Afro e-edition 06_19_2026

Volume 134 No. 47

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JUNE 20, 2026 - JUNE 26, 2026

AP Photo / Andre Penner

Forward Folarin Balogun (#20) (front, right) celebrates with teammates Chris Richards (#3) and Sergino Dest (#2) (back, right) after scoring his second goal for the United States Men’s National Team against Paraguay, on June 12.

Black players shine in opening games of 2026 World Cup

By Makayla Walker and Andrew Hall AFRO Interns The highly anticipated 2026 World Cup has begun, and the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has their eyes set on championship gold. In their opening match on June 12, the USMNT was powered by a historic performance from star forward Folarin Balogun as they defeated Paraguay, 4-1.

A sold-out crowd of 70,492

packed SoFi stadium in Inglewood, Calif., as the USMNT sported a lineup featuring seven Black starters. Joining Balogun, midfielders Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman and Tyler Adams, as well as defenders Alex Freeman, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson were all starters for game 1.

Balogun, who was named “Man of the Match,” scored two goals, becoming the first USMNT player to do so in a World Cup game since the

program’s first tournament appearance in 1930.

Balogun, 24, was born in Brooklyn, New York to Nigerian parents, Florence and Ben. In an ESPN interview, Bolgun’s mother explained how she traveled to New York while she was seven months pregnant with him, and was denied permission to fly back home to the United Kingdom. She gave birth in July, and weeks later, the family returned home.

Balogun remained in

England, where he quickly rose through the ranks of the UK youth soccer circuit.

His unique triple nationality meant he could’ve played for United States, England or Nigeria’s national teams. Despite this, Balogun committed to the USMNT in 2023, a decision that was fueled by his mother.

“I don’t believe things happen by luck,” said Florence Balogun in an ESPN interview. “I think for me to have gone to America and for me

to have had him there, it is just something that has really stuck with me. Even when he wasn’t even thinking of making an international decision, I’d already made up my mind that he is going to play for America.”

The USMNT entered the World Cup with its most diverse lineup in program history, featuring 12 Black players.

Time Ream, the oldest player on his mid-career team explained that, “This team is a

microcosm of what the United States is.”

“It’s representative of the entire country,” Ream told The Guardian. “So many backgrounds, different cultures, different ways of doing things, different beliefs, and that’s OK…” In 1990, Jimmy Banks and Desmond Armstrong became the first African Americans to represent the USMNT in the World Cup. Banks appeared Continued on A3

afro.com

Texas teen faces 35 years after self-defense claim fails

By Jamie Stengle A Texas teenager who fatally stabbed a 17-year-old track athlete from a rival team during a high school meet was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison June 9 in a case that drew wide attention beyond the booming Dallas suburb where they were students.

A jury rejected Karmelo Anthony’s claims of self-defense during a confrontation with Austin Metcalf in stadium bleachers last year.

Most people who testified were students who described a heated exchange over Anthony’s refusal on a rainy spring day to leave a tent that belonged to Metcalf’s team.

Anthony, now 19, did not testify at trial and only his mother took the stand during the sentencing phase, telling jurors her son was sorry.

Notoriety about the case spread, in part, because of

a flood of social media posts that amplified the killing in racial terms. Anthony is Black; Metcalf was white.

Lawyers on both sides, however, told jurors the tragedy had nothing to do with race.

Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, had also denounced those who sought to stoke racial divisions after his son was killed. A year later, he said again in a Collin County courtroom that it was never about race while his voice swelled with anger over the death of his son.

“You failed your parents, you failed yourself and you failed society,” said Metcalf, looking at Anthony after the teenager was sentenced.

Jurors, who deliberated for less than three hours, had the option of a lesser charge, manslaughter, but didn’t choose it.

Prosecutor Bill Wirskye had asked for a lengthy prison term.

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

A crowd gathers by Collin County Sheriff’s vehicles in front of the Collin County courthouse after the Karmelo Anthony verdict was reached.

“Mercy to the guilty,” he said, “is cruelty to the innocent.”

Earlier June 9, during the trial’s closing arguments, the jury heard dueling narratives from Wirskye and defense

attorney Mike Howard about what happened in April 2025.

Several schools were competing when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers. Austin Metcalf and

Copyright © 2026 by the Afro-American Company

others had repeatedly told Anthony to leave, witnesses testified, leading to an escalating confrontation.

Howard told jurors that Continued on A3

A2 The Afro-American June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026

WHAT’S TRENDING ON AFRO.COM

Serena and Venus Williams to play doubles together at Wimbledon

By Andrew Dampf After decades of success on and off the tennis court, opponents should still be wary of facing the Williams sisters at Wimbledon.

Serena and Venus Williams won a combined 21 titles on the storied grass of the All England Club in their singles and doubles careers and now they’re going for one more.

A doubles wild card invitation for the sisters was announced on June 16 by organizers of Wimbledon, which starts in less than two weeks.

The move comes after 44-year-old Serena recently returned to competition after nearly four years away from professional tennis.

Venus, who has still been competing sporadically, turned 46 on June 17.

The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam titles together in doubles, including six at Wimbledon — the first of them in 2000 and the last in

2016. Their first two doubles titles at Wimbledon, in 2000 and 2002, came as wild cards.

In all, their records at the All England Club look like this: Seven singles titles for Serena and five singles titles for Venus at Wimbledon; those six Wimbledon doubles titles together; a mixed doubles title for Serena with Max Mirnyi at Wimbledon in 1998; plus a singles gold medal for Serena at the 2012 London Olympics and a doubles gold for the sisters at the same Games. Count ‘em up and it makes for 21 trophies and medals — because their powerful serves always did more damage on grass than any other surface.

With their six titles, the Williams sisters share the record for most trophies as a pair in women’s doubles at Wimbledon with Suzanne Lenglen and Elizabeth Ryan, who won their titles consecutively from 1919-25.

The Williams sisters last played doubles together at the

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2022 U.S. Open, where they lost their opening match. That was the first time they played doubles together in 4.5 years.

In her first competition since 2022, Serena won her doubles match with partner Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club in London the second week of June and then the pair had to withdraw after Mboko injured her knee in a singles match.

Serena was slated to play doubles with Karolina Muchova at the Berlin Open later June 16.

AP Photo/Tim Ireland

Singles wild card spot left open

Serena Williams (left) and Venus Williams are returning to Wimbledon on the wildcard ticket.

Wawrinka, Dimitrov and Kyrgios

Men’s singles wild cards went to Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov and four British players: Jacob Fearnley, Arthur Fery, Jack Pinnington Jones and Toby Samuel.

Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion whose best result at Wimbledon was reaching the quarterfinals twice, plans to retire at the end of the year.

Dimitrov led eventual

Serena has not ruled out a return in singles, too, and one of the eight wild card spots for women’s singles was left as “to be announced.”

Recent French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska received a singles wild card, as did six British women: Harriet Dart, Alicia Dudeney, Hannah Klugman, Mika Stojsavljevic, Katie Swan and Mimi Xu.

champion Jannik Sinner two sets to none in the round of 16 last year before having to retire early in the third due to an injured pectoral muscle.

Dimitrov is now ranked No. 169.

In men’s doubles, a wild card went to the pairing of Alexander Bublik and Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios was a singles finalist in 2022.

Matteo Berrettini, a Wimbledon finalist in 2021,

was left off the list despite a quarterfinal appearance at the French Open. He’s ranked No. 49 but was ranked outside the top 100 when Wimbledon’s entry list was established. Still, Berrettini could get direct entry into the main draw depending on withdrawals.

Wimbledon starts June 29.

This article was originally published by The Associated Press.

Knicks championship run to go down in history books

By Brian Mahoney By the time Jalen Brunson and the Knicks returned home, it was easy to find something orange in New York.

The city was caught up in this championship run for nearly two months and the party lasted at least a few days more, with the Knicks’ first parade through New York — they didn’t have one in 1970 or ’73 — taking place on June 18.

The team will be remembered long after the confetti disappears from the streets of Broadway — and not only in New York.

The 2025-26 Knicks have a place in NBA history.

Their postseason performance is in the discussion for the best in the 80-year history of the league, a run of routs and then comebacks for their first championship since 1973.

“What a run!” former President Barack Obama wrote in a tweet congratulating coach Mike Brown, Brunson and the rest of the Knicks.

One that was arguably as good even as any of Obama’s beloved Bulls.

The Knicks finished 16-3, an .842 winning percentage that matched the 2024 Boston Celtics for the second best since the format switched to best-of-seven series in all rounds beginning in 2003.

The 2017 Golden State Warriors finished 16-1.

The Los Angeles Lakers went 15-1 in 2001 and the Philadelphia 76ers finished 12-1 in 1983. Five teams finished the postseason with two losses.

