July 18, 2026 - July 24, 2026 The Afro-American A13
Will Milam Continued from A12 he said. “During my career, which began in the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and with the majority of my years being spent in Prince George’s County, I’ve found that residents throughout the state appreciate us – those who are brave enough to serve and protect anyone and everyone.” Milam, who was sworn-in as a deputy sheriff on his 21st birthday, has served as a patrol officer and public information officer. He retired on Feb. 1, 2025, as the chief assistant sheriff for Prince George’s County. As the second-in-command of the agency, Milam managed and coordinated the activities of four major bureaus: administration, field operations, court services, and professional accountability. He’s confident that the relationships he has forged and the skills he has developed will serve him well in his new role as Montgomery County’s Sheriff. In fact, he’s already begun to assemble his transition team, to identify those who will become members of his executive team, and to hold conversations with public officials and community stakeholders as he further explains his goals.
“As we build bridges together, it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck philosophy,” he said. “For far too long, law enforcement has operated within silos, believing we had all the answers. But the answers rest with the community: stakeholders, faith-based groups, nonprofits committed to increasing and improving youth services and other county-based organizations. “We’re going to expand the kinds of services provided by our employees and officers so that people see us as more than just folks who carry out the court’s protective orders and arrest warrants,” said Milam. “And while it may sound like a lofty goal, I believe we can put an end to incidents of domestic violence – a crisis hiding in plain sight that affects not only the targeted victim, but all of us.” Milam said it’s important to help people understand that silence related to domestic violence or allowing learned, inappropriate behaviors to become normalized are unacceptable. “It will take the entire community, speaking up and speaking out, if we’re going to turn things around,” he said, before addressing concerns regarding young people and crime diversion initiatives. “As for youth, the sheriff’s office is going to take the lead in offering services and programs for
our young people. Everyone benefits if we invest in children when they’re 13, rather than waiting until they’re 23 and have done something that leads to their arrest.” Milam enters his new position with the overwhelming endorsement of the local union, UFCW Local 1994/McGEO. According to the organization’s president, Gino Renne, UFCW Local 1994/ McGEO is composed of an estimated 8,000 members – civilians and sworn deputies who live in Maryland and account for more than 300 different job classifications. Renne said the race for sheriff became more heated last year after nearly 80 percent of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office signed a vote of no confidence petition that targeted then-Sheriff Maxwell Uy. Among union members’ concerns were leadership and management style, workplace conditions, and the future of the department. “The overarching factor that led to the vote of no confidence was because the administration had cultivated and perpetuated an intensely hostile environment,” Renne said. “There wasn’t any room for collaboration or independent creativity, nor was there any interest in working with the union to broaden the scope of services.” Renne said that he is “both personally and professionally encouraged by the changing
of the guard, as are most of the union’s members.” “It’s gratifying that we finally have a forward-thinking sheriff who has the vision and skills to take the department to the next level,” said Renne. “Finally, we’re going to have the support of the sheriff and his executive team and be provided the kinds of training and resources that we’ve requested for decades so we can serve our community better.” Milam said despite receiving the endorsement of the union and his impressive margin of victory he secured from voters, he remains keenly aware that he must now keep his promises which he made during the campaign. “Those who lead the police or fire department are chosen and appointed but that’s not the case in the sheriff’s office,” Milam said. “The voters chose the person they want to take the helm and so my being elected means I have accepted an awesome responsibility. “ Milam said he will be out on an educational campaign throughout the county in the coming months. “After I officially take office, I must prove to the voters that I’m doing the job,” he said, “Doing the kinds of things and making the kinds of changes that led them to give me their vote.”
RFK Campus Master Plan Continued from A12 perspective, the parking garages are still the top concern,” said Payne. “There is a lot of frustration.” Payne praised Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D) for the project labor agreement and the binding agreement with the Commander last summer. This secured union jobs for D.C. residents with an expectation that 51 percent of the workforce are D.C residents. “Her work on securing union jobs for D.C. residents was one of the main reasons why I endorsed her,” said Payne. “She secured the project labor agreement. I think that is a positive benefit for D.C. residents.” Payne acknowledged concerns regarding traffic congestion and lack of transportation along the narrow Oklahoma Avenue once the stadium opens in 2030. “Whenever you’re bringing in 4,000 cars into a neighborhood it’s going to put a strain on residents. There’s a general sense that something that the community would benefit from, like a Metro station, there’s not enough political will to deliver it,” Payne said. Payne received positive responses from local residents about the draft, specifically The Fields, the proposed sportsplex and the environment preservation. “Anything to increase recreational activities in the neighborhood is a welcomed plus,” said Payne. “I think it is encouraging to see that The Fields at RFK
will remain—a victory we got during negotiations with the [D.C. Council].” Payne said that changes could still be made to the stadium plan under the incoming mayor. She was confident in George’s involvement. Payne said, “There is more political will behind delivering things for the community and not just for the team.” Ward 7 resident and arborist Charles Bolston told the AFRO that the wards’ residents should be given first priority to fill the anticipated jobs. “Whether it’s the RFK Stadium, grocery stores, townhouses or green space, close to 100 percent of those employees should be District residents and the training should start now,” said Bolston.
