS.

Tatum showcased her hard work at THEARC on Friday, March 8 during “Blacks in Wax,” at THEARC in Ward 8. “Blacks in Wax,” is an annual showcase of talent that highlights Black history, and this year’s theme “Hip-Hop: The Music, The Culture, The Struggle,” celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. There will be another performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on March 16.

Like Tatum, young performers such as Chyanne Burrows-Washington and Jacob Mullings, were transformed from local students to celebrated artists such as Rev. Run and Jam Master Jay of Run DMC.

The 53 students who participated in Blacks in Wax are part of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Cen-

ter (SETLC). Shiba Freeman Burke wrote the vignettes (short skits) based on the theme.

As part of “Blacks in Wax,” in its 17th year, SETLC scholars research prominent Black figures and undergo coaching and acting sessions for performances. Former D.C. first lady Cora Masters Barry, the CEO and founder of the Recreation Wish List Committee and the SETLC, has facilitated the “Blacks in Wax” program from the start.

“‘Blacks in Wax’ is a huge undertaking every year,” Barry, 78, said. “There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into putting on this production. But when I see the transformation of youth from themselves to iconic historical figures, I know it’s worth every painstaking moment.”

A LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM

Before the main show, attendees to the evening show had the chance to observe the actors dressed in “Blacks in Wax" characters in the foyer.

While some of the characters were connected to hip-hop, others portrayed celebrated Black history makers such as Angela Davis (Ah’Briah Butler) and Maya Angelou (Ma’at Gray).

For the main show in the theater, political notables D.C. Council members Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and Robert White (D-At Large) joined hundreds of people to watch the twohour production. The SETLC Dance Troupe, choreographed and directed by Chanel Colbert of the Chanel Colbert Dance Company, performed dances to hip-hop songs.

Afterward, 31 actors performed vignettes on the hip-hop figures they researched.

Some actors performed the dancing routines of their subjects, such as Frey Moore who portrayed MC Hammer, and the crowd delighted in the flattering imitations, such as youngster Isabelle Wright’s speech imitating Yo-Yo.

Dylan Perry, a freshman at Banneker High School, portrayed C. Delores Tucker, a 20th century political activist who challenged the vile rap lyrics of the 1990s. Dylan said she studied Tucker’s life and work to portray her effectively.

“I looked at videos of her and I talked to people like Mrs. Barry about C. Delores Tucker,” Dylan, 14, said. “My parents also knew about her.”

Dylan said she was inspired by Tucker’s advocacy against the vile lyrics of hip-hop and admired her courage to stand up “for what she believed in.”

Barry said she was impressed by the evening show.

“I am so happy so many people decided to come out,” she said.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Tatum Primus performs as Hip-Hop superstar Queen Latifah at the 17th Annual “Blacks in Wax” Museum show at THEARC in Ward 8 on March 8. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5Actors Chyanna Burrows-Washington, Christopher Ephraim and Jacob Mulings portray the legendary group Run DMC. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

BLINK CHARGING OPENS MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN BOWIE

Biden Administration officials, local politicians and climate advocates gathered on the chilly morning of Monday, March 11, to celebrate a major victory for Maryland’s business and climate communities.

Blink Charging officially opened its newest manufacturing facility in a Bowie business park alongside the company’s global corporate headquarters. The grand opening comes as the company works to consolidate warehouses to reduce its climate footprint and increase efficiency.

“What better place to have a sustainability message? We are producing jobs, generating energy security and making clean energy at the same time,”said Blink Charging CEO Brendan Johnson. “The chargers made in this facility are Buy In America-compliant. We are thankful for the administration’s support, which is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.”

The Blink CEO also declared the company’s commitment to add at least 150 jobs over the next year.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) was given a private tour of the manufacturing facility as several workers assembled 48 amp cables.

“I’m thrilled to be here in amazing Prince George’s, with an exciting announcement in partnership with the Biden Administration. We are watching Blink expand to have the capacity to make 50,000 chargers,” said Moore, while in the manufacturing facility. “This is a realization of the vision that we need a battery-powered future. This is a big deal; it will help to address the climate and create manufacturing jobs.”

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STATE SENATE APPROVES RESIDENTIAL ENERGY LEGISLATION

Maryland State Sen. Malcom Augustine (D- District 47) witnessed the trend of door-to-door salesmen in his district preying on low-income communities by sell-

ing energy “savings” that, in many cases, never materialize.

To combat scammers and safeguard residents, Augustine introduced legislation that he claimed to be “a significant consumer protection and cost of living bill.”

However, some of Maryland’s smaller energy companies have argued that the bill is anti-consumer and have possibly even threatened to leave the state.

“The legislation reflects a misapprehension of the energy industry, and well-established business practices of companies that have responsibly served Maryland consumers for many years. Above all it does not reflect your goals for Maryland,” the executives of several energy companies wrote in a letter to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D).

Opposing the bill and requesting a meeting, leaders from companies such as Constellation and American Power and Gas, shared their concerns about the legislation with the governor.

“This bill irreparably harms Maryland’s ability to meet legislatively mandated 2050 climate goals, and your agenda to attract more innovation and business investment to Maryland.”

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STATE BUDGET EXPECTED THIS WEEK

A final vote on the session’s budget is expected this week, with Senate leaders noting that the budget will protect key priorities without necessitating any tax increases.

This budget, required by the Maryland Constitution to be balanced, does not come without critics or controversy and still leaves many questions regarding the future of Maryland’s economy. Moreover, another projection of revenue fell short roughly $250 million shy of prior expectations.

Currently, projected collections for this year are expected to increase by about $850 million, totalling more than $24.5 billion.

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D- District 46) and Budget Committee Chair Senator Guy Guzzone (D- District 13) have strongly opposed tax increases, while Ways and Means Chair Vanessa Atterbeary (D- District 13) believes that now is the time to seek additional revenues.

Some of the proposed new taxes would be an expanded sales tax, increased sin taxes, and higher taxes on the wealthy and multi-state corporations.

“I just do not believe right now that raising taxes is something we have to do,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore when asked about the prospect of increased taxes. We’re always going to make the decisions that are going to be both fiscally responsible and also address the moment.”

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PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD FURTHER CRIMINALIZE FENTANYL DISTRIBUTION

“We have a crisis in our nation and Maryland,” said April Babcock during a recent press conference surrounded by other family members and friends advocating for a change in Maryland’s drug laws.

“Why are drug dealers getting away with murder,” questioned Babcock, who tragically lost her son to an overdose in 2019. Now she wants state leaders to prevent any more unnecessary deaths.

Victoria and Scottie’s Law, named to honor two individuals who passed away from fentanyl overdoses, was introduced to bring further penalties to drug dealers whose products are laced with the extremely dangerous substance. According to publicly available data from the Maryland Department of Health, fentanyl was involved in nearly 80% of Maryland’s 2,800 overdoses last year.

The new bill would add at least 20 years to the sentence of anyone convicted of distributing fentanyl if it results in death or serious bodily injury.

"The bill is designed to go after drug dealers who are selling the worst of the worst to our loved ones and not addicts who need treatment," said Delegate Christopher Tomlinson (R- District 5), whose district encompasses portions of rural Frederick and Carroll counties.

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Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

3 Governor Wes Moore (D) speaking at Blink Charging’s facility opening on March 11 in Bowie. (Richard D. Elliott /The Washington Informer)

5 Senator Malcolm Augustine introduced legislation to help prevent low-income Marylanders from energy scams. However, several competing energy companies have said this bill will harm Maryland’s consumers more than help. (Courtesy Photo/ Maryland State Archives)

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

LOCAL BUSINESS, NONPROFIT

COLLABORATE TO COMBAT TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

Author and entrepreneur Kaya Hebb, owner of All Things K, is soon releasing her second book focusing on children using their voice to overcome their fears, and she recently partnered with a local organization to further promote positivity for youth.

Hebb collaborated with a local nonprofit, Solid Foundation, and the Office of the Sheriff’s Department, to host an event raising awareness about teen dating violence and reducing the stigma of speaking up. The Feb. 25 event offered a rage room, where attendees could freely destroy clutter, along with resources, advice, and good music.

“The aim of the event was to recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and to open the discussion on pursuing and maintaining healthy relationships,” said Hebb. “I believe that the first step to success in any relationship is to establish a healthy relationship within yourself. Stress can affect how we feel mentally, emotionally and physically. I believe that we all need to have a healthy outlet to relieve stress.”

Hebb noted that no one is removed from the realities of teen dating violence and domestic violence.

“Even if you are not experiencing violence someone you know may be in some way. We want our residents to use their voices. If you know that someone needs help, ask. Be that voice for them. If you are in need of help please find your voice and ask for help. Support and resources are available.”

Solid Foundation Executive Director LaTasha Ward and Prince George’s County Sheriff John D.B. Carr (D) were proud to partner with Hebb on such an important issue.

“Mental health being on the rise contributes to some of the issues that we have dealing with domestic violence. So as soon as we can actually get to our teens and talk about positive relationships and what it means to be in a relationship, the better off we are,” said Carr.

WI

COUNTY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES

LOCAL BLACK TRAILBLAZERS

The County Council hosted its annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 27 while honoring those who have paved the way for Prince George’s and Marylanders of rising generations.

Proclamations were given to honor four awardees: entrepreneur Virgnia Ali, centenarian Mattie Lee Coleman, Alonzo Black, a barrier-breaking policeman, and Maryland Gov. Wes

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Moore, the first Black governor to lead the state.

Ali co-founded Ben's Chili Bowl in 1958 alongside her husband Ben Ali. Through the many Ben’s Chili Bowl and affiliate locations, Ali has provided hearty meals for DMV residents and visitors. Further, the establishment has been intentional about serving others through giving back and outreach to the community. Ali was presented with a proclamation for the Art of Food.

Coleman attributed her long life to well-balanced meals and growing up without fast food. Born in 1918, Coleman has lived a life where the Ku Klux Klan once rode through her neighborhood to now living in a majority-Black County and seeing the election of the first Black U.S. president and first Black woman Vice President. She was presented a proclamation for the Art of Aging, and her great-granddaughter China Summers accepted it in her honor.

Black was the first Black Sheriff and first Black police officer in Prince George’s County. He was honored as a trailblazer in public safety and law enforcement. Sheriff John D.B. Carr and Police Chief Malik Aziz joined Councilmember Sydney Harrison (D- District 9) to award his proclamation.

As the first Black governor of Maryland and the third Black governor in the nation, Moore was celebrated as a barrier-breaking and compassionate leader. Dr. Antwan Brown of the Governor’s Office of Community Affairs, accepted the commendation on his behalf. WI

5 Police Chief Malik Aziz, Sheriff John D.B. Carr and the County Council honored Alonzo Black, who was elected as the first Black Sheriff in Prince George’s in 1998. (Courtesy Photo/Prince George’s County Council)

5 County Councilmembers standing alongside centenarian Mattie Lee Coleman, who has seen a lot of changes both in Prince George’s County and the United States in her 106 years. (Courtesy Photo/Prince George’s County Council)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

briefs

Celebrating Women in Business, Law, Educating Next Generation of Leaders

LORETTA LYNCH TO SPEAK AT UDC LAW SCHOOL

Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch will serve as a co-panelist at “Black Women Leading in the Law: A Tribute to Jean Camper Cahn,” which will take place at the University of the District of Columbia’s Student Center,

in Heritage Hall, on March 21. President Barack Obama appointed Lynch the first Black female U.S. Attorney General, and she served in that capacity from 2015-2017. Lynch presently works as a partner in the New York office of the Paul Weiss law firm.

Held during Women’s History Month, the event pays homage to

Jean Camper Cahn, the co-founder of UDC Law’s predecessor school and the first Black women to establish a law school. UDC Law Dean Twinette L. Johnson will serve with Lynch on the panel.

There will be a pre-reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. and a dessert reception at 8:30 p.m.

To register, visit bit.lyUDCLeadingLaw. WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S CHAMBER HONORS NOTED WOMEN

The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce is celebrating three local leaders as part of its Women’s History Month Breakfast on March 20 at the Oak Creek Golf Club in Upper Marlboro, Maryland from 8-10 a.m.

The honorees are former Maryland State Senator Melony Griffith, who represented District 25 and presently serves as the president and CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association; Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief Tiffany D. Green; and Nonprofit Prince George’s County Executive Director Tiffany Turner-Allen.

To register, visit pgcoc.org. WI

MBDA, BLACK GROUPS ADVANCE WOMEN-OWNED FIRMS

The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) recently hosted members of various Black-women focused organizations to collaborate on advancing the growth of women business enterprises.

Sororities part of the Divine Nine, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), The Links Incorporated, the Black Women’s Agenda and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women at the White House to memorialize memorandums of understanding with each organization

“The Minority Business Development Agency is excited to collaborate with these women-led organizations to break down barriers and expand opportunities for Black women,” said Eric Morissette, performing the delegated duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development. “As the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs, women of color continue to be a driving force for the nation’s economy. The Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Commerce, and MBDA are committed to matching their drive with the resources and opportunities they need and deserve.”

The event featured a roundtable discussion with each organization’s leadership that examined the challenges women entrepreneurs face related to access to capital, starting and scaling businesses, and access to contracts and networks.

MAYOR SPONSORS SEMINARS IN HONOR OF WOMEN HISTORY MONTH, WOMEN IN BUSINESS

As part of Women’s History

5 Loretta Lynch, who served as U.S. Attorney General during the Obama administration, will be speaking at the University of the District of Columbia in a tribute to Jean Camper Cahn. (Courtesy Photo/Department of Justice.gov)

5 Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief Tiffany D. Green is among the honorees at the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Women’s History Month Breakfast on March 20. (WI File Photo)

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

BRIEFS from Page 14

Month, the Bowser administration will sponsor seminars designed to aid women business owners.

On March 20, there will be an information session, “DC Capital Seminar: Grants and Taxes” at Ward 8’s R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, starting at 6 p.m.

Synbogile Cook from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Sade Dennis from the U.S. Green Building, along with representatives from Prudential Financial, will spearhead the seminar that will focus on minority and/or women business owners. Guests will learn where to find the best tips for applying for grants, how to utilize the tax system to benefit their businesses, and how to increase the diversity of contract awardees. Further, attendees will receive information needed to transform their communities.

On March 21 at Ipade, 1734 20th Street., NW, there will be a workshop, “Financially FIT DC Women: Create Steps to Homeownership” educating attendees on how they can prepare for homeownership. The event will start at 5:30 p.m.

WI

WASHINGTON HOUSING CONSERVANCY GETS $1M GRANT FROM TD BANK GROUP GRANT

The Washington Housing Con-

servancy (WHC) in Northwest has received a $1 million grant from the 2023 TD Ready Challenge presented by TD Bank Group.

The grant will be used by the WHC to advance its mission to reinvent the housing system into a more equitable pathway to opportunity for all District residents and provide a blueprint addressing housing affordability.

Since its launch five years ago, WHC has served 2,793 residents by acquiring five properties in the path of development that threatens displacement.

“The honor of a TD Ready Challenge grant lets us expand our work to help prevent displacement, and increase the affordable housing supply, and work to relieve the rent burdens that make it so difficult for low-and moderate-income Americans to save and build wealth for their future,” said WHC Executive Director Kimberly Driggins. “We’re thrilled that this grant will also help us bring our innovative financial and social impact model to more cities facing the same challenges.”

Hugh Allen, TD Bank’s head of U.S. Commercial Real Estate and Regional (Mid-South Metro) president, noted the importance of working to address the affordable housing challenges many District residents currently face.

“There is an urgent need for affordable housing in the D.C. area and we are honored to work alongside the Washington Housing Conservancy to help create affordable housing solutions for our community.”

WI

It’s Women’s Month

By Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

As a woman, I appreciate the acknowledgement of women’s month. The Life & Legacy Counselors is an all-woman firm. We celebrate the open appreciation of the contributions that women make. We truly are excited about the appreciation and acknowledgement that is often overlooked and underappreciated.

I am addressing this article to women. As an estate planning attorney and owner of the Life & Legacy Counselors, I sit with amazing women all of the time. So many of these women become my sheros as they share with me the work that they have done and the sacrifices they have made. I am in awe of the accomplishments that are not celebrated. So many women are focused on completion and the work but don’t take the time to self-celebrate. As a part of our process, we talk about the self-care that an individual includes as a part of their lives. Too often, women we work with focus only on the care of those that they love and don’t make time for the self-care.