The Knicks won 13 consecutive games at one point, second only to the Warriors’ 15 in a row in 2017. They set records by winning nine

AP Photo/Darren Abate

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns carries the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, June 13, in San Antonio. straight on the road and outscoring their postseason opponents by 283 points.

They were still midway through the NBA Finals when rapper Fat Joe, one of the Knicks’ orange-and-blue dressed celebrity fans, came to Brown’s news conference and said what the team had spent weeks making clear.

“Let’s just wait until it’s over, but right now you analyze the numbers, we might be looking at the greatest team ever, like if you analyze the numbers,” he said.

And when things stopped coming easily, the Knicks set records for the other ways they won. Their comeback from a 29-point deficit in Game 4 was the biggest rally in an NBA Finals game since detailed play-by-play began in 1997, and the Knicks capped it off by coming from 16 down in the clincher.

Add it up, and the Knicks can make a compelling case for the most dominant postseason ever.

“It’s absolutely one of the greatest ever,” said Mike Breen, who calls Knicks games on MSG Network during the regular season and has been ABC’s lead announcer for the NBA Finals since 2006.

“It’s impossible for me to rank it, but when you take into account the point differential, the nine straight road wins, clinching all four series on the road, the two losses by one point, the two record-setting comebacks, it’s in the conversation as the best ever.”

Two of the Knicks’ losses were by one point to Atlanta in the first round. The other was by four points in Game 3 against the Spurs, leaving them six points from a perfect postseason.

On the other side, they won clinching games by 51, 30 and 37 points in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Knicks were never going to care about how they won, just that they did. Before the playoffs started, All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns summed up the pressure the players faced in trying to get back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 by saying: “At the end of the day we’ll be judged by what we do in this run.”

They will be judged well — historically well.

“We went through a lot this season, a lot of ups and downs, but we just stayed with it,” forward OG Anunoby said. “We’re resilient, mentally tough and we won.”

This article was originally published by The Associated Press.

June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A3

World Cup

Continued from A1

in several matches and was a standout defender during the US’ 1990 run.

Armstrong, who started and played every minute of the three group stage matches, went onto earn 81 total caps and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In a BBC interview, Armstrong recalled watching the sport and feeling an immediate connection to Pele, a notable Afro-Brazilian soccer player. Being from a predominantly white neighborhood in the District of Columbia, Armstrong was often berated by comments urging him to stop playing soccer and stick to basketball.

However, after watching Pele shine alongside his majority white teammates, Armstrong felt inspired to continue playing soccer. Oceans apart, but tethered by their indisputable love for the sport, both men blazed a path for future generations who share that same passion for soccer.

Armstrong’s story of unwavering determination is one of many that

Teen

Continued from A1

Metcalf had “no legal right to put his hands on Karmelo.”

“Texas law does not require that you wait until you get hit,” Howard said. “In that split second of chaos, you must put yourself in his shoes.”

During the nearly weeklong trial, prosecutors said Anthony

AP Photo / Nick Wass

AP Photo / Jayne Kamin-Oncea

United States’ midfielder Malik Tillman (#17) battles the ball away from Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron (#10) during the World Cup group D soccer match in Inglewood, Calif., on June 12. drives the most racially and culturally diverse USMNT in history as they chase the country’s first World Cup win in program history.

provoked Metcalf, and witnesses testified that Anthony was the aggressor.

“This is not self-defense, folks. It’s murder plain and simple,” Wirskye said.

Anthony at one point reached inside a bag and replied: “Touch me and see what happens,” according to a police report.

Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who

Group competition for the USMNT continues over the next few weeks. The U.S., who joined Australia, Turkey and Paraguay in Group

said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.

“You don’t get to meet a shove with a stab, especially if you provoke the shove,” Wirskye said.

The teens, both from Frisco, didn’t know each other.

“He’s very sorry for what he did. Please, have mercy on my son,” Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, pleaded to jurors

AFRO,

D, must finish top two in the group to earn an automatic bid to the next round. They could also advance with a third-place finish in the group.

shortly after the verdict.

The trial drew lines of spectators hoping to find seats in the gallery and unfolded amid heavy security at the Collin County courthouse. As police officers watched on June 9, dozens of people stood outside the courthouse in 90 degree Fahrenheit heat (32 degrees Celsius) to await the verdict.

There were wails of grief from one woman — “This

Desmond Armstrong is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. The District of Columbia native was a defender who made a name for himself on soccer fields around the world. In 1988, he played for the U.S. at the Olympic Games and in 1990 represented his country at the World Cup.

isn’t real!” — when the result became known.

Frisco is one of Texas’ fastest-growing cities and is dotted with dozens of modern school campuses and gleaming athletic facilities.

The parents of Anthony and Metcalf have said they were good students who planned to go to college.

Several students testified that Metcalf, after ordering

Anthony to leave his team’s tent, scoffed before Anthony reached into a bag and pulled out a knife.

One teen recalled Metcalf telling Anthony, “You don’t have anything in that backpack. It’s Frisco.”

Associated Press writer Ed White in Detroit contributed to this report. This article was originally published by The Associated Press.

CORRECTION: In the June 6 -12 edition of the AFRO the article “AFRAM at 50: A Baltimore tradition of music, culture and community” included incorrect information about the festival times. Please see correct info below: June 19 - 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

June 20, 21 - 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The AFRO deeply regrets this error.

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A4 The Afro-American June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026

COMMENTARY

An important lesson from a zillennial

By Frances “Toni” Draper AFRO CEO and Publisher Following the funeral service of a beloved family member, family and friends gathered in the church fellowship hall for a meal. My granddaughter, who celebrated her 26th birthday the day before, sat at a table with older relatives and participated fully as the conversation moved from topic to topic.

After hearing several of her thoughtful and meaningful contributions, one cousin turned to her and said, “I’m pleasantly surprised by how engaged you are in this conversation.”

“Well,” she replied, “I’m what generational researchers call a ‘zillennial.’”

She explained that zillennials occupy the space between millennials and Generation Z. They remember childhood before smartphones became constant companions, yet came of age in a fully digital world.

That led us into a broader conversation about technology, education and the ways different generations experience the world.

She noted that many young people today are navigating a world where phones, social media and screens compete constantly for their attention.

She also worried that some students are entering college and the workforce without strong reading, writing and communication skills.

Across the country, thousands of students have either graduated or are preparing to graduate from high school and college. Families are celebrating. Students are receiving diplomas.

Commencement speakers are offering encouragement and hope.

This raises an important question: Are we equipping young people with the skills they need not merely to earn diplomas, but to navigate an increasingly complex world?

I applaud the growing number of school systems that have banned or significantly limited cellphone use during the school day. Banning phones will not magically improve test scores or solve every challenge facing schools.

But it does acknowledge a simple truth: learning requires attention.

This is not an argument against

technology. Students need technology and must learn how to use it wisely.

But there is a difference between technology that supports learning and technology that constantly competes with it.

And we cannot continue to blame every educational challenge on COVID-19. The pandemic disrupted learning, and its effects were real. But six years later, it cannot explain every academic shortcoming.

My granddaughter attended public schools, navigated college during the COVID-19 era and completed graduate school last month. She is hardly unique. Thousands of young people did the same. Their success does not erase the challenges many students faced, but it reminds us that strong reading, writing and communication skills remain attainable when families, schools, students and policymakers make them a priority.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized we were talking about something much bigger.

We were talking about literacy, opportunity and preparation.

Literacy has always been a civil rights issue. The ability to read critically, write clearly, communicate effectively and think independently opens doors to education, employment, entrepreneurship and civic participation.

They influence who gets hired, who gets promoted, who starts businesses, who leads organizations and who helps shape public policy. They influence who is prepared to seize opportunities and who is not.

Some schools have even reintroduced cursive writing. Whether one agrees with that decision or not, it misses the larger point. Employers are not complaining that young people cannot write in cursive. They are complaining that too many struggle to write clearly, communicate professionally, follow instructions, think critically and sustain attention.

The goal of education is not to produce better screen users. It is to produce better thinkers.

Parents should encourage reading and conversation at home. Educators should continue creating classrooms where attention and critical thinking are

As the graduation season continues, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO CEO and publisher, challenges the entire community to ensure that each diploma represents strong academic skills and preparation for work, for leadership and life. valued. Policymakers should support reasonable efforts to reduce digital distractions during the school day.

The diplomas students receive this season represent accomplishment. The challenge before us is to ensure they also represent preparation—for work, for leadership and for life.

Tossing the cap, taking control: 5 smart financial steps for Maryland’s Class of 2026

By Janet Currie Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You have tossed your caps with well-deserved pride and excitement. But as the celebration fades, a daunting feeling can often creep in: uncertainty about what comes next.

