Afro e-Edition 02-09-2024

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Volume 132 No. 28

FEBRUARY 10 , 2024 - FEBRUARY 16, 2024

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Black artists shake up 2024 Grammy Awards

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

AP Photo/Richard Shotwell

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Black artists, musicians and producers are calling for change in the way the Recording Academy operates, even as they are honored on the Grammy stage. Shown here from left to right, top to bottom: Travis Scott performing a medley of his hits to a receptive crowd; Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter with daughter Blue Ivy; Victoria Monet posing in the press room with the Grammy awards for best new artist, best engineered album and best R&B album, for “Jaguar II;” Brandy (bottom, left), Burna Boy and 21 Savage performing “Sitting on top of the World,” as Burna Boy enjoys the distinction of being the first Afobeats performer on stage at the Grammys, and Tracy Chapman (left) with Luke Combs, performing her hit song, “Fast Car.”

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO

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The 2024 Grammy Awards unfolded in all its glamor and glory on Feb. 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking a triumphant return to music’s biggest night after a brief hiatus. Hosted once again by Trevor Noah, the event showcased a dazzling array of talent, with nominees and performers gracing the red carpet in their finest attire.

The pre-show premiere ceremony set the stage for the day’s celebrations, where numerous awards were bestowed upon deserving artists. However, it was during the main event that the magic truly unfolded,

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with electrifying performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches captivating audiences worldwide.

African-American artists shine bright African American artists dazzled in the spotlight throughout the evening, with SZA delivering a stellar performance that left audiences mesmerized. Taking total command of the Grammys stage, she performed some of her biggest hits off her recent record, “SOS,” including “Snooze” and “Kill Bill.”

Channeling the night’s general aesthetic of female empowerment, SZA’s performance left a lasting impression, culminating in her Grammy win for best R&B song for “Snooze.”

Grammys pay homage to Tracy Chapman Legendary singer Tracy Chapman performed with contemporary country singer Luke Combs for a live, modern-day rendition of her 1988 hit “Fast Car.” The two traded verses and harmonized, creating an iconic moment in history. Chapman’s appearance marked her first televised performance in four years, adding to the significance of the collaboration.

Travis Scott brought his signature energy to the stage, performing three songs off his recent album, Utopia. Infused with anger and morose, Scott’s performance was intense and memorable– albeit slightly bizarre– once he started slamming chairs on the Grammys

stage. With a brief cameo from Playboi Carti, Scott left a lasting impression on the evening.

Burna Boy makes history Burna Boy took to the stage as the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammys.

Teaming up with Brandy and 21 Savage for a live performance of “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” the trio brought positive vibes and good energy to the stage, representing the diversity and global reach of music.

Jay-Z calls out the Recording Academy– on their own stage A highlight of the night was undoubtedly

Continued on A3

Federal jury hands down split verdict in Marilyn Mosby mortgage fraud trial

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer Tmcqueen@afro.com A federal jury found former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby guilty on one count of making false statements on a mortgage application concerning a condominium in Long Boat Key, Fla. The jury acquitted her for a second count of mortgage fraud with a home in Kissimmee, Fla. Mosby could be heard sobbing as the verdict was read aloud on Feb. 6.

In this case, Mosby could get a max of 30 years in prison for each count.

Sentencing has not been set yet.

AP Photo/ Julio Cortez

Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby is found guilty of submitting a false mortgage application concerning a property in Florida on Feb. 6 in Greenbelt, Md. She was acquitted of another count of mortgage fraud.

Before this, Mosby was convicted on two counts of perjury in federal court in accordance with funds she acquired while falsely claiming COVID-19 hardships in November 2023.

Mosby faces a max of five years in person for each count of perjury.

According to the 2022 indictment of Mosby, she did not experience financial hardships from COVID-19 and received her complete gross salary of $247,955.58 from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 29, 2020, in bi-weekly payments of $9,183.54.

Both trials occurred in Greenbelt, Md., in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Mosby’s supporters came

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out again in large numbers, gathering around her several times throughout the day and after the verdict.

“It’s not what the supporters expected,” said Hakki Ammi, a Mosby supporter from Baltimore.

“It’s a painful story. Some things that happen in

Continued on A3

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A2 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

In Memoriam: Tributes pour in for host, activist Joe Madison

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Tributes continued to pour in throughout Friday for Joe Madison, the talk show host, activist and philanthropist known as “The Black Eagle.” After a lengthy bout with prostate cancer, the popular SiriusXM host died on Feb. 1. He was 74.

Madison’s death comes as America observes the start of Black History Month.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers stated, “On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, representing the Black press of America, we express our profound condolences to the family of Joe Madison. As a trailblazer and consistent freedom fighter journalist and broadcaster, Joe Madison embodied the essence and courage to speak truth to power.”

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also offered their thoughts.

“Whether it was a hunger strike for voting rights or his advocacy for anti-lynching legislation that I was proud to sign in 2022, Joe fought hard against injustice,” Biden stated. Madison aligned his platform with his purpose, Harris added. “Through his decadeslong career in radio, he championed the fight for equity and justice. Our nation is better because of his voice.”

According to his official bio, the native of Dayton, Ohio, was an All-Conference running back at Washington University in St. Louis where he was also a baritone soloist in the university choir and a disc jockey at the campus radio station. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology, becoming the first person in his family to graduate college.

At age 24, he became the youngest executive director of the NAACP’s Detroit branch before being appointed the organization’s national political director and eventually being elected to the National Board of Directors where he served for 14 years. During his tenure at the NAACP, Madison led hundreds of volunteers on a series of successful voter registration marches, including a cross-country “March for Dignity” from Los Angeles to Baltimore. The marches

AP Photo Chris Pizzello

Friends and family members of the legendary radio show host and activist Joe Madison are still mourning his Feb. 1 death. garnered thousands of signatures for an antiapartheid bill in Congress.

Madison’s radio career began in 1980 at Detroit’s WXYZ. He continued his broadcast journey to WWDB in Philadelphia, WWRC and WOL in Washington, DC. The popularity of his WOL program led to syndication on the Radio One Talk Network and its XM satellite channel which merged with Sirius to become SiriusXM in 2008. In 2023, Madison celebrated his 15th anniversary with SiriusXM. In 2015, Madison set the Guinness World Record for the longest on-air broadcast, 52 hours. During the record-breaking show, he raised more than $250,000 for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Five months later, Madison made history again by broadcasting live from Cuba and becoming the first American radio host to do so in more than 50 years.

In 2021, Madison went on a 73-day hunger strike to encourage passage of voting rights bills. Unbeknownst to his listeners, he was fighting prostate cancer during his hunger strike. When asked if he understood the danger he was in, he replied, “I am willing to die.”

His bio further noted that a few months after his hunger strike, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act passed in the Senate with the

help of Madison’s continued push on the radio.

His efforts were noticed by many, including the then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who publicly thanked him for another fight for justice.

Madison and his wife Sharon have been married for more than 45 years and they currently reside in Washington, D.C. Their blended family includes four children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In a statement, Madison’s family invited fans and friends to send condolences. “Joe dedicated his life to fighting for all those who are undervalued, underestimated and marginalized. On air he often posed the question, ‘What are you going to do about it?’. Although he is no longer with us, we hope you will join us in answering that call by continuing to be proactive in the fight against injustice. The outpouring of prayers and support over the last few months lifted Joe’s spirits and strengthened us as a family.

We continue to ask for privacy as we gather together to support each other through this difficult time.”

This article was originally published by NNPA Newswire.

joemadison.com Joe Madison (left), the talk show host, activist and philanthropist known as “The Black Eagle,” shares a happy moment with fellow journalists and activists Roland Martin and Rev. Mark Thompson.

Brooklyn Museum pays homage to Spike Lee with exhibit Your History • Your Community • Your News

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By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO Recently, the AFRO took a look at Spike Lee’s special exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum in New York. The exhibit opened on Oct. 7, taking thousands on a journey through his collection of art, photos and memorabilia– all connected to his career, interests and life.

Lee, born in Atlanta and raised in Brooklyn, is an Academy Award and prime time Emmy winner, screenwriter, actor, director and author. His museum exhibit, “Spike Lee: Creative Sources,” was a compilation of some of his most prized possessions, which helped fuel

his world renowned projects.

Over 450 pieces of his personal collection, taken from his home and the Brooklynbased 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks studio, were

“There’s something about Brooklyn. It’s the people, the diversity, the culture, the people who make up this great borough.” included in the exhibit. Lee shared that it was just a small portion of pieces amassed over his lifetime.

“It’s been difficult to dwindle down– even with

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this show. There is still a lot of stuff that can’t make it because there is only a limited amount of space,” he said in an interview with the Brooklyn Museum. “I’m still collecting,

Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Legendary media mogul Spike Lee is receiving his flowers after decades of hard work, as the Brooklyn Museum recently joined the list of institutions honoring the actor, director and producer.

and I’m not stopping now,” he said.

It is safe to say you did not have to be an art fanatic to find your place at the exhibit.

There was something in his collection for everyone The exhibit was an ode to music, Black history and culture, sports, Brooklyn and collectors.

A proud graduate of Morehouse College class of 1979, Lee also paid homage to his alma mater and Spelman College, where his mother and grandmother graduated from.

The exhibit also highlighted his father’s heavy music background and his brother’s love for photography.

The rooms mimicked a movie set with wood outlines that contrasted with the vibrant colors on the walls. Visitors could view photographs and signed items from civil rights activists, such as Angela Davis

and authors such as Alice Walker. Many of the items included in the installation were signed by some of the world’s most renowned figures.

One-of-a-kind pieces, such as a guitar gifted by the late great Prince, Air Jordans worn during a winning game from Micheal Jordan and a magazine signed to Lee by Kobe Bryant were on display as well.

The die hard New York Knicks fan, Lee had a room dedicated to the team. He even collected the basketball net from their first world championship win in 1970, which he witnessed at age 13. Original ticket stubs, newspaper clippings and jerseys worn by those he calls heroes took over the space.

Visitors were able to get a taste of Brooklyn’s culture by sitting and taking photos on a prop stoop. A message behind it read, “There’s something about Brooklyn.” Lee said the secret lies in “the diversity, the culture [and] the people who make up this great borough.”

“I mean I grew up here,” said the legendary creative.

“It’s developed the person who I am and who I’ve become, and so therefore, that has been the subject of a lot of my films.”

A few hours were needed to fully take in the exhibit, as it was definitely not one to speed through.

Correction In the Jan. 27- Feb. 2 edition of the AFRO, the name of and Keiva Rodriques, chief operating officer of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), was misspelled. The AFRO deeply regrets this error.

February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024 The Afro-American A3

Comcast NBCUniversal partners with News is Out and Word In Black to launch fellowship program that highlights Black and LGBTQ+ issues

By Special Release Philadelphia (February 6, 2024) — News is Out, a queer media collaborative of six of the nation’s legendary LGBTQ+ publications, and Word In Black, a collaborative of 10 of the nation’s legendary Black publishers, are joining Comcast NBCUniversal for a groundbreaking initiative: The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab. Through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and economic opportunities, the company is donating more than $1 million to launch this first-of-its-kind Lab that supports coverage of Black and LGBTQ+ topics in the media. The initiative also supports emerging journalists with a passion for reporting on issues of importance to these communities.

Together, the three organizations will work to shed light on issues within marginalized communities across 16 news publications with the training and resources needed to tell these stories through media and technology and celebrate the work being done by Black and LGBTQ+ leaders in their communities.

“Word In Black is looking forward to working with our colleagues at News is Out and Comcast NBCUniversal on this groundbreaking fellowship program,” said Chris Bennett, publisher of the Seattle Medium and member of the Word In Black collaboration. “Uplifting the voices of journalists and publishers who are dedicated to covering Black and LGBTQ+ stories is vital to the future of inclusive media.”

Specifically, the Lab will elevate Black and LGBTQ+ perspectives through content creation and content sharing with NBCUniversal and NBCU Academy during a yearlong fellowship program that places 16 fellows at the 16 participating news organizations.

Fellows will be part of a cohort that receives best practices and learnings from journalists and media professionals at News is Out, Word In Black, and NBCUniversal. They will also report on stories of Black and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and creatives in their communities, share training and resources on using technology more in their daily lives, report on policy related to access to technology and connectivity, and share the work being done to advance digital equity.

“As a Black queer woman, I know the impact of empowering and elevating Black and LGBTQ+ voices,” said Eboné F. Bell, publisher of Tagg Magazine. “This project gives us an opportunity to instill a great amount of knowledge and experience in fellows who can help amplify the voice of these communities in the media industry.”

The Local Media Foundation (LMF) will manage the fellowship and Lab and facilitate content creation to reach diverse audiences between the 16 publishers and Comcast NBCUniversal. Word In Black and News is Out are collaboratives that were launched by LMF. “Comcast is proud to launch this important initiative with the Local Media Foundation, News is Out, and Word In Black to empower a new generation of journalists and media professionals,” said Anzio Williams, SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion at NBCUniversal Local. “Ensuring that the stories and perspectives of underrepresented communities are featured in the media by dedicated, trained and resourced journalists is at the heart of Project UP’s and NBCU Academy’s mission. We look forward to seeing these journalists grow in their career and influence.”

Applications are open to anyone with a passion for covering communities of color and/or LGBTQ+ issues. To learn more and apply, visit this link.

The 16 participating publications are: ● AFRO News (Baltimore): Founded in 1892, AFRO News provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found. The AFRO and its talented team of journalists have won numerous awards, including NNPA newspaper of the year in 2022. The publication has also been named the nation’s top African-

Grammy Awards Continued from A1

hip-hop legend Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and speaking very plainly about the lack of diversity in the Recording Academy’s top picks for each year.

“I tell the truth when I get nervous,” said the media mogul, with daughter Blue Ivy at his side.