Many of the women we work with to create their estate plans express that they aren’t doing it for themselves. They are often supporting the people they love by providing them with a level of security through estate planning.

I applaud the nurturing and caring of our families, blood related and love created. However, I want to acknowledge the women who are unsung. I am not seeking to provide accolades amazing women who are public acknowledged for being the first one to overcome a major hurdle to build the latest and greatest. I am grateful for the women who can prioritize taking care of themselves and getting the rest they need to live a fulfilling and healthy life. I am grateful for the woman who is able to make the priority of enforcing the balance in their lives between giving and protecting herself. I am grateful for the woman who can honestly say that she has had enough and just says no. These are role models and examples of the women that are successful.

So often women do not know how to be enough and appreciate there is time to sit and be quiet and celebrate that. There is a consistent demand to do and be more. With a focus on the gap and not the gain we undervalue who and what we bring. As women, there will always be someone to care for. There will always be someone else to prioritize.

This women’s history month, I encourage every woman to celebrate herself. I want each woman to celebrate the many things she has overcome to get to where she is today. I want each woman to celebrate the gain and not the gap. It is my desire for this month for each woman to see her amazingness. We don’t need someone else to recognize us in order to be valued. We just need to value ourselves. That will amplify Herstory.

The women of the Life & Legacy Counselors seek to serve the amazing women who are seeking to build their legacy through estate and business succession planning.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC

http://yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015

4041 Powder Mill Drive Suite 215 Beltsville MD 20705

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4601 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 1200 Arlington, VA 22203

5 The Washington Housing Conservancy received a $1 million grant from TD Bank Group as part of the TD Ready Challenge. (Courtesy Photo/Washington Housing Conservancy)

White House Press Secretary Affirms Biden’s Vision Amidst GOP Opposition

Karine Jean-Pierre Meets with Black and Brown Members of the Media to Emphasize President’s Commitment to ‘All Americans’

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Biden strategically drove a wedge – if not a stake – through the heart of the MAGA-dominated Republican Party during his State of the Union address. The president emphasized the escalating situation in Ukraine, aid for Palestinians and a cease-fire call, and civil and voting rights.

“I want to protect… fundamental rights,” Biden proclaimed during his speech.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) visibly appeared to support Biden, but appeared to catch himself when his expressions signaled a more full-throated validation.

Johnson, however, is currently impeding a 70-vote bipartisan Senate bill that would provide $60 billion in support for Ukraine, and advance other administration priorities. The House speaker’s posture reflected a clear divide within the Republican Party, evident throughout Biden’s address, as he highlighted issues that enjoy broad public support, causing

uncertainty and contention among the GOP.

On the morning after the powerful State of the Union Address, White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre convened with select Black and Hispanic media members to reiterate the president’s commitment to “all Americans” while denouncing Republicans for obstructing progress.

She emphasized Biden’s dedication to protecting democracy and freedom, particularly in the face of what she described as “extremist Republicans putting out more than 300 bills that are anti-abortion.” The first Black and openly gay individual to hold her position, the Press Secretary pointed to recent developments in Alabama, where IVF was banned, as evidence of an attack on reproductive rights.

“All of you watched the President lay out his vision for more than 70 minutes for the American people,” Jean-Pierre told three journalists, including the Black Press of America, gathered in her White House office. She asserted that the administration is all about “protecting democracy, protecting our freedom, and how import-

ant it is to fight for reproductive rights, especially with extremist Republicans putting out more than 300 bills that are anti-abortion.”

“We feel our freedoms are being attacked,” Jean-Pierre remarked, as she eschewed her desk for a couch that made the meeting feel more of a family discussion.

“You heard the president speak to that,” she continued. “This is a president that’s been fighting for the American people, fighting to lower costs, fighting to make sure we take the lead on the world stage; it was an effective State of the Union.”

She also applauded Biden’s forceful delivery and ability to confront hecklers from the Republican Party, noting that this was not the first time he had done so. Jean-Pierre called the president’s performance a win for him and the American people.

“I think the president spending 30 minutes afterwards– taking selfies with people, and with members of Congress lining up to talk to him and have that one-on-one conversation— it was Joe Biden. It is who he is,” JeanPierre insisted.

For some voters and leaders alike, at 81, the president’s age has also been a topic of concern and criticism as he currently leads the country and runs for re-election this year.

“My fellow Americans, the issue facing our nation isn’t how old we

“I think the president spending 30 minutes afterwards– taking selfies with people, and with members of Congress lining up to talk to him and have that one-on-one conversation— it was Joe Biden. It is who he is,” Jean-Pierre insisted.

are, it's how old our ideas are? Hate, anger, revenge, retribution are among the oldest of ideas. But you can’t lead America with ancient ideas that only take us back,” Biden said. “To lead America, the land of possibilities, you need a vision for the future of what America can and should be. Tonight you’ve heard mine.”

Jean-Pierre said the president tackled the age concerns accordingly, touting his years experience.

“He took on the age (issue) head on. He’s always direct in his speech,” she asserted. “He has said to the American people, I understand you have

concerns about my age, but with age comes experience; with age comes the successes we’ve seen in the last three years, whether it’s the economy, lowering health care, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, why have we been able to do this, because he has experience.”

Biden served as a senator for 36 years and his understanding of the legislative process has aided his approach to this divisive Congress, Jean-Pierre said, while summarily dismissing criticism that the State of the Union was a campaign speech, calling it ironic and desperate.

She said that despite obstructionist Republicans, Biden has numerous achievements under his belt, such as the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and bipartisan agreements to keep the government open.

“The Republicans are mad that the president is fighting for democracy. They are mad because we are fighting to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, lowering costs, fighting for health care and women’s health care more specifically,” Jean-Pierre insisted. “The issues and things the president laid out last night, the majority of Americans care about and he’s going to stand up for them. We want to build from the bottom and middle out. They think that’s political?”

WI

5White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre convened with select Black and Hispanic media members to reiterate the president’s commitment to “all Americans” while denouncing Republicans for obstructing progress. (WI File Photo)

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The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council has asked the AU Commission to “mobilize requisite support” for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) military mission in the eastern Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo, including from its Peace Fund and the provision of equipment, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on March 10.

The decision to fund the SADC mission known as SAMIDRC was made at a March 4 meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council which discussed the conflict in eastern DR Congo, where a government-led coalition is fighting the M23 rebels.

The SADC force, made up of troops from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania, is part of the coalition which also includes Burundian soldiers, and militias like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The UN-sanctioned militia is also accused spreading genocide ideology against Congolese Tutsi communities in eastern DR Congo.

Prior to the meeting, Rwanda had expressed concerns about AU’s support to SAMIDRC, saying the decision “would undermine peaceful settlement” of the decades-long crisis in eastern DR Congo.

In a letter sent to AU Commission chairperson, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Biruta said AU support to the SADC forces “can only exacerbate the conflict.”

“SAMIDRC as an offensive force in coalition with these elements cannot substitute for a political process that has been blocked by the Government of [DR Congo]. Therefore, the African Union is urged to not [‘authorize’] or fund SAMIDRC,” Biruta said.

Biruta said the Rwandan government’s position was that “the conflict has persisted in eastern DR Congo because the international community has deliberately ignored the root causes, which include support to and preservation of Rwandan genocidal forces in eastern DR Congo.”

Added to that he said was the “refusal of the government of DR Congo to address genuine grievances of the Congolese Tutsi, and refusal to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Congolese refugees scattered in the region.”

Rwanda hosts over 100,000 refugees from DR Congo, some of whom have spent 28 years in camps.

Rwanda is also part of the AU-backed Luanda process that is mediated by Angola’s President Joao Lourenço, and through which seeks to restore diplomatic relations between DR Congo and Rwanda, which were affected by the conflict in North Kivu province. WI

Far from the violence ravaging Haiti, a market on the border with the Dominican Republic has managed to maintain a welcome degree of normal everyday life, International Business Times reported on Saturday, March 9.

At the Dajabon border gate, a wave of Haitians press forward, eager to shop at the twice-weekly market, situated some 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.

They are drawn by the market's offerings -- food, clothing, toys, and even used appliances -- items not always readily available in Haiti.

But with gang violence bad and growing ever worse in Haiti, the Dominican government has reinforced the usual military presence at the border and placed soldiers on alert.

While the market continues to function, the authorities and merchants fear business may suffer as the gangs that control large swaths of Haiti make travel in the country risky, with travelers subject to being robbed or attacked.

"The market has seen a decline" in the last month, with customers "afraid to buy a large volume of merchandise" lest they be robbed on their way home, Noel Fernandez, president of a merchants' association, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

"The gangs there take the stuff," Fernandez said.

"But thanks to God, although we're not at 100 percent, the market is open," added the 36-year-old, a merchant in the area for much of his life.

The Haitian gangs have waged violent opposition to the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, demanding his ouster. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com

Small Minority Business Owners Navigate 2024 with Confidence, Amid Inflation Concerns, Study Finds

By Angela Swinson Lee, special to The Washington Informer

Black small business owners are approaching 2024 with optimism, anticipating increases in revenues despite concerns about inflation, as revealed in the recent JPMorgan Chase Business Leaders Outlook survey. While inflation remains a significant worry, the study indicates that Black business owners are more inclined to accelerate in the face of inflation compared to their counterparts.

“As a Black business owner, I share in the optimism that was reported around the year ahead. As a company, we are ambitious, but I believe in attainable sales goals,” said Michelle Taylor, President and CEO of BETAH Associates, a communications management consulting firm that provides event management, peer review and other professional support services.

“Inflation is certainly a challenge that all business owners are facing in the current economy. As a service-based business in the government contracting space, our main direct expense is labor. So as inflation impacts nearly every aspect of their lives, our associates are really looking to BETAH to meet and or exceed their rising costs of living, which also then ties back in with revenue growth.”

Taylor also pointed out that a prevalent challenge for black

business owners is access to financial capital. “There is a large disparity,” she said, adding that as a founding member of Bow Collective, a national organization that consists of more than 200 black women, she sees that funding has been a challenge, even for those owners with revenues of more than a million dollars. “They continue to experience paying higher interest rates on loans they've been denied credit. And truthfully, some have even avoided applying for loans because they just think it's futile, or that they'll be denied, or they'll have to navigate unreasonable terms.”

According to the survey, 88 percent of small business owners will consider financing in 2024.

David Berry, Chase DC Business Banking Relationship Manager, said access to capital is often

The Newsletter

one aspect of being able to grow and scale a business.

“I think having the right financial partner in place is the biggest gap. I would say a bank and a banker is just as important to a business as a CPA, as well as a business attorney, as well as an insurance agent or broker,” Berry

said, explaining how he advises client who need more capital. “These are all very vital partners that will help the business move forward. I think one, identifying and having a partner that understands the business and understands the way that they can support the business is important. I would say two is always be prepared.”

Berry said that preparation is having the financial documents prepared and being able to understand what type of capital is needed for the business.

“I would say sometimes access to capital isn't necessarily the most important piece. It could be diversifying their business and their streams of income, but also taking out or having access to capital is debt. Let's be strategic and understand the impact that debt can have on the business, and are you

prepared for the long-term impact of that, not just the short term,” Berry said.

He also said he advises business owners to be engaged with potential impacts from a regulatory perspective for their business by being connected and having trusted advisors in place.

‘We have a lot of resources when it comes to information, and so there is information that we try to provide to our clients, such as industry analysis, outlook surveys, things of that nature, to just be as proactive in the discussions around the impacts from a regulatory perspective and the impact that may have on the business and then also being able to help them pivot through that process,” Berry said.

5 Michelle Taylor, President and CEO of BETAH Associates

5 David Berry, Chase DC Business Banking Relationship Manager

College of Dentistry Health Fair Encourages Equitable Dental Care For Washingtonians

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The Howard University (HU) College of Dentistry, a cornerstone of care to underserved residents across the District of Columbia, is holding their free annual Health Fair on March 16 to promote dental health and wellness.

According to the National Library of Medicine, many people do not receive the dental services they need due to inability to access services. However, untreated oral health problems often produce more serious health concerns including systemic infections, pain, difficulties in chewing food, hospitalization, and in some cases, death.

The HU College of Dentistry aims to lessen barriers to quality dental care by focusing on educating local residents, providing free teeth cleanings and scheduling future comprehensive exams for follow-up care.

“A lot of people tend not to take care of their teeth until it's too late and they are in a lot of pain,” said Clifton Enlers, vice president of the College of Dentistry’s Student Council. “We are trying to be as preventative as possible, [working] to educate our patients to

let them know that this is important-this is a part of your body and a part of your overall health.”

The community health fair underscores the importance of dental hygiene and access to dental services for District residents who face common barriers to proper health care. While the College of Dentistry services a large number of Howard students, the large majority of patients are District residents, many 55 years and older and from various wards across the city.

Older residents often report a lack of dental education and accessible transportation as the key factors that hamper preventative measures and consistent dental care. Howard’s dental program works to bridge the gaps in health care and widen access.

“Our biggest goal is to promote our dental school to let the people know that we are here to help,” Enlers told The Informer. “We will also have a vendor fair, too. We have other community organizations that will help take people’s blood pressure, give them basic vital sign readings, and provide people with resources and information that they can use to benefit their daily lives.” WI

5 Students from the Howard University College of Dentistry at the “Give Kids a Smile” national kickoff in February. (WI File Photo)

EARTH OUR

FORT DUPONT PARK –AWAITING RESTORATION

5 D.C. Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE) Josh Burch, Anacostia Parks & Community Collaborative’s Brenda Richardson and Anacostia Riverkeeper’s Trey Sherard lead the group through Fort Dupont Park for the first stop on the Feb. 26 tour. Behind them are others from DOEE and from the Anacostia Watershed Society, the National Park Service and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

The Fort Dupont stream restoration project, which hasn’t yet started construction, received $2.5 million last year from the Biden administration’s America the Beautiful Challenge grant program. Last month’s tour coincided with the announcement of the 2024 request for proposals; in this year’s cycle, the administration expects to award up to $119 million in grants to communities around the country.

5 The biggest threat to the Fort Dupont stream comes from old stormwater infrastructure. Pipes like the one visible here send massive amounts of water directly into the stream, causing the stream’s banks to erode, which causes the steep drop seen in this picture. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

4 Josh Burch, DOEE’s stream protection specialist, describes the problem to the group. “It's like taking a firehose and pointing it at sand,” he explained. “When it rains out, the Anacostia River looks like coffee with milk in it, and it’s all that sediment stirred up.” (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

Did you enjoy the stories in this week's Our Earth section? Hate them? Either way, let us know - and tell us what environmental stories we might be missing - with this 3-minute survey.

A Tale of Three Creeks: Photos from D.C.’s Stream Restoration Projects

By Kayla Benjamin and Robert R. Roberts WI Climate & Environment Reporter and WI Photographer

The District, a city built at the meeting point of two rivers, has lost about 70% of the smaller waterways that defined its geography 125 years ago. Over the last decade, D.C. has begun working to protect some of the streams and creeks that still exist today, many of which face major threats.

Late last month, federal and local officials—along with a few D.C. activists—took a tour of three streams in Ward 7, each of which is in different stages of restoration work.

SITE 2: FORT DAVIS TRIBUTARY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

In the woods along Park Drive SE near Branch Avenue SE, construction is underway to address major stream bank erosion, which has created a massive drop not far from the edge of the road. The project, which will build a series of “stair steps” designed to slow down and spread out the flow of water, started construction in January and is expected to finish by June 1. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

SITE 3: BRANCH AVENUE PROJECT COMPLETED

5 At the completed stream project by Erie Street SE and Branch Avenue SE, the restored cascading formation helps slow down the water’s flow during rain events. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

4 The restored stream has created healthy habitat for species that couldn’t survive in the degraded stream, like water lilies, frogs and even beavers. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “One of my favorite parts of my job is really being able to go out into the communities and see how people are energized by what these funds can do,” Mallory said. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

According to Burch, some of the waterway’s human neighbors appreciate the change, too. “This is the anecdotal stuff, it's not scientific—but one of the things that residents like about stream restorations is [that] they can hear the stream flowing,”

SITE 1:

EDUCATION

UNCF Celebrates 80 Years of Working to Advance Black Educational Opportunities

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

In an event that included a threecourse dinner, inspirational speeches, and entertainment from the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Vanessa Williams, the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) “A Mind Is…” 80th anniversary gala celebrated the organization’s long legacy of working to advance Black educational opportunities.