As you prepare to step into the professional world, there are financial challenges ahead. Bank of America’s Better Money Habits 2026 Gen Z Report found that nearly one-third of Gen Z adults report experiencing financial stress, driven by inflation, the cost of living and lack of an emergency savings.

For many grads, these converging pressures can feel overwhelming. But they don’t have to. By taking a few proactive, strategic steps today, you can confidently navigate this landscape and build a future where you are in full control of your financial destiny:

1. Understand your employer’s role in your financial future

With the Class of 2026 entering the workforce, many are taking on a refreshingly open attitude toward money conversations. As you settle into your new role, improve your financial knowledge by actively learning about how your employer’s benefits can impact your financial future. Ask about 401(k) matching, open enrollment and any additional benefits that will bring more value to your finances.

2. Start investing early

Securing your long-term financial future does not require a large salary — it can start with as little as $10 per paycheck. By beginning to invest as soon as you start earning, you give your money more time to benefit from the remarkable power of compounding. Small, consistent contributions automated in the background of your life ensure you are actively building

Courtesy photo

Janet Currie is the president of Bank of America Greater Maryland. This week, she discusses financial tips for all the new grads. wealth rather than simply reacting to monthly bills. This financial discipline, when started early, is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to you.

Traditional financial advice often demands cutting every discretionary expense, which can quickly lead to burnout. Instead, consider the more sustainable approach of “soft saving.”

Rather than eliminating all spending, identify your top personal values, whether that is travel, wellness or professional networking, and prioritize saving for those first. This values-driven approach helps you build smarter, more durable financial habits as you advance in your career, without sacrificing the experiences that matter most to you.

4. Seek professional advice from a financial advisor

As you step into this new chapter, professional advice can be a true gamechanger. A financial advisor can assess your complete financial picture, help you establish short- and long-term goals, and build a realistic, customized 3. Trade the post-grad “hustle” roadmap to achieve them. Establishing this relationship early provides an mindset for “soft saving” Graduation season brings enorimportant anchor as you navigate major mous pressure from landing a job life milestones. It also gives you a trustto managing new bills all at once. ed partner to help mitigate payment

shock before it takes hold.

5. Maximize existing financial resources

Don’t overlook the powerful financial tools that may already be in your corner.

If your family utilized a 529 college savings plan and has remaining funds, you have options that can meaningfully accelerate your wealth-building journey.

Under current tax law, you can use up to $10,000 tax-free to pay down qualified student loans, a particularly impactful option given Maryland’s high average debt burden. Additionally, thanks to provisions under the SECURE 2.0 Act, unused 529 funds may be eligible for rollover into a Roth IRA, giving your retirement savings a powerful head start.

The transition from college life to a professional career is filled with both new responsibilities and limitless potential. Remember, true financial independence is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about gaining the freedom to pursue your dreams without constraint.

Take charge of your financial habits today, and you will do far more than survive this transition. You will thrive.

A white doctor is suing an online Black physician directory – so much for ‘Do No Harm’

By Valencia P. Walker Colorado physician Dr. Travis Morrell is suing the “Find A Black Doctor” online directory and alleging he was not added solely because of his “white racial identity.” The federal lawsuit claims his exclusion violates the Civil Rights Act of 1866 because the directory’s racial criteria is a form of contractual racial discrimination. It further contends that non-Black physicians, like Dr. Morrell, face illegal barriers to practicing medicine because they are excluded from participating in this online directory.

Well, who are we supposed to “Do No Harm” to in medicine?

Because why does the directory exist? According to its founder, Dr. Dina D. Strachan (a Black woman physician also named in the lawsuit), it was launched in direct response to the never ending flood of requests from Black patients who wanted (and needed) to find doctors – specifically Black doctors – who might better relate to their lived experiences.

As a board-certified neonatologist and as a Black woman, the impact of these requests resonates on a professional and personal level. I vividly recall a Black mother I advocated for daily as I took

care of her critically ill baby. When I started my series of shifts in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the team only used words like “angry” and “threatening” to describe their interactions with her. We had daily, and often multiple, conversations to shift the team from demanding a behavior contract and making frequent calls to security about this mother to understanding what scared and upset her when she sat at her baby’s bedside. During my last shift, she fought back tears as she quietly thanked me for helping her recognize that her anger was a symptom of the untreated PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) she had developed from having a seriously ill newborn in the ICU for months.

Likewise, I have also been the Black woman not listened to in the emergency room when I tried to explain that something was really wrong with me.

I was discharged without recognizing I had a potentially life-threatening illness.

When I later met with a Black woman physician, she affirmed my symptoms were both real and matched with the textbook definition of my diagnosis.

That gave me a path forward to recovery and a sense of relief I still cannot find words to describe.

But, it’s not just about missing a

life-threatening diagnosis. Dr. Morrell is a dermatologist who publicly labels himself as a “DEI unbeliever.” Knowing this, I can admit how reluctant I would be to share with him which stressors consistently trigger eczema flares for me – because I have learned that my eczema is predominantly a manifestation of the physical, mental and emotional harm that comes from frequently experiencing race-based mistreatment.

Although counterintuitive, it is an act of self-preservation to withhold certain personal health concerns from doctors who appear openly antagonistic to the micro- and macro-hostilities Black people may often encounter. Is it then truly inconceivable that some Black patients may struggle to shake feelings of mistrust in doctors? The data consistently tells us that Black mothers continue to have the highest rates of pregnancy complications and deaths in the U.S., but some hospitals are still struggling to recognize labor pains and ensure safe deliveries of their Black babies. Audre Lorde taught us years ago that “Caring for [ourselves] is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

All physicians take an oath to “Do no harm,” and there absolutely are White

male physicians who provide exceptional care to Black patients. To think otherwise is extraordinarily problematic and patently untrue. It is also mathematically impossible for Black patients to receive care exclusively provided

by Black doctors since Black doctors comprise approximately 5 percent of the physician workforce. Yet, when possible, it is an accommodation that may improve health outcomes in certain patients. However, this does not change the need for the highest standards in educating and training all doctors to achieve expertise in providing compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care for every single patient they will encounter.

In reality, this Do No Harm lawsuit is another misguided attempt to distort the necessity of implementing effective “DEI” strategies that produce better outcomes for the medical profession.

Racial prejudice in healthcare can never be eliminated if all evidence of its existence is erased. A ruling in the plaintiff’s favor will not be a success for eradicating harmful “DEI” practices.

Instead, it risks reestablishing the more dangerous attitudes and actions that exacerbate race-based health disparities.

(It is also notable that lawsuits against

Courtesy photo

Valencia P. Walker, a physician and National Black Child Development Institute Public Voices Fellow, argues that online directories connecting Black patients with Black physicians address persistent racial disparities in healthcare. similar online directories have not been pursued).

Rather than rewarding this brand of activism, it is important to focus on interrupting the harms being disproportionately experienced by certain groups of patients. Given the persistence of health disparities overwhelmingly affecting Black Americans, resources should be deployed to support a variety of solutions, including a free online directory that helps people find qualified Black physicians.

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

June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A5

Kennedy Center removes 47th president’s name from building exterior

By Steven Sloan The curtain may have come down for President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center but the tarp stays up for now.

Matt Floca, executive director and chief operating officer of the performing arts venue, told a federal court June 13 that the institution had complied with an order to remove Trump’s name from the facade. In a filing, Floca said the board of trustees and the center had removed “all physical signage on the Kennedy Center building and grounds, including the front portico, that purports to rename the Kennedy Center after President Trump.”

But for onlookers who have gathered on the plaza in front of the center over the past day hoping to witness a dramatic moment symbolizing the limits of Trump’s power, it was virtually impossible to see whether the signage was gone. A tarp hung over the scaffolding constructed for workers to perform that task.

It was unclear when the tarp might be removed to reveal the original lettering that had endured for decades: “The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

By the end, the Kennedy Center’s leadership had dug in against a federal judge’s order to erase Trump’s name from the building. Two courts rejected the institution’s last-minute request to retain Trump’s name pending an appeal. After severe thunderstorms raked Washington June

AP Photo/Cliff Owen

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio- 03) speaks with a reporter outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., June 13, 2026.

12 evening, the Kennedy Center sought one more extension before complying with a noon June 13 deadline.

Those who pushed for the scrubbing of Trump’s name were in a celebratory mood. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-03), an ex officio member of the board who sued to remove references to the president from the building and the center’s operations, was spotted in the plaza late June 12 and early June 13. She posted a video to social media that purported to show her performing the “Trump dance” in one of the Kennedy Center’s great halls.

“Today’s victory is the beginning of returning the Kennedy Center to the American people,” Beatty said in

a statement. “The rule of law prevailed, and that is worth celebrating.”