Environmental concerns
D.C. resident Lora Nunn, board member of the Friends of Kingman Park Civic Association gave her response on the topic of environmental concerns. “One of the concerns through the entire D.C. environmental community is the environmental impact of the stadium, specifically because of its proximity to Kingman and Heritage Islands,” said Nunn. “We provided feedback on zero waste concerns and making sure the stadium is built out to minimize trash and recycling.” Mayor Bowser’s Office and leaders from the Office of Planning are seeking community feedback on the draft within a 45-day period up to Aug. 14. The
director of the Office of Planning, Anita Cozart, wants residents to voice their opinions. “We want to hear–what are the things that we got right, and what are some of the things that need a little bit more revision?” Cozart said. The original plan held the 6,000 housing units with 30 percent designated as affordable housing, green space and parking garages. This included 30,000 construction jobs in developing the stadium along with 2,000 permanent jobs once completed. The Stadium District was planned for restaurants, entertainment and hotels. This district consisted of 29.3 acres. Outside of Commanders games, the stadium would hold multiple sporting events and concerts throughout the year, hosting up to 200 events. The Plaza District consisted of housing, open green space and parks for activities and festivals during the NFL season and offseason. The Riverfront District held restaurants, housing and retail space and took 19.4 acres on the campus. This oversaw the Anacostia River and was in proximity to the Hill East neighborhood. Kingman Commons would have more green spaces and parks next to the residential Kingman Park neighborhood. A parking garage with a screen of foliage was shown. The sports complex was on the site. The district used 23 acres with 3.4 remaining in open space. The Recreation District was
Data Centers Continued from A12
Photo courtesy of D.C. Office of Planning
Shown here, an official rendering of the RFK Campus Master Plan draft, released June 30. planned to extend The Fields and focus on green space. An access point to the stadium was shown. An access point to the Metro was highlighted alongside underground parking. The district size was 32.2 acres with the remaining 27.7 in open space. Anacostia Commons extended along the riverbank with focus on environmental preservation into the Kingman and Heritage Islands. The space used 30 acres with 30 remaining in open space. The AFRO reached out to the office of Councilmember Wendell
Felder of Ward 7 for a response on the draft but did not receive an answer in its entirety, however the office provided an update on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget plan in an email. “In the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget the Council secured funding both to expand planning for Phase 1 of the Gold Line to extend from Union Station to the Benning Road Metro Station and for enhancements to the Stadium Armory Metro Station to accommodate the expected influx in visitors.”
observed the construction of these data centers in close proximity to residential and commercial areas. The long-term impacts of these data centers, particularly over the next two decades, have not been fully vetted or understood yet.” Others urged the council to shorten the proposed timeline, arguing that a lengthy pause could discourage investment. “While we agree that thoughtful planning and responsible development should be the hierarchy, a two-year moratorium is too long,” Alexander Austin, representing Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce, told the council. The measure ultimately passed despite the opposition. Council member Tim Adams cast the only vote against the moratorium, citing the period of two years as too long, while three other council members abstained from voting. AFRO Interns Morgan Carpenter, Andrew Hall, Briannia Robinson and Makayla Walker contributed to this article.
True Reformer Building Continued from A12
Photo Courtesy Amanda Archibald, Public Welfare Foundation
A mural honoring the ancestors, created by veteran muralist and native Washingtonian Kaliq Crosby, hangs prominently from the ceiling in the historic True Reformer Building.
pioneers and highlighting histories through vibrant, emotionally resonant portraiture,” Crosby says, in information available on his website. “My murals serve as visual anchors in underserved neighborhoods, often transforming public spaces into platforms for education, pride and storytelling.” Jones said experiencing works by creatives like Crosby was essential to her vision of bringing greater exposure both to the building because of its historic significance and to the artists who because of their gender, ethnicity, place of birth or economic status, have often been ignored and marginalized. “Some describe efforts to overlook or diminish the accomplishments of those who are not part of the dominant class, culture and color as intentional erasures,” Jones said. “Humans decide what to honor and what should be viewed as sacred.” A relative newcomer on the art scene who has several works featured in the building is Samsins (born Samson Akanmu)
– a Nigerian American Maryland-based artist known for his signature “crayon-esque” flowers and bold, graphic motifs. Samsins has been drawing since childhood, but only began to concentrate on painting a year ago. He made his public debut at the Black Boy Art Show earlier this year in D.C. where he received strong support and encouragement for his work. “I like to create visual worlds that explore the vulnerability, identity, memory, and complexities of being Black in the world today,” Samsins said. “I paint what I know – lived experiences. And I focus on transforming those experiences into emotionally charged storytelling. Samsins added that while he’s not sure why Jones and her team selected his three paintings that can be viewed on the first floor, he’s honored that they have. Amber W. Harding, a D.C.-based attorney, serves as the executive director for the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless – one of the first tenants of the True Reformer Building who moved in the building after renovations were
Photo Courtesy Public Welfare Foundation
Candice C. Jones, president and CEO of the Public Welfare Foundation, continues to direct a masterful transformation of the historic True Reformers Building, located along the U Street corridor, with pieces of art created by Black, brown, and indigenous artists. completed and it was reopened to the community. “We were offered the space in the fall of 2003 and we’ve been there ever since,” Harding said. “Our organization envisions a District of Columbia where housing is a human right, racial justice is a reality, and all people have true and meaningful access to the
resources needed to thrive. “The True Reformer Building has a long, storied history in D.C. and has been particularly meaningful to Black D.C. residents, both as a place of historic achievement and as a gathering place and social space.” Read more on AFRO.com