Hosted at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on March 7, the event was not only a fun way to honor UNCF’s work, but emphasized the importance of investing in African American students’ futures.

“Help a student in need,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University.

“Five-thousand dollars is an average UNCF scholarship, that’s what some of our students get; $1,000 helps a student with tuition for part of a year; $500 helps a student with room and board; $200 helps a student with a laptop… [and] $100 helps a student with textbooks.”

Many speakers noted higher education offers more than academic lessons. Black students, particularly when attending HBCUs, not only learn about

subjects that will help them in their careers, but they also gain greater knowledge about their history and culture.

Grammy-winning singer Lionel Richie, in a recorded video, weighed in on the importance of HBCUs, particularly considering his own time growing up on the campus of Tuskegee University.

“I had the chance to understand the power of our people. I had to understand exactly our place, not only in this American society, but the history of our people and how we are represented in the world. It gave me the tools to be able to go around the world and feel as though I was part of something very powerful,” the legendary and celebrated singer said. “These schools are absolutely one of the greatest things that we can give to our kids. And I encourage everyone to donate. This is our legacy, and let’s keep it going forever. Remember, this is where we need to start, to start transforming the rest of the world.”

While donating funds for scholarships was a major focus of the event, raising more than $2 million over the course of the night according to a UNCF spokesperson, the gala also highlighted the work of the organization over the past 80 years.

Dr. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF, touted some of the organization’s efforts, such as annually donating 12,000 scholarships worth about $70 million. He talked about some of the of organization’s programming, such as: the Fidelity Scholars Program, a $190 million partnership with Fidelity Investments; UNCF Emergency Student Aid; and the Fund II/UNCF STEM Scholars Program, a $48 million initiative for students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Lomax, in his 20th year leading UNCF, shared that such efforts could not be possible without the support of the organization’s many sponsors, members and philanthropic supporters over the years.

The evening honored those committed to continuing the UNCF’s celebrated legacy, like Rubye Taylor-Drake, who was recognized as UNCF National Alumni of the Year, and Bruce and Martha Karsh,

the President’s Award honorees.

Taylor-Drake is UNCF’s National Alumni Council (NAC) conference consultant and historian.

BRUCE AND MARTHA KARSH: HEALING THROUGH SUPPORTING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Karshes, Lomax said, have worked closely with UNCF to support students’ future through millions in funding.

The UNCF president referenced the Karshes’ Jewish faith as the foundation of their investment in healing communities through educational opportunities, adding their work with UNCF follows a long legacy of Black and Jewish relations.

“There have been ups and downs in the relationship between Blacks and Jews over the 100-plus years since Booker T. Washington went to Chica-

go, met Julius Rosenwald and brought him to Alabama, to build 5,000 oneroom schoolhouses across the South, which ensured that Black children– the children of sharecroppers– had an opportunity to read and write, between the First World War and World War II,” Lomax said.

Adding to the legacy of Jewish entrepreneurs supporting Black educational advancement are the Karshes, Lomax explained, calling them close “comrades in arms,” and some of his closest friends.

“Bruce and Martha are relentless about their service,” he emphasized.

Martha Karsh shared the couple’s journey to becoming co-owners of the Golden State Warriors and becoming major philanthropists in education. They started as single parents, driving cross country in their only car to start a life in California, but by 1998, when they started Karsh Family Foundation (KFF), things had begun to change.

“By 1998, Bruce’s then fledgling investment company Oaktree Capital was just beginning to thrive. We were ready to give back,” she said. “As [Lomax] mentioned, in Judaism, along with education, “Tikkun olam,’ Hebrew for ‘heal the world,’ is a core value. Education had underpinned our own success. We felt it was the best lever for others seeking fulfilling lives, so education became the focus of KFF.”

Through KFF, the Karshes have donated more than $400 million in gifts and grants to support education, community and democracy.

Tyla McAffity, a junior at Howard University, said the Karshes have helped her “college dream come true.”

WI

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5 The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) celebrated its 80th anniversary and honored those who work to support the legacy. (Jacques Benovil/The Washington Informer)

5 UNCF CEO and President Dr. Michael Lomax and Howard University student Tyla McAffity spoke on the influential work of the organization’s President’s Award Honorees Bruce and Martha Karsh. (Jacques Benovil/The Washington Informer)

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Women’s Wellness: The Importance of Nutrition, Prioritizing Healthy Eating Habits

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STAFF

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By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Happy Women’s History and Happy National Nutrition Month!

As March marks a time to reflect on the major contributions women have made to the world, the month is also a perfect time to work to address the challenges women still face.

From conversations surrounding reproductive rights, to maternal health challenges, and various diseases, women face major health challenges, many of which are discussed on national and global scales. For African American women, who are more likely to die due to cardiovascular disease, hypertension and certain cancers, it’s particularly important-- this month and beyond-- to discuss tools to combat health disparities and work to improve overall wellness outcomes.

With it also being National Nutrition Month, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to evaluate the correlation between Black women’s health and the foods consumed.

Merriam Webster defines nutrition as, “the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances.” Thus, when examining nutrition, particularly as it relates to a certain group, it’s important to acknowledge that group’s relationship with food, how substances for nourishment are accessed and utilized.

Black Americans’ relationship with food roots back to Africa and is mixed with its own traditions from slavery, to a means of liberation, joy and expressing culture. From enslaved times, when scraps were served as meals and access to food was limited, to the birth of soul food and the traditions of Sunday dinners, Black food is critical to African American life and culture.

From visionary chef and cookbook author Edna Lewis, who redefined Southern American cooking, to singer Pattie Labelle’s celebrated sweet potato pie, Black women have been critical to sharing Black food and culture with the

nation and world. As such, the soul food they prepare and share should not be criminalized, but celebrated, and appreciated in moderation-- like anything else, for that matter.

First of all, there’s nothing inherently wrong with traditional soul food meals if prepared with keeping health in mind. In fact, soul food can be rather balanced, with many meals including a high fiber vegetable such as collard greens, a lean protein such as chicken or fish, and one starch such as macaroni and cheese or potatoes.

Greens (collard, kale, or mixed)--- sans pork or additional sugar and sodium--- can be a great way to keep a soul food staple high on your diet. Macaroni and cheese lovers might opt for plant-based or whole-wheat noodles to cut the carbohydrates, or opt for baked sweet potatoes as opposed to candied yams. If incorporating meat, perhaps trying baking or grilling a fish or chicken as opposed to frying it.

Further, for those craving that old fashioned fare, doing so in moderation, such as for holidays, is not the worst thing in the world as long as consuming those foods don’t go against pre-existing health challenges or other beliefs and practices.

Here’s the thing, we’re not trying to take away the joy from eating. We’re trying to emphasize the importance of Black women’s overall wellness.

Nutrition is key in prioritizing health. With diseases facing African women at disproportionate rates, examining Black women’s relationship with food is important in the overall battle for health equity.

5 WI Managing Editor Micha Green considers the importance of Black women’s health. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Examining nutrition is important when working to prioritize health, particularly, Black women, who are affected by various diseases at disproportionate rates. (Courtesy Photo)

Combating Black Women’s Health

Disparities, Importance of Diet and Nutrition

By Micha Green and Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Managing Editor and WI Health Reporter

Prioritizing health for Black women is critical.

According to the Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS) at Boston University’s Slone Epidemiology Center, African American women are more likely than any other racial and ethnic group to die from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, lupus and several cancers.

Further, according to a recent report from the Office of Minority Health, roughly four out of five African American women are overweight or obese.

“Being mindful of what we eat can save our lives,” said Kailasa Aqeel, communications and events manager at Common Good City Farm in Northwest, D.C.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, those with healthy eating habits tend to live

longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the CDC reports a balanced diet can help manage chronic diseases and prevent further complications.

While access to healthy foods remains a challenge many Black Americans face (Feeding America reported that nearly 22% of African Americans were food insecure in 2022), making conscious nutritional choices can contribute to Black women’s wellness overall.

“Now that I work at a farm I’m even more mindful of the practices that go into food production,” said Aqeel, a mother and member of the band Black Folks Don’t Swim. “I try to eat whole foods. Anything that is processed is going to diminish the nutritional value. Like instead of sweet potato chips or sweet potato fries, try actually eating a whole sweet potato. Just something like that can make a difference in your overall health and wellness.” n

5 D.C. native, multi-hyphenated artist and mother Kailasa Aqeel, who serves as communications and events manager at Common Good City Farm, shared the importance of Black women prioritizing nutrition for overall wellness. (Courtesy Photo)

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Chef Huda Shares Healthy Jambalaya Inspired

Penne Pasta

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start with the pasta, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Set aside a 1/4 cup of pasta water.

5 Listing fresh, easy-to-purchase ingredients, her own Just Savor Cajun Kick Seasoning, and offering a step-by-step tutorial, Chef Huda shared her Jambalaya Inspired Penne Pasta. (Courtesy Photo/Jackie Hicks)

By Chef Huda Mumin

Jambalaya Inspired Penne Pasta Servings: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 box of penne pasta

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts | cut into bite-sized pieces

• 12 oz smoked turkey sausage | slice on bias

• 1 medium onion |chopped

• 1 green bell pepper | small dice

• 1 red bell pepper | small dice

• 2 cloves garlic | minced

• 1 can roasted tomatoes

| (14.5 oz)

• 1 cup chicken broth | (240ml)

• 1 tablespoon Just Savor

Cajun Kick Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Kosher Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish | optional

2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add in chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes or until done. Once cooked remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the smoked turkey sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun Kick seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Add the cooked chicken and smoked turkey sausage to the skillet and stir. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until reduces and thickens as desired.

7. Add in cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

8. To serve garnish with chopped fresh parsley and Enjoy!

3 LChef Huda’s Jambalaya Inspired Penne Pasta includes flavorful ingredients such as green and red bell peppers, garlic, minced onion, roasted tomatoes, smoked turkey sausage and skinless chicken breasts.

(Courtesy Photo)

Taking Control of Your Health Through Diet and Nutrition

your diet, which typically show through a rise in blood pressure, swollen feet or hands, and increased thirst.

Did You Know?

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Over the course of a lifetime, our bodies track our dietary patterns, physical activity, seasons of happiness, grief, and everything in between.

Did you know assessing the foods you are consuming is important to your overall health and wellness?

DID YOU KNOW: EDUCATION IS KEY?

Many Americans do not have a full understanding of what they’re eating and how certain foods affect overall health.

A recent GreenChef survey, found 54% of Americans don’t understand more than half of a nutrition label. Further, participants in the survey associated phrases such as “low-fat” (49%), “low calories” (47%) and“veggie-forward” (36%) as being healthy, SWNS Digital reported.

Further, the National Association of Community Health Centers’ report “Closing the Primary Care Gap,” showed more than 100 million Americans don’t have a primary care provider.

The lack of nutritional and dietary education coupled with the issue of people neglecting regular visits to the doctor can ultimately create a recipe for serious health implications.

While understanding how to manage a proper diet presents its challenges, there are quick hacks to learning how to gauge the nutritional value of the foods we consume for a more balanced health and lifestyle.

Avoid high levels of sodium in

Assess the ratio of the food groups on your plate. Dieticians recommend filling half of a dinner plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter filled with carbohydrates such as starchy vegetables or brown rice, and the last quarter composed of lean protein.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends a diet with low added sugar, high fiber, and low refined carbohydrate intake. Large amounts of added sugar provide no nutritional benefits.

DID YOU KNOW: ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS DIET AND NUTRITION CHOICES?

In 2023, the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report cited that 32% of the District’s population experienced food insecurity at some point between May 2022 and April 2023, compared with 33% the year prior?

While District residents experience food insecurity within every quadrant across the city, a large number of African American families residing East of the River are particularly living in a food desert.

“They don’t give the people in Southeast good, quality foods. Simple as that,” Jay Clark told The Informer in September 2023.

Without a lack of full service grocery stores, corner markets filled with highly processed foods in conjunction with socioeconomic and transportation barriers encourage negative health outcomes.

DID YOU KNOW: WHAT WE EAT AFFECTS OUR MOODS?

There’s a relationship to what we eat and how we feel- both physically and mentally.

The National Library of Medicine reports poor nutrition may be a significant factor in the experience of experiencing sad or bad moods. However, improving diet can help to protect the state of one’s physical and mental health.

According to Harvard Health, 95% of the body’s “serotonin,” a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and appetite, inhibits pain and mediate moods, is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, showing the correlation of what we eat and how we feel. For this reason, eating healthy foods can influence mental health and overall wellness.

“Epidemiological research has observed that…high consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes; moderate consumption of poultry, eggs, and dairy products; and only occasional consumption

of red meat - is associated with a reduced risk of depression,” according to NIH.

Studies show that high consumption of processed carbohydrates not only increase the risk of diabetes and obesity, but they could increase the risk of anxiety and depression, particularly through rapid and repeated increases and decreases in blood glucose.

DID YOU KNOW: TRANS FATS ARE A KILLER?

Beware of trans fats.

“Trans fat intake is responsible for up to 500,000 premature deaths from coronary heart disease

each year around the world,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Trans fats significantly increase the risk for stroke, cancer, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, heart attack, inflammation, infertility, and even tendon and bone degeneration.

Hydrogenated oils, used to enhance flavor and increase shelf life of products, often contain a lot of trans fats, such as: butter, sticks of margarine, microwave popcorn, fried foods, shortening, non dairy coffee creamer, crisco oil, and commercial baked goods.

The most pressing danger of trans fats are their ability to clog the arteries, greatly increasing the risk of heart attacks and death. Most heart problems stem from inflammation inside of the arteries. n

WOMEN’S WELLNESS:

Heart Health: Knowing Your Risks and Advocating for Yourself

Submitted by Howard University Faculty Practice Plan

Heart health is a concern that affects us all, regardless of age, gender or background. In the United States, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women. For Black Americans, the prevalence and risk are even higher. Despite medical advancements, the prevalence of heart-related conditions emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to protect our cardiovascular well-being.

“Despite the global burden, disparities remain, Black Americans in the United States have the highest incidence of death from heart disease. It is extremely important to understand your individual risk because an overwhelming 70% of the causes that lead to heart disease are treatable and preventable conditions,” says Dr. Raymond Young, the medical director for cardiac services and the cardiovascular intensive care

Americans persist as a significant issue in the United States healthcare system. Structural inequities, including socioeconomic factors and systemic racism, contribute to disparities in access to healthcare, quality of care and health outcomes. However, receiving culturally appropriate care from a trusted physician can reduce some of these disparities. Culturally competent care acknowledges and respects the unique cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of patients, creating trust and improving communication between patients and healthcare providers. This encourages a more supportive and understanding healthcare environment, leading to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction among Black Americans. By addressing cultural barriers and tailoring care to individual needs, culturally competent physicians play a crucial role in reducing health disparities and promoting health equity in marginalized communities.

heart health numbers. This includes your:

• Blood pressure.

• Cholesterol levels.

• Blood sugar levels.

• Body mass index (BMI).

Regular screenings and check-ups with your healthcare provider can provide valuable insights into your heart health status and help identify any potential red flags early on.

Equally important is recognizing the impact of lifestyle factors on heart health. For example,

• Poor dietary choices.

• Lack of exercise.

• Smoking.

• Excessive alcohol consumption.

• Chronic stress.

These can all contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress man-

ing heart-related conditions.

In addition to taking proactive steps to protect your heart health, it’s crucial to be an advocate for yourself within the healthcare system. This means actively participating in discussions about your health, asking questions and seeking clarification when needed. Don’t hesitate to voice your concerns or preferences regarding treatment options, and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.

Also, advocating for yourself includes being proactive about seeking medical attention when necessary. Many heart-related conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, require immediate intervention for the best possible outcomes. Recogniz-

ing the warning signs and seeking prompt medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Heart health is a journey that requires proactive engagement, informed decision-making and self-advocacy. By knowing your risk factors, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and being an active participant in your healthcare journey, you can take control of your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. Remember, your heart is in your hands, so take care of it with diligence and determination.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Young at the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan, call 202-8651967. n

Understanding the Basics of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Written by Catherine Poslusny, Safeway Medically reviewed by Liz Oler, PharmD

Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition that impacts how your body gets energy from the foods you eat, according to the CDC. Knowing the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is important because each type has unique causes, risk factors, treatment options, and management techniques.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Your body needs energy to work and stay healthy, and it gets most of that energy from breaking down food into glucose (sugar).