Leo Bartholomaus, a recent graduate of Syracuse University who lives in Virginia, said he was walking by the Kennedy Center on June 12 after visiting the National Mall to see events related to this weekend’s UFC match at the White House. He said he was not happy that Trump added his name to the building.

“My grandmother had a big love of the arts,” he said.

“I’ve been here to see ‘The Lion King.’ I wasn’t a fan of Donald Trump putting his name on it. I thought it was better than the Kennedy Center.”

The removal of Trump’s name closes one of the more

unusual chapters in the history of the Kennedy Center, which began construction in 1964 and was dedicated to the memory of the slain president, Democrat John F. Kennedy.

At what is typically one of the few relatively nonpartisan spaces in Washington, Trump has wielded tremendous influence over the venue during his second term.

Though he rarely discussed the Kennedy Center during his 2024 campaign, Trump moved quickly to oust the institution’s leadership when he returned to office in January 2025 and replaced it with a board of trustees that named him chairman. His name was quickly added to the building.

While the removal of his name marks a setback for Trump, he is moving forward with plans to reshape the physical landscape of the nation’s capital in ways that have few modern parallels.

He demolished the East Wing of the White House and is building a controversial ballroom in its place.

He remodeled the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and plans extensive renovations of a golf course in East Potomac Park, moves that could significantly reduce the public’s access to running and biking paths. He is also moving forward with a triumphal arch that will sit near Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River in Virginia.

Indeed as Trump’s name was being removed from the Kennedy Center, the South Lawn of the White House has been transformed into a venue

for a UFC match intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence but also coinciding with Trump’s birthday on June 14.

Back at the Kennedy Center, there are many questions about the institution’s future.

The same May court decision that ordered Trump’s name to be removed from the building also blocked a planned two-year closure for renovations that was set to begin in July.

The Kennedy Center’s calendar for the weeks ahead include performances of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” and “Bluey’s Big Play.”

Comedian Bill Maher is to be awarded the Mark Twain Award for American Humor during a ceremony on June 28.

But little is scheduled for the stages beyond that and, after substantially reducing staff, it is unclear how quickly the Kennedy Center could build out a robust performance list. Trump, angered by the court’s order to remove his name, has said he would turn the Kennedy Center over to Congress and has suggested it might simply shutter because of public safety

concerns.

In its unsuccessful appeal on June 12 seeking a pause on the order removing Trump’s name, the Kennedy Center’s leadership argued, in terms that seemed similar to the president’s speech patterns, that the lower court was interfering with needed renovations.

“The District Court is not allowing us to close in order to properly fix up and repair the Building, including potentially life threatening structural damage like beams and parking garage ceilings that are rusted, and in serious danger of falling onto people below,” according to the appeal.

The institution also suggested that the president’s name could return to the building if the Kennedy Center later wins its appeal.

If the court denied the venue’s request for a pause, the Kennedy Center argued it would “be forced to squander time and money — by both removing the signage and then potentially returning it after appeal.”

This article was originally published by The Associated Press.

AP Photo/Cliff Owen

Construction workers remove the name of the 47th president from the exterior wall of the Kennedy Center.

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A6 The Afro-American June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026

January 27, 2024 - February 2, 2024 The Afro-American

C3

WITH REV. LENNOX YEARWOOD JR. Updated FAFSA form helps students get more aid Hip-Hop activist: Plastics areBlack Q&A WIB: What do you believe is the first thing Black

By Bria Overs communities need to know Word In Black about microplastics and

By Over Jennifer Gore their health? onePorter million students applied for financial aid Word In Black Yearwood: It’s simple: through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid stop plastics — particularly (FAFSA) in the first week of its opening.

However, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., president and as they are impacting our this Onhas Dec. 30, the Department CEOyear of thewas Hipdifferent.

Hop Caucus, spent community. For too long, more than two decades the updated intersection our community has been of Education releasedatthe andofredesigned environmental justice, public health and civic seen as the path of least application. organizing. He founded the Hip Hop Caucus in resistance. Companies have “With the Better FAFSA now live 24/7, we are September 2004 to build a sustainable organibeen looking to put things moving the federal financial aid application into the zation through which the Black culture could in our communities that support communities injusticeaffordable they wouldn’t put any21st century and, inthat theexperience process, putting “first and worst.” where else. higher education within the reach of 610,000 students From the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina Plastics come from fossil to the petrochemical plants of Cancer Alley, fuels, from oil and gas, and he has connected the dots between corporate these facilities are being pollution and the targeted destruction of placed specifically in Black Black life. communities, causing As a minister, community activist and Air tremendous pain through Force veteran, Yearwood is one of the most toxic exposure. influential people in hip-hop political life. On I’m from Louisiana. For June 4, he was a panelist at this year’s Hollythose who don’t know, Unsplash/ wood Climate Summit, an annual conference there is an Towfiqu 85-mileBarbhuiya stretch The Department of Education expects updated and for entertainment and media professionals to of landthe between Baton discuss climate and environmental issues.

Rouge and Newget Orleans redesigned financial aid form to help students more Part of that discussion focused on the issues called Cancer Alley. It got for their higher education. from families with low incomes who will now be raised in the Netflix documentary “The Plastic that name because so many eligible for Pell Grants for the very first time,” U.S. Detox.” Yearwood is featured in the docupetrochemical facilities on their individual circumstances.” mentary and his expertise as a national have been placed there Secretary oflent Education Miguel Cardona said in a More questions are skippabletobecause the department leader who’s been engaged in bridging the gap make plastics, and the statement in January. previously acknowledged that not all students are cancer “in between communities of color and environresult is the highest According to the department, nearly 1.5 million touch with their parents” and “approximately 300,000 mental issue advocacy. rates in the country — more students will receiveAward®-winning $7,395, the maximum award Produced by an Academy particularly killing Black students are experiencing homelessness.” The new of the“The Federal Pell Grant, bringing the total to more team, Plastic Detox” features commenpeople in that community. form allows users to securely and directly import tax tary from leading scientists The fact that a business than 5.2 million students.interwoven The new with form should take information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) personalan stories who bravely share and their Courtesy of Netflix © 2026 plan exists that amounts around houroftocouples complete, and students instead of manually entering it. to a death sentence for our their infertility journey and the steps they’ve The Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., president families can skip “as many as 26 questions, depending taken to detox their homes and lives. and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus, is communities means we In this conversation, Yearwood explains featured in “The Plastic Detox.” must do everything to stop why microplastics and the locations of petit. rochemical plants are frontline civil rights This conversation has been edited for WIB: Why should people issues — and what every American can do clarity and length. be more aware of plastics, right now to decrease the effects of microThis article was originally published by and what can they do about By Joseph plastics on Williams their bodies and lives.

Word in Black.

the new civil rights fight

“We have heard from students and families that the new FAFSA form is a better experience that’s easier to complete.”

it? much plastic affects us.

Yearwood: We figured it Another key factorthat in the “We have heard from students and families would be tough for people this story is how womnew FAFSA form is a better en experience that’s easier to understand petrochemi— and Black women to complete,” said Federal Student Aid Chief cals. They may understand in particular — areRichard on Cordray in a statement. plastics, though — which the front lines and fence is why we were part of lines of the environmental Congress passed thetheFostering Undergraduate Talent documentary The Plastic justice movement.

They are

by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act Detox. The film is literally literally staying home to in 2019 andplastic the FAFSA Simplification Act incorpora2022, about how is having fight back against allowing changes to the form.

According to the 2024an impact on your life. tions. David and Goliath, AndBetter let meFAFSA be very Better Future in many cases.

2025 Roadmap, more clear: this isn’t about WIB: Can you speak to features will come in the near future. some faraway person who the specific physical effects “Financial aid is a critical part of the college doesn’t live near you. The of plastic exposure? planning but many families are unaware plastic in process, your kitchen, the Yearwood: Plastic is of the necessary stepshouse to take think for plastic in your thator don’t plastic — they whenqualify it gets into is breaking down — actually we are do,” yoursaid body,Autumn it hardens.

It support when they Caviness, consuming a credit has aishuge impactand on heart director of roughly Real Talk.

Real Talk a “career college card’s worth of plastic disease. Plastic gets into exploration initiative” for Black students and their every single week. That’s the arteries, so it is very families as part of BigFuture, a free online college the amount of plastic going much connected to cardioplanning guide.just through vascular health. Beyond into our bodies everyday plas- for reproduction, is A 2018ingestion NationalasCenter Education which Statistics tic breaks down around us. certainly a major concern, report found that 72 percent of Black undergraduate If you have plastic cups, it also affects breathing and students receivedpackets, a Federal Pell Grant withasthma an average utensils, laundry can accelerate and annual amount of $4,900, more than any other racial or takeout containers in emphysema. your home, that has a huge say, group.