Carter spoke on the love Black artists have for the Recording Academy and their annual Grammy award honors, even if they are often shut out of certain categories.

“We want ya’ll to get it right– at least get it close to right,” he said.

Carter used his acceptance speech to highlight that while the awards are ultimately “subjective,” something has to be noticed when even a superstar like Beyonce– with decades in the entertainment business– has never won the coveted album of the year trophy.

“Even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work,” said Carter, on the Grammy stage. “Think about that. The most Grammys, never won album of the year. That doesn’t work.”

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“Word In Black is looking forward to working with our colleagues at News is Out and Comcast NBCUniversal Courtesy photo A new collaboration between the Black Press, LGBTQ+ media outlets and Comcast on this NBCUniversal will help pave the way for the next generation of journalists with the Digital Equity Local Voices Lab. groundbreaking fellowship American newspaper in past Essence-Nielsen consumer ● Seattle surveys.

Medium (Seattle): program. ● The Atlanta Voice (Atlanta): The Atlanta Founded on Jan.15, Voice has been serving the metropolitan Atlanta 1970, The Seattle Uplifting community for more than 58 years. Birthed out of the Medium is the flagship Civil Rights Movement as a trusted, authentic, fact and publication of Tiloben the voices of community driven media outlet for Black Atlanta, the Publishing Co. – the publication’s motto is “A People Without A Voice Cannot largest minorityjournalists and be Heard.” owned and operated publishers who ● Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco): communications Launched in 1971, this weekly newspaper is one of the company in the Pacific are dedicated to oldest and a pioneer in LGBTQ+ media.

Northwest, serving the ● Dallas Voice (Dallas): The premier media Seattle, Tacoma and covering Black source for LGBTQ Texas, publishing every Friday since Portland Markets – and 1984. is the primary source and LGBTQ+ ● Dallas Weekly (Dallas): Since 1954, Dallas of news that residents Weekly has been at the epicenter of all things African of Seattle read to stay stories is vital American in north Texas, one of the country’s fastestinformed regarding to the future growing regions. issues and events that ● Houston Defender (Houston): Since 1930, affect and enhance the the Houston Defender Network has been “Raising Black quality of life in African of inclusive Voices” as we Educate, Entertain and Empower the Greater American community. media.”

Houston Black Community. ● The St. ● Michigan Chronicle (Detroit) The Michigan Chronicle is a news, information, and events company that covers the interests of the African American community.

Leaders and readers in metropolitan Detroit look to the Michigan Chronicle to stay informed about issues that impact their lives. ● New York Amsterdam News (New York City): Started more than a century ago, with a $10 investment, New York Amsterdam News has gone on to become one of the most important Black newspapers in the country and today remains one of the most influential Black-owned and -operated media businesses in the nation, if not the world. ● Philadelphia Gay News (Philadelphia): The largest and oldest publication targeting the LGBTQ+ community, started in 1976. ● The Sacramento Observer (Sacramento): Established in 1962, The Sacramento Observer has been one of the most decorated publications in the history of the Black Press.

Louis American (St. Louis): Since 1928, The St. Louis American newspaper has remained Black-owned and has emerged as the leading, most trusted voice of the area’s African American community. ● Tagg Magazine (National): This awardwinning and Black queer, woman-owned publication, founded in 2012, is committed to uplifting the voices of all LGBTQ+ women across the country. Tagg was created to serve “everything lesbian, queer, and under the rainbow.” ● Washington Blade (Washington, D.C.): This weekly publication is the oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the U.S. It was launched in 1969. ● The Washington Informer (Washington, D.C.): Founded in 1964, this weekly, women-owned media company serves as the link to the African American community in the D.C. metropolitan area. ● Windy City Times (Chicago): Founded in 1985, this legacy LGBTQ+ newspaper and website covers Chicago and its suburbs.

Mosby

Continued from A1

America are just simply not fair. There are over 700 cases of this particular situation in Baltimore City alone, but they do not go to federal trial.”

According to earlier AFRO reporting

by Deborah Bailey, Mosby’s character and motives in purchasing the two Florida properties were the focal point of the closing arguments on Feb. 5.

“This is a case about lies and responsibility,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Zelinsky yesterday during closing arguments for prosecution.

Zelinsky characterized Mosby as a professional who fully knew what she was doing when filling out the mortgage applications and that she’s not to be trusted.

Maggie Grace, a member of the public defense team, was intent on showing the jury that Mosby was not intentionally deceiving officials.

“Even a lawyer, even a state’s attorney, unless you are steeped in real estate, would never know how to complete these forms,” Grace said as she raised a folder full of mortgage documents for jurors to see.

The indictment of Mosby alleged that Mosby did not include important information about her unpaid federal taxes that in March 2020, the Internal Revenue

Service (IRS) placed a $45,022 lien against all property belonging to Mosby and her then-husband, Nick Mosby, on the mortgage applications.

The indictment also alleged that by her signing the “second home rider” Mosby could obtain a lower interest rate on a mortgage for Kissimmee, Fla., than she would have originally. Though she obtained the “second home rider”

she did not follow the rule of occupying and using the home as a second home and remaining exclusive control over the home. Mosby gave a vacation home management company control over renting the property she purchased in Kissimmee, Fla. Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

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A4 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

COMMENTARY

The Biden-Harris administration’s decision on liquified natural gas gives hope to younger generations

By Ben Jealous James Hiatt lives in an area along the Mississippi River in Louisiana that has been dubbed “Cancer Alley.” Teeming with chemical plants and oil and gas refineries, the air the residents of this area breathe contains more carcinogens than anywhere else in the country.

One of those oil and gas facilities is the Calcasieu Pass liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal, which has further devastated public health, local livelihoods and marine wildlife.

Last week the Biden-Harris administration’s Department of Energy (DOE) paused the permitting of new LNG projects.

The decision stops the gas industry’s plans for the even larger CP2 LNG terminal right next door.

This move was perhaps the boldest rebuke ever from a U.S. president against the oil and gas industry. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary of Energy Granholm – whose support for the move was especially crucial – did the right thing.

Millions of us are celebrating along with James Hiatt, who says, “I’m thankful for this pause in granting gas export licenses; the DOE has finally heard the wake-up call. The gas industry was planning to inundate my hometown with LNG terminals.”

American families’ pocketbooks will be thankful

as well. Any word you hear from the fossil fuel industry or the politicians in their pockets about how this decision harms American consumers or the economy is a lie.

As Hiatt points out, “exporting LNG drives up domestic energy costs, affecting everything from home heating to food prices.”

Pausing the LNG boom will keep global energy markets more stable. It will help move economies and electric grids towards using less expensive and more resilient renewable energy sources. It will keep 681 coal plants worth – or 548 million gasoline-powered cars worth – of planet-warming greenhouse gasses out of our atmosphere each year.

All of this is critically important. But so is James Hiatt’s point about the “finally heard wake-up call.”

For years, activists, along with scientists and others, have been sounding the alarm to get those in power to wake up. Some of the most powerful voices have been those of young people. And we should all appreciate what it has taken for those young people to maintain their determination.

The American Psychological Association defines “ecoanxiety” as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” In 2021, Lancet Planetary Health surveyed more than 10,000 young people, ages 16 to 25, in 10 countries.

Anxiety about climate change

Courtesy photo

Ben Jealous is the executive director of the Sierra Club and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania. impacted the ability of more than 45 percent of these young people to function in their daily lives; 75 percent were “frightened” of the future. And it exposed a key feature of eco-anxiety: hopelessness.

Half the young people in the study described feeling helpless and powerless. Now, we know that despite the fear, young activists have been among our fiercest leaders in the fight against the climate crisis. They have not given in to the lingering despair. But, as a piece on ecoanxiety in the Harvard Political Review pointed out, young people have felt like they are alone in the fight. And, “if no one is listening and no change is happening, then pushing forward can feel hopeless.”

That is why, aside from the emissions numbers … aside from the economic and energy security

benefits … the Biden-Harris administration’s LNG decision is a win for hope. And hope is a powerful thing.

In his statement about the decision, President Biden said, “We will heed the calls of young people and frontline communities

who are using their voices to demand action from those with the power to act.”

This victory for climateconcerned people the world over – and the planet itself – is proof that organizing works. Grabbing the bullhorn and telling your

story – even if the crowds don’t listen right at first – matters.

This LNG decision is a momentum builder. And a clarion call for even more organized action on the climate crisis – especially from young people.

Therapy’s racial gap: the urgent need for diverse therapists

By Marlene F. Watson It is natural and normal for a person seeking mental health help to want their therapist to understand them. It is difficult now for people to find a therapist, but people of color who want a therapist who understands their experience are having an especially hard time of it. That’s a problem.

In an ideal world, the race of a person’s therapist shouldn’t matter. But anyone who is paying attention knows this is not an ideal world. Race plays a role in most human interactions, and there are few interactions more human than therapy. Race is a factor for all of us in how we see and measure ourselves, and it’s a factor in how we see each other. Denying that closes off the therapeutic relationship before it can even get started.

Most therapists are White – 73 percent of them. Only 8

percent are Latinx, even though Latinx people make up 18.9 percent of the population. Only 4 percent are Black, even though Black people are 12.6 percent of the population.

Clients who speak only Spanish, Cantonese or Mandarin — the three most popular non-English languages in this country — have even fewer options.

For clients of color, comfort and fluency in issues related to race are foundational to whether therapy is going to succeed.

Clients of color want a therapist who can really understand them, without having to explain what their experiences mean. Having to do so feels like a questioning of their culture, having to educate White s about race-tinged issues they encounter in their lives.

It is more galling when clients realize that when they do that, they are paying to educate their therapist. Clients want the therapist to have the cultural

knowledge and smarts to bring this up on their own. When therapists fail to ask about race, it’s problematic.

I once interviewed White therapists about how they deal with race. In many cases, they don’t. They duck the issue, shortchanging the client. One told me, “I don’t want to feel bad about myself as a White therapist, so I don’t bring up race.” Another said, “I am not going to bring it up, because I’m not going to let them question who I am.” How does that serve the client?

This dynamic is just as true with therapists of color and White clients. As a Black therapist, if I have a White racist client, I have to figure out a way to work with that client and understand who they are. Even though White people are the “norm” in this country, that can create race-related issues for them as well. For example, what might be

behind why they feel they don’t measure up to expectations? A Black therapist needs to dig into a White client’s identity. You have to understand the client in their full identity, and race is a part of everyone’s identity.

If therapy does not address race and explore its role, it fails to see the client, and to really know the client.

No one has the goal of making White children uncomfortable with race, but children of color deal with it every day.

The paucity of therapists of color is a call to train more of them and to welcome them into the field. There is a need that they can fill.

Even so, I am not advocating that people should see only therapists of their own race.

Instead, I am advocating that all therapists should be able to acknowledge, talk about and investigate issues that stem from race. We have to be unafraid and

undeterred to ask questions. We should be trained to do our own work.

This is why we focus on the “self of the therapist” at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, the organization where I am director of training. We help future family therapists uncover their unconscious biases. We ask that they think of how they feel about their own racial identity, whatever it may be.

This is not easy work. We had a White student who left Ackerman, saying she just was not going to look at race.

This was a psychologist with a doctorate degree. I can only imagine how her clients of color must suffer now.

This commentary was originally published by Word in Black.

See more on afro.com

Courtesy photo

Dr. Marlene F. Watson is director of training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. She is the former chair of the Couple and Family Therapy Department and Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of Counseling and Family Therapy at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She is a licensed couple and family therapist in private practice and the author of the book, “Facing the Black Shadow.”

Innovative cancer treatments saved my life, we cannot reverse progress now

By Maimah Karmo Every two minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. At age 32 and with no family history of breast cancer, I became one of those women. In moments throughout my diagnosis and treatment journey, I thought I would become one of the thousands who would succumb to this relentless disease each year. My survival and the stories of millions more is proof that targeted therapies, advancements in technology and improvements to conventional treatments can change the trajectory of cancer diagnoses. Yet, some federal lawmakers are threatening recent progress in the fight against cancer with price setting policies that impact the ability of patients to access critical medications and threaten to halt the research and development of innovative medicines that will lead us to a cure.

It was 17 years ago, when I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC),

a type of cancer that is more aggressive and deadly among Black women and for which there remain limited treatment options.

Each year,150,000 women worldwide die from this disease, which is hard to treat, highly recurrent and has a crushing impact on communities of color and younger women.

Due to the tireless work of scientists, researchers, and biotech companies, along with many of my fellow breast cancer survivors, thrivers and warriors, innovative treatments and medicines have paved the way for a brighter and cancer-free future. But the path to bring new treatments to patients should be recognized and valued for how challenging and fragile it is. From the laboratory to reaching a patient, medicines must go through a complex and multi-step process which can take well over 12 years. For patients diagnosed with complex cancers like TNBC, the process to find a treatment that works for them can be even lengthier and more iterative as scientists build upon existing findings to develop treatments that are more targeted,

personalized and mitigate severe side effects.

The Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP), and legislation that has already been introduced to build upon the program, unintentionally threatens critical pathways for patients to access medicines that can help them survive complex diseases such as cancer. The IRA includes provisions aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs by mandating the negotiation of prices for medicines deemed to pose affordability challenges for patients. While well intended, this approach would actually harm patient access and threaten future innovations.

The process of discovering and bringing a new drug to market involves substantial investments, time and risks. Price controls would lead to less research and development (R&D) investment and fewer drug discoveries.

Research finds that the MDPNP is already having a devastating effect on R&D pipelines that patients with cancer rely on – including the development of

a drug meant to treat a form of blood cancer and a treatment for ovarian cancer. Within the proposed framework of the MDPNP, at least 135 fewer drugs are expected to come to market by 2039, putting the development of even more innovative drugs and patient health outcomes in jeopardy. It may also lead to 116 million life years lost over the next two decades. This means that for all people, particularly populations disproportionately impacted by cancer, including African Americans who have higher death rates from cancer, we will see significant increases in death rates, with billions added to the burden of healthcare.