When glucose enters your bloodstream, it raises your blood sugar. This tells your pancreas that it’s time to release some insulin. As the insulin travels through your body, it acts like a key, letting the glucose into your cells, where it’s converted into energy.

In people with diabetes, there’s a gap between how much insulin you need and how much your body can make, leading to high blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t

make insulin at all. In type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but it either doesn’t make enough or doesn’t use it very well.

TYPE 1 DIABETES

About 5 to 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune reaction causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Over time, this destroys the body’s ability to make insulin.

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but it most commonly occurs in children, teens, and young adults. You may be more likely to develop type 1 diabetes if you have a parent or sibling with the condition. At this time, there’s no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly over several days or weeks and may include being more hungry or thirsty than usual, frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and weight loss.

Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed with

blood tests to measure blood glucose. Treatment usually involves multiple daily insulin injections and self-monitoring blood sugar.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.

It happens when your body doesn’t make enough insulin (insulin deficiency) or your cells don’t react to it very well (insulin resistance), leading to high blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, but it’s usually diagnosed in adults who are middle-aged or older. Risk factors include:

• Family history of diabetes

• Lifestyle factors (age, weight, diet, physical activity level)

You may help prevent type 2 diabetes by eating nutrient-rich foods, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop slowly over several years and include being more hungry or thirsty than usual, frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and weight loss.

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with

blood tests to measure blood glucose. Treatment usually involves healthy lifestyle changes, sometimes accompanied by medication and insulin.

MANAGING TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES INVOLVES:

• Self-monitoring blood sugar levels: Don’t forget to record your measurements! They’re a great tool for making informed decisions about your diet, physical activity, and treatment.

• Regular checkups: Here, you’ll set goals to help manage your condition, often by measuring 3 key things— A1C (your average blood sugar over the last 3 months), blood pressure, and cholesterol. Just think ABCs!

• Meal planning: A diabetes meal plan should include a balance of nutritious foods from all food groups, prioritizing sources of fiber, heart-healthy protein, and healthy fats. Try to avoid saturated and trans fats, high-salt (sodium) foods, and high-sugar foods.

• Physical activity: Regular exercise can help improve heart health, blood

pressure, muscle strength, and insulin sensitivity. In people with type 2 diabetes, it may also help lower blood glucose and promote healthy weight loss.

• Finding your community: Supportive resources and community can be a real source of strength when living with diabetes. If you don’t know where to start, check out the American Diabetes Association’s Tools and Resources page and database of diabetes organizations and events.

Disclaimer:

The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, evaluation, or treatment of a qualified health-care provider. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition, or if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Statements within this article have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. n

Alcohol Use Disorder, Support, and the Path to Recovery

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC)

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant health concern that affects individuals across various communities. Recognizing the signs, seeking support, and navigating the road to recovery are crucial steps for those living with this condition.

UNDERSTANDING ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

AUD is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. It includes a level of drinking that is sometimes referred to as alcoholism.1 For individuals in minority communities, cultural, social, and economic factors may contrib-

ute to the development and persistence of alcohol-related issues. Signs and symptoms of AUD may include:1

• Excessive drinking: Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol.

• Loss of control: Inability to limit or stop drinking.

• Neglecting responsibilities: Neglecting work, school, or family obligations due to alcohol use.

• Physical symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or nausea when not drinking.

• Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to achieve a desired effect.

SEEKING SUPPORT

In many communities, there can be a stigma attached to seeking help for

AUD. It is important to understand that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and there are resources available. Community-based organizations and culturally competent therapists are great outlets for seeking support.

Finding a therapist who understands the cultural nuances of certain communities can make the recovery journey more relatable and comfortable. Engaging with others who share similar experiences can also help by providing a sense of belonging and understanding. Alcoholics Anonymous is a widely accessible option.

Family and friends also play an important role in supporting someone on the road to recovery. People with AUD will often not seek help until they have acknowledged that they have a problem. If you know someone living with this disorder, you can offer support in the following ways:

• Express concern. Share your observations with empathy, expressing genuine concern for their well-being.

• Encourage professional help. Suggest seeking guidance from a health care professional or counselor. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers confidential support and resources.

• Attend support groups together. Offer to attend support group meetings together for moral support.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

4. Set boundaries. Establish clear boundaries with potential triggers or environments that may lead to relapse. Work on recognizing and avoiding situations that jeopardize your recovery.

Recovering from AUD is not easy, but it is possible. Recovery is a process that requires self-reflection, dedication, and the desire to pursue positive change. Here are a few tips to guide individuals on the path to healing and empowerment:

1. Set realistic goals. Start with small, achievable goals to build confidence. Gradual progress is helpful to create a realistic recovery plan.

2. Develop a routine. Create a structured routine that can provide stability, minimize uncertainty, and help replace unhealthy habits.

3. Explore healthy coping mechanisms. Learn healthy ways to cope with stress and emotions. This can include mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.

AUD is a challenge that can be overcome with the right support and resources. Recognizing the signs, seeking support, and embracing the road to recovery are steps that can transform lives. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available.

Sources

1.“Alcohol Use Disorder,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/ symptoms-causes/syc-20369243

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

Stress Management: Navigating Techniques for Well-Being

In the hustle of everyday life, managing stress is essential for maintaining overall well-being. Prioritizing stress management can greatly contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Here are several key techniques, resources, and tips tailored to improve your stress coping skills:

1. Physical activity for stress release. Exercise is a proven method to alleviate stress and improve your mood. AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees can enjoy fitness classes through the Active&Fit program at no cost. Active&Fit offers daily classes on Facebook and YouTube. Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com to learn more.

2. Time management. Gain better control of your time by organizing tasks and responsibilities for the day. Breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps can help if you feel overwhelmed and enhance productivity.

3. Mental wellness resources. There may be times when the feelings you are experiencing cause you emotional distress and interfere with your daily life. It may be helpful to speak with a trained behavioral health provider. AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees have access to a large network of behavioral health providers. For more information, contact Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511 (TTY 1-800-570-1190). You also can view our mental wellness guide at www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com.

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DISTRICT Of' COLUMBIA 0C tv1URl�L BOWSER, tv1AYOR

What if my cancer spreads?

I can’t recover?

I can’t make it to my son’s wedding?

What if you can?

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GETTING SERVICES: A QUICK START GUIDE

“LiveLongDC” to 888-811

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For connect i ons t o care, cal l t he ccess Hel pLi ne at Access HelpLine

1-888-7WEHELP

or 1 - 888- 793- 4357.

Fi nd servi ces or support s by Ward: myrecoverydc.org/services-by-ward

combats the opioid epidemic by mobilizing the community with strong interagency coordination, community input, and a range of direct services and supports for individuals dealing with substance use disorders.

To request t rai ni ng f rom a cert i f i ed nal oxone t rai ner f or groups of 1 0 or more, e- mai l : naloxone@dc.gov

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Nutrition Mission: Jerri Evans’ Journey with Juicing and Turning Natural

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

When sea moss became a TikTok health food sensation last summer, Jerri Evans had to laugh. At her juice company, Turning Natural, she’d been offering the ingredient for nearly a decade—with limited interest from customers.

“We’ve been selling sea moss since day one, and no one wanted it,” Evans, 38, said. “Now they’re like, ‘Okay, we need sea moss.’ And I’m like, ‘Where were you nine years ago?’”

In the years since Evans began Turning Natural, far more people have gotten interested in healthy, plantbased foods. But she advises people to take time to think about their dietary choices, rather than always hopping on the latest trend.

“We have access to so much more information, [but] I think it makes it actually harder, because people cannot

decipher or discern what is specifically for them,” she said. “Like we could do the absolute same thing, have the absolute same diet, and our bodies are going to respond differently.”

Evans is quick to say that she’s “not a doctor,” but her knowledge about and passion for the ways natural ingredients can impact our bodies runs deep.

Evans’ nutrition journey began during her high school years, when her mother, Annette, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nauseous from chemotherapy and determined to get the nutrients she needed, Annette made fresh produce and juicing part of the family’s lifestyle—and started the Turning Natural business.

After spending almost 10 years in remission, Annette passed away in 2010 when cancer returned. Evans moved back to D.C. from Atlanta, quitting her job as an aeronautical engineer. Grieving and unsure what

JERRI EVANS Page

15

to do next, Evans decided to continue her mother’s legacy by addressing the food deserts her family had experienced.

“Once I got back to D.C., I realized that a lot had changed, but a lot hadn’t changed—especially when it came to access to healthy foods,” Evans said. “I was like, ‘I wonder if I could create something that was cool and fun that people wanted to be a part of.’”

Today, Turning Natural sells coldpressed juices with names like “Green Latifah” and “Mi’Kale Jackson” at six DMV locations, including stores in Anacostia and District Heights, Maryland. Turning Natural’s general manager, Michale Henderson, said the company has “created a place where health is cool.”

It hasn’t always been a smooth road; Evans, who paid a $10,000 settlement following a 2018 lawsuit over wage theft, says entrepreneurship “ages you in dog years.” But the company’s all-natural product and communi-

ty-oriented mission have helped it weather the storms. Henderson, who has known Evans since they were both 10 years old, has been there to watch it grow into a fitting legacy for Evans’ mother.

“I remember when Turning Natural was just Ms. Annette’s living room business,” Henderson wrote in an email. “When Jerri decided to open her first location, I would come in after work to help her prep fruit… I joined because I loved Ms. Annette, and I stick around because the mission is something I believe in.”

That mission, alongside a nutrient-filled product, have made Turning Natural a staple for some D.C.-area residents—among them, artist Naturel.

“Turning Natural—they’re doing a great thing with the cold press juices, the smoothies,” Henderson told the Washington Informer Bridge in a 2019 interview. “And they’re servicing our communities, so it can’t get better than that.”

n

5 Evans with her mother, Annette. (Courtesy photo)

JERRI EVANS from Page 14

EDITORIAL

Lucas Blocks Monumental’s First Shot

The Virginia General Assembly closed in Richmond on March 9, with a historic first as the House of Delegates was led by a Black man, Don Scott of Portsmouth, for the first time in the legislature’s 405-year history.

However, in addition to Scott’s barrier-breaking leadership, there were other moments to remember in this year’s Virginia legislative sessions.

Political observers may note the generally conservative Assembly—no matter which party is in charge-- passed progressive bills such as raising the state minimum wage to $15 an hour in 2026 and banning the sale of new assault weapons. In addition, one note that will resonate through time is the attempt by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis, attempt to ram a major proposal through the 60-day session.

Youngkin and Leonis introduced a $2 billion project to move the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals from the downtown Washington, D.C. arena to a proposed, stateof-the-art sports facility and entertainment district at Alexandria’s Potomac Yards neighborhood.

The measure failed to receive a full legislative vetting due to the actions of State Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), a seasoned, no-nonsense lawmaker who serves as the chamber’s president pro tempore and chairs the powerful Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Lucas refused to consider the Monumental bill in committee. She expressed concerns early on about the project’s financing. But Youngkin largely ignored her—and that was not smart.

When the Youngkin team first learned of Lucas’s concerns, they should have met with her immediately and sought to engage in whatever type of dealmaking and horse-trading works in Richmond to get her support or at least soften her opposition. But they didn’t and Lucas responded by using her three decades of experience and influence as well as the mastery of the body’s rules, to kill the project’s financing.

In other words, she blocked the “Glenndome” shot.

WI

Take a Moment to Appreciate Spring Weather and Consider Your Own Shifts This Season

Wow! Can you believe it’s already mid-March?

Tuesday, March 19 at 9:06 p.m. marks the Spring Equinox and if the date isn’t enough, D.C.’s 70-degree temperatures prove that the weather is beginning to shift as well.

With this season comes newness and growth. Flowers bloom, the daylight lasts longer and people begin switching their fall and winter clothes to their warm weather wardrobes.

The Spring Equinox is also a moment to take time for personal growth and development. Consider the tradition of spring cleaning, when people work to purge unnecessary items and deep-clean their closets and homes.

Throughout cultures around the world, the Spring Equinox is a celebration of rebirth and renewal. It’s a time to start afresh, bloom and grow.

This spring season, take moments to enjoy the colorful flowers budding, the birds chirping and the warm sun soothing your skin.

Be inspired by the literal rainstorms, and any life challenges that may come. Let the rain water you with knowledge and remember that the storms will pass, and that there’s sun and rainbows on the other side. Know that rain is necessary for growth and green grass and it comes with the season.

As we welcome spring, we must also consider ways we can be committed to our own growth, not only this season, but forever. How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? As you’re almost through the first quarter of the year, do you need to circle back to some goals and think about the best ways to achieve them or add new objectives to the list?

Are there some things you’ve been hoping to do that the changing weather will now encourage, like adding more walks into your routine, or starting a small garden?

Whatever you hope to achieve, use this Spring Equinox as a moment to start anew– sew your seeds, water your plants, and watch them bloom and grow. WI

I was very excited to read about the Roots Cafe opening in Laurel! I am always looking for healthy eateries and Black-owned establishments, so it is a win-win.

Tina Perry Laurel, Md

Are there some things you’ve been hoping to do that the changing weather will now encourage, like adding more walks into your routine, or starting a small garden?

Readers' Mailbox

TO THE EDITOR

I think it’s great that the Washington Informer has an international column devoted to covering Africa and the Caribbean. I always learn something new each time that doesn’t get reported in mainstream media. It’s so important for us to stay connected with our people and the affairs happening abroad.

Karole Boykin Washington, D.C

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

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Reporting on the Road Ahead

The National Urban League has just released the 2024 edition of its signature publication, "The State of Black America," and this year the report centered on examining the 60th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. As the National Urban League says: "For Black America, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the first time that the United

States government addressed the racial caste system that had been protected for centuries by unjust laws and systemic brutality of nonwhite people in this country. The law, in many ways, answered the calls for jobs and freedom in the March on Washington by banning discrimination in the workplace, in our housing system, and programs funded by the government, and marked the death of the Jim Crow South." But, they add, "Sixty years later, the fight for equality is far from over."

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

They continue: "We have a Supreme Court that has dismantled Affirmative Action, threatening not only equitable access to higher education and the economic opportunities born from a college degree but also endangering diversity and equity initiatives that make our workplaces safer and more accessible for people from all backgrounds. We have states not only dictating who gets to vote in elections but also enforcing ID laws and requirements that make it

Charlene Crowell

harder for marginalized people to participate in the Democratic process. In Congress, extremist elected officials continue to hold our economy and our physical safety hostage by proposing the dismantling of federally funded safety net programs in exchange for the passage of critical spending bills that keep our government open and support our armed service members. … It is not the time to be silent. We cannot stand by while this law is stripped of its power by those who oppose progress. This

fight is one for our future, our legacy, and the soul of this country."

The report goes on to evaluate progress and danger across a range of measures. Since 2005, the National Urban League has used an "Equality Index" to evaluate how well Black Americans are doing in comparison to white Americans in measures of health, economic status, education, social justice, and civic engagement. They study

EDELMAN Page 45

Lawsuit Brings Calls for Probe of Shocking Mortgage Discrimination Claims

A mortgage discrimination case that began with two plaintiffs in December was consolidated in late February with seven others to form a class action lawsuit alleging that Navy Federal Credit Union — the nation's largest with 13.4 million members and $170.8 billion in assets — "systematically and intentionally discriminates against minority borrowers across the United

During 2024's Black History Month, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., presented a dance concert by the well-known Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT). Its dancers, all highly talented, performed three works: "Century," choreographed by Amy Hall-Gerner, "Me, Myself and You" by Elizabeth Rocx-

States." The lawsuit alleges that Navy Federal, which serves current and former military members from all service sectors, denied loans for 52% of Black borrowers and 44% of Latino borrowers, while denying only 23% of white applicants for home mortgage purchase or refinance loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit.

Affidavits of affected borrowers told stories of the financial and emotional distressed caused by qualified loan applicants having to

find alternative — and often more costly — financing after being denied by their member-owned credit union.

The lawsuit, led by nationally known attorney Ben Crump and his associate Adam Levitt, said the lender's own data show that Navy Federal approved loans for a higher percentage of white borrowers annually earning less than $62,000 a year than for Black loan applicants earning $140,000 or more.

And when Navy Federal did approve a loan to a Black or Latino

A. Peter Bailey

applicant, they often were offered worse interest rates and loan terms than those offered to white borrowers with similar financial profiles. These activities are illegal under federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

"The outright discrimination that occurs when Banking While Black continues to reveal itself in the lending practices of many of America's largest financial institutions," Crump said. "It is shameful that Navy Federal, an organization

that prides itself in helping the families of men and women who served their country, does not give their Black and Latino customers the same opportunities as white customers."