Caviness said there hasNow, beenpeople a lot ofwill interest impact.

The film shows “We need plastic for heart from Black students and families in their offerings, how that affects everything stents” — and they’re specifically their event about FAFSA with financial aid from sleep and asthma to right. There are some uses experts from We colleges and universities. reproduction. actually for plastic that are genuine“Weatbelieve that all younglypeople, especially our looked families who important, from medical allowed themselvesstudents, to be devices access to aerospace underrepresented deserve to theapplitested — we went into that opens cations. are notshe saying necessary information allWe doors,” said. their homes, took urine and get rid of all plastic. What blood samples, removed we’re saying is that the article was originallyfossil published

by Word In theThis plastic, and tracked fuel industry right Black. what happened. People lost now is trying to maintain weight. They slept better. its margins by creating a Brain fog cleared. And in gluttony of plastic that we many cases, people who don’t need, and that excess were essentially sterile is what’s harming us. were actually able to have Read more on AFRO.com children. It’s amazing how

For Black kids, underfunded public schools are inequality factories Word In Black

Finding fellowship: How a Black Maryland community bridged racial divides

For the Black community, education is considered an investment, the best way for Black children to get ahead in life, and a key to overcoming systemic racism. But a new study indicates states are short-changing the schools Black children attend, worsening the achievement gap. study titledS.“The Adequacy and Fairness of State

By A Rev. Dorothy Boulware School Finance Systems” found that Black students are Word In twice asBlack likely as White students to attend school in districts with subpar government funding and more than Jason Green thought he was three times astolikely to live in “chronically underfunded” returning home say goodbye districts. to his grandmother.

Instead, At thesitting samebeside time,Ida researchers found that “educational Pearl Green’s bed in a Montopportunity is unequal in every state — that is, highergomery County, Md., nursing poverty districts are funded less adequately than lowerfacility, the former White House poverty districts,” according aide to President Barack Obama to the report.

Thehimself funding disparities found listening to storiesare likely to further increase about a Black church, White Black and White children, “opportunity gaps”two between congregations, and an unlikely creating what one researcher called “inequality 1968 experiment in fellowship factories.”

And the disparities are occurring as school that survived one of the most of being wiped out by suburban districts set academic achievement standards that turbulent periods in American development and the ravages of children history. in underfunded districts time.often struggle to meet.

Those conversations would by a team Whileof theresearchers central story of his The findings, compiled eventually become “Finding Felfilm emphasizes unity, the from the Albert Shanker Institute, the University of story lowship,” a PBS documentary “is also about demonstrating Miami and Rutgers University, evaluated the K-12 that asks what a bitterly divided the importance of intentionally school states and the District nation infinance the era ofsystems Presidentof all 50 preserving our history and her-of Columbia.

The project analyzed data from 2009 — the Donald Trump might learn from itage,” says Green, a preachcommunities thatGreat choseRecession, reconer’s kid who once revenueconsidered depths of the during which ciliation over retreat. entering the ministry.

“Our film starved states slashed education budgets — to the 2020Green calls the documentary is raising awareness of that 21 school year, roughly a decade after the economy “a microcosm of America” and Pleasant View [Maryland] hisrecovered. how a community moved past toric site and raising the funds to A thumbnail measure school division and embraced “what of education ensure it isquality, saved and preserved district spending varies with some can be accomplished with acrosstothe be country, a site for inspiration for intention, purpose, and sacrigenerations to come.” school districts and states spending far more per pupil — fice.”paying It tells the story of more how — than Onothers. its website, Pleasant and teachers Yetthe spending the churches in a historically View Historical Association matters: data has linked higherdescribes districtthe spending to better Black community in Maryland community as the student performance, test scores and outcomes. set aside division and suspicion social hub of Quince Orchard, When theaftermath U.S. economy a sharp downturn, to unite in the of the entered a once-rural community in King assassination — and how of being overtaken by revenue-starved states slasheddanger education budgets. the Black is the only one homeshowever, and shopping But whenchurch the economy rebounded, notcenters. all It’s home to Pleasant View United still standing. education budgets bounced back.

Methodist Church, the Quince “GoodBlack school finance systems compensate for factors Historic community Orchard Colored School, and states cannot control poverty, labor costs) His grandmother is also(e.g., student Pleasant View Cemetery. the catalyst for that Green’s new using levers they can control (e.g., driving funding book, “Too Precious to Lose,” to districts that need it most),”Accidental according historian to the study. about how Quince Orchard, a In some ways, Green was “We have devised a framework that evaluates states historically Black community hardly a likely chronicler of based largely onnot how well theyPleasant accomplish this balance. in Maryland that’s far from View’s history.

We assess each funding while accounting directly Washington, D.C., state’s is in danger A Yale-trained lawyer who for the students and communities served by its public schools.”

The framework found that in 2021, 39 of 50 states

worked on Obama’s presidential Long conversations with her, however, would become the campaign and later served in foundation for “Too Precious the White House, Green had to Lose.” built a career worlds away from As he spent time with her, the community that shaped his stories began to emerge that he family. For years, career opporhad never fully heard before. tunities and public service had She told him about growing up pulled him farther from it. in Quince Orchard, a close-knit “I was kind of marching Black farming community andown this world feeling like chored by faith, education and I had it figured out,” Green Nappy.co/holisticcare mutual support. She described said. “I was on this journey of a worldofwhere Black self-importance.”

A new report reveals how hundreds billions of churches, dollars have been snatched away from the nation’s public schools teachers, and neighbors formed Then came the call from since 2016. a protective network that nurhis mother in 2013: Ida Pearl turedschools generations.

Green, whodeficit, had shaped his spending meanwhile, cost “over $360 revenue but are choosing not to do so.”

Green found himself longing earliest understanding of faith, billion between 2016 and 2021,” the report states.

Not surprisingly, Black students bore the brunt of the for the community she deservice and community, was Yet “most states have increased their expectations funding downturn. scribed, which thrived despite nearing the end of her life. forGreen’s the performance teachers andthe students” Black students “are twice as likely as White students existing beneath shadow of grandmother of wasschools, without increasing funding needed to reach the higher to be in districts with funding below estimated adequate Jim Crow. born in 1918 and reared in “I kept thinking, ‘Wait a Illustration Quince Orchard.Bruce ActiveBaker, well a University benchmarks, of Miami levels, and 3.5 times more likely to Jacob be inGreen/Photo ‘chronically minute.

How did y’all have this Jacob Green, a memoirist, documentary filmmaker into her 100th year, Ida Pearl professor and one of the report’s co-authors, said in underfunded’ districts,” according to the study. Theand Black solidarity community?’” former Obama staffer, pays tribute to the past and offers Green embodied a generation a statement. The “permanent divestment” in public discrepancies between Hispanic and White students, the a warning about what is lost when history is forgotten. forged by hard work, faith, and he said. schools, he says, is a mistake by states who “have report states, “are smaller but still large.” perseverance. refused to make their districts Faith wholeand after the disastrous The largest opportunity to be in states fellowship grandmother to meet Obama gaps Ida“tend Pearl Green, then in hersuch ‘Hereduring to serve Her stories also revealed a in Oval Office. New Neither she andmid-90s, she had onlywhere months cuts thatsomeone’ recession.” asthe Connecticut, York Massachusetts,” When he was a boy, Ida remarkable chapter in local nor the president knew Green to live.

Instead, she lived The report also found that 20 percent of all U.S. statewide spending adequacy is relatively high “butnearly Pearl Green had taken her civil rights history. Green planned to resign. The choice contribute 11 morecopious years, dying just shyofof where wealthier districts amounts grandson on volunteer visits to learned how his family’s hiswould become one of the most her 107th birthday. Those years local (property tax)ofrevenue theirhome, schools,” according nursing-home residents. When toric Black church, faced with meaningful decisions his life. toback away from the to the study.

“This exacerbates the discrepancies in gave he asked why they spent time declining enrollment and aging As he dove into research and demands of Washington, funding adequacy districts andtotheir less with people they could not facilities, elected to merge Trump rose to politicalbetween prom- these Jason Green time preserve help, she offered a lesson he with two White congregations inence, “I remember hearing family stories, document comaffluent counterparts.” took to heart: “We’re not here facing similar challenges. thatMatthew the countryDi hadn’t been this munity history, and deepen Carlo of the Albert Shanker Institute, relato save someone. We’re here to The vote happened just after divided ‘since 1968,’” Green tionships that might otherwise who co-authored the report, believes the opportunity serve someone.”