Ironically, even once a new drug comes to market patients must overcome even more barriers to access treatments they need, including flaws in insurance benefit design and the unclear and shifty practices of industry middlemen that lead to higher out-of-pocket costs and worse health outcomes. We should commend lawmakers for taking on efforts to address these

loopholes and harmful utilization management tactics, but price setting falls significantly short for patients.

While many lawmakers tout equity as a focal point of legislation they introduce within the halls of Congress, these same legislators have supported the MDPNP and similar drug price setting policies, which will only compound healthcare inequities patients are confronted with each and every day. These policies create additional barriers to treatment and care such as accessing small molecule drugs meant to treat conditions such as cancer, HIV and Hepatitis C. Furthermore, the communities that already face inequities in cancer diagnoses and outcomes will bear the brunt of these unintended consequences.

Over the last 20 years, there has been more than $179 billion invested in health equity in the U.S. Drug price setting in its current form could reverse decades of progress and billions of dollars of investments, irreparably reversing the work of

individuals, patients, advocacy groups, scientists, researchers and other stakeholders. Communities of color and other historically under-supported populations need policies that advance, not hinder the progress we’ve already made against cancer.

See more on afro.com

Courtesy photo

Maimah Karmo is the founder and CEO of the Tigerlily Foundation, a national women’s oncology and health foundation.

The organization provides education, awareness, advocacy and support to young women during and after their cancer battle.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American ∙ 233 E. Redwood Street, Suite 600G Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024 The Afro-American A5

Former AFRO stereotype operator Clarence Albert White Sr. dies

By March Funeral Homes Clarence Albert White Sr. was born in Palmyra, N.C., on Jan. 3, 1934 to the late Ernestine White and Walter Edmond Sr. He made his transition to the Lord peacefully on a Saturday afternoon, Jan. 20, 2024, with family by his side.

Early on in his life, White’s family moved to nearby Scotland Neck, N.C. where he grew up working odd jobs to help support his family. At a young age, White was known around town for his work ethic and ended up working at the Scotland Neck Commonwealth Newspaper, where he eventually earned a printing apprenticeship as a stereotype operator.

Stereotyping was hard, hot, dangerous work, involving making molds that were filled with hot lead to make the plates needed for the press to print the newspaper pages,

but White learned quickly and excelled at his craft.

During his younger years, he met Annie Evelyn Macklin, whom he courted for some time before marrying her in 1955. From this union, their oldest son Clarence Albert White Jr. -affectionately known as Lil Clarencewas born. After Macklin’s graduation from college the family moved to Hampton, Va. There, White landed a position as a journeyman stereotype operator at the Norfolk Journal and Guide Newspaper while Macklin taught for the City of Hampton’s public schools.

By 1960, White was fully trained in stereotype operations and decided to make a change in order to take better care of his family.

He received a job offer from the AFRO-American Newspapers. The AFRO was one of the best Black owned newspapers in the United

AFRO File Photo

Former AFRO stereotype operator Clarence Albert White Sr. worked for the AFRO for five decades and became an integral part of the AFRO team, as he held positions in multiple departments over the years. Shown here, White in the AFRO offices, formerly located on Charles Street, doing what he does best: handling business.

States and getting hired there was not easy, as typically one in 20 applicants were hired.

So, White accepted the offer and the young family moved to Baltimore, where they welcomed their second son,

Carl Anthony White.

White thrived at the AFRO, working for many years as a stereotype operator before moving into the circulation department and finally, the office security.

White eventually retired from the newspaper after 50 years of dedicated service in 2010. During his time at the AFRO, White developed many lifelong friendships and was known for his strong work ethic, great attitude and dependability. In retirement, White enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Zeta Senior Center and working on restoring his 1968 Volkswagen.

White was a loving and devoted family man and friend who always had a kind and supportive word to say.

Funeral services were held for White by March Funeral Homes on Feb. 5 in the 4300 block of Wabash Avenue. Bishop Alonzo Jones officiated the service with a word from Psalm 23. Family members and a caretaker spoke about the life and legacy of White, in addition to former AFRO Publisher John J. Oliver Jr. and current AFRO

Publisher and CEO Frances “Toni” Draper.

After the ceremony, White was laid to rest at King Memorial Park in the 8100 block of Dogwood Road. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ernestine White; his father, Walter Edmond Sr.; and two of his sisters, Dorothy Lewis and McCilla Brown White.

He is survived by: two sons, Clarence Albert White Jr. of Baltimore, and Carl Anthony White of Bowie; one daughter-in-law, The Honorable Yvette R. White; three grandchildren, Dominique White, Jacob White and Jared White; one brother, Ernest G. White of Scotland Neck, N.C.; two sisters, Vina Spruell of Monroe Township, N.J. and Patricia Miller of Scotland Neck, N.C.; one brother-inlaw, Johnny Spruell; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Confronting domestic violence in the Black church

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word in Black I can’t use her name, even if I could remember it after all these years. What I do remember is the visceral pain I felt as I listened to my seminary classmate confess that her husband assaulted her physically, emotionally, and sexually on a regular basis.

Most days. But always on Sundays. Just before she was scheduled to assume her role as pastor, just before she had to preach the good news of Jesus Christ.

I felt foolish telling her what I thought was obvious. You are in no way obligated to stay in an abusive relationship. She seemed relieved.

It was as if she’d never heard it before.

And she was not alone then. She is not alone now. Many Christian women stay in abusive relationships because they feel it would be unchristian to leave, or because they don’t find the kind of support they need in their church. Or any other church.

Brittney Guary’s story is different, although it’s all one horror story. She could see the warning signs before her relationship was consummated in marriage, but she forged ahead with her plans. In fact, the church offering premarital counseling encouraged her to get married and not worry about the signs that should have dissuaded her.

“I should have known when I saw so much porn around him. It seemed to be an obsession, but he always pushed aside the suggestion that

it was a problem. Just like he pushed aside my questions regarding the often naked women in his phone who were starred as favorites,” she tells Word In Black.

She didn’t even fight so much when the physical and emotional abuse was limited to her instead of their children.

“I couldn’t make plans for myself. I couldn’t withdraw money from the bank, but he could without explanation. I finally realized I was losing my voice.”

It wasn’t even when he began to purchase and store large guns with night vision scopes and silencers.

“More than $10,000 would disappear from the same account I couldn’t touch, and he would always minimize his behavior as if I were imagining what was going on,” Guary says.

And when she went to their church for guidance, she was advised to hang in there and maintain her household.

“They told me God hates divorce and I’d go to hell if I broke up my home. And they harassed me and abused me even after I left there to find the support I needed.”

But she did find what she needed.

She found a church that helped her gather strength to get away.

At that point, she wasn’t staying anyway.

He’d finally made a move she wouldn’t tolerate.

“He picked up my son by the throat and threw him, causing injury to his head. I wasn’t

From the AFRO Archives

Morehouse to Celebrate 75th Anniversary

Afro-American (1893-); Feb 14, 1942; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: pg. 8

Morehouse to Celebrate 75th Anniversary

Courtesy of Word In Black

Domestic violence survivor Brittney Guary with a copy of her book “Breaking Free: Healing From Abuse and Trauma” going to allow him to abuse our children. It was bad enough what he’d done to me.”

When she confronted her husband about his abuse of her, he’d always apologize. When she confronted him on his abuse of their son, he’d say he hadn’t been exposed to children and didn’t know how to handle them. There was always an excuse.

“I just knew I had to get away. I couldn’t take a chance on what he might do next.”

Her new church helped her do everything she needed to get away. “They counseled me and assured me while God does hate divorce, he certainly doesn’t hate the people involved, and he definitely didn’t want me to stay in that situation,” Guary says.

She did get away, and, when she’s telling her story that she captured in her book “Breaking Free: Healing from Abuse and Trauma,” the number one question she’s asked

Black Newspaper Collection

February 1932

Afro-American (1893-); Feb 14, 1942; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection pg. 8

Morehouse to Celebrate 75th Anniversary

Afro-American (1893-); Feb 14, 1942; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection pg. 8

February 1942

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction

prohibited without permission.

is, “How did you get away?”

She’s happy to respond because she’d love to be the reason another woman breaks free.

And there are so many that need that help.

The Black Women’s Health Project determined that domestic violence is the number one health issue facing Black women: “The data tells a painful truth: 40 percent of Black women will experience domestic violence across their lifetimes, compared to 30.2 percent of White women.”

One has to wonder, if 1 in 3 women will report being abused in their lifetime, how many cases are going unreported? That’s a question asked on the website of Shine a Light on Domestic Violence, a faith-centered ministry that provides domestic violence education, as well as support and resources for victims. Shine a Light calls itself a safe place and also offers training to churches and other entities that would want to be safe places, too.

The Black church gets passing and failing grades in its treatment of domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV). In her article “Domestic Violence: In Praise and Rebuke of the Black Church,” Carolyn Morgan, chairperson of the Women of Color Task Force for the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, explains how while the church has proven to be the supportive, healing place as promised, it has the tendency to commit some unforgivable sins when it comes to IPV. “Women in the Black church are most often the victims of DV and abuse, and women comprise the majority count of Black church membership,” Morgan wrote. “Men in the Black church are most often the perpetrators of DV and abuse, and men comprise the majority count of Black church leadership. In part, this dynamic contributes to what commonly follows for Black women seeking help from the Black church.”

See more on afro.com This article was originally published by Word in Black.

A6 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

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February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024 The Afro-American

Commentary

BALTIMORE-AREA

A look at the juvenile justice policy proposed in Maryland legislature

By Dayvon Love Special to the AFRO

What is on the table during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly? To be clear– it is not whether a young person should be punished for committing heinous violent crimes.

None of the legitimate advocates on juvenile justice issues believe that a young person should not be held accountable for the impact of their actions.

What is on the table in the 2024 Maryland General Assembly is whether or not the ability to divert young people who are better served outside of the juvenile justice system should be curtailed. That is what is at the heart of the proposed juvenile justice reform efforts of House Bill 0814 and Senate Bill 0744, which have been cross-filed together.

Sinclair Broadcasting and Fox 45 have engaged in a fairly explicit propaganda campaign to roll back specific juvenile justice laws in Maryland. Their claim is that the spike in criminal activity by young people is the result of juvenile justice reforms from 2022. This increase in crime committed by young people– especially auto theft related crimes– has spiked around the entire country during the same period. But Sinclair and Fox 45 have been able to put out messaging every day to amplify the worst stories of violence and crime committed by young people.

This creates a context where people are indoctrinated to believe that the juvenile justice reforms from 2022 make it impossible to hold young people accountable for those extreme examples of violence. The reality is that law enforcement has all of the laws it needs to impose consequences on young people who commit heinous acts. The issue is not the juvenile justice reform laws, the problem is that the systems tasked with serving our young people are frayed from years of disinvestment.

What legislative leadership in Annapolis is proposing is a bill that expands crimes that are alleged to be committed by a young person, that requires them to be in contact with the system.

If a young person is alleged to have had a gun, the leadership bill requires that young person to be committed to the Department of Juvenile Continued on B2

Meet Nichelle Jones: Maryland’s first MBE ombudswoman

BOPA confirms Rachel D. Graham as next CEO

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Nichelle Johnson is now the first minority business enterprise (MBE) ombudsman for the state of Maryland. Gov. Wes Moore appointed her to the post in January.

In her new role, Johnson will serve in the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs

Photo courtesy of BOPA

Rachel D. Graham will serve as the next chief executive officer of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.

By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor

Rachel D. Graham will serve as the next chief executive officer of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.

A unanimous vote confirmed the appointment on Feb. 6 shortly after 9 a.m.

“Numerous candidates” were interviewed “to try to get the right fit for the future of the organization,” said Andrew Cheaves, acting chair of the BOPA Board of Directors in the meeting, which took place virtually on Zoom. “We did in fact get the proper check in with the staff and we checked in with the mayor’s office.”

Cheaves said Graham was the right choice based on “consensus and discussions within the CEO search committee as well.”

Graham currently serves as the director of external relations for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture.

According to information released by BOPA in a statement ahead of the confirmation, the Winslow, N.J. native was selected after “an extensive national search over the past year.”

Graham has been a leader in the world of strategic communications and public relations for years. Prior to

B1

her role with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, she was the director of communications for the Family League of Baltimore, where she also served as a public information officer. Graham’s time in the communications field also includes work for the Neighborhoods Partnership Network and Harmony Neighborhood Development in New Orleans and the Greater Houston Partnership in Texas.

“I am immensely grateful to the search committee, the Board of Directors and Mayor Scott for placing their faith in my ability to lead BOPA at this critical juncture,” said Graham, in the BOPA statement.

“Arts and culture - as an economic engine of Baltimore - has the potential to not only attract visitors from around the world, but to change the narrative that some hold about this beautifully diverse community, while also serving as a catalyst to improve outcomes for all residents who call Charm City home.”

“We can - at once - shift perception and reality by ensuring that the opportunity for full, equitable participation in the cultural economy for all Baltimoreans is within reach,” she continued. “I believe BOPA must play a leading role in this shift, and I welcome the opportunity to serve with the Board, staff, our elected leaders and community stakeholders as we move forward together.”

“Our entire administration is confident in her ability to advocate for our minorityowned businesses and help us grow a more equitable economy.” and work to enhance state procurement for MBEs. “I am grateful that Nichelle raised her hand to serve Maryland in this new leadership position,” said Moore, in a statement. “Our entire administration is confident in her ability to advocate for our minority-owned businesses and help us Continued on B2

Violet Apple leaves Girls Scouts of Central Maryland

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Violet Apple, the first Black CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, has stepped down from her post. Apple led the

“I’m stepping down from this role, but that doesn’t mean I’m stepping down from Girl Scouting.” organization, which serves more than 35,000 girls and adults, since 2014. Her last day in office was Jan. 31.