"We hope this legal action will stop racial lending discrimination in its tracks and require Navy Federal to right their wrongs," said Adam Levitt. "Home ownership is recognized as the cornerstone of the American Dream. We will not

as-Dubrish and "Revelations," the immortal masterpiece, choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1960.

While watching the dancers do "Revelations," one of the greatest dances created in the 20th century, I reflected on what Alvin said about it in his autobiography, "Revelations," which I authored with him: "'Revelations' began with the music. As early as I can remember, I was enthralled by the music played and sung in the small Black churches in every small Tex-

as town my mother and I lived in. No matter we were during those nomadic years, Sunday was always a churchgoing day. There we would absorb some of the most glorious singing to be heard anywhere in the world. With profound feelings, with faith, hope, joy and sometimes sadness, the choirs, congregations, deacons, preachers and ushers would sing Black spirituals and gospel songs. They sang and played the music with such fervor they even as a small child, I cannot only hear it, but almost

see it. … I tried to put all of that feeling into 'Revelations.'"

AAADT's young dancers brought about the feelings that Alvin wanted, especially when they danced "Revelations." While dancing to songs such as "I Been 'Buked," "Didn't the Lord Deliver Daniel," "Wade in the Water," "Fix Me Jesus," "Take Me to the Water" and five other spiritual and gospel classics, they clearly showed what Alvin meant about feelings in his choreography. The feelings

not only elicited response from the dancers, but it also had many members of the mostly Black audience expressing their feelings while sitting in their seats.

Watching AAADT dance "Revelations" that evening last month was the 43rd time I have seen it. The first time was in 1968 when I attended a Black Weekend event at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. It was my first time

Guest Columnist

When You Don't Know the Facts …

To add insult to injury, I heard a MAGA man say America is a joke after he had one time served as America's president and could have fixed whatever he thought was wrong! Instead, he created a lot of problems! Wasn't he the man who claims to have done so much for Americans? To his credit, he didn't say what he did was good or bad, but we Black people know the

answer and would not be moved to his corner for a pair of strange gold sneakers with a big "T" on them — not when we Black people have the best sneakers with names like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and many others. We are so proud of the other names on sneakers, and it's not just Black people's names are on them!

At any rate, when I heard Charles Barkley's statement about Black people wearing Trump's mug shot merchandise as "freaking idiots" and that he should punch

Guest Columnist

A Silent Killer No More

reticence to share details of a medical condition is understandable, but prostate cancer is a silent killer in the Black community and the time has come to give it a voice.

Political provocateurs are determined to stir up controversy over Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's failure to tell President Biden about his treatment for prostate cancer. Yet, his desire to keep the matter private — and out of the public eye — is in line with what many men, particularly men of color, have done for decades. The

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose son Dexter recently passed from prostate cancer, I ask: How long? How long will Men of color suffer in silence and die alone? How long will too many brothers hide their plight?

When he finally commented publicly about his condition, Austin offered regrets about keeping

Guest Columnist

them, I am not a violent person but I sure could understand what he meant. He admittedly clarified that what he meant when he said that he was not happy when Trump compares his plight with that of Black people. He said that is what he had a problem with. I did, too, and so did a lot of other Black people. Neither sneakers nor Trump T-shirts will get a vote from Black people I know!

The good part about the State of the Union speech of President Joe Biden is that he clarified why sensible people of all races should be

supporting him even with the mistakes he's made. President Biden gave a master class in reasons the MAGA folk don't stand a chance when it comes to positive accomplishments for all the people. To mention a few things, he truthfully told us that since he's been president inflation has gone down. The price of gasoline has gone down. He supports the right of women to control our own body. He has forgiven student loans. He respects the rights of minorities. He placed women in numerous high-level positions.

He selected the first woman and first Black person to become vice president of our country. He kept Obamacare alive and is working to improve it. He stood up for Ukraine. He promised success on the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. He hasn't raped any women. He hasn't tried to take more money from us by trying to sell us tacky sneakers claiming we'll vote for him because Black people love sneakers!

He doesn't have 90-plus charges

WILLIAMS Page 46

silent and then made an important pledge. He said that by not initially disclosing his diagnosis, he "missed an opportunity to send a message on an important public health issue," while noting the prevalence of prostate cancer, particularly among Black men. Encouraging all men to get screened, Austin promised, "You can count on me to set a better example on this issue today and for the rest of my life."

Any cancer diagnosis is a private matter. But men like Dexter King and Austin can help so many

Highway Robbery in Alabama

community in 2018, residents are watching their homes be destroyed by flooding caused by the highway project.

Imagine the neighborhood your family has lived in for more than 150 years being turned into a deteriorating flood zone. Now imagine the flooding was caused by the state. That is what is happening to the people of Elba, Alabama's historic Black Shiloh community.

Thanks to the construction of an elevated highway through the

"My house has already sunk two feet into the mud. I see my inheritance and my childrens' American Dream being washed away and stolen," says Pastor Timothy Williams.

Pastor Williams is a reverend and the owner of a restaurant and cleaning business. Like many other Shiloh residents, his family has been on this land dating back to

Reconstruction. Now he and others in the community see their generational wealth disappearing before their eyes from property devaluation as well as the physical destruction of their homes.

Just eight feet away from Pastor Williams' home, in the direction it is sinking, is a Southeast Gas Company natural gas pipeline. He has been told there is a possibility the sinking house could hit the gas line and blow the house up.

Pastor Williams' story offers but a glimpse into the nightmare Shi-

others who are prone to prostate cancer. Keeping the surgery and treatment a secret would only have continued to add to the stigma surrounding prostate cancer. That would have been a disservice to the thousands of men of color diagnosed annually.

Indeed, data from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City shows that more than 13 percent of African American men between the ages 45 and 79 will develop prostate cancer in their lifetimes. And Black men have a 70 per-

cent higher rate of developing prostate cancer than White men.

The American Cancer Society also shockingly predicts that Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than their White counterparts.

These figures are appalling when considering that prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of the disease with the five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with it being greater than 99 percent if

loh residents are facing.

Part of the highway project — one of the earliest phases — involved directing stormwater drainage pipes into the community. Now, picture the elevated highway essentially placing the neighborhood in a bowl. There did not used to be flooding. Now it is rampant. And the state will not even own up to its highway expansion being the cause.

In addition to causing floods, the highway also cut off access to the neighborhood's only fire hy-

drant. In 2020, there was a fire. Someone burned to death in their home. Residents believe their neighbor's death would have been preventable with access to the hydrant.

This is not merely an example of poorly executed urban planning. It is reckless environmental racism. The same kind that has been responsible for creating so-called "sacrifice zones" across the country. Sacrifice zones are populated

JEALOUS Page 46

Hamil R. Harris

Ben Jealous

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Intern

This weekend is all about the fans–from politics, to television, to Beyoncé Knowles Carter.

Trivia warriors with a knack for politics can showcase their skills in what’s expected to be the best political trivia night in Washington, D.C., while fans of the 1996 thriller “Fargo” have the chance to attend a unique screening followed by a Q&A with one of the film’s main actors.

Get involved in supporting the community and personal wellness with events where guests can attend riveting conversations that encourage growth and uplift future generations.

Pay homage to cultural influences with an insightful museum tour, a candlelight tribute to Beyoncé; or by diving into ARTECHOUSE DC’s new exhibit, celebrating Japanese culture through the spirit of animé genres and cherry blossom traditions.

Or test your luck and ping-pong skills, with a fun-filled event celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

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, MARCH 14

The New Republic Presents: The Best Political Trivia Night in D.C. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Free with reservation Blackfinn DC, 1620 I St NW, Washington, D.C., 20006

Political and trivia enthusiasts can meet in the middle with this

special event co-presented by The New Republic and The Capital City Showcase, which hosts some of D.C.’s hottest comedy and trivia nights. Participants can bring their own campaign team or fly solo or in matched pairs to test their useless knowledge about politics over adult beverages with a roomful of like-minded people. Play to win drinks, food and even real cash prizes, including money off your tab and additional awards announced at the end of the night.

This event will be hosted by local emcee Christian Hunt, who has hosted events at The Anthem, MGM National Harbor, and the 9:30 Club. The game is free to play and seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

An Evening with William H. Macy and Screening of “Fargo”

7 p.m. | $39.00 - $79.00

Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Movie buffs will have a rare opportunity to share a screening of one of William H. Macy's quintessential movies: the award-winning film "Fargo,” a reality-based crime data set in Minnesota in 1987.

Macy is a highly successful actor who writes in theater, film, and television, and has several accolades–including Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, an Emmy, and a SAG Award. Most recently, he was in the independent feature film “Maybe I Do,” the Hulu mini-series “The Dropout,” and starred in the Showtime award-winning series “Shameless.”

Attendees can stick around postshow for an opportunity to ask the Macy questions in person and meet and greet packages are also available. WI

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Women’s History Month: Bountiful Baskets

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Free National Museum of the American Indian, Independence Ave SW & 4th St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Words, Beats, and Life | The Open House

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Free St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW, Washington, D.C., 20010

Words, Beats, and Life (WBL) Academy is hosting a mid-month alumni showcase and community gathering of WBL students, alumni, family and friends where community members can learn more about the Academy and its classes.

The premier destination for innovative, creative, and inspiring after-school education, WBL Academy uses hip-hop arts and history to provide students the opportunity to excel in their education and pursue their passions. With the help of principal artists and industry leaders, scholars can build skills across multiple disciplines, from creative outlets to college prep.

WBL Academy offers after-school art classes for youth ages 12 to 18, young adults 18 to 22, and brand new elementary classes for students ages 8 to 11.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé

6:30 p.m. | $61.00+

Miracle Theatre, 535 8th St SE, Washington, D.C., 20003

Beyhive, stand up! Join the Miracle Theatre in a live, multi-sensory musical experience to hear some of Beyoncé’s discography performed by the Kennedy String Quartet. Ranging from her Destiny’s Child days to current hit songs, the Candlelight concert promises an awe-inspiring

event set under the gentle glow of a candlelight.

Seating is assigned on a first come, first serve basis in each zone. Doors open 60 minutes prior to the start time and late entry will not be permitted. WI

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Black Family Wellness Expo

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Free Kenilworth Recreation Center, 4321 Ord St NE, Washington, D.C., 20019

In honor of National Impact Day of Service, the Metropolitan District of Columbia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is hosting a Black Family Wellness Expo.

In addition to learning about infant and maternal health, dental care, and nourishment, event features include blood pressure screenings, exercise classes, nutrition demonstrations, and much more!

St. Patrick’s Day at SPIN Washington DC

2 p.m. - 1 a.m. | $55.00 - $70.00 SPIN Washington DC, 1332 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an experience as good as gold at SPIN. Guests can indulge in ping pong play, exclusive festive drinks, twists on Irish-inspired bites, and pot-of-gold worthy surprises.

Reservations and party packages are available online, inclusive of ping pong play, specialty food and beverage items, and photo opportunities with the ping pong-filled bathtub.WI

Visit the National Museum of the American Indian and learn about the art of basket weaving from Indigenous women as they share the beauty of Native American basketry and the significance of keeping this tradition alive through the different weaving traditions, materials, stories and inspirations that go into making a basket.

Hear directly from basket weavers from various tribes, including: Corine Pearce (Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo), Ronni-Leigh Goeman (Onondaga), Iva Honyestewa (Hopi/Navajo), and Laura Wong-Whitebear (Colville).

ARTECHOUSE DC Presents ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | $25.00 - $36.00 (Free for children under the age of 4)

Artechouse DC, 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

In its seventh annual celebration of the District’s beloved cherry blossom season and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, ARTECHOUSE Studio explores multiple universes of blossoms in “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” inspired by the Isekai genre of animé.

This exhibit seamlessly blends together the rich, fantastical elements of animé and Japanese pop culture with cutting-edge, immersive digital art, taking visitors on an enchanting journey through multiple parallel worlds.

Fusing art, technology, and tradition, the adventurous exhibition brings the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms to life. WI

5 Exhibitions such as “Americans” at the National Museum of the American Indian highlights how Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the inception of the United States. (Courtesy Photo)

5 ARTECHOUSE DC presents “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” a celebration of Japanese culture through the spirit of animé genres and cherry blossom traditions. (Courtesy Photo)

Rolling Cocoa Festival Promotes Ghanaian Culture, Encourages Cross-Cultural Connections Black Sherif Tells Black Americans ‘Come Back Home,’ KiDi Talks Coming to D.C.

By Edem Harris

By WI Contributing Writer

In a fun-filled, festive Afrobeats celebration at The Anthem in Southwest, D.C. on March 9, Rolling Co-

coa music festival fostered unity by sharing glimpses of Ghana’s rich culture through Ghanaian superstars like Stonebwoy, Black Sherif and KiDi.

For Manasseh Laryea, 23, who was born in Ghana and migrated to the U.S. in 2011, the performances allowed others to gain insight into Ghanaian culture.

"Even though it was a Ghanaian festival, it gave different people from different backgrounds [a] chance to come and see Ghanaian others and be able to vibe and enjoy music," Laryea told The Informer.

FESTIVAL ENCOURAGES BLACK AMERICANS TO ‘COME BACK HOME’

With many African Americans yearning for an ancestral connection, Ghana has opened its doors to allow

Black Americans a home.

Sherif, a BET Hip-Hop 2023 award recipient for "Best International Flow," encouraged African Americans during his acceptance speech to "come back home," saying: "You are kings and queens back home."

He emphasized that African Americans have an inherent connection to the motherland.

"You're never lost; your home is on this end. Come back home,” Sherif said.

SHARING AFRICAN CULTURE IN D.C., THE NATION AND WORLD

Osita "Duke" Ugeh is the founder and CEO of Duke Concept, organizers of Rolling Cocoa festival. Duke Concept’s next D.C. show at Capital One Arena will be a gospel cultural celebration, Psalm City Music Festi-

The Legacy of Artist and Educator David C. Driskell is Honored in New Exhibition

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

David C. Driskell, a beloved leader in African diaspora art, is celebrated through a massive exhibition at the University of Maryland art space named in the artist’s honor.

Seventy artworks by Driskill and 34 prominent Black artists are displayed in “David C. Driskell & Friends: Creativity, Collaboration, and Friendship” until May 24. Included are original archival materials, such as personal letters and photos, allowing visitors to experience Driskell's relationships in this life.

“This show is all about collaboration, creativity, and friendship,” said Dr. Abby R. Eron, assistant director of Exhibitions and Programs at The David Driskell Center and co-curator of the exhibition. “His interpersonal connections were filled with warmth and generosity of spirit, which is an inherent part of his legacy.”

Organizing a Magnificent Collection of Art

Some of the artists whose works are in the creative space at The David C. Driskell Center include Romare Bearden, John Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, Aaron Douglas, Mel Edwards, Felrath Hines, Loïs Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Mary Lovelace O'Neal, Alma W. Thomas, Hale Woodruff and many more greats.

All works featured in the exhibition are from the permanent collection of The Driskell Center at the University of Maryland. Walking through “Driskell and Friends,” visitors will view thoughtful, sometimes subtle themes. Even though a range of artists is included, there are similarities in groupings brought together through colors and graphic elements.

“It makes sense in terms of influences,” Eron said about how individual pieces are hung together. “It connects them, and there was a personal relationship there.”

“David C. Driskell & Friends: Creativity, Collaboration, and Friendship” is the first exhibition in The Driskell Center’s newly renovated University of Maryland campus gallery.

For more information, visit the University of Maryland website umd.edu or the gallery site on Instagram @driskellcenter. The gallery's operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. WI @bcscomm

5 Award-winning Ghanaian performer Black Sherif performs at Rolling Cocoa, held at The Anthem in Southwest, D.C. on March 9. (Eden Harris/The Washington Informer) val, on April 6.

Ugeh told The Informer he wants to work with sponsors to not only lessen the financial burden, but be able to enhance his productions with more resources, and further promote Ghanaian culture.

Singer KiDi, famous for such songs

as the 2021 song “Touch It,” shared the significance of performing in D.C. as a Ghanaian artist.

"This was my first time actually performing [in D.C.], and the energy out of the crowd [was amazing],” KiDi told The Informer.