King’s assassination, launching said in an interview published have been lost. gaps “are essentially inequality factories, with affluent on the Obama Foundation That lesson “allowed me, years of difficult conversations Today, he sees those stories districts“My funded to achieve student outcomes website. grandmother had higher even at 5 years old, to unabout race, identity, and shared as more than family memories. told this story from districts, 1968 derstand that I could make community.

He believes they offer thanme lower-income year after year.”

Andguidance the people overcoming their someone’s life better simply by Green was stunned. The story about for a nation wrestling with diviinequality, he said, is a feature — not a bug. division, and I thought perhaps sion, uncertainty and isolation. showing up and being preschallenged his assumptions “We cannot expect to close achievement gaps,” he this was a story that could help “We’ve been here before,” ent,” Green told Word In Black about community and reconpublic school students attend “chronically below said, “when states’ systems are designed to reproduce us as we try to figure out how Green said. “There are importin a recent interview. ciliation, eventually inspiring adequate” districts, in which actual funding them.” we’re going to move forward After receiving the call him to state leave the White is House ant lessons from our past that intoBridging the future.”those gaps will require about his grandmother, Green levels. and begin on “Finding can help us navigate where the furthest below adequate Butworking 60 percent of states to make quickly arrived at her bedFellowship.” we’re trying to go.” those districts are in just 10 Sun Belt states: Alabama, a host of changes to district funding, including This article was originally side, carrying guilt over the On his final day with the adImportant lessons Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, revamping district funding targets and increasing published by WordInBlack.com. years he had missed with her. ministration, Green brought his Doctors initially predicted

“The reality is that it costs more to achieve higher educational outcomes, and we’re unlikely to see much return on our investments when we’re not really making those investments.”

Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas.

“The reality is that it costs more to achieve higher educational outcomes,” said Baker, “and we’re unlikely

revenue, particularly state aid, according to the report.

Researchers also believe the federal government must step up to help states that, due to high poverty and small

June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A7

Coppin State University earns regional Emmy nomination for ‘Welcome to HBCU Week from Coppin’

By Andrew Hall AFRO Intern ahall@afro.com Coppin State University (CSU), the historically Black college located in West Baltimore, has snagged its first regional Emmy nomination for its special, “Welcome to HBCU Week from Coppin.”

The Maryland Public Television program was nominated in Category #306: Public Affairs Program. The nomination is one of 44 for Maryland Public Television this year, a network record.

Produced on the CSU campus, the special spotlighted student voices, faculty experiences and the university’s lasting role in shaping future leaders and growing the mission of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

This nomination honors hosts Tetiana Anderson and Bryant Brown. Producers, Travis Mitchell, T.L. Benton and Trae Mitchell, are also credited with the special’s success.

“Coppin welcomed us in and trusted us to tell its story honestly,” said Travis Mitchell, in a press release from the university. “The energy on that campus — from the students to President Jenkins to the alumni who showed up — is what made this program special. This nomination truly belongs to the Coppin community.”

The recognition underscores not just Coppin’s rich history, but also the crucial

role media partners can play in elevating HBCUs and their communities.

“This nomination is a powerful testament to Travis Mitchell’s vision and Maryland Public Television’s

steadfast commitment to highlighting HBCUs and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, president of Coppin State University. “Coppin was proud to host this special, and we are

even prouder to see this remarkable team recognized for their craft, their care, and their storytelling. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni saw themselves reflected on screen, and now the industry

is seeing them, too.”

According to his Maryland Public Television profile, Mitchell is the founder of HBCU Week Now, the annual programming that featured “Welcome to HBCU Week

from Coppin,” and other specials, such as “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect,” “Inside the CIAA: Her Story” and “State Circle Special: A Look at HBCUs in DC.”

The 2026 list of regional Emmy nominees includes those who worked on Maryland Public Television’s special program, “Welcome to HBCU Week from Coppin.” Shown here, Travis Mitchell, Tetinan Anderson and Dr. Anthony Jenkins, president of Coppin State University.

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Caring specialists are available 24/7.

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June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A8

BALTIMORE AREA UB President Kurt Schmoke announces plans to retire in 2027

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com University of Baltimore (UB) President Kurt L. Schmoke announced that he will step down in June 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. The former Baltimore mayor informed the University System of Maryland Board of Regents of his intention to retire on June 12.

Schmoke has been at the helm of UB since 2014— guiding the school through a global pandemic, enrollment challenges and the university’s centennial celebration.

Though his time at the urban anchor institution is coming to a close, his gaze remains fixed on the future.

“I think some of the best days are still to come, but I’ve been proud of the accomplishments of our faculty, students and staff in weathering the difficult challenges that we faced both from the pandemic and economic challenges,” said Schmoke. “As a community we’ve been able to survive, and now I want us to thrive.”

During Schmoke’s tenure, his leadership has been marked by strong civic engagement and academic Continued on A9

AFRO Photo / Andrew Hall

Rev. Dr. Walter Scott Thomas Jr. opens a “Get Out the Vote” press conference with a thoughtful prayer.

Photo courtesy of University of Baltimore

University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke will exit his post in 2027.

Schmoke announced his decision to retire on June 15.

ICE arrest outside Baltimore elementary school draws rebukes from state and local officials

By Moriah Balingit An immigration arrest outside a Baltimore elementary school drew sharp criticism from state and local officials June 12 and renewed debate about the presence of enforcement operations at or near educational settings.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested Jesus Acevedo-Sanchez and an unidentified woman the morning of June 11 outside Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School as preschoolers, kindergarteners and their families arrived for end-of-school ceremonies, a Baltimore City Public Schools spokeswoman said.

Details of the arrest were murky. A video taken by a bystander and shared with CNN shows a man squirming under the weight of officers as they pinned him facedown to the ground outside the school. A woman in the vehicle looks on as children in school uniforms are rushed past by adults.

State Superintendent Carey Wright and State Board President Joshua Michael said in a statement that the arrest betrayed pledges from ICE that it would not arrest people on school campuses. It “overshadowed what should have been a joyful day of pre-K graduation and end-of-year events,” they said.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees

AP Photo / Yuki Iwamura

Federal immigration agents arrested two people outside Baltimore’s Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School during student arrival for end-of-year ceremonies, prompting criticism from state and local leaders.

ICE, said Acevedo-Sanchez “refused lawful commands, violently resisted arrest, and used his vehicle to evade law enforcement, dragging an ICE officer in the process.”

“He later fled into the vicinity of a local elementary school before officers safely took him into custody,” the department said in a social media post.

ICE said that in April “he caused a collision with an ICE vehicle before fleeing the scene.”

He faces charges for

“resisting and impeding federal officers, and destruction of government property.”

Homeland Security said the other woman is facing charges of assaulting a federal officer after punching an agent. The two children who were with them are now staying with an aunt.

Homeland Security declined to elaborate on what unfolded before Acevedo-Sanchez arrived at the school, including whether he had fled a traffic stop or if any officers were injured.

“ICE does not target schools, but we will not allow criminals to hide in our nation’s schools and put the safety of children at risk,” said Lauren Bis, a Homeland Security spokeswoman.

Wes Moore, Maryland’s Democratic governor, said video of the arrests was “deeply disturbing” on what he said were school grounds.

Homeland Security had a long-standing policy of avoiding “sensitive locations,” including schools, childcare centers, houses of worship and medical facilities. But within 48 hours of taking office, President Donald Trump rescinded the policy, replacing it with one that instead urged agents to exercise “common sense” before conducting operations near sensitive locations.

School officials, parents and community members have documented numerous instances of immigration officers making arrests at or near schools during pick-up and drop-off hours, when they are most likely to be witnessed by children and families.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Clergy members determined to ‘Get the Vote Out’ in 2026 midterm election

By Makayla Walker AFRO Intern On June 15, Baltimore clergy and community leaders gathered at New Shiloh Baptist Church in West Baltimore to emphasize the importance of voting. The event was led

by Rev. Jerome Stephens, associate minister at New Shiloh Baptist Church.

Before the press conference began, Rev. Walter Scott Thomas Jr., pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church, set the tone of the event with a word of prayer and a call to action.

“We’re facing a dangerous reality. Our future generations could be living in a world with fewer rights than we have today,” he said. “We’re now taking up the burden that was carried by those who came before us, [so] that the next generation–born and yet unborn–will be able to live in a land of true life, liberty, freedom and happiness.”

Rev. Thomas’ remarks were echoed by other clergy members who believe in the importance of voting, understand the current political climate and support the efforts of activists looking to pave the way for this generation of voters.

C. Anthony Hunt, pastor of Epworth Chapel, highlighted what he called the divine purpose of voting, urging citizens to engage, register and mobilize. He quoted the late John Lewis who said “the vote is almost sacred.”

5

In Last 7 Days

Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, pastor emeritus of Freedom Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and CEO and publisher of the AFRO, stressed the significance of early voting and minimizing regrets.