Her exit marks the first time in her career that she has not worked for a Girl Scouts council.

“I’m stepping down

Photo courtesy of Violet Apple

She recalled volunteering, holding spaghetti dinners and camping—something she said her family never would have done.

Although Apple’s time as a Girl Scout ended during her seventh grade year, several of her fellow troop members became her lifelong friends.

After Apple became her family’s first college graduate, earning a social work degree from Millersville University, she secured her first job with a Girl Scouts council in Pennsylvania She was hired in a full-time position as

membership extension coordinator, although she had only applied for a summer job.

“My job was predominantly to go into communities of color and recruit more diverse girls into the organization, and that was many moons ago,” said Apple. “That’s how I got started with the organization, but what kept me was learning about what was happening to girls in terms of academics and how they saw themselves.”

Apple came across a study from the American Continued on B2

Violet Apple is looking forward to the future after leaving her position as leader of the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland. She became the first Black CEO of the organization in 2014.

from this role, but that doesn’t mean I’m stepping down from Girl Scouting,” said Apple. “It’s been part of my life, and it’s going to continue to be. I really have enjoyed everything about the work I have been able

to do, the people I have met and the communities I have served.”

Growing up in Lebanon, Pa., Apple was a Girl Scout herself. She, alongside a group of friends, joined a troop in the fourth grade.

4

Past 7 Days

20

2024 Total Data as of February 7

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The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

Juvenile justice policy

Nichelle Jones

Services. In the current system, social workers, community partners and other relevant agencies could make an assessment that the young person is not a threat to their community and decide not to process them. What opponents of the leadership bill take issue with is that it mostly eliminates the ability to provide space for these kinds of interventions when necessary. The proposed bill essentially eliminates the potential for meaningful diversion from the system.

For example, this bill creates a situation where a young person who carries a gun for protection is automatically considered a “bad kid” and is put in contact with

grow a more equitable economy.”

A Baltimore native, Johnson grew up in the Lafayette projects, known today as Pleasant View Gardens. She became interested in entrepreneurship at a young age through watching her mother run businesses.

In her most recent role, Johnson served as an MBE compliance manager in the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs. She was responsible for collecting annual and quarterly performance data from 70 state agencies, and she developed best practices for MBE compliance.

The AFRO recently connected with Johnson to learn more about her new role. The responses below have been edited for length and clarity.

hear about some of the troubles they’re having.

I believe we have done a great job of assisting business owners when they need us to, but this position is specifically targeted to help them.

My role primarily will be to work with prime contractors and MBEs to help resolve issues that arise on contracts with MBE goals and to develop policies that can assist state agencies in better implementing the MBE program.

The other part of my role is helping small business owners navigate state procurement, whether they’re just getting started or they’re looking for resources. I feel very humbled and honored to have this opportunity, and I am excited because I know I can help them maneuver through this system better.

Q: What is an ombudsman, and why is it significant that you’ve become Maryland’s first MBE ombudsman?

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges MBEs are facing when it comes to the state procurement system?

A: People like to say an ombudsman is a “fixer” or “problem solver.” I love that because I love to help people solve problems they’re having. It’s right up my alley. As the MBE ombudsman and– particularly, as Maryland’s first–I feel this position is very much needed by small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

The reason why is because they have been experiencing some issues on state contracts.

Our office receives information from business owners, and we’re often at outreach events. In speaking with business owners, we

A: What we hear often is access to capital. They want to know where the financial resources are and how they can get funding for their businesses. We provide training classes, and we do events where businesses come in and provide information on securing capital. Payment issues on contracts is another challenge. One of my main purposes is to resolve these issues.

Opportunity is also a challenge. I’ll be collaborating with other state agencies, like the Office of State Procurement, to see what opportunities can be created for MBEs and

A: I feel it gave me a perspective that no matter where you come from, you can do whatever you want as long as you put in the work. Yes, we need opportunity, but I think we’ve all heard the adage that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. That’s something I definitely want to speak to our business owners about.

I want to make sure they are positioned to capitalize off of opportunities when they are presented. That way they can grow and scale their businesses, which is what we ultimately want

and she spent time with them.”

Some of the work Apple’s most proud of doing as CEO involves promoting STEM education. Apple put on all-day STEM conferences for the girls and invited parents to participate in workshops that would help them understand how to support their children’s interest in the fields.

“For me, it wasn’t about just putting a program in place. It was about nurturing each girl’s interest all the way through and inspiring them to want to do something that is not a traditional career,” said Apple. “It was also about giving them the chops to not give up because it isn’t easy for women and girls to go into STEM professions.”

Looking to the future, Apple said she’s weighing a number of opportunities.

But, whatever she chooses, it will be grounded in serving and uplifting individuals.

She’s also looking forward to taking a break to re-center herself.

“I just hope at the end of the day people recognize

that for me it was all about making opportunities available to girls and giving girls an opportunity to find their own voice,”

Continued from B1

“The issue is not the juvenile justice reform laws, the problem is that the systems tasked with serving our young people are frayed from years of disinvestment.” the system. Again, this does not preclude that young person from facing consequences, but this kind of pre-system assessment of the circumstances allows folks to ensure that the course of action is guided by what is best for the young person and their family, and not based on a societal fear that the youth is inherently violent and dangerous. Furthermore,

Courtesy photo

Dayvon Love, director of Public Policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, speaks on what is - and isn’t- on the table with proposed juvenile justice reforms in Maryland.

this bill requires that young people that have formal or informal contact with the system, in many cases, must forward the information about the case to the State’s Attorney. This is problematic because this opens up a young person to more opportunities to be prosecuted– in spite of whatever diversion arrangement is established that best suits the child and the community.

Ultimately, this bill widens the net that will draw more young people into the criminal justice system. These policies demonstrate an alignment with the weaponization of the criminal justice system against the humanity of Black youth.

Again, what is not on the table is whether or not young people who commit heinous crimes should be held accountable.

Law enforcement and prosecutors have plenty of instruments in the law that can be used to levy consequences to those who harm people in the community.

See more on afro.com

The opinions in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American ∙ 233 E. Redwood Street, Suite 600G Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

Continued from B1

Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs.

Nichelle Jones is the first minority business enterprise (MBE) ombudsman in Maryland’s history. In her role, Jones will primarily be responsible for resolving problems that arise between prime contractors and MBEs in state procurement.

what information can be gathered and given to business owners to make them aware of the opportunities they didn’t know existed.

Q: How do you feel your background will shape the work you do in the role?

our minority and small business owners to do.

Q: How would you recommend MBEs learn more about state procurement and engage with your office?

A: I definitely invite business owners to go to our website because we have a wealth of resources. They should also engage with our Training and Insights for Procurement Success Webinar Series. This is an excellent series that provides good information to business owners, like tips on writing a proposal, crafting a capability statement, how to operate as a subcontractor and MBE rights and responsibilities.

All of these trainings and workshops are available from our website.

Megan Sayles is a Report For America Corps member.

Violet Apple Continued from B1

Association of University Women that found girls excelled in math and science until just before middle school. Then, there was a drop in achievement.

Through working with the Girl Scouts, Apple thought she could help to change these outcomes by encouraging girls to embrace science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Apple rose through the ranks in Pennsylvania before moving to Massachusetts in 2008 to serve as the chief membership services officer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. She oversaw all membership, programming, volunteerism and camps for the council, which totaled 60,000 members at the time.

Six years later, Apple was selected to become CEO for Girls Scouts of Central Maryland. During her tenure, parents regularly approached Apple, telling her how much it meant to their daughters to see a Black woman as the top executive.

Julia Lenzer, board chair of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, described Apple as a servant leader. She said she led with integrity and intention.

“Violet is one of the hardest workers I know,” said Lenzer. “She worked day and night, often at her own personal expense.”

Volunteer Melissa Bain recalled Apple coming to an event for World Thinking Day, a celebration for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides, at the request of a Junior Girl Scout. Bain didn’t think Apple would come, but she did and stayed the entire night.

During the event, adults lined up to meet Apple, while Bain’s brownies troop waited at the back of the line until Apple spotted them.

“She put her hand up and said something along the lines of, ‘I’m enjoying talking with you all, but I’m here for the girls. They are the VIPs here,’” said Bain. “Then, she directed them to come to the front,

said Apple.

Megan Sayles is a Report For America Corps member.

233 E. Redwood Street, Suite 600G Baltimore, MD 21202

February10, 10,2024 2024--February February16, 16,2024 2024 The The Afro-American Afro-American February

B3 B1

Meet Baltimore City mayoral candidate Don Scoggins

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com As candidacy filing deadlines and Maryland’s primary quickly approach, the AFRO is sitting down with said candidates to ensure residents know their options.

Don Scoggins is one of 15 candidates running for Baltimore City Mayor this year.

Q: What was your childhood like?

A: My father lived in Tulsa, Okla., my mother lived in Philadelphia. I was raised in Tulsa, Okla., during the closing days of Jim Crow.

From what I can remember, it was an advantageous time.

Within the Black community, which was segregated, you had everything you wanted, and we pretty much made our own decisions. You had grocery stores, Black merchants and my dad was an electrical contractor.

The schools were very good because you had teachers who were of the community and very accomplished academically.

They could teach at a

college level, but because of segregation, they couldn’t receive that opportunity. So, you had capable teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels. In that time, we were more unified. You

“Since I’m retired, I have the time, energy and great passion to do the job.”

back in those days–was a real big thing. He had this big Lincoln sedan and resided in the school’s large granite presidential mansion. I saw how he did things, how people reacted to him when he talked and his influence over people– which was a big inspiration.

Q: What do you believe has been your biggest contribution to society?

had middle-class Blacks and those that weren’t quite middle class, somewhat living amongst each other. We didn’t have that internal division that we have today.

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

A: I would say my grandad was a very big inspiration. In my early years, he was an inspiration because being the president of an HBCU (historically Black college or university),which–

A: I feel my fiftyplus years involved with community and affordable housing work, has been my biggest contribution to society. I have been very fortunate to have engaged professionally in work I fully enjoyed. It included military service in Vietnam, assisting the City of Danang in reestablishing its city planning department after a war with the French. After the military, I acquired many years of experience working in various local and federal government agencies, including housing and real estate management. I also helped create several nonprofit affordable housing corporations.

Q: Why run for mayor of Baltimore?

A: I want to share my life experiences and professional expertise to provide better opportunities for our youth.

Baltimore is a microcosm of many similar cities across the country. In my view, its residents– particularly the Black community– are being terribly shortchanged. Our youth have been neglected and are not being well educated. With this being said, Baltimore is a beautiful place. It has tremendous potential if managed competently. When blessed in life, you have a duty to try to help people– it is not an option. I am not a goalong-to-get-along type of person. I would rather lose being honest than succeed dishonestly.

Since I’m retired, I have the time, energy and great passion to do the job.

This article has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America Corps member.

Photo courtesy of Don Scoggins

Don Scoggins, one of 15 candidates for Baltimore City mayor this year, speaks on his upbringing and personal experiences that have led him to run for mayor of Baltimore City.

Prim and Proper brings sophisticated social club and French-inspired cuisine to downtown Baltimore

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com

Two local Black restaurateur power couples have teamed up to bring an elegant, French-inspired dining experience to downtown Baltimore. Prim and Proper, located at 206 E. Redwood Street, is the result of a collaboration between Berry and Janelle Clark of Clark Hospitality and Chris and Janeen Simon of The Outkrowd Group. The duos notably co-own Papi’s Cuisine and Blk Swan respectively.

Aside from serving French-American cuisine, unique cocktails and a curated wine list, Prim and Proper houses a private social club on its second floor. There, members can work and meet with clients during the day, and at night, the club will transform into an after-hours lounge.

“Our thought process is providing high-quality hospitality along with a fun, cool, swanky environment where everyone is comfortable,” said Janell Clark, co-owner and sommelier of Prim and Proper. “We want to provide high-quality French cuisine but take a little bit of our culture and place it on the plate too.”

Executive chef Calvin Riley employed his culinary training in French cuisine to design the menu for Prim and Proper.

He didn’t want it to be intimidating. Instead, he wanted to introduce guests to familiar foods with a French flair.

Some of the dishes include fried chicken with caviar, French onion soup with oxtail, spicy rigatoni and a wagyu bacon cheeseburger on fresh brioche bread.

“I feel like this menu is my best effort as a chef.

I’m excited to share that with the community and for up-and-coming cooks who aspire to be chefs to come and dine,” said Riley. “In the culinary world, Black chefs aren’t really displayed as doing fine dining. To be doing this type of cuisine in this environment as a Black chef is extremely special to me.”

Local interior designer Tiffany Meggison helped to ornament the space, cultivating a chic and elegant French aesthetic.

The walls are adorned with artwork from local, visual artist Kid Balloon that portrays African Americans as kings and queens.

“This is a place for all food-goers and people who just love to have a good time,” said Chris Simon. “However, we were intentional about

AFRO Photo / Edoghogho Joy Ugiagbe

Jada McCray, Chris McCray, Janell Clark, Janeen Simon, Chris Simon, Barry Clark and Chef Calvin Riley cut the ribbon to officially open Prim and Proper, a new restaurant located at 206 E. Redwood St in Baltimore.

AFRO Photo / Edoghogho Joy Ugiagbe

Chef Calvin Riley poses at the grand opening of the new restaurant, Prim and Proper.

including artwork from people in our community that shows Black people in regal, sophisticated and affluent images because a lot of times in the news you see people talk about Black people [in relation] to crime, thugs or sagging pants.”

The concept for the social club arose while the Simons were in London watching the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 23. While walking the city, the couple encountered a multitude of private member social clubs.

Janeen Simon found that Baltimore was lacking in this type of experience.

She felt the city needed a lounge where people could go to hear music and have cocktails after dinner without the rowdy atmosphere of a club.