WI

5 An acrylic on paper by Alma Thomas entitled “Untitled,” (1966) as part of the “David C. Driskell & Friends” exhibition. This gift to The Driskell Center was from Susan Kaim Talley and Bascom D. Talley III. (Courtesy Photo/Jonathan Thorpe © David C. Driskell Center)

4 "David C. Driskell & Friends” features “Mask Series II” (2019), a relief woodcut by David C. Driskell. This was a gift of Raven Fine Art Editions. (Courtesy Photo/Jonathan Thorpe ©, David C. Driskell Center)

A

The David C. Dris-

“David

Driskell

is on exhibit until May 24. (Courtesy Photo/Jonathan Thorpe ©, David C. Driskell Center)

5 Ghanaian superstar artist KiDi performs at Rolling Cocoa on March 9 at The Anthem in Southwest, D.C. (Eden Harris/The Washington Informer)

3

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& Friends”

Iyanla Vanzant Inspires Black Women's Renewal this Spring at the EMERGE Live! Experience

Acclaimed spiritual healer and bestselling author, Iyanla Vanzant, is set to headline the highly anticipated EMERGE Live! Experience at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center from April 19 - 21, 2024.

EMERGE Live! offers a sanctuary for rest and healing in a world where Black women face heightened challenges, particularly with mental health. Statistics show that Black women are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population (Mental Health America). Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities often leads to unnoticed depression among Black women.

Expected to be strong and fearless, they mask their emotions at home and work, facing a lack of understanding and empathy from others. The notion of the strong Black woman, passed down through generations, can hinder seeking help. As high achievers, these women often face the pressure to maintain an appearance of strength and resilience, giving their all to every endeavor.

Despite outward success, many find themselves silently struggling with exhaustion and overwhelm. The pursuit of excellence often comes at the cost of personal well-being, leaving little time for processing emotions or addressing challenges. Caught in a relentless cycle of work and responsibilities, many Black women crave a break and a chance to rest. Juggling multiple priorities leaves little room for self-care, highlighting the need for a space to prioritize personal health and rejuvenation.

Founder of EMERGE Live!, Julian B. Kiganda, recognizes the urgent need for safe spaces for Black women, "After attending six funerals in 2022 and having to navigate unimaginable grief and overcome depression, I realized how important it was to have the support you need in those times. As I spoke to the women in my circle, I found that many of us were dealing with

these challenges in isolation. So I created EMERGE Live! as a space for Black women to find support, authentic connection, healing, and growth. It's a place to rediscover joy and create a new vision for personal and professional fulfillment."

Described by Oprah Winfrey as “the most powerful spiritual healer, fixer, teacher, on the planet”, Iyanla Vanzant promises to inspire event attendees with her unique brand of humor, wisdom, and passion, guiding them on a journey of healing and renewed purpose. Joining Vanzant are a dynamic roster of speakers dedicated to empowering women including: Gina Paige, President of African Ancestry; Lydia Sermons, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Howard University; Dr. Ivy Hylton, International Sound Healer and Licensed Psychotherapist; Dian Holton, Senior Deputy Art Director at AARP, and many more.

EMERGE Live! offers the perfect opportunity for renewal.

As Vanzant has said, “So many of us invest a fortune making ourselves look good to the world, yet inside we are falling apart. It’s time to invest on the inside.”

Registration is now open for EMERGE Live!, offering special rates for a limited time. Secure your spot today for this must-attend retreat this Spring at www. emergeliveexp.com. Limited seating available. Sponsorship, partnership, and vendor opportunities also available. Contact emerge@ jbkbranddesign.com for more information.

Speakers will cover a range of topics from holistic healing and boundary setting to navigating change and conquering imposter syndrome. The event promises an array of personalized experiences for attendees. The Creative Visionary Lounge provides women with a space to create a new vision for their lives, while the yoga and meditation, African dance class, and soothing sound bath session provide relaxation, cultural celebration, and healing. For women looking for their Spring break,

For 10,000 years people have been herding goats. Goats are one of the first animals people used to get

Goats like to live in groups, or herds. In fact, if they live alone, they will become very sad. If you ever want a goat for a pet, you should get more than one.

Help this lonely little goat get back with the herd!

Yes! They are mountain animals and have been known to climb to the tops of trees!

Grazers or foragers?

Foragers prefer leaves and the seeds on top of wild grass. They will also eat grass.

In nature, goats roam mountaintops and reach as

Howmanygoats canyou nd hiddeninthistree?

Both male and female goats have beards and

Goatshave______ stomachs.

Goats are burpers! When they digest their food, gas forms, and it escapes as loud, healthy burps.

This goat’s big burp knocked some of the words out of these goat facts. Can you ll in the missing words?

Do goats eat tin cans?

There is a myth about what goats eat. It claims goats eat anything and everything. Often, goats are drawn chewing on tin cans.

People

Goats can see all around themselves. Humans can’t see all around themselves.

This is not true. Goats are very picky eaters. They only eat plants. But even then, they will refuse to eat dirty hay. They prefer to eat looking up and enjoy fresh leaves on trees.

Baby goats are called kids. Each kid has a unique call, and along with its scent, that is how its mother recognizes it from birth not by sight.

Goats in a Tree

Imagine you see three goats in a tree. What are they doing there? How did they get there?

review wi book

"Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America"

By Joy-Ann Reid

c.2024, Mariner Books

$30 / 343 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Romeo and Juliet.

Abelard and Heloise. Beyonce and Jay Z. For centuries, we've studied the great romances, cried over them, and dreamed of having one of our own. Some of the great romances are educational. They impress and entertain. And in the new book "Medgar & Myrlie" by Joy-Ann Reid, some can inspire.

When Medgar Evers came home from World War II, he figured that if he was good enough to be a soldier, he was good enough to be treated the same as a white man. He was 25 years old, outspoken, bold … and a gentleman when he met Myrlie Beasley.

He was at college on the GI Bill. She was a freshman, away from her grandmother and aunt for the first time. She didn't know quite what to think about Medgar Evers. Mama and Aunt Myrlie wanted "Baby Sister" to get a good education. They had big dreams for her, and marriage wasn't one of them.

Still, Medgar "intrigued" her and their romance went slow but "Myrlie didn't dare tell Mama." It took awhile for him to tell her that he loved her. Medgar was always ordering her around and they argued sometimes. After she told her elders about this man she was dating, Medgar had to "court" Mama and Aunt Myrlie almost as hard as he'd courted their girl.

On Christmas Eve, 1951, Medgar and Myrlie were married. Much to her chagrin, they moved to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, the next summer, where he'd taken a job selling insurance — but just as often, he was helping his people escape debtors and danger, and Myrlie was afraid. Even after they started a family, after they moved back to Jackson to a safer neighborhood, she feared for his life because of the ties he had, the work he was doing with the NAACP, and the beliefs he'd held. That was the kind of man Medgar was, and she'd always known it.

And one summer's evening in 1963, she knew that she'd have to live without him forever.

In the early pages of "Medgar & Myrlie," author Joy-Ann Reid insists that her book is a "love story." She's right — it is, but it's not like one of those cheap paperbacks you find at the grocery store. It's a boy-meetsgirl, a sweet tale of two people who cleave together, but also so much more. More substance. More history. More afterward.

More heartbreak.

Indeed, you know what happens in this romance and the fact that it does and it did makes this love story more poignant and more terrifying. You know what happened more than 60 years ago, and you can't go back and undo it. You want a happily-ever-after that never arrives, but in the worst way. Do you even want to be told that Reid will rattle you time and again, even before you get to 1963?

The shining knight in this story wears working man's clothes. The maiden fears a different kind of Dragon. You can't miss their story, so find "Medgar & Myrlie." You'll love it.

horoscopes

ARIES During the first part of the week, you might struggle to express how you feel to a loved one. This could lead to confusion in the way the situation plays out, but you can find clarity soon. Later in the week, the cosmos infuses playfulness into the conversations with the object of your affection. Expressing your emotions in a lighthearted, flirty way breathes new life into your connection. Lucky Numbers: 2, 22, 53

TAURUS Early in the week, the cosmos stirs up a hunger for change and fuels your independent streak. If you've been feeling weighed down or bored by your professional path, you might be tempted to make a sudden move that gets you headed in a new direction. If it feels right, go with it. Later in the week, you could be inspired to reach out to loved ones and have crucial heart-to-heart talks. You may be paying special attention to discussions that address old wounds. Lucky Numbers: 22, 27, 45

GEMINI As the week begins, you'll be on fire brainstorming creative ideas, collaborating with colleagues, and meeting up with friends and loved ones for catch-up sessions. Working through the details of well established ideas serves you best. Later in the week, astrological influences indicate that you might not trust your feelings related to a significant professional project. It might also be hard to pinpoint exact data or information that makes it easy to forge ahead. Lucky Numbers: 4, 10, 43

CANCER Early this week, you'll be fired up to go after your boldest ideas while simultaneously dreaming up new ways to bring in cash. Bear in mind that this may be more of a research and development phase than a time to take concrete action, but trust your gut and work alongside others to hit your goals and you'll be right on track. Later in the week, the cosmos could give you some intense dreams that have you feeling a bit off and veering into existential crisis mode. You'd do well to engage in a grounding practice like meditation that can feel emotionally centering. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 18

LEO At the start of the week, you'll feel more empowered to express your ideas and, in turn, have game-changing conversations with higher-ups, colleagues, and loved ones. You'll do well to focus on personal goals and projects you've already started work on as opposed to kicking off a brand-new undertaking now. Later in the week, you could be itching for a shake-up in how you're approaching your professional goals. You might pitch an ambitious idea or apply for a new position on a whim. If it speaks to you and feels right, then it's worth pursuing now. Lucky Numbers: 26, 36, 53

VIRGO As the week begins, you could be especially drawn to reflective practices like journaling or learning new meditation techniques. Making sure you're carving out time to take care of yourself and process your emotions in this way boosts your wellness overall. Later in the week, the cosmos indicates that diving into learning experiences can feel easier than usual. You're not only willing to put your nose to the grindstone you're likely to have a blast doing it. Lucky Numbers: 4, 7, 40

LIBRA Early in the week, your social calendar is sure to be even more packed than usual with networking opportunities and meetups with friends and loved ones. And don't be surprised if you have a plethora of reunions, both planned and impromptu, with people from your past. Later in the week, the cosmos fuels a desire to do something completely unusual with your partner. Trusting your instincts and being adventurous is sure to make the sparks fly. Lucky Numbers: 10, 16, 23

SCORPIO As the week begins, you may find you're more likely to lead presentations and express your long-term goals with higher-ups. That said, if you struggle to kick off brand-new initiatives now, there's no need for concern. Tying up loose ends will set you up for a win. Later in the week, having hard-hitting conversations with your partner can come more easily now. Put your mind to making progress goals and fostering better understanding of one another. Lucky Numbers: 12, 33, 35

SAGITTARIUS During the week ahead, you might feel torn between your needs and your wants within your closest relationship. You'd do well to set aside time to tune in to your heart for clarity. Later in the week, the cosmos fuels your need to get out of your comfort zone with your wellness plan. Whether that looks like taking a class you've never tried before, or experimenting with aromatherapy, go with your instincts. The result could be an exciting new routine. Lucky Numbers: 25, 26, 46

CAPRICORN As the week begins, you might hit a wall with your wellness plan. Although you may feel like you're not making the progress take this time to practice a bit of compassion for yourself. You might not have clarity about the big picture but you will in time. Later in the week, you could find that you're drawn to bonding with your partner through deep conversations. Exploring your most deep-rooted desires and sharing them could build your relationship and serve as steamy foreplay.

Lucky Numbers: 21, 30, 38

AQUARIUS As the week begins, you could be craving intellectual stimulation and connection from your partner, close friend, or colleague. Trade ideas back and forth and map out game plans for achieving your shared goals. Later in the week, you're inspired to make changes to your space. You might want to do some impromptu organizing or even consider looking to move. If you feel in your gut that it's the right time to make a major move, go for it. Lucky Numbers: 10, 20, 21

PISCES As the week gets underway, you might struggle to see eye to eye with a loved one. You could both feel like you're having trouble understanding one another. Wait until you have a clearer perspective on the subject before attempting to find a olution. Later in the week, you might want to research new solutions to an ongoing health concern. Talking to experts and confidants, checking online reviews, and trading notes with friends prove useful. Lucky Numbers: 5, 22, 33

CAPTURE the moment

Local Youth Scholars Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, Showcase Talent in 17th Annual ‘Blacks in Wax’

(Top Left) Legaci Simmons as Erykah Badu. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

(Top Center) Brooklyn Ausby as Rosa Parks (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

(Center) Jordon Thomas as Da Brat. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

(Top Right) Ah'Briah Butler as Angela Davis. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

(Bottom Right) Austin Tucker as Malcolm X. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

(Bottom Left) Simbi Hicks as Black Thought from The Roots. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

SPORTS

Rajah Caruth: Following the Process Pays Dividends

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

When Rajah Caruth talks about his journey on the NASCAR circuit, he repeatedly refers to following” the process.” It is that process that has been the key to his rapid rise in the profession.

In a matter of a few years, Caruth, 21 has grabbed the attention of the race car world.

Caruth grew up in the D.C. area and graduated from the Northwest high school School Without Walls before attending Winston Salem State University in North Carolina.

He started his racing career on the virtual racing simulator, iRacing, where he was noticed by NASCAR and selected to join the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program.

Since then, Caruth has made

19 appearances in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, 30 appearances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 25 appearances in the ARCA Menards Series, 12 appearances in the ARCA Menards Series East, and two ARCA Menards Series West appearances.

This month in Las Vegas, Caruth scored his first career-win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, becoming only the third African American driver to win a NASCAR national series race.

"It was definitely a surprise that I was able to accomplish this at this point in my career," said Caruth. "But all along, the plan was to follow the process."

Part of the process includes a regimented and rigorous program, from working out in the gym daily, to watching film and conferring with his team.

In addition to his training, he

CARUTH REPRESENTS FOR D.C.

He explained his time in D.C. and father’s guidance has helped him along the way.

"My educational experience at [School Without Walls] helped me prepare academically. That, along with my father and his guidance in my educational goals."

Although born in Atlanta, Georgia and having lived in New York for a short time, Caruth has spent most of his life in Washington and makes it known that he considers himself a Washingtonian.

"When I go out and compete, I am representing D.C. not only nationally, but globally as well," he told The Informer.

Part of his journey has included mentorship from Bubba Wallace, one of the few African Americans on the NASCAR circuit. The next step in the process for Caruth will be at the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series, Food City 500, March 17 in Bristol, Tennessee.

still has to find time for his studies as Caruth is set to graduate from Winston Salem State University this December.

No stranger to juggling a challenging schedule, Caruth has experience balancing life as a student, basketball and track and field, and as an employee for a summer job.

"I am a sports management major (with a concentration on motor speed management) and my plan is to use it to help understand more about the profession and how it works," said Caruth, whose father Roger Caruth, is an assistant professor at Howard University.

CAPTURE the moment CONTINUED...

Events DC, National Cherry Blossom Festival Host Blossom Tea Party for D.C. Seniors

Events DC and the National Cherry Blossom Festival collaborated to host an afternoon tea for local seniors at Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center in Southeast, D.C on Friday, March 8. Decorated with a pink, floral theme and equipped with all the fixings of an afternoon high tea, the Blossom Tea Party included hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and live entertainment from celebrated violinist Chelsey Green. The fun-filled event was supported by Farm to Feast Catering, G, Teas, Picnic & Peonies, and Chelsey Green and The Green Project. (Courtesy Photos/ Events DC, National Cherry Blossom Festival) WI

In June 2020, he was the subject of a NASCAR documentary, "Through the Fences," and in 2023 he was the subject of another documentary, “Outside Line,” which won an Emmy. While some might worry Caruth’s fame could become a distraction at such an early age, the young NASCAR star isn’t concerned.

"It's sticking to the process and replicating it for the whole season," he noted without hesitation. "That is the key for me." WI

5Rajah Caruth, 21, scored his first career win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, becoming only the third African American driver to win a NASCAR national series race. (Courtesy Photo/Rajah Caruth, Facebook)

4Guests pose at the Blossom Tea Party at Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center.

5Seniors pose with Diana Mayhew, president of National Cherry Blossom Festival

4Artist Chelsey Green performs.

(Far Right)Local seniors enjoy the Blossom Tea Party on March 8.