“I think people understand that if you want to minimize your regrets, you have to exercise the privilege and the right that we have to go to the polls,” said Draper. “People are still expressing regret over what happened in 2024 and a lot of people who are doing that did not bother to go to the polls thinking that their votes would not count.”

“Votes matter, participation matters and so we encourage every single person, even if you are not sure that you’re able to vote–vote anyway,” said the AFRO publisher.

Rev. Brent Brown, pastor of the Greater Harvest Baptist Church, encouraged millennial pastors to mobilize their congregations.

“I want to simply challenge every millennial pastor to encourage their congregation, their groups, their institutions, every person they are attached to, to get out to vote at Greater Harvest,” said Brown.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for churches to support voting efforts. Rev. Jerome Stephens spoke to why voting is so important.

Continued on A9

44 2026 Total as of 6/17

June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A9

City leaders propose charter amendment to modernize Baltimore water system

By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com Mayor Brandon M. Scott and members of city leadership introduced a charter amendment to modernize Baltimore’s water systems by separating the Bureau of Water and Wastewater from the larger Department of Public Works (DPW), if passed in Fall 2026.

“This isn’t something that just is needed now; it’s been needed for quite some time,” Scott told the AFRO. “We knew that we had to do a deep dive and update this system and the way it operates.”

Scott explained that the proposed amendment was a recommendation from the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Taskforce in 2024. After their recommendation, the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Model Work Group was established by the Maryland General Assembly and has been meeting to “explore the possibility and viability of a regional governing authority,” according to its website.

After years of infrastructure issues and water quality impacting separate parts of the city, advocates are looking forward to the potential for increased transparency, stronger decision-making

AP Photo/Michael Phillis

The Department of Public Works currently manages water and wastewater for 1.8 million Baltimore residents. and increased equity.

“This is the best way to ensure Baltimore City ratepayers are treated the same as ratepayers outside of the City,” said City Councilmember Ryan Dorsey, in a press release. “Our water and wastewater system is required to be funded exclusively by billing revenue, but its general operations are mixed in with other operations within the agency.

Separating these services from other City operations is the only way to ensure fair

and equal treatment and cost sharing for all ratepayers.”

Sydnee Wilson Ruff, executive director of Blue Water Baltimore, one of the largest environmental nonprofits in the city, said the move will positively impact Baltimore.

“We’re really happy that the regional governance task force was formed, and that they’re taking steps to improve how these systems work and how they affect communities in Baltimore,” she said.

Ruff noted that the changes

needed won’t happen instantly, but the proposed amendment would be a step in the right direction.

“I think the development of the regional task force in general is to promote better collaboration between different municipalities,” said Ruff. “ I think some of the major concerns that residents in Baltimore City are facing are directly linked to the relationship that we have with Baltimore County. So better coordination and communication as a result of this task

force between the county and the surrounding counties will be better for city residents as far as alleviating environmental challenges, specifically around infrastructure.”

According to a press release from the city, the Bureau of Water and Wastewater, currently managed

by DPW, is responsible for supplying water to 1.8 million customers in Baltimore.

There are currently 15 active water main repair projects according to DPW’s website.

Additionally, according to

DPW, a majority of the pipes are over 80 years old.

In an interview with the AFRO, Scott explained that several other major cities, including Washington, D.C., have standalone agencies or authorities that oversee their water systems.

“It’s a best practice, and we think it will ultimately help our residents and not put a burden on them,” he said.

For Ruff and Blue Water Baltimore, residents must stay engaged with the process because of the impact that water has on quality of life and public health. “ [In] a city with aging infrastructure, where certain residents and certain neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by what is happening in the environment, it’s important that people are knowledgeable about what’s happening in their communities so that they can talk to the appropriate people about how to invest in what is happening and make changes in their neighborhoods,” said Ruff.

According to a press release announcing the introduction of the charter amendment, if passed this fall, the proposed charter amendment would enable the city to establish a standalone agency by the end of calendar year 2028.

‘Get the Vote Out’ Continued from A8 “We really would like for everyone to get out the vote.

People are trying to set what we have accomplished back and turn back the clock, but the vote has always been sacred, and it also has been our spiritual and moral obligation to get out the vote,”said Rev. Stephens.

The clergy members encouraged church members to volunteer at polling places during upcoming primary and general elections. They also prompted their fellow pastors to deploy church vans and other available transportation to assist community members in getting to early voting locations and polling places. They even suggested coordinating with funeral homes in the Baltimore community to provide transportation for seniors and others without rides to voting locations and polling places.

Rev. Dr. Brian Murray, senior pastor at New Covenant Community United Church of Christ, said voter apathy and misinformation should be addressed because that is “the secret weaponry of the

AFRO Photo / Andrew Hall

Rev. Jerome Stephens speaks as other clergy members look on. Shown here, Rev. Dr. Brian Murray (back, left), Rev. Brent Brown, Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, Dr. Kevin D. English Sr., Bishop Larry Lee Thomas, Pastor Eric Olivia, Rev. Dr. Walter S.Thomas Jr., Dr. Terry G. Thornton, AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper and Bishop Reginald L. Kennedy (back, right). other side.”

Rev. Murray said voting has many implications. As a former jury foreman he’s seen many cases where the jury is not reflective of the defendant, because there are not enough people registered to vote. He highlights the necessity of involving unchurched people, especially Black men, at polling sites to counter intimidation and ensure jury pool diversity.

C. Anthony Hunt stressed the importance of voter

education beyond registration. He said local churchbased initiatives should work to inform voters so they make an educated choice on their ballots.

He encouraged community leaders to “use every mechanism [they] have to galvanize around great information,” so that voters choose the right candidates.

“It’s not enough just to vote,” said Hunt. “To vote Rev. Dr. Brian Murray speaks about the importance of voting. right–that’s the key.”

AFRO Photo / Andrew Hall

Schmoke Continued from A8 modernization. Last year, UB opened the Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation (CAILI), with an emphasis on the responsible use of AI and its potential to solve real-world problems.

In January 2026, UB was also recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its commitment to deepening community partnerships and addressing community

challenges.

Building on that momentum, UB is preparing to revamp and replace its academic center with a new facility modeled after the John and Frances Angelos Law Center, which has been nationally recognized for its architecture and sustainable design. Schmoke noted that parts of the current academic center date back to 1922. The university is also in the process of launching new academic programs, including a major in multimedia storytelling.

Recalling UB’s origins as a night school serving working adults

pursuing business and law education, Schmoke said the university continues to carry that mission forward even as it evolves. He emphasized the school’s ongoing focus on serving working adults through graduate and professional degrees, as well as continuing education certificates designed to support career advancement for jobs of the future.

Reflecting on his legacy, Schmoke said he wants to be remembered for his growth-oriented vision.

“I hope people will say that I kept my eye on the future and that I was committed to building on a

legacy, not resting on a legacy,” said Schmoke.

In his next chapter, Schmoke said he hopes to teach at UB’s law school. His wife, Dr. Patricia Schmoke, an ophthalmologist, is also considering retiring around the same time. Though they don’t have any concrete plans just yet, Schmoke said they intend to use the coming academic year to reflect on their aspirations for the future.

Whoever it may be, Schmoke advised that the next president of UB remember that the school is not merely a university based in

Baltimore, but an institution poised to positively impact the trajectory of the city. He pointed to the university’s role hosting Baltimore City College, a local high school, while its building undergoes redevelopment and housing the Baltimore Police Academy— partnerships he said exemplify UB’s commitment to the city.

“It’s just an example of how we work to help the city in some immediate needs, as well as educate people to address future needs,” said Schmoke. “My advice is to keep thinking of UBalt as of Baltimore and for Baltimore.”

A10 The Afro-American June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026

Baltimore opts not to renew conduit deal with BGE, citing safety and investment needs

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com The city of Baltimore has opted not to renew its conduit agreement with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), which is set to expire on Dec. 31. In a letter sent to the utility company on June 5, Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director Veronica P. McBeth notified BGE of the city’s decision, writing that it was ultimately driven by the need to ensure the system is safe and reliable for all Baltimoreans.

BGE began managing upgrades to Baltimore’s 700-mile underground conduit system, which carries electric, telecommunications and fiber-optic cables, in 2023. The arrangement has been the subject of ongoing debate, with critics questioning both the utility’s role in overseeing capital improvements to a cityowned asset and whether the structure of the agreement has provided sufficient transparency, accountability and cost protections for ratepayers.

In the letter, McBeth said the city is seeking greater investment from BGE, specifically an amount equivalent to $4 per linear foot of underground conduit.