It was also fitting because Prim and Proper’s

space used to be home to the historic Merchants’ Club, a segregated private men’s club that opened in the late 19th century. Now,

“This is a place for all foodgoers and people who just love to have a good time.” the Simons and Clarks have the chance to reclaim the club and make it inclusive for all.

“When you take that one step further, and you make it a private membership club, it elevates the experience because you’re able to culminate a group of like-minded people that either know each other or

are trying to get to know each other,” said Janeen Simon, co-owner. “They can utilize each other for networking resources, whether they work across different fields or different markets.”

Prim and Proper kicked off Black History Month with a Feb. 1 opening at 3:30 p.m. Reservations are currently live for the downtown dining spot.

“Janell and I are excited about seeing the concept come together. We saw the vision for this space and to see it all come together is really important and exciting,” said Berry Clark. “Working with Chris and Janeen and being able to show people that partnership can happen is what we’re most excited about.”

Megan Sayles is a Report For America Corps member.

B4 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

Best of Black Baltimore Awards take place at Inner Harbor

By AFRO Staff On Feb. 1 leaders of Black Baltimore came together for the inaugural Best of Black Awards, hosted by the Baltimore Times. The event highlighted Black businesses of every genre– from best breakfast to best auto repair and service. More than 60 businesses were awarded

WEAA radio personality, Robert Shahid, is honored with the award for Best Black radio station.

for their excellent service. Capital Lounge, located in the 1500 block of Baltimore’s famed Pennsylvania Avenue, took home the award for best bar and grill, while Our Time Kitchen was named the best lunch spot.

Innovation Dental Center was named as the top dental practice, and Sacred House took home the title for being the best place to receive a massage.

Publisher Joy Bramble told the AFRO that all the categories in the competition, as well as all of the winners, were selected by votes from dedicated members of the community. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott made an appearance, along with city council members and representatives of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office.

The event took place inside of the Light Street Pavilion in downtown Baltimore, which is owned in part

by Bramble’s son, P. David Bramble, a co-owner of MCB Realty. The company took over redevelopment of the twin pavilions last year, making

Executive producer of the Baltimore Met Gala, Derrick Chase, with Albert P. Wylie, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Brandon M. Wylie enjoy the 2024 Best of Black Baltimore awards.

Terence Dickson is all smiles after his restaurant, Terra Cafe, is identified as the best spot in Charm City to buy fried fish.

it possible for the Best of Black Baltimore to come together against the beautiful backdrop of the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

All photos by Edoghogho Joy Ugiagbe

Baltimore City Councilman Robert Stokes (D-District 12) shows his support for the Black businesses of Charm City.

Founder of the Baltimore Times, Joy Bramble takes a moment to enjoy the inaugural Best of Black Baltimore ceremony with Associate Publisher Paris M. Brown.

Shown here, from left to right: Chris Simon, owner of the popular restaurant, Black Swan; Saon Brice and Chris McCray take home the award for being the best restaurant in Baltimore.

Local artists come together for Charm City Live Music Honors

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO The second annual Charm City Live Music Honors unfolded on Feb. 3 inside of the Orion at Fillmore, transcending expectations and delivering a spectacular celebration of local talent that resonated far beyond city limits.

Curated by the visionary, LuzCelenia, the event aimed not only to showcase the vibrant music scene of Baltimore, but also to reshape the city’s narrative through the lens of its thriving live music community.

At the heart of the celebration were the 2024 honorees: Musicians Craig Alston, Cory Baker, Rodney Kelley II and Brian “Spyda” Wheatley, of the Craig Alston Syndicate, and the soulful Karen Linette. These remarkable artists, deeply ingrained in Baltimore’s music scene, took center stage as LuzCelenia expressed her vision for the event.

Emmitt (left) and Vanessa Burns enjoy the 2024 Charm “With Charm City Live Music Honors, my goal is Singer Karen Linette receives her City Live Music Honors with Joi Carter. to inspire musicians to continue creating flowers as a staple on the Baltimore beautiful art and provide audiences with a music scene. magical night of music, fostering ongoing support for the talented individuals that keep the city’s live music scene alive and well,” she said.

The Orion At Fillmore buzzed with anticipation as each honoree took their turn, delivering an eclectic mix of musical genres that showcased the diversity of Baltimore’s music scene.

From jazz to rhythm and blues, the night unfolded like a musical tapestry, weaving together the rich Shown here, from left to right: Keyboardist Rodney Kelley, drummer cultural heritage of the city.

Brian “Spyda” Wheatley, vocalist Joi Carter, event curator Luz Arce, Jasmine Forman, Trennell White and Sherrell White bass player Cory Baker and saxophonist Craig Alston. enjoy the show.

All photos by Ericka Alston Buck

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor @afro.com

February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024 The Afro-American

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Single in the City: A guide to your best Valentine’s Day 2. Galentine’s Day celebration: I’m having a few women at my house, and our plan is to celebrate each other! Gather your girlfriends for a fun night in. Have a movie marathon, exchange heartfelt gifts, and celebrate the love you have for each other. Who needs a man when you have amazing friends?

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO

Hey sis, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re a single Black woman like me, you might be feeling some type of way about it. Maybe you just went through a breakup, or perhaps you’ve been out of the dating game for a minute. Either way, I want you to know that love is still out there for you, and this Valentine’s Day can be amazing, whether you’re flying solo or with a special someone.

First things first, let’s talk about self-love. Before

3. Volunteer: Spread love and kindness by volunteering in your community. Whether you’re serving meals at a soup kitchen or spending time cleaning your closet to donate those things you’ll never wear again— a shelter with a dress for success program would be grateful for anything you donate! After all, giving back is a surefire way to make your heart feel full.

“…love is still out there for you, and this Valentine’s Day can be amazing, whether you’re flying solo or with a special someone.” you can invite someone else into your life, you gotta love yourself fiercely. Take this time to pamper yourself, indulge in your favorite hobbies, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Remember, you’re a queen, and you deserve nothing but the best.

Now, let’s talk about dating. If you’re ready to dip your toes back into the dating pool, go for it! But remember, it’s all about quality over quantity. Don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding, so don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.

Here are five tips for having a great Valentine’s Day, even if you missed out on having someone to wear matching pajamas with this past Christmas:

4. Virtual date night: Set up a virtual date with a friend or family member who’s also flying solo this Valentine’s Day. Cook dinner together over video chat, watch a movie simultaneously, and enjoy each other’s company from the comfort of your own homes.

5. Treat yourself to a fancy dinner: Dress up in your favorite outfit, make a reservation at that fancy restaurant you’ve been dying to try, and enjoy a delicious meal all by yourself. Who says you need a date to have a fabulous dinner?

Courtesy photo

This week Ericka Alston Buck speaks on all the ways one can show love this Valentine’s Day.

1. Treat Yourself: Plan a self-care day filled with all your favorite things. Get a massage, take a long bubble bath, or indulge in some decadent chocolate. Remember, you’re your own best Valentine!

AFRO readers weigh in on love and standing the test of time

By Ama Y. Brown AFRO Editorial Assistant

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.”

1 Corinthians 13, Verses 4-8 As we celebrate the beauty of Black love, the AFRO asked veterans of the “Couples Club” to give their best advice for a lasting marriage.

While it may be easy to focus on the good times, this week, the AFRO asked how marriages survive beyond the honeymoon phase and specifically— when times get tough.

Read below to find out how couples have traveled through time together and decided they wouldn’t have it any other way.

And for all the married couples out there looking to have their best Valentine’s Day ever, here’s a tip: Keep the romance alive by surprising your partner with thoughtful gestures and expressions of love. Whether it’s a handwritten love letter, a surprise weekend getaway, or a heartfelt conversation over candlelit dinner, make sure to show your partner just how much they mean to you.

So, whether you’re single, dating, or happily married, remember that Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love in all its forms. So go ahead, embrace the love within yourself and spread it to those around you. Happy Valentine’s Day, sis! You got this.

From the AFRO Archives Valentine dessert; Love at first bite

Afro-American (1893-); Feb 12, 1972; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection pg. 9

Feb. 12, 1972

2. Communication is crucial Vanessa and James Jones “Communication is the key to navigating difficult times. Listen to each other, respect each other’s opinions and remember you are on the same team. You have to tackle the situation together.”

-Vanessa Jones “Always communicate no matter how big or small.”

-James Jones

3. The power of prayer Frances and Jeffrey Bedford “Pray together! Read the word of God!” -Frances Bedford

Lipstick

Garrett, Lulu Feb. 14, 1953 Afro-American (1893-); Feb 14, 1953; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Black Newspaper Collection pg. 4

4. Seek understanding Nicole and Alan Wallace 1. Keep God first— and remember the magic words Andre and Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper “There is absolutely, positively nothing too hard for God. If He could create everything with a word, part the Red Sea, turn water into wine, heal a blind man, raise a dead man, stand up a lame man, feed 5,000 with a little boy’s lunch, cast out demons, get up from the grave…surely He can repair your marriage—if you let Him!” -Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper

“Practice saying the two words that will make her smile every time, all the time: ‘Yes, Dear.’

-Andre Draper

“Pause… pray, ask God to intervene. Be understanding, seek resolution and end in an embrace!”

-Nicole Wallace

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

C2 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

Morris Brown College receives $3 million grant for hospitality program

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO Morris Brown College (MBC) has received its largest grant in the last 20 years, courtesy of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF). The organization provided a $3 million grant to enhance the institution’s hospitality program.

The grant will allow the Atlanta-based Historically Black College to digitize and market its Hospitality Certificate program. MBC also has a partnership with

AP Photo/Ric Feld

Morris Brown College is working to digitize their hospitality management certificate program after receiving a three million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the largest grant the institution has been awarded in roughly 20 years.

Hilton Hotels, which will aid in the construction of an on-campus hotel and facility to give students hands-on experience and training spaces. This program was developed to help address the shortage of workers in the hospitality industry and will help create a pipeline for students into the field.

“I am thrilled about this collaboration with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which has a long history of supporting young people, including in the Westside of Atlanta where Morris

Howard University’s Ice Skating Club offers 10-week program for community

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO Howard University’s Ice Skating Club has created a 10-week program for community members who want to learn the sport.

Howard is the first HBCU to have an intercollegiate ice skating team in the country with the goal of diversifying the figure skating industry. In February, the team is taking part in its first competition at the University of Delaware.

Every Monday the team meets at Canal Park Ice Rink, 200 M St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. The lessons, which began Jan. 29, are open to everyone; however, they are on a first-come, first-served basis for participants who are not members of the organization. Members of the organization can join for free, and nonmembers must pay $15.

The lessons will be from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. The participants will earn badges to show their achievement in ice skating skills and fundamentals. All levels are welcome and encouraged to come out.

To learn more about the organization follow them on Instagram, @hu_iceskating

Courtesy photo

Every Monday community members and students can learn the art of ice skating, all levels are welcome.

Brown is situated,” said Dr. Kevin James, president of Morris Brown College, in a statement. “We anticipate Morris Brown becoming a prominent source of diverse talent for careers in hospitality and organizational leadership. My vision is for Morris Brown to emerge as one of the premier institutions in the nation for Black and Brown individuals to acquire expertise in hospitality, with a particular focus on working in and managing restaurants and hotels.”

The grant provided by AMBFF is a part of their initiative to provide and improve economic mobility for younger generations while providing learning opportunities as a part of the foundation’s Youth Development giving area.

It will provide support to students who may have challenges when it comes to transportation, childcare or inconvenient shift work.

“The partnership between Morris Brown College and Hilton Hotels represents a promising model of employer engagement that both trains students and provides strong connections to immediate job opportunities in a thriving industry,” said Daniel Shoy Jr., managing director of youth development for AMBFF, said in a statement.

Photo courtesy of Morris Brown College

President Dr. Kevin James has big plans for the grant recently bestowed upon Morris Brown College to grow their hospitality management program.

Shoy, who is also director of AMBFF’s initiatives on the Westside of Atlanta, said he believes “this investment in the reinvigorated Morris Brown could be a scalable model for other industries and locations, including Montana State University, where the foundation is funding a similar program.”

“We invite others to join us in support,” he said.

Morris Brown is dedicated to making education and their programs accessible. The online Hospitality Certificate Program will begin to develop in early 2024 and the program’s first class will be eligible to enroll in the Fall 2024 semester.

Five HBCUs leading the charge in creating Black excellence

By Aziah Siid Word In Black

domain, via Wikimedia Commons Voted as the #1 HBCU in the country for 17 consecutive years

by U.S News & World Report, Spelman College has earned its distinction for more reasons than one. Founded in 1881 as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, the all-women’s campus has been a beacon of education and hope for Black women nationwide.

Spelman College was home to visionaries like Martin Luther King Jr’s daughter, peace advocate and CEO of the King Center, Dr. Bernice King, politician and activist Stacey Abrams, and the legendary novelist, Alice Walker. Walker’s Pulitzer Prize novel, “The Color Purple,” is one of the most frequently banned books in the United States and continues to serve as a staple in Black history and culture.

Spelman continues to serve the greater Black education community through partnerships like their initiative with the National Education Equity Lab, a nonprofit that works to boost economic and social mobility for high school students. The program provides free college-level courses to low-income high school students to make them confident they can succeed

To encourage more young people to pursue STEM, FAMU hosts an annual STEM Day for students in grades six through 12.

The event features academic speakers, hands-on activities, and science demonstrations to give participants a realistic look at what the future holds.

Additionally, the university holds a “Women and Girls in STEM Mentoring Event” each year, introducing nearly 200 K-12 girls to female engineers, scientists, and academics. In 2022, FAMU expanded its STEM Day to include third, fourth, and fifth graders, broadening the event traditionally aimed at girls in grades six through 12.

What do Martin Luther King Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Vice President Kamala Harris have in common? They’re all graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The schools saw a surge in applications from high school seniors after the murder of George Floyd. And along with increasingly being seen by Black high school students and families as havens of safety — both physically and culturally — HBCUs produce nearly 13 percent of all Black graduates, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.