RELIGION

Local Christians look for Deeper Meaning of Lent

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Although there are less than three weeks until the high holiday of Easter, religious leaders are not trying to rush through Lent, the holy season leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

“Lent is a feast that is celebrated by a lot of mainline Christian čhurches today and it consists of 40 days,” said Archbishop G. Augustus Stallings, founder of Imani Temple African American Catholic Congregation. “Forty is a biblical connotation for a period of spiritual preparation to celebrate a bigger event.”

Stallings, who severed from the Roman Catholic Church more than three decades ago, referred to

OSSE from Page 1

Board of Education hearings in response to bus delays and route cancellations that caused their children with disabilities to miss hours of instructional time and accommodations outlined in their Individual Education Program (IEP).

Now, five District parents and The Arc of the United States, which pro-

5 Joann McCray is one of the five parents who filed a class-action lawsuit in order to ensure the District’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education improves the transportation system for students with disabilities, including GPS tracking. (Courtesy Photo)

Lent as a penitential season that goes beyond specific Christian denominations.

Lent consists of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, a time when people feel compelled to do more than just abstain from a particular food or activity.

Stallings said in the past he used to give up things like cookies and candy but that was more about symbolism than substance.

“What I desire during the Lenten season is to give of myself to others who are searching for their way out of darkness, trying to emancipate people from mental slavery.”

Leonard Manning, a local business leader who often attends Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville, Maryland, explained he was taking the Pope’s Lenten

motes the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are filing a lawsuit to promote permanent positive change. Lawyers representing the parents and The Arc said they want to ensure that the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) ultimately improves aspects of its transportation system, including GPS tracking.

“Being in special education, these students require time to adjust to school,” said Kathy Zeisel, director of special legal projects at the Children’s Law Center and one of the attorneys who filed the federal class-action lawsuit. “They arrive an hour or so late, and it takes the school additional time- an hour and sometimes up to four-- to get them back on track into their routine. They might not make any progress because they’re getting such an inconsistent education.”

Over the last few months, Zeisel, along with Kaitlin Banner, deputy legal director at Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, often spoke with parents

advice about helping others.

“Instead of giving up something for Lent, do something good for somebody,” Manning explained.

Ed Shields, 60, a retired federal worker who attends Our Lady Queen of Peace in Southeast, Washington, shared how he’s approaching this Lenten season.

“I have given up sodas and

and guardians of students with disabilities who expressed their concerns about OSSE’s beleaguered transportation system.

The five parents who eventually filed the suit did so out of an obligation to effect long-term change, Zeisel said.

Throughout much of last year, these parents went through administrative hearings at D.C. Superior Court. Upon learning that court officers didn’t have the jurisdiction or authority to address their discrimination claims under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act. or IDEA Act, the parents set their sights on federal courts.

As such, the federal class-action lawsuit cites IDEA Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the District of Columbia Human Rights Act.

“The idea behind IDEA and ADA is to make sure students with disabilities can participate fully in life,” Banner told The Informer. “ We do that in schools through inclusion so they

“For Lent you are supposed to give something that pains you to give up or can't do without and for me it's shopping. For Lent I am not purchasing anything,” Ward said.

Ron Taylor, a veteran journalist, said observing Lent is not a struggle at all.

“I use it as a time to impose discipline with some things. Lent is a time for renewal. When you have something that needs to be addressed, (like speaking bad language),” Taylor explained. “I do it because this is a time of renewal.”

Delonte Gholston, pastor of Peace Fellowship Church in Northeast, said while he didn't grow up celebrating Lent, he got a new perspective after he attended Fuller Theological Seminary in California.

things like that, but I have a different take on Lent,” Shields told The Informer. “You have to be careful that Lent it's not just a ritual… To me, Lent is a year-long thing.”

Dr. Cherie Ward, director of the Jim Vance Media Academy at Archbishop Carroll High School, told The Informer she is also making sacrifices this season.

can be with their nondisabled peers. Sometimes, the only time during the day they get to do that is at breakfast. By arriving late, it impacts their ability to work on their socioemotional goals.”

In 1995, the federal courts found D.C.’s public school system in violation of IDEA for failing to pay for students’ private special-education placement and transportation. This came about after District parents filed a class-action lawsuit against the District in what became known as Petties v. District of Columbia.

These aspects of special education would end up being under the purview of the courts for the next 17 years.

OSSE, under the Vincent C. Gray administration, received direct control of its Division of Student Transportation in 2012. However, a bus driver shortage has once again exacerbated the agency’s transportation woes. Parents say the bus delays have disrupted their child’s education and the schedules of family members who are juggling other commitments.

“One of my assignments was to plan an Ash Wednesday service,” Gholston said. “The biggest gift of Lent was the opportunity to meditate on our fragility as human beings… It is very humbling for all of us to think about the fact that we all have an expiration date.”

Gholston explained that Lent offers lessons about the realities of life to carry beyond the penitent holy season.

“A message for us in this day and age is to know your assignment and to be humble because you are not going to be around forever.”

WI

According to the lawsuit, buses arrived more-than-an-hour late to pick up students from their homes, or didn’t arrive at all. Buses also picked up students early from school or left them stranded without guaranteed transportation. The consolidation of bus routes has increased commute times, which, according to the lawsuit, caused physical and mental harm to students with disabilities who were unable to access food, medication and toilets.

Other complaints center on the lack of properly trained medical personnel and equipment aboard the bus. Attorneys for the parents have also described what they call an antiquated and unreliable tracking system by which bus drivers write each student’s name on a ticket before scanning it into a tracking system.

In instances when the driver doesn’t record the child’s presence, the child’s progress along the route remains unknown for several hours at a time. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

5 Archbishop G. Augustus Stallings, founder of Imani Temple African American Catholic Congregation, discussed the importance of the Lenten season, as time of prayer, sacrifice and penitence. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis)

There are some who are written about for Women's History Month, but after they die. Let me give flowers to correspondent April Ryan while she still lives!

It was my pleasure to host April on "The Lyndia Grant Show," my radio show on Spirit 1340 WYCB, a Radio One station. She was promoting her then-new book “Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem" (2022). I thought, "Woo!!!" It felt like I had known her all of my life — such a gentle and kind woman, yet equipped with what it takes to be tough and get the job done as a White House correspondent for more than 25 years!

That's not all: The D.C. Democratic Women's Club's program committee has confirmed April Ryan to serve as our guest speaker for our Women's History Month program, where the immediate past president, Jeannette Mobley, and I are serving as committee co-chairs, under the leadership of our new president, Valca Valentine (daughter of the late baseball great Fred Valentine). Visit the D.C. Democratic Women's website for the link to this event.

DCDWC's event will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. You are all invited!

Let me give you some background on Ryan as her tribute for Women's History Month. She has a unique vantage point as the only Black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House, a position she has held since the Clinton era. She has a tough job, but she does it so well. She can be seen on CNN as a political analyst and is also the D.C. bureau chief on TheGrio. She has been featured in Essence, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle

the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Salute to April Ryan for Women's History Month

magazines, to name a few.

April Ryan also has served on the board of the prestigious White House Correspondents' Association, one of only three African Americans in the association's 100-plus-year history to do so. She is also an esteemed member of the National Press Club.

Ryan is also the author of the award-winning book "The Presidency in Black and White: My Up-Close View of Three Presidents and Race in America" (2015) and "At Mama's Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White" (2016), the latter of which she looks at race relations through the lessons and wisdom that mothers have given their children.

Why do we celebrate April Ryan? As the longest-serving Black female White House correspondent, she has covered numerous historical events throughout five presidential administrations over the past 25 years, always asking relevant and pertinent questions on behalf of an underserved urban community.

Even after former President Donald Trump repeatedly called her out by her name and told her to "sit down" in an attempt to silence her during a press conference — which resulted in her receiving death threats — she pressed Trump on his alleged collusion with Russia, whether he were racist, and if he planned to resign.

She questioned Bill Clinton on his impeachment and George W. Bush on Katrina. She has asked Barack Obama the tough questions about

race in America, and Joe Biden about his promises for change.

On behalf of TheGrio, she delivers her readership and listeners (millions of African Americans and close to 300 radio affiliates) news that "amplifies Black culture.”

Ryan, also a speaker and mother, is a graduate of Morgan State University, an HBCU, and member of Delta Sigma Theta. Her hometown is Baltimore.

The National Association of Black Journalists named her as the Journalist of the Year in 2017.

April Ryan has been one of the most controversial reporters in the White House Press Corps speaks up for marginalized voices in urban communities. For this, a few years ago, she received a standing ovation at the White House Correspondents Dinner in recognition for asking presidents the tough questions, even after receiving death threats.

Now she pays tribute to those who have inspired her, as she continues her career as the longest serving Black female as a White House correspondent. In her book "Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem," Ryan celebrates Black women's resilience and strength, championing those who have transformed their pain into progress despite economic, political, and social challenges.

We are honored to salute you, April Ryan, for the outstanding work you continue to do as a journalist!

WI

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743

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

Service and Times

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

Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

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

Blessed Word

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

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

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

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II 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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

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

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM)

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.”

www.covenantdc.org

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

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Service and Times

Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor

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

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

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

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

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”

Third Street Church of God

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

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon, Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE Washington, DC 20020

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Campbell AME Church 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

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001

Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

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

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

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

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM

2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Tuesday:

Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

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

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002

202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Damion M. Briggs Pastor 8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785

Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

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

“Real Worship for Real People”

Website: www.easterncommunity.org

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org

Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Sunday

Monday

Sermon On The Mount

Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

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

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001

Office:(202) 289-4480 / Fax: (202) 289-4595

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

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

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

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

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

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

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

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

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

New Commandment Baptist Church Peace Baptist Church St. Luke Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

MD 20747, were appointed

V.

Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. Claims

the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/29/2024, 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:

2/29/2024

Tracey Y. Currie Orlando L. Currie Daniel M. Currie 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

2018 ADM 001465

Sumana Jayasundera aka Galhenage Sumana Jayasundera

Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015

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

Duliip Andrew Jayasundera, whose address is 4540 8th Ave. NE, Apt 404, Seattle, WA 98105, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sumana Jayasundera aka Galhenage Sumana Jayasundera who died on 4/17/2018 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Duliip Andrew Jayasundera 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 000131

Clark Van Johnson Decedent

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

Keisha Johnson, whose address is 346 Walnut Dr., Apt B, Pasadena, CA 91107, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clark Van Johnson who died on January 6, 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Keisha Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 158

Namon Powell Sr. Decedent

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

Erika Takia Smith, whose address is 413 Newcomb St., SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Namon Powell Sr. who died on March 27, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Erika Takia Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1146

Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson Decedent

James Larry Frazier 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Linda Gray, whose address is 9412 Small Drive, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson who died on September 9, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000127

Lillian Marie Nelson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Deidre Renee Coates, whose address is 27 Fairhill Lane, Indian Head, MD 20640, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lillian Marie Nelson who died on October 24, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Deidre Renee Coates

27 Fairhill Lane Indian Head, MD 20640 Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 2/29/2024

Linda Gray

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Crystal Hailstorks 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 148

Geneva Slaughter Decedent

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

Victoria M. Slaughter-Evans and Vanessa E. Slaughter, whose addresses are 5241 Karl Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019 and 5241 Karl Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Geneva Slaughter who died on November 20, 2013 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Victoria M. Slaughter-Evans

Vanessa E. Slaughter 5241 Karl Pl., NE Washington, DC 20019 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 000159

Beverly Ann Thompson Decedent

Sharon Legall

1325 G Street, NW

Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Chevalier Thompson, whose address is 5406 Blaine St., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly Ann Thompson who died on July 9, 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Chevalier Thompson 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 232

Dorothy Elizabeth Parker Decedent

Lisa M. Nentwig, Esq. Dilworth Paxson LLP 1500 Market Street, Suite 3500E Philadelphia, PA 19102

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

Rochelle Kirkley, whose address is 3148 Banneker Drive NE, Washington, DC 20018-1646, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Elizabeth Parker who died on October 24, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/14/2024. 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 9/14/2024, 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: 3/14/2024

Rochelle Kirkley Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000140

Carlos Nicholas Pineda Decedent

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

Amanda Aurora Pineda & Marisol Pineda, whose addresses are 4408 1st Place, NE #24 Washington, DC 20011 & 4425 Arnold Rd., #T1, Suitland, MD 20746, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Carlos Nicholas Pineda who died on 4/5/2019 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Amanda Aurora Pineda

Marisol Pineda 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 000150

Doris A. Robinson

Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 145

Leonard Everett Dowtin

Decedent

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

Carol Elaine Dowtin, whose address is 2905 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leonard Everett Dowtin 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Carol Elaine Dowtin 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 151

Jacquelene W. Riley aka Jacquelene Webb Riley Decedent

Xue F. Connelly, Esq. 616 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney

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

Caroline Marie Riley, whose address is 400 9th St., NE Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacquelene W. Riley aka Jacquelene Webb Riley who died on 12/24/2023 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Caroline Marie Riley Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 536

Betty A. Wimple aka Betty Jones-Wimple Decedent

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

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Charlene Robinson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Bryant McClain, whose address is 1025 Euclid Street, NW, Washington DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty A. Wimple aka Betty Jones-Wimple who died on June 19, 2015 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 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Bryant McClain

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Anthony Edward Guyther 16021 Dorset Road Laurel, MD 20707

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 139

Eugene Griffin Decedent

Yvonne Davis Smith 2501 Northampton Street, NW

Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Inez Griffin, whose address is 345 Oakdale Place, Unit 102, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eugene Griffin who died on September 21, 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Inez Griffin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001377

Mary Twyman-Anigbo Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Ikonna Humphrey, whose address is 1101 3rd St., SW Apt. 808, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Twyman-Anigbo who died on February 1, 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 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Ikonna Humphrey 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

2024 ADM 000138

Mark Scott Watson Decedent

Chidinma Iwuji

419 7th Street, NW

Suite 405 Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Roberto Luis Ungaro, whose address is 10101 Grosvenor Pl., Apt. 1808, Rockville, MD 20852, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mark Scott Watson who died on March 19, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Roberto Luis Ungaro Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

2024 ADM 178

Leroy

Rafael

in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: March 7, 2024

Rafael E. Hackett Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR

2024 ADM 000156

20001-2131

Jacqueline Mattie Wright Decedent

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

Trammell C. Walters, whose address is 4618 Hilltop Terrace SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacqueline Mattie Wright who died on 12/18/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000168

Theresa P Cashman Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jennifer Moffet and John Cashman, whose addresses are 3409 S 27th Ave Bozeman, MT 59718 and 3705 Brandywine St., NW Washington DC 20016, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Theresa P Cashman who died on 11/19/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Jennifer Moffet

John Cashman

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

230, Largo, MD 20774.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 9/14/2024 (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) October 10, 2024, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 9/14/2024 (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.

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

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

Date of First Publication: 3/14/2024

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq.

Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000014

January 23, 2023

Date of Death

Hattie M. Meade

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Willie B. Meade whose address is 3703 Eton Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Hattie M. Meade, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on November 7, 2023.

Service of process may be made upon Kathleen T. Gale, 201 Eye Street, NE, Apt 1117, Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1421 G Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. 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: 3/14/2024

Willie B. Meade

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000146

Elsie B. Brooks Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Donna L. Brooks, whose address is 2715 29th Street SE #A209, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elsie B. Brooks who died on July 12, 2017 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Donna L. Brooks 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 000199

Chad Alexander Thompson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Robert W. Thompson, whose address is 8702 Reicher Street, Landover, Maryland 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Chad Alexander Thompson who died on 11/9/2023 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 September 14, 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 September 14, 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: March 14, 2024

Robert W. Thompson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 849

James Silver Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Barbara E. Johnson, whose address is 5093 Sands Rd., Mail PO Box 253, Lothian, MD 20711, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Silver who died on February 13, 2018 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 9/14/2024. 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 9/14/2024, 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: 3/14/2024

Barbara E. Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 201

Anna L. Mayo Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Charisma Green, whose address is 670 Rhode Island Ave. #601A, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anna L. Mayo who died on November 16, 2016 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/14/2024. 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 9/14/2024, 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: 3/14/2024

Charisma Green Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000079

September 5, 2018

Date of Death

Mack L. Pressey Jr Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Milton R Talley III whose address is 1004 Black Oak Court, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Mack L. Pressey Jr., deceased, by the Probate Court for Beaufort County, State of South Carolina, on September 17, 2018. Service of process may be made upon Matthew Talley, 4408 6th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20017 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: 1122 Chaplin Street SE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 3/14/2024

Milton R Talley III Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Declaration of Nationality Protocol In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Pedro Tyri Winfrey© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ PEDRO TYRI WINFREY©", corp.sole Dba.: "PEDRO T. WINFREY© "; PEDRO WINFREY, WINFREY, PEDRO T, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: "Pedro Tyri Winfrey© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “tyri azu amadi©” 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 Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Illinois Department of Public Health-Division of Vital Records : STATE FILE NUMBER: 112-1983 6010736, "PEDRO TYRI WINFREY©", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "Thrive Regardless 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: "tyri azu amadi©", nom deguerre: "Pedro Tyri Winfrey", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: "Thrive Regardless Trust©", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

CLASSIFIEDS

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After Mendelson summoned law enforcement to escort protesters outside the chambers, acts of civil disobedience continued on the fifth floor of the Wilson Building.