4. Morgan State University I’m a Morgan State graduate, so I know first-hand these Morgan State University President David K. Wilson, Ed.D., schools aren’t just academic institutions. They’re a testament recently became the first HBCU president to win the national to the determination of Black Americans to create spaces of Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, presented by the excellence, empowerment and cultural affirmation in the face McGraw Family Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania’s of racism. And in the nearly 187 years since the first HBCU Graduate School of Education. His efforts to improve retention, — the African Institute, later renamed Cheyney University graduation rates, and support for degree completion for Black of Pennsylvania — opened its doors, they’ve students underscore MSU’s commitment to become incubators of Black intellectuals, activists advancing Black leadership and success. and professionals.

The university is committed to increasing A 2022 proclamation from President Biden representation in fields such as STEM and for National Historically Black Colleges and communications by recruiting students as early Universities Week pointed out their incredible as their junior year of high school. Since 2021, contributions to society: “HBCUs have produced Morgan has had a partnership with NASA 40 percent of all Black engineers and 50 percent designed to foster interest and retention in of all Black lawyers in America. Seventy percent STEM among K-12 students. They also have a of Black doctors in our country attended an summer program for rising high school seniors HBCU and 80 percent of Black judges are alumni and incoming freshmen interested in actuarial of these schools.” and mathematical sciences. The free, six-week The institutions also play a prominent role program allows students to take pre-calculus, AP Photo/Meg Kinnard Courtesy of Morgan State University AP Photo AFRO Photo in maintaining the Black teacher pipeline. They go on field trips, and participate in professional produce 50 percent of Black teachers, thus development seminars.

Shown here from left to right: Vice President Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard boosting the number of Black men entering University; Susie H. Carr, who became the first female graduate of Centenary classrooms and introducing students to the love of 5. Prairie View A&M University Biblical Institute, now Morgan State University, in 1878. U.S. Supreme Court learning.

One thing Prairie View A&M University Justice Thurgood Marshall, who received his law degree from Howard University, So, this Black History Month, let’s look at the has said is her name. Sandra Bland. As a 2009 and Martin Luther King Jr., a graduate of Morehouse College. contributions five HBCUs have made and how graduate, member of the Sigma Gamma Rho their current impact on K-12 education makes a sorority, civil rights activist and summer school difference. in college and prepare them for higher education. In addition, counselor, Bland’s name echoed throughout the university and the alumnae of the college are working to make attending the Black Lives Matter movement after her death in 2015.

1. Howard University institution more affordable for incoming freshmen and current Founded in 1876 as the Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical Listen, when the school is the alma mater of Carter G. Woodson– students.

College of Texas, the second public institution of higher learning the creator of Black History Month– you know it has to be in the state initially admitted only men. Recognizing the need for number one on the list. Founded 150 years ago by Army Gen. 3. Florida A&M University all Black people to be educated, it soon welcomed women.

Oliver Otis Howard, Howard University has also long been a Through rhythm and song, FAMU alumni, like musical artist PVAMU carries the legacy of inclusivity into its STEM pioneer in educating Black women at both the undergraduate and Common, have spoken life into the Black community. In 2018, Mobile Road Show. On-board technology allows Prairie View to graduate levels. Our first Black vice president, Kamala Harris, Common helped launch Art in Motion Charter School in his bring hands-on demonstrations to high schools across the state graduated in 1986. Charlotte Ray, the nation’s first Black woman hometown as a way to, as he told Ebony magazine last year, and enable students to engage in activities. lawyer — and the first woman admitted to the Washington D.C. “bring academics but also artistic expression and holistic living to Leaders of the program hope the mobile show will “play a bar — graduated from Howard’s law school in 1872. children that are from Chicago.” role in exciting and engaging young minds, in particular underHU continues to make modern-day strides as it competes directly As for Common’s alma mater, the 140-year-old university represented minorities, in STEM education.” with schools in underserved communities through its dual — which began with only 15 students and two instructors The university also has a shadowing program where secondary enrollment courses.

— is currently ranked as the No. 1 HBCU for research and students can sign up to follow a College of Engineering student development by the National Science Foundation. The university around for a day to get a feel for what the school’s STEM 2. Spelman College continues to make immense strides in law, pharmaceutical programs are like.

Graduates of Spelman Seminary, class of 1908. Public sciences, and more.

This article was originally published by Word In Black.

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February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024 The Afro-American

Two new studies show police violence negatively impacts health of Black Americans

By Carla K. Johnson The Associated Press The effect of police violence on Black Americans is tracked in two new studies, with one tying police-involved deaths to sleep disturbances and the other finding a racial gap in injuries involving police use of tasers.

The health effects of police violence on Black people “need to be documented as a critical first step to reduce these harms,” three editors of JAMA Internal Medicine wrote in an editorial recently published with the studies.

For the sleep study, researchers looked at responses from more than two million people from 2013 through 2019 in two large government surveys.

They focused on people’s reports of sleep in the months following police-involved killings of unarmed Black people.

They found a pattern of sleep disturbances, particularly getting less than six hours of sleep per night, in Black people — but not

among White people — in the six months following a policeinvolved killing.

For the years studied, policeinvolved killings of unarmed Black people totaled 331 in the database used by the researchers: Mapping Police Violence, a project using Justice Department statistics and crowdsourced databases. The killings included cases that gained national attention such as the deaths of Eric Garner and Tamir Rice, as well as others less widely known.

For more prominent policeinvolved deaths, there was a 11.4 percent increase in reporting very short sleep compared with the average for all Black survey respondents. For deaths, whether prominent or not, that happened in the same state as the survey respondent, the effect was a 6.5 percent increase.

This type of study cannot prove cause and effect. The researchers made adjustments for age, sex, education and other factors that might account for differences and still found the

pattern of more sleep disturbance reports from Black people after police-involved deaths.

“Discrimination can manifest in all sorts of ways, one of which is unequal exposure to police use of force,” said Dr. Atheendar Venkataramani of the University of Pennsylvania, who led the study. Poor sleep can raise “the lifetime risk of a number of diseases, as well as the risk of early death.”

The second study found racial disparities in injuries that occurred when Tasers and similar weapons were used by police to incapacitate people.

It’s the first comprehensive national analysis of such injuries using emergency department data. The study was possible because of a new medical code, added in late 2019, denoting law enforcement-related use of Tasers and similar weapons.

Researchers analyzed data on 1,276 emergency department visits from October 2019 through December 2020 where an injury coincided with police use of such

Unsplash /Andrew Valdivia

Studies show the sleep patterns of African Americans are impacted by interactions with police.

“conducted energy” devices.

Nearly 36 percent of those injured were Black, far above their 13.6 percent share of the general U.S. population. White people made up 39 percent of the injured, Hispanic people 17.6 percent, Native Americans 2 percent and Asian or Pacific Islander people 1.4 percent.

The injuries included puncture wounds, concussions, fractures and traumatic brain injuries. The devices are known to cause falls, but the researchers couldn’t pin down if police used the weapons incorrectly or the exact role of the weapons in the injuries.

“It’s really important to make sure that law enforcement officers get the proper training on how to deploy these things and minimize the risk of long-term injury,” said study co-author Kevin Griffith of Vanderbilt University.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

American Foundation of Suicide Prevention working to bring mental health equity to Black people If you’re feeling suicidal or concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting themselves, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by trained counselors “Within the Black community, we’ve had a narrative that we don’t die by suicide, that we’re resilient people who survived slavery. And that suicide was really a white problem.”

That’s what Vic Armstrong, vice president for health equity at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, says. With more than 35 years of experience working towards equitable access to mental health care, Armstrong knows the importance of starting those tough conversations.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, suicide was the third leading cause of death in 2020 for Black Americans ages 15 to 24. The suicide rates for Black youth increased nearly 37 percent between 2018 and 2021.

On Feb. 5, AFSP launched a new initiative to support mental health equity for Black communities. Listening, Empathy, Trust and Support or L.E.T.S Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African

Courtesy of Vic Armstrong via Word In Black

A new initiative by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention aims to bring hope and healing to those in the Black community.

American Communities is a free presentation aimed at fostering dialogue around mental health and providing suicide prevention resources.

The presentation will be shared through the chapters the organization has in each state, its media partners, and HBCUs. It is also available virtually. Word In Black sat down with Armstrong, who shared more about this program and its importance for the mental health of Black people.

Word In Black: Tell me about the L.E.T.S Save Lives program. Why did AFSP decide to create this initiative? What’s the goal?

Vic Armstrong: It’s part of an ongoing initiative by AFSP on how we can reach historically marginalized communities. Our goal was to create a resource by Black people for Black people — that could address the issues around suicide.

We wanted something that would help educate the community about the prevalence of suicide in the Black community. And something that would create avenues to open conversation. We engaged a marketing team, The House of Joy, a Black female-led organization to create Black imagery. Everything speaks to the Black experience.

Ultimately, the goal is always to reduce suicide rates.

Specifically, we want to think about how we can get upstream in suicide prevention. Suicide itself is not a disease, it is the worst possible outcome of a combination of a lot of complex things that often include mental health challenges.

That means we need to create culturally relevant resources.

And raise awareness that suicide is relevant to the Black community and is happening in our community. So that we don’t ignore people around us that are hurting.

WIB: Why was it important to create this program by Black people and for Black people?

VA: Historically, when we look at suicide prevention, it’s

not a conversation that we typically have. In the last few years, we’ve been more open to trying to have that conversation.

But, when you look around, there were very few resources for Black people, that speak to

the Black experience.

For AFSP, when the mission is to save lives and bring hope — that’s for everybody. But traditionally, we’ve created resources that were not specific to any community, like painting

with broad strokes.

This article was originally published by Word in Black.

See more on afro.com

Washington Classified Continued from C5

SUPERIOR OF THE LEGAL COURT NOTICES DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001305 THEODORE CONTOUR HARE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JASMINE A. MUSCHETTE & THERESA HARE, whose addresses are 6319 9th ST., NW WASH DC 20011, 3750 JAMISON ST., NE APT. 216 WASH DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THEODORE CONTOUR HARE, who died on APRIL 18, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers JASMINE A. MUSCHETTE THERESA HARE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/09, 2/16, 2/23/24

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By Anissa Durham Word In Black

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001089 VERNICE SHEARARD AKA VERNICE DELORES SHEARARD AKA VERNICE D. SHEARARD Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs RAINYA P. MILLER, whose address is 2609 LACROSSE PL, WALDORF MD 20603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VERNICE SHEARARD AKA VERNICE DELORES SHEARARD AKA VERNICE D. SHEARARD, who died on OCTOBER 10, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers RAINYA P. MILLER Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/09, 2/16, 2/23/24

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0017-2024 PEST CONTROL SERVICES The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires professional, licensed Pest Control Services throughout various DCHA properties.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, January 29, 2024, on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED for Friday, February 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM, via Microsoft Teams.

SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Thursday, February 28, 2024, at 12:00 PM. Email LaShawn McLeod, Contract Specialist at LMMCLEOD@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

C4 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

For More Information Please call the number above LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2024FEP000002 JUNE 25, 2023 Date of Death CAROLYN M SWEET Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS LUIS MORALES, whose address is 11943 AUTUMNWOOD LN FORT WASHINGTON, CA 20744 was appointecd representative of the estate of CAROLYN M SWEET, deceased, by the ORPHAN’S Court for PRINCE GEORGES County, State of MARYLAND, on SEPTEMBER 13, 2023. Service of process may be made upon DARIUS HARTSFIELD 4800 NANNIE HELEN BURROUGHS AVE #301 NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019 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: 1141 5TH ST NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001 Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American LUIS MORALES Personal Reperesenative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000014 DANIEL FITZGERALD HAUS-CLARK Name of Decedent ROBERT L. PILLOTE, JR. TYRELL, MASON & PILLOTE, P.C. 6116 EXECUTIVE BOULEVARD SUITE 500 N BETHESDA, MD 20852 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs KAREN M. HAUS, whose address is 4622 43RD PLACE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL FITZGERALD HAUS-CLARK, who died on OCTOBER 21, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 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 JULY 26, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers KAREN M. HAUS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM00002 JOYCE F. LELAND Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs BARBARA HENRY, whose address is 4051 RANCH ROAD, UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 , was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOYCE F. LELAND, who died on NOVEMBER 22, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 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 JULY 26, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers BARBARA HENRY Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1546 JAMES W. TIBBS Name of Decedent PAULETTE LUNDY ESQ. 8825 STANFORD BLVD, SUITE 140 COLUMBIA, MD 21045 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CARRIE KYLE, whose address is 15612 PLAID DRIVE, LAUREL, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES W. TIBBS, who died on MAY 14, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 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 JULY 26, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1521 MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS SR. Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS JR., whose address is 3016 N ST. WASHINGTON D.C. 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS SR., who died on OCTOBER 18, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 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 JULY 26, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1536 THELMA A. LANE Name of Decedent WILLIAM A. BLAND ESQUIRE 80 M STREET, SE #330 WASHINGTON DC 20003 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CHERYL D. MILLER, whose address is 2300 GOODHOPE ROAD SE, WASHINGTON DC 20003 APT. 216, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THELMA A. LANE, who died on MAY 12, 2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding.

Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 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 JULY 26, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

MICHAEL OLIVER JENKINS JR. Personal Representative

CHERYL D. MILLER Personal Representative

CARRIE KYLE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001537 JOANNE BRENDA WALLACE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JAMAL DONAY CAMPBELL, whose address is 18020 LAKEFORD DRIVE, CULPEPER, VA 22701, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOANNE BRENDA WALLACE, who died on SEPTEMBER 23, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 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 JULY 26, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers JAMAL DONAY CAMPBELL Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001517 MARY H. JOHNSON Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs LINDA D. JOHNSON AND MARIA D. JOHNSON, whose addresses are 6720 BOXWOOD DRIVE, MORNINGSIDE, MD 20746; 5081 JUST ST., NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARY H. JOHNSON, who died on MAY 25, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 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 JULY 26, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JANUARY 26, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers LINDA D. JOHNSON MARIA D. JOHNSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. SUPERIOR COURT OF THE 2024ADM000006 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA KENNETH CHILES PROBATE DIVISION Name of Decedent ADMINISTRATION NO. Notice of Appointment, 2023ADM001517 Notice to Creditors MARY H. JOHNSON and Notice to Unknown Heirs Name of Decedent JASON BEST, whose address is 5210 HAYES Notice of Appointment, STREET, NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20019, was appointNotice to Creditors ed Personal Representative of the estate of KENNETH and Notice to Unknown Heirs CHILES, who died on NOVEMBER 12, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All LINDA D. JOHNSON AND MARIA D. JOHNSON, unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are un- whose addresses are 6720 BOXWOOD DRIVE, known shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. MORNINGSIDE, MD 20746; 5081 JUST ST., NE Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the WASHINGTON, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Representatives of the estate of MARY H. JOHNSON, 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY who died on MAY 25, 2023 without a Will and will serve 26, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be pre- without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs sented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their apof Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy pearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, apto the undersigned, on or before JULY 26, 2024 or be pointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or lega- Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washingtees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this ton, D.C. 20001, on or before JULY 26, 2024. Claims notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so against the decedent shall be presented to the underinform the Register of Wills, including name, address signed with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on and relationship. or before JULY 26, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons Date of first publication: believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do JANUARY 26, 2024 not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days Name of newspaper and/or periodical: of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, Washington Law Reporter including name, address and relationship.

AFRO American Newspapers Date of first publication: JASON BEST JANUARY 26, 2024 Personal Representative Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS LINDA D. JOHNSON 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24 MARIA D. JOHNSON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 1/26, 2/02, 2/09/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000030 REGINA D. OWENS Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MATTHEW OWENS, whose address is 1913 TRENTON PL SE WASHINGTON DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of REGINA D. OWENS, who died on MARCH 27, 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 shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 2, 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 AUGUST 2, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 2, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

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MATTHEW OWENS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/02, 2/09, 2/16/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000060 DEBRA JANICE MOORE Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs RACHELLE MELBA MOORE, whose address is 2567 COLEBROOKE DR, TEMPLE HILLS,MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBRA JANICE MOORE, who died on JUNE 4, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers RACHELLE MELBA MOORE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/09, 2/16, 2/23/24

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LEGAL NOTICES

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOTICE OF LETTING

NOTICE OF LETTING

Sealed Bids or Proposal for the TR-24004, RECONSTRUCTION OF ALLEYS CITYWIDE will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until MARCH 6, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Board of Estimates employees will be stationed at the Security Unit Counter just inside the Holliday Street entrance to City Hall from 10:45 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. every Wednesday to receive Bids. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. The bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. As of FEBRUARY 9, 2024, the Contract Documents may be examined, without charge by contacting Brenda Simmons at brenda.simmons@baltimorecity.gov or (443) 865-4423 to arrange for a copy of the bid book labeled “NOT FOR BIDDING PURPOSES” to be emailed to you. Anyone who desires to purchase a bid book to be used for bidding purposes must do so in person and by contacting Brenda Simmons at the email address or phone number above. The non- refundable cost is SEVENTY -FIVE DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($75.00) to be paid at the Department of Transportation 417 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 made payable to the Director of Finance. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors’ Qualification Committee.

Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 S. Frederick Street, 4 th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Categories required for bidding on this project are A02601 (Portland Cement Concrete Paving). Cost Qualification Range for this project will be from $800,000.00 to $1,000,000.00. A “Pre- Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on FEBRUARY 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. hosted by the Department of Transportation. All Bidders must email your contact information to include your name, company name, phone number and email address to michael.donovan@baltimorecity.gov to receive an invite to the Microsoft Team (video conference meeting. Principle Items of work for this project are Class 1 Excavation – 3,550 CY; 6 in Sub Base Using Crusher Run – 9,825 SY; 7 in Concrete Pavement Mix No. 7– 8,825 SF. The MBE Goal is 30%; The WBE Goal is 15%. APPROVED: Celeste Amato, Board of Estimates

Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for SANITARY CONTRACT NO. 993-Rehabilitation of Jones Falls Pumping Station will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M on February 29, 2024.

Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates and can be watched live on CharmTV’s cable channel 25/1085HD; charmtvbaltimore.com/watch-live or listen in at (443) 984-1696 (ACCESS CODE: 0842939) from City Hall at Noon.

The Contract Documents may be examined, without charge, at Contract Administration 4 South Frederick Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 on the 3 rd floor (410) 396-4041 as of February 9, 2024 and copies may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of 50.00. Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396- 6883 or contact OBC at 4 S Frederick St., 4 th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the document that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verificatio purposes. The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is E13003-W and WW Pumping Station. Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $10,000,000.01 to $15,000,000.00.

A “Pre-Bidding Information” session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams meeting on February 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM. To purchase a bid book, please make an electronic request at: https:// publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/dpw-construction-projects-notice-letting and dpwbidopportunities@baltimorecity.gov. For further inquiries about purchasing bid documents, please contact the assigned Contract Administrator Torron.coleman@baltimorecity.gov Principal items of work for this contract include, but are not limited to: Replacement of the existing bar screen; pumps and motors; Variable Frequency Drives; flood doors; roof at Elev. 146.20+/-; bubbler system; parts of the seal water system; and plumbing fixtures and hot water heater in the Rest Room. Installation of new flood barriers on all windows those are below the BFE 142.2 feet. Upgrade the existing HVAC; electrical; lighting; and instrumentation and control system.

This project includes U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan funding.

City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Procurement

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE

For More Information Please call the number above

BALTIMORE CAREER CORNER ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 911 Fire Department Call Taker/Dispatcher Addictions Specialist Building & Construction Engineer II Chief Project Management, Planning and Customer Service Combination Code Inspector (Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical) Community Case Management Program Coordinator Construction Code Inspector - Electrical Inspector Detention Officer Director of Compliance (Senior Legislative Analyst) Equipment Operator I Equipment Operator II Financial Clerk I Heavy Truck Mechanic Landfill Manager Legal Secretary Maintenance Worker II Management Assistant I Permit Specialist (Planning Technician II) Planning Technician II Police Officer Comparative Compliance Police Officer Entry Level Police Officer Lateral Recreation & Parks Project Manager Senior Equipment Operator Sign Fabricator Traffic Signal Technician Utilities Support Worker I Utility Repair Crew Leader Survey Field Technician I Vactor Operator (Vacuum/Rodder Operator) Water System Technician I/II Water/Wastewater System Technician I Visit our website at www.aacounty.org for additional information and to apply on-line. You may access the Internet at any Anne Arundel County library, or visit our office at 2660 Riva Road in Annapolis, MD. Deadlines to apply posted on the website.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore will PROBATE DIVISION be Received until, but not later than 11:00 am local time on the following ADMINISTRATION NO. dates for the stated requirements.

2024ADM000058 GENEVA WINSLOW

February 21, 2024 AKA * CRANES and HOIST INSPECTIONSGENEVA and REPAIRS RFQ-000326 M WINSLOW * GUN RANGE CLEANING & ; LEAD REMOVAL Name ofSERVICES Decedent RFQ-000501 of Appointment, * 30 YARD LEAF VACUUM TRAILER Notice MOUNTED RFQ-000511

The MBE goal is 8% APPROVED: Clerk, Board of Estimates The WBE goal is 4% APPROVED: Richard J. Luna Director Department of Public Works

Notice to Creditors

Notice to Unknown Heirs Marchand 6, 2024 ARVETTE WINSLOW, whose address is 4923 4TH * BALTIMORE CITY SHUTTLE/TRANSIT SERVICES RFQ-000499 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STREET, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20011, was appointSOLICITATION ed CAN BE VIEWED ANDofDOWNLOADED BY DISTRICT OF ENTIRE COLUMBIA Personal Representative the estate of GENEVA VISITING THE WEBSITE:WINSLOW AKA GENEVA M. WINSLOW, who died on PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/supplier/baltimorecity/SupplierSite OCTOBER 23, 2023 with a Will and will serve without

2024ADM49 GEORGE A. LEWIS Name of Decedent FRAZER WALTON, JR. 1913 D STREET, N.E. WASHINGTON, DC 20002 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs GWENDOLYN HUNNICUTT, whose address is 433 20TH STREET, N.E, WASHINGTON, DC 20002, was LEGAL NOTICESof the estate of appointed Personal Representative GEORGE A. LEWIS, who died on DECEMBER 22, 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 shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do LEGAL NOTICES not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

Washington Classified Continued from C4 LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000082 EARL THOMAS EASTER JR Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CHANTIL THOMAS, whose address is 2812 SHERMAN AVE NW, WASHINGTON DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EARL THOMAS EASTER JR, who died on DECEMBER 13, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers CHANTIL THOMAS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/09, 2/16, 2/23/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM49 GEORGE A. LEWIS Name of Decedent FRAZER WALTON, JR. 1913 D STREET, N.E. WASHINGTON, DC 20002 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs GWENDOLYN HUNNICUTT, whose address is 433 20TH STREET, N.E, WASHINGTON, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE A. LEWIS, who died on DECEMBER 22, 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 shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 2024. Claims against the decedent

GWENDOLYN HUNNICUTT Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/09, 2/16, 2/23/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000058 GENEVA WINSLOW AKA GENEVA M WINSLOW Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs ARVETTE WINSLOW, whose address is 4923 4TH STREET, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GENEVA WINSLOW AKA GENEVA M. WINSLOW, who died on OCTOBER 23, 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 shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

ARVETTE WINSLOW Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/09, 2/16, 2/23/24

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2024ADM000097 SANDRA ETA CRAFT Name of Decedent HORACE BRADSHAW 1644 6TH STREET NW WASHINGTON DC, 20001 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs ARTHUR ROGIERS, whose address is 1333 E ST. NE, WASHINGTON DC, 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SANDRA ETA CRAFT, who died on NOVEMBER 3, 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 9, 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 AUGUST 9, 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 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers ARTHUR ROGIERS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 2/09, 2/16, 2/23/24

LEGAL NOTICES THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0005-2024 PHYSICAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT (PNA)/ENVIRONMENTAL The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Capital Programs (OCP) requires qualified professionals to conduct physical needs assessment consulting/environmental assessment consulting services for DCHA. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, February 5, 2024 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED for Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., via Microsoft Teams.

SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0016-2024 CONTRACTOR SERVICES FOR DCHA VACANT UNIT REPAIR/MAKE READY The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Property Management Operations (PMO) requires licensed qualified Contractors to provide Vacant Unit Repair/Make Ready Services for residential housing units.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, January 29, 2024 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED for Friday, February 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., via Microsoft Teams.

SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

Washington Classified Continued on C3

C6 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

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February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024 The Afro-American

Former President Donald Trump denied absolute immunity in criminal proceedings

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com

GWU Hospital lays off over 60 staff members

Former president Donald Trump can be held accountable and tried as a criminal for encouraging the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled

“Four-year service as Commander in Chief did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens.” against his petition for presidential immunity on Feb. 6, sparking an uproar from Trump’s community of supporters and his campaign manager alike.

“Prosecuting a president for official acts violates the Constitution and threatens the bedrock of our Republic,” said Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Continued on D2

Courtesy Photo

George Washington University Hospital employees are still reeling from the termination of 60 employees, including a dozen nurses who do not work in front-line patient care, announced on Jan. 31.

By Gene Lambey Special to the AFRO George Washington University Hospital (GWUH), located in downtown D.C. on the campus of George Washington University, cut 60 employment positions and laid off over a dozen nurses on Jan. 31. The hospital’s parent company, Universal Health Services (UHS), oversees numerous hospitals across the country and is responsible for the decision.

UHS made their cuts to workers and staff members to “reduce expenses and increase efficiency,” as healthcare challenges in finances and management are on the rise. UHS stated the hospital is “in the process of restructuring areas and departments.”

A statement from the UHS on GWUH stated, “All impacted employees have been valued members of our team, and we are treating them with dignity and respect during this difficult time.”

UHS added in their statement that they will support the impacted workers by offering open positions in other departments or provide separation packages for eligible employees.

This layoff cuts the hospital’s workforce by less than 3 percent.

According to the UHS statement, these laid off positions did not include front-line patient care.

Hospital officials at GWUH said that workers who were laid off were offered different positions within the organization.

The District of Columbia Nurses Association (DCNA), the nurse’s union of the district, are supporting the nursing staff that have been laid off from GWUH as well as the GWU Nurses United union.

“We are deeply saddened to have learned of the elimination of certain positions and subsequent firing and/ or demotion of GWUH staff,” wrote GWU Nurses United in a statement on Jan. 30.

GWUH workers say they have been struggling, “being overworked and understaffed” since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. An unfair labor complaint from the DCNA with the National Labor Relation Board (NLRB) was filed in March 2023 about the

“We are in the profession of caring and UHS has demonstrated that they are not. Our patients and staff deserve better.”

Continued on D2

D1

D.C. police seeking vehicle involved in Southeast shooting Chrisleen Herard Special to the AFRO Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are seeking assistance from the public in locating a vehicle involved in a shooting in Southeast, D.C. On Feb. 4, at around 2:39 a.m., authorities were notified of a reported shooting in the 700 block of 12th Street, Southeast.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was later transferred to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

A surveillance camera captured the suspect’s vehicle, who is believed to be involved in the shooting.

The MPD is currently offering an award of up to $10,000 for anyone who can identify the vehicle or provide information leading up to the suspect’s arrest. Anyone who has knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact the police at (202) 7279099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Courtesy of MPD

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking the public’s assistance in locating an unidentified vehicle involved in a shooting in Southeast, D.C. on Feb. 4.