For more than an hour, protesters chanted in opposition to genocide as police officers formed groups on both sides of hallway. In their remarks, some protesters went on to decry what they described as the D.C. Council’s complicity in Palestinian deaths.

Some, like Salim, did so while holding a sign that said “D.C. Council Legacy = Genocide.”

“It's heartbreaking honestly and maddening as well, especially given that the council welcomed AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Council), collaborated with them and took their money,” Salim, a Northwest resident of nearly four years, told The Informer shortly after Monday’s protest.

“That means they're aiding and abetting genocide,” he continued. “I plan to stay in D.C. for the foreseeable future because I love this city but to know that my representatives are siding with the genocide of my people in Gaza is an insane thing.”

By the time Palestinian Muslims started the holy month of Ramadan this week, more than 30,000 of their countrypeople lost their lives with a permanent cease-fire increasingly becoming unlikely.

With nothing beyond canned food within their reach, and food prices reaching exorbitant levels, many Palestinian families have been unable to break a fast that many argue started long before Muslims spotted the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia.

Though the Biden administration continues to support Israel, its rhetoric toward the situation in Gaza has incrementally shifted over the last few days.

Earlier in March, Vice President Kamala Harris implored the Israeli government to increase the flow of aid to the Palestinian people. She later called for a six-week cease-fire, not quite what proponents of a more permanent, human solution were seeking. This development comes just after the U.S. vetoed a United Nations Security Council cease-fire resolution and reaffirmed support for Israel after its forces killed more than 100 Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid.

ACTIVISTS MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD

Monday’s act of civil disobedience at the Wilson Building counted

among at least three to take place in the weeks since Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old U.S. Air Force serviceman, died after setting himself on fire outside of the Israeli Embassy.

Earlier this month, Hagler and several others interrupted a Committee of the Whole performance oversight hearing. For several minutes, he commanded Mendelson’s attention and that of D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) as they explained the significance of a cease-fire resolution.

Last Friday, Shallal and other members of a cease-fire group confronted D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) as she delivered remarks at the Artomatic 2024 kickoff. That day, another cease-fire organizing group, that included Green Party D.C. congressional candidate Kymone Freeman, waited outside of D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office to demand her support for this cause.

As reported in a previous Informer story, at least two council members -- Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Robert White (DAt large) -- have expressed support for a cease-fire. At a March 4 legislative media briefing, D.C. Council Chairman Mendelson (D) told The Informer that, while he plans to meet with Hagler, he doesn’t foresee the passage of a cease-fire resolution in the future.

Activists watching the exchange between Mendelson and the Informer in Room 412 of the Wilson Building the next day didn’t take well to Mendelson’s response. On social media, they cited his decision to place blue lights on the John A. Wilson Building blue in recognition of the Israeli lives lost last October, and more recently, his efforts to rename an alley near the Russian Embassy in honor of martyred dissident Alexei Navalny.

On Tuesday, Hagler pledged to keep protesting.

“We’ve got to make them understand that there are repercussions to their perspective,”Hagler told fellow protesters on the fifth floor of the Wilson Building. “We will never accept that the killing in Gaza is inconsequential. That’s what the chairperson said,” Hagler continued. “They know that killing is consequential to us in D.C. as well as in Gaza. We are here to make a statement [for] the human family: our children and sisters and brothers in Gaza and the rest back in D.C.”

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@SamPKCollins

chase Act is a different type of conversation that adds 18 months of time to when a building is for sale,” said Nina Albert, D.C.’s deputy mayor for planning and economic development and one of several people who joined D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) at the Elle on Monday morning. “That could limit investors’ interest in doing business in the District and we don't want that to happen. We want people to have opportunities for home ownership but we don't want to deter investors. There's a shared interest and intent to strike that right balance.”

Such a perspective has sparked concern among tenant advocates who fear further decimation of TOPA.

Sources told The Informer about a late February email in which developers and associations -- including Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners, District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA), and Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND) -- lobbied the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for TOPA exemptions that target buildings 25 years or newer and those receiving government support.

Neither DHCD’s public information officer, nor DCBIA responded to requests for comment.

In a statement, Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners acknowledged TOPA’s historical significance while requesting all stakeholders to find ways to enhance the preservation and production of housing that's accessible to everyone. HAND also responded to The Informer's inquiry, saying that its primary focus is informing policy makers about the aspects of TOPA that “pose risks to vulnerable populations and jeopardize the District's ability to produce and preserve affordable housing.”

HAND’s spokesperson wouldn't specify further.

Those exemptions, if materialized, would build upon previous exemptions that narrowed the scope of TOPA over the years. For instance, the D.C. Council approved the 10-year exemption of office-to-residential conversions during the last budget cycle.

In 2018, the council exempted single-family homes from TOPA, much to the chagrin of D.C. residents, including then-council candidate Janeese Lewis George. She later defeated then- Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Brandon Todd, the architect of that legislation, in his 2020 reelection bid.

In recent weeks, D.C. Jobs With Justice conducted two town halls while partnering with the D.C. metropolitan

area Democratic Socialists of America’s Stomp Out Slumlords Coalition on a walking history tour about TOPA.

On Tuesday, the Stomp Out Slumlords Coalition organized a rally on the front steps of the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest. Dozens of organizers held up signs designating housing as a human right and expressing love for TOPA.

Damiana Dendy, a housing organizer who’s affiliated with D.C. Jobs with Justice counted among those who took to the microphone, imploring the council to not only preserve TOPA but secure funding that will allow tenants to follow through with the process.

Doing so, Dendy said, would prevent further displacement at a time when D.C. residents are grappling with increasing living costs. Dendy and colleagues later engaged in dialogue with staff members of At-large D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D).

This meeting, Dendy explained, counted as part of a preemptive strike against developers who, to their knowledge, have yet to put further TOPA exemptions in writing.

“Considering that this is the fourth huge wave of gentrification and privatization that’s pushed on the city the hardest, [the breakdown of TOPA] would exacerbate it like crazy… It wouldn’t help with affordable housing,” Dendy told The Informer. “D.C. Councilmember Robert White said in one of the oversight hearings that he wouldn’t touch TOPA, but that wouldn’t mean he wouldn’t amend. We need to make sure he doesn’t gut it.”

Through TOPA, tenants have been able to purchase rental properties during sales, preserve affordable housing and prevent displacement. In the process of doing so, tenants form tenant associations, make purchase offers, and oftentimes assign their rights

to a community-based organization charged with developing the property in a manner that ensures tenants can stay.

The largest concentration of TOPA deals, according to a report conducted by the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development, took place in Wards 1, 4, and 8.

When tenants at 11 Nicholson Street NW declared their right of first refusal in 2021, they immediately searched for a community-based organization that would help them transition into a limited equity cooperative and start the modernization of their apartment.

After plans fizzled with Square and Lot, Inc., tenants partnered with Mi Casa, a provider, facilitator and advocate for inclusive, affordable housing in underserved communities throughout the D.C. metropolitan region. After that, they acquired a low-interest loan that turned into mortgage payments on par with what they had been paying for years.

Even though the modernization of 11 Nicholson Street is five years away, and the extent of such a project has yet to be determined, some residents, like ChelseaDee Harrision, are embracing the realities of homeownership.

Harrision, a millennial teaching artist, serves as a board member and secretary of the 11 NIcholson Cooperative, Inc., which has been in existence since 2022. She told The Informer that, in her role, she keeps her fellow residents up to speed about building operations so they, as a collective, can weigh in on a course of action.

She said the most difficult, yet interesting, part of her job involves reminding her neighbors about the increased level of involvement that’s required of them as homeowners.

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Read more on washingtoninformer.com

5 Bearing signs and chanting, protestors took to the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest, D.C. to advocate for continued protections under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) on March 12. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

EDELMAN from Page 26

a wide range of data to score each of these categories individually before calculating a combined score, and this year's Equality Index was 75.7%. In economics and health, scores were closer to full equality this year than they were in 2005, but in other areas the numbers are slipping in the wrong direction.

This year's report also examines some of the recent and pending cases and legislation that threaten the Civil Rights Act, including the Supreme Court decisions in 303 Creative v. Elenis, which

CROWELL from Page 27

sit by while that dream is denied to hard-working and deserving Americans based on discriminatory practices and algorithms."

Navy Federal said in a December 2023 statement that its more than $3.5 billion in mortgages to Black borrowers in 2022 show its "longstanding commitment to expanding credit and economic opportunity to Black borrowers."

But the number of people calling to hold Navy Federal accountable is growing, and now includes civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, 10 U.S. senators, over 20 members of Congress, consumer advocates and others.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters, ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee called for federal agencies to begin investigations.

"Credit unions are owned by their members and while this type of discrimination may be par for the course for a profit-driven megabank, a member-driven credit union should know better," said Waters.

"As a private institution that bears the name of an esteemed branch of the United States military, Navy Federal must explain both to Congress and their members how such practices took place, what immediate steps are being taken to correct the harm done, and who in man-

BAILEY from Page 27

seeing a modern dance company in action. After experiencing Alvin's "Revelations," I became a strong supporter and to this day I consider him one of the greatest cultural artists we have ever had.

Another quote from Alvin's autobiography shows why we react

eroded protections of LGBTQ rights, and the case striking down race-conscious university admissions policies. We can't afford to slide backwards—and we certainly can't afford retrenchment towards the unequal and unjust systems the Civil Rights Act was meant to address. Essays by President Joe Biden, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge and many other civic and corporate leaders underscore the same message.

As the 2024 election primary

agement will be held responsible," Waters continued. "These abuses will not be tolerated, and I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, National Credit Union Administration, and other appropriate agencies to promptly investigate this matter."

Consumers Union, a nonprofit advocacy group, added its support.

"The large racial disparity found between loan approvals for applicants with roughly the same financial profile raises serious concerns that Navy Federal may be unfairly discriminating against Black and Latino applicants," said Jennifer Chien, CU's senior policy counsel for financial fairness.

In a joint letter on Jan. 11, 2024, 10 U.S. senators led by Senate Banking Committee Chair Sherrod Brown urged the CFPB Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Department HUD to investigate the issue:

"As the regulators with primary responsibility for enforcing ECOA and the Fair Housing Act, we ask that you thoroughly review Navy Federal's mortgage lending practices and outcomes for compliance with all federal fair housing and fair lending laws and regulations. Navy Federal's members have made countless sacrifices in their service to our country. We must do all we can to ensure illegal barriers are not placed on their

that way: "I am not afraid to say that there's not one song in Revelations that doesn't hold listener's interests. The songs are poetic and the rhythm that grows out of them is Black rhythm. The songs are truthful and a real coming together of music and ideas through dance. The songs also represent a coming together of many things

season continues, Americans are focusing on the real choices that lie ahead for their states and our nation. Reports like this one help paint a picture of where we are and where we need to be in order to achieve the full measures of equality every child and young person deserve. One of the tenets in the National Urban League's framework for collective activism is to defend democracy—and this begins with the urgency of registering to vote. As they also say: Our freedoms are not free. Be sure you are doing your part to defend them! WI

path to homeownership."

Even more lawmaker support came on Feb. 28 in a joint letter from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition that called upon six federal agencies to investigate and report on their findings.

"[T]he federal financial regulators have a duty to 'affirmatively further fair housing,' which means they must take meaningful actions that overcome and do not further entrench patterns of segregation and systemic disinvestment, such as through redlining, based on protected classes under the law," wrote the lawmakers. WI

"Credit unions are owned by their members and while this type of discrimination may be par for the course for a profit-driven megabank, a member-driven credit union should know better," said Waters.

in my head — of youthful energy and enthusiasm, of my concerns about projecting the Black image proudly. … They reflect my own feelings about being pressed into the ground of Texas …"

Those of us who experience Alvin's Revelations have the same feeling.

WI

WILLIAMS from Page 27

that keep him going to court more often than he spends time working for the people. He's made health care cheaper. He's bringing down

HARRIS from Page 27

the cancer is detected during the early stage.

While there are numerous reasons for why this disparity between Black and white men exists — decades of structural racism, environmental issues, certain comorbidities, different molecular pathways in the body of Black men — a great deal of the reason comes down to the fact that Black men are disproportionately not being screened for prostate cancer as early or as regularly as White men.

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology by a team at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center found that Black men get fewer PSA (prostate specific antigen) screenings; they are more likely to be diagnosed with later stage cancer; they are less likely to have health insurance; and they have less access to high-quality care and other disparities that can be linked to a lower overall socioeconomic status.

Given his platform as Secretary of Defense, I am happy that Aus-

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areas that bear a disproportionate brunt of health and environmental hazards due to their close proximity to sources of pollution and development. They are most often communities of color and low-income communities.

Residents of the Shiloh community are educated … they are business owners … many of them are veterans. They have advantages that people in some other neighborhoods sacrificed to development do not have. But simply by speaking up and advocating for themselves, Shiloh residents have become targets of racist hate. There have been incidents of racial harassment ever since the community started receiving news coverage of their plight. A chilling reminder of what white supremacy looks like in the deep South.

Pastor Williams has seen it firsthand. His restaurant's clientele is mostly white. One customer told him that he and others had been

the high cost of late fees on credit cards. He supports unions and is the first president to go on a picket line to support hardworking people. He's far from an angry old man like the MAGA guy. He's

tin recognized his duty to be open and honest about his battle with this disease. And in doing so, he now joins groups and individuals who are already working on spreading awareness for prostate screenings who can act as guideposts.

For example, Mount Sinai Medical Center recently unveiled the Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit, which will visit New York City neighborhoods where men could be at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The mobile home sized bus is named after the African American philanthropist and venture capitalist who donated almost $4 million to launch the program. Smith, who has led many philanthropic endeavors aimed at supporting the African-American community, obviously realizes that it takes a preemptive approach to combat the scourge of prostate cancer by going directly into the communities most affected by the disease. In announcing the prostate screening initiative, Smith tied it to larger inequities in our

told to boycott the eatery because Williams had been vocal about the crisis facing the Shiloh community.

Elba, Alabama also happens to be the hometown of Dr. Robert Bullard. Dr. Bullard is known as the "Father of Environmental Justice." He literally wrote the book — actually many books, including one titled "Highway Robbery" — on environmental racism. And his extensive scholarship has earned him a spot on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

Now, Elba has become a textbook example of the environmental harm of racist zoning and transportation policies Dr. Bullard has taught so many of us about. More than a mere twist of cosmic irony, it shows how pervasive the problem of environmental racism is — that the hometown of our nation's great warrior for Environmental Justice, who has helped countless people and communities, is still vulnerable to its impacts.

opening an office to work against gun violence. He works to make America better and his term is not over yet! He proved that age ain't nothing but a number!

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society that leave African Americans behind. "It's unconscionable that in our great country and at this moment of technological breakthrough, Black Americans are still subject to staggeringly worse health outcomes," he said. "We can fix this."

Thankfully there are individuals like Smith and now Austin to use their platforms to spread awareness for this deadly — yet very treatable — form of cancer and ensure that more people don't die needlessly. WI

Given his platform as Secretary of Defense, I am happy that Austin recognized his duty to be open and honest about his battle with this disease.

Ultimately, the Alabama Department of Transportation and Governor Kay Ivey are the ones who have the ability and responsibility to fix it and compensate the community's residents for all they have lost. So far all they have done is deny wrongdoing and dupe Shiloh residents into signing away their rights.

An ABC News investigation found the state "used an aggressive legal tool to prevent the residents — and future owners of their land — from the possibility of holding the state government accountable through the court system." Pastor Williams and several other residents received settlements of $5,000 or less that the governor herself signed off on.

Dr. Bullard has said he hopes 2024 will be the year for justice for Shiloh. As Pastor Williams and others from the community continue to sound the alarm and raise awareness, all of us should be joining them.

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