Experts urge senators to act in the fight against financial fraud $8.8 billion in 2022, according to testimony from John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications, and fraud for the National Consumers League.

This increase is partially due to advancing scam technology, artificial intelligence and a lack of federal regulation on fraud cases.

By Katharine Wilson Capital News Service Americans are reporting fewer frauds since a peak in 2021. However, experts at a Jan. 31 Senate hearing said scammers are only getting better at extracting more money from their victims.

Witnesses and senators agreed that action is needed to fight this issue but they differed on what are the best strategies to protect the millions of Americans suffering from the effects of financial fraud.

Total fraud losses reported to the Federal Trade Commission increased from $3.3 billion in 2020 to

Capital News Service / Katharine Wilson

Experts discuss financial fraud and scams at a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on Jan. 31.

2

“We are not winning the fight against fraud, and we need Congress to act,” Breyault said during a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.

Maryland was fifth in the nation for most fraud reports per capita, according to 2023 Federal Trade Commission data.

Continued on D2

11

Past Seven Days 2024 Total Data as of Feb. 7

D2 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

GWU Hospital Continued from D1

conditions. The nurses of GWUH unionized in response to the unfair treatment. Ed Smith, the executive director of DCNA, spoke on the issue in a statement released in March 2023.

“For years, when nurses tried to raise complaints or tried to get management to help them do their jobs properly–either equipment issues or staffing issues–it fell on deaf ears,” Smith said.

It has been almost a year now since this occurred and now a layoff is happening at the hospital. Overall, the connections between UHS and GWUH staff have not been stable.

The AFRO attempted to speak with UHS regarding the layoff. Susan LaRosa, the director of strategic marketing and communications at GWUH, reshared the first public UHS message with an additional line, stating: “At George Washington University Hospital, our top priority remains providing high-quality care to each patient we are privileged to serve.”

The AFRO also attempted to speak with a member of the GWUH Nurses Union, but no member of the union responded.

The GWUH nurses shared that they were caught by surprise, unaware of this decision by UHS. According to the GWUH United union’s statement, there was no announcement from the CEO of UHS, Marc D. Miller nor the CNO about the layoff decision.

The union stated there was a lack of transparency and the process of these “terminations” requires a response from higher management “but that has not occurred” yet.

“The lack of transparency and the manner of these terminations require response from management but that has not occurred,” the GWUH Nurses Union wrote in a statement released on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, on Jan. 30.

“We are in the profession of caring and UHS has demonstrated they are not.”

The union stated that UHS did not seem to make this decision based with the nurses’ interest in mind.

Information about GWUH layoff is still being investigated. A proper explanation from the UHS on the layoffs has yet to occur.

The AFRO will keep track of the information as it updates.

Trump

Continued from D1

Cheung. “President Trump respectfully disagrees with the D.C. Circuit’s decision and will appeal it in order to safeguard the Presidency and the Constitution.”

The team has repeatedly argued that he cannot be tried for his actions while in office unless impeached or convicted by Congress. Trump faced the U.S. Senate for an impeachment trial on Feb. 13, 2021, where 57 senators voted to convict him and 43 were in favor of acquittal. However, the decision to indict him fell short of the 10 votes necessary to secure two-thirds of the U.S. Senate’s approval.

Trump’s team claims that to be tried again in criminal court is a violation of his constitutional rights under the double jeopardy clause. The line of reasoning was not upheld by the three panel judges selected by President Joe Biden and former president George H.W. Bush.

“For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant,” the panel wrote. “But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution.”

Court documents state that Trump is in violation of four criminal statutes. The report lists them as, “(1) conspiracy to defraud the United States by overturning the election results, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; (2) conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding — i.e., the Congress’s certification of the electoral vote — in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(k); (3) obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, the certification of the electoral

AP Photo / Susan Walsh

Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media at a Washington hotel, Jan. 9, after attending a hearing before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C. vote, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2), 2; and (4) conspiracy against the rights of one or more persons to vote and to have their votes counted, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241. At this stage of the prosecution, we assume that the allegations set forth in the Indictment are true. United States v. Ballestas, 795 F.3d 138, 149

(D.C. Cir. 2015).”

Details in the memorandum mention that Trump understood he lost the election, but that he was “determined to remain in power.” They explain the strategic efforts to undermine the 2020 election through false claims of election fraud, placing fraudulent slates of electors in seven targeted states, initiating false crime investigations through mailed letters on behalf of the Justice Department and attempts to convince former Vice President Mike Pence to alter election results.

The judges went on to state that further evidence sufficient to sustain a conviction must be presented by the prosecution at a later date. At this time, the decision has been put on hold until Feb. 12 to allow Trump to seek review from the U.S. Supreme Court or from the appellate panel.

The panel shared, “We cannot accept that the office of the Presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter.”

Trump’s attempts to evade the law and intimidate legal representatives has earned harsh feedback from presiding US District Judge Tanya Chutkan.

“Four-year service as Commander in Chief did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens,” shared Chutkan after her December ruling.

Since then, she has faced numerous threats of violence against her home and family.

Trump is currently facing 91 criminal charges in four criminal cases spanning across the states of Georgia, New York and two federal jurisdictions.

Fraud

Continued from D1

“This has been an ongoing issue in Maryland as around the country and it takes all forms,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, told the hearing.

The banking panel solicited advice about how to tackle scams and fraud in the banking system.

There are two major types of payment frauds: unauthorized and fraudulently induced transactions, according to Carla Sanchez-Adams, senior attorney for the National Consumer Law Center.

Unauthorized transactions happen without the knowledge of the fraud

victim. Fraudulently induced transactions occur when the victim of a scam initiates a transaction after being manipulated or deceived by the frauder.

Unauthorized electronic funds transfers are protected under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. However, victims of other

protections under state or federal law, Sanchez-Adams said.

Older Americans lose the most money from payment frauds, but younger Americans are more often victimized, she said. Some payment systems also target low-income customers and minorities

said.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, expressed concerns with holding banks accountable. Tillis said he is worried that banks will stop accepting customers who are at a higher risk for falling victim to fraud.

“We are not winning the fight against fraud, and we need Congress to act.” payment frauds have little hope of getting their money back. Victims of fraudulently induced frauds - such as a scammer pretending to be a bank - have no clear

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who are often pushed out of the banking system, the senior attorney added.

Multiple senators pushed the idea of educating consumers about financial fraud. Sanchez-Adams said there is more to do beyond that.

“I think that financial education is extremely important, but it doesn’t solve the problem, especially because the scams change overnight,” Sanchez-Adams told the senators.

Instead, Sanchez-Adams and the other witnesses urged the adoption of new policies to increase responsibilities for financial institutions and to make federal oversight of common scam tactics possible.

Payment platforms should have a larger financial incentive to stop scams before they happen, Breyault said.

Sanchez-Adams touted the United Kingdom’s policy under which the victim’s and the wrongdoer’s financial institutions each have to pay half of the reimbursement.

“If we did that here and the receiving institution were obligated to pay 50 percent, you could believe that they would be doing more to prevent their own customers from committing fraud and they should bear the cost because they’re allowing this to happen,” Sanchez-Adams

“There are a number of times we’re proposing legislation, like here, that upon the surface looks good, but ultimately underbanks or unbanked people, so we’ve just got to strike the right balance,” Tillis said.

He urged Congress to give special priority to passing legislation, including the Protecting Consumers from Payments Scams Act, which would protect victims of fraudulently induced payments.

Cryptocurrency is already or soon will be the “method of choice” for scammers, Breyault said. This is because the currency allows transfers that are anonymous and difficult to trace.

The Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2023, a bill sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, would make it easier for financial regulators to track suspicious crypto activity, Warren said at the hearing.

Her bill has been cosponsored by 20 senators including Van Hollen and is supported by the National Consumers League.

These bills are only a few policies being considered by Congress to improve consumer protections.

This article was originally published

by Capital News Service.

February10, 10,2024 2024--February February16, 16,2024 2024 The TheAfro-American Afro American February

D3 D1

Activism in journalism: A view from the ranks of America’s Black Press

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com There are currently 49 seats in the James S. Brady briefing room for White House reporters dedicated to covering the most trying truths of our nation’s present and past. Only one belongs to a Black owned media outlet– well half a seat. The Grio, short for the griot, a term that references a separate class of people in West African culture designated as “oral historians” or “caretakers of the truth.” The organization stands in a league of its own, surrounded by a sea of larger media companies and conglomerates. When meeting in the White House briefing room, Grio reporters take in the facts across from history maker and trail blazer Karine JeanPierre, who serves as the first Black press secretary for the president of the United States.

In November 2023, Jean-Pierre announced a pivotal decision to rename the lectern after two Black women: Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as the first Black woman in this role. It’s not lost on me that I stand on the shoulders of Alice Dunnigan, Ethel Payne and the monumental struggle and sacrifice of everyone who looks like me within, before and beyond this White House,” Jean-Pierre told the AFRO. “It’s my hope that the Dunnigan-Payne lectern will serve as a beacon of what Black communicators can achieve – whether they are seated before it or answering questions behind it.”

The unique triangular structure is filled with uncommon features such as curved inward slants which showcase the speaker’s legs and feet. The object was fused with pieces of black walnut and metal.

“As you can see, the metal speaks to the resilience and strength of our nation, while the black walnut represents the rich history and the deep-rooted foundations upon which this country stands,” JeanPierre shared at unveiling, during the Nov. 30, 2023 press briefing.

“The blue paint signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.”

Payne and Dunnigan were the first Black women admitted to the White House Press core, where they overcame remarkable challenges in their own right. The two co-authored many pieces for the renowned Chicago Defender, and bonded over tongue-lashings and shared traumas during presidential briefings.

“On February 10, 1954, I tried my-fledgling wings as an accredited White House reporter and asked President Eisenhower my first question at his news conferences,” Payne recalled in a Chicago Defender article she penned. “I remember my knees knocking and my voice quavering as Ike cupped a hand to his ear and asked me to repeat.”

Over the weeks, a boldness began to develop. Payne quickly became known as the “First Lady of the Black Press” for her intense line of questioning based on research and lived experience. Dunnigan documented the most notorious bouts of anger seen by President Eisenhower in an article entitled, “Why Press Query Fired Ike’s Ire.” “The President’s lack of knowledge on many racial issues, raised by reporters of Negro news- papers, seems to have become embarrassing after awhile, and his impatience began to show,” Dunnigan wrote. “The curt manner in which the AP Photo/Evan Vucci President has begun answering White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre the questions posed by Negro answers questions during a press briefing at the new reporters has been observed and mentioned by many of the lectern dedicated to Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne. press and radio people present.

It has also given rise to a critical ‘blast’ issued upon the women reporters by the lone Negro man who attends the President’s conferences.”

“The disease of professional jealousy seems to be very contagious as it is apparently

spreading to other male columnists who are joining the fray and vehemently tossing word stones of un- pleasantness at those who would dare go to the bat for issues affecting 10 percent of America’s population,” she continued.

Over the course of their career, Dunnigan would be forced to cover stories from the service section during Eisenhower’s presidency and came out of pocket to pay for her own accommodations during President Harry S. Truman’s entire Western campaign.

Payne almost had her credentials revoked due to her complex questions and succumbed to low pay in comparison to her male counterparts while working as a one person bureau in D.C. Despite these obstacles, the pair fiercely overcame each setback with grace, leading to a series of awards presented posthumously.

In 2022, the White House Correspondents’

Association created the Dunnigan-Payne Lifetime Achievement Award in their memory.

“For the Chicago Defender, Ms. Payne was a frontline journalist of the highest order and a lion for her people. Even today, few journalists can match her skills, fearlessness, sagacity and curiosity combined with an unquenchable thirst for excellence. Those attributes led her to serve with distinction as our White House correspondent and travel the world and Chicago covering issues that concerned her people, Black people,” Tacuma Roeback, current managing editor for the Chicago Defender expressed. “She is and will always be “The First Lady of the Black Press,” but she deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Ida B. Wells, Helen Thomas and Barbara Walters.”

See more on afro.com

March 1974

“It’s my hope that the Dunnigan-Payne lectern will serve as a beacon of what Black communicators can achieve – whether they are seated before it or answering questions behind it.”

Archive materials courtesy of the Chicago Defender

March 2009

Archives from the Chicago Defender display clippings from Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne.

July 1954

D4 The Afro-American February 10, 2024 - February 16, 2024

Washington Wizards concert highlights impact of hip-hop

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor Afields@afro.com

ashington Wizards fans united W in Capital One Arena on Feb. 2 to celebrate the special occasion of “202

Day,” which serves as a time to recognize the city’s area code. Many gathered to cheer on the basketball team as they challenged the Miami Heat.

Though the team lost by eight points to the Miami Heat, 110 - 102, the audience enjoyed the show, which included an installment of the Friday Night Concert Series. The Feb. 2 edition of the event paid homage to 50 years of hip-hop. Sponsored by Sprite, attendees welcomed performers from across the globe, ranging from local artists like Nonchalant, Experience Unlimited and Lady of Rage to KRS-One and Chubb Rock.

Richard Anthony “Chubb Rock” Simpson hypes the crowd with his familiar rhymes.

Virginia native, Robin Yvette Allen, creatively known as “Lady of Rage,” performs in tribute to 50 years of hip hop.

The Washington Wizards showcase new shoes, created in honor of the District.

Photos courtesy of the Washington Wizards

South Bronx native Lawrence “KRS-One” Parker ignites the audience with his freestyle flow.

Tyus Jones practices in a special Black History Month Wizards t-shirt.

Graphic designer Chris Pyrate receives a basketball with an intricate design.

Jordan Poole strolls into Capital One Arena for the highly anticipated game.

The recently retired radio and tv show host, DJ Russ Parr (left), takes a moment to speak with live gameday host, Britt Waters.

Patrick Baldwin warms up ahead of the game against the Miami Heat.

To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com