“As stated previously, several factors have led the city to seek this increased investment in the system,” wrote McBeth. “These include but are not limited to the rising cost of materials and labor that make capital improvements more expensive, as well as to growing public safety needs tied to the city’s underground conduit system, including recommendations made in a recent report around underground fires.”

In addition to controversies related to transparency and accountability, the conduit system has experienced several underground fires since BGE took over. In September 2024, a fire underneath North Charles and West Pleasant streets instigated manhole explosions— leading to significant power and communications outages and temporarily shutting down local businesses.

A city-commissioned report later found the

Photo courtesy of the City of Baltimore

Veronica P. McBeth serves as the director of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT). In a June 4 letter to BGE, McBeth said the factors motivating the city’s request for greater investment

by BGE in the conduit agreement included rising costs of materials and labor for capital improvements and growing public safety needs.

The City of Baltimore will not renew its conduit agreement with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) as it stands. In a letter sent to the utility on June 5, the city said it requires greater investment from BGE for the partnership to continue.

cause was gas buildup and ignition within the underground conduit system, tied to aging infrastructure and prior damage.

The report outlined a series of recommendations to mitigate manhole fires and explosions, including reducing overcrowding in manholes through infrastructure expansion, improving monitoring systems to better detect gas buildup and developing more comprehensive mapping of underground utilities for more effective emergency response.

BGE told the AFRO that its current agreement with the city required the utility to plan and carry out $120 million in capital improvements to Baltimore’s conduit system between 2023 and 2026, but emphasized that it is not solely responsible for maintaining or upgrading underground infrastructure. The utility company clarified that the city owns the system and remains responsible for its overall condition and oversight, including inspections.

“Any improvements to the city’s 100-yearold conduit system immediately benefit Baltimore’s residents and businesses and help prevent much bigger problems down the road,”

Nick Alexopulos, senior communications manager for BGE in a statement to the AFRO. “We already know the risks, including underground fires. This is infrastructure the city owns, and BGE is partnering with the city to keep it functioning safely. Ignoring these needs simply isn’t an option.”

Mayor Brandon M. Scott told the AFRO he couldn’t go into detail about the factors that motivated the decision not to renew its agreement with BGE, as the city is in ongoing negotiations. However, he reaffirmed the content of DOT’s letter to the utility.

“What we said in that letter is the truth,” said Scott. “We’re going to be looking for more from them for our residents because we believe in our residents, the taxpayers, and we believe that is the right thing to do.”

The public debate has also raised questions about who ultimately pays for improvements to the conduit system. Since the deal took effect in 2023, the Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel has argued in regulatory filings that its structure could significantly increase energy bills over time by allowing BGE to recover conduit improvement costs through

Photo by Kéoma Oran on Unsplash

utility rates.

BGE maintains that conduit improvement costs are spread across all electric customers and recovered over time, which it says helps reduce immediate increases in monthly bills.

With summer approaching and temperatures expected to climb, utility costs are a growing concern for Baltimore residents already facing high energy bills. During his 2026 State of the City address, Scott announced a new initiative providing up to $1,500 in assistance for low-income Baltimore households, which can be directly applied to their utility accounts.

The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is also offering grants of up to $25,000 to help local small- and medium-sized businesses pay down utility bills.

“We’re going to continue to do what we can do,” said Scott. “When you’re talking about this utility, it is something that is managed by the state Public Service Commission. We know our state legislators and the governor are also trying to do what they can do on their end to make sure that people are aided as well because we understand deeply how that can impact people.”

June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A11

WASHINGTON AREA District of Columbia voters turn out for midterm primaries

By DaQuan Lawrence, Ph.D. Special to the AFRO DLawrence@afro.com Hundreds of thousands of voters cast a ballot between the early voting period and the June 16 primary election day in the District of Columbia. As of June 17, at 12 p.m., (just prior to the publication’s print deadline) Janeese Lewis George led the mayoral race and is expected to become the next mayor of the municipality affectionately known as “Chocolate City,” according to the D.C. Board of Elections.

Robert White Jr. led the race for the U.S. Delegate where citizens are selecting a replacement for tenured public servant Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has held the position for the previous 35 years. Brian L. Schwalb is the projected winner of the Democratic race for Attorney General, while Oye Owolewa is expected to win the race for the Democratic At-Large member of the Council of the District of Columbia.

Voters cast their midterm election ballot during a climate of political and economic uncertainty.

Polls were open until 8 p.m. at 75 locations throughout the city.

Washingtonians travelled to locations such as Bunker Hill Elementary School and Turkey Thicket Recreational Center in Northwest throughout the day on June 16, with traffic

Re-enactors bring Black Civil War heroes to life

By D. Kevin McNeir Special to the AFRO

AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George speaks to the crowd as the projected winner of the D.C. primary election for mayor. Lewis George held a watch party at the Howard Theatre, June 16, in Washington, D.C. accumulating on Michigan Avenue as election officials and campaign teams engaged voters.

Groups of voters made the journey to the school and center during late afternoon toward the conclusion of the workday.

Kweku Nkrumah, a native of the district, spoke with

The AFRO about issues that were important to him during the primary election.

“What is important to me is that candidates focus on helping returning citizens, education and healthcare,” Nkrumah said.

He also shared his motivations for voting during this critical election, and

advice for young people who may be voting for the first time.

“Voting is important.

My mom always told me to vote. I have to do that– whether I like it or not,” Nkrumah said. “I would also tell young people to Continued on A12

In 2005, several Black women from the Greater Washington Area were asked by officials at D.C.’s African American Civil War Museum, to serve as hostesses for an event.

But instead of simply showing up in their Sunday best, the volunteers decided to don the personas of little-known Black women who were prominent during the Civil War era.

Dressed in garb commonplace for Black women during that time period, the hostesses made such an impression that they formed an organization, FREED (Female RE-Enactors of Distinction) that continues to make appearances at schools, businesses, private affairs and other organizations throughout the D.C area.

Joyce Bailey, 82, who was born in Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., and now lives in Greenbelt, Md., said joining the group has been one of the high points of her life.

“I portray Elizabeth Keakley, who was the dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of former president Abraham Lincoln and who became Mrs. Lincoln’s confidante,” Bailey said.

“Elizabeth was a renowned dressmaker in those days, a Black woman, but

well respected. Just think Gone With the Wind. Those are the kinds of dresses she made.”

Bailey said the women collectively decided that they wanted to honor those whose stories are rarely told.

“We wanted to do more than talk about Sojourner Truth or Harriet Tubman,” she said. “Because Black women were just as important to the cause for freedom and victory by the Union as Black soldiers. They were a lot more than cooks and caregivers. That’s the story we tell.”

Bailey was formerly the executive director of the Black Fashion Museum in D.C., which her mother originated in New York City. Its contents have since been transferred to the District and are housed as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

She said history has long been important to her and she’s proud to continue sharing stories about African American culture.

“I only live a few blocks from the African American Civil War Museum and remember the day I went down there to volunteer,” Bailey said. “They were honoring the more than 200,000 Black men who fought in the Civil War. But more than that, they Continued on A12

Photo courtesy of Prince George’s County

Shawn Joseph now serves as the permanent superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools. His appointment, which came on June 1, follows a year of serving as the interim superintendent of the school district.

Photo Courtesy of SETLC

Southeast Tennis and Learning Center’s (SETLC) scholars honor an impressive collection of iconic African-American leaders from the District during the March 2026 performance of the “Blacks in Wax” program at THEARC in Southeast Washington, D.C.

Youth performers present ‘Blacks in Wax’ encore

By D. Kevin McNeir Special to The AFRO An enthusiastic, talented cadre of youth from Southeast D.C. delivered stirring monologues that honored some of the District’s Black icons on the steps of the National Archives as part of a fourday festival to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the

Declaration of Independence.

The youth were all scholars from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center’s (SETLC) “Blacks in Wax” after school program. On June 5, they performed excerpts from a larger program that took place in March 2026. Both events celebrated D.C. and American history.

Cora Masters Barry, a

prominent community advocate and former first lady of the District of Columbia, serves as the founder and CEO of the Recreation Wish List Committee. The organization was founded in 1994 and operates the SETLC, which was founded in 2001.

Masters Barry spoke with Continued on A12

Shawn Joseph officially takes helm of Prince George’s County Public Schools

By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com After nearly a year in the interim position, Shawn Joseph was appointed the permanent superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) on June 1—charged with leading one of Maryland’s largest school systems at a moment of both challenge and opportunity.

As he prepares for the next school year, Joseph says his focus is on

accelerating student achievement, expanding college and career pathways and building a strategic plan that equips students for an evolving

workforce.

“It feels good to be back in Prince George’s County.

0

39

Past 7 days

Continued on A12

2026 Total as of 6/17

A12 The Afro-American June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026

Black women from the Civil War era Continued from A11 were honoring the Black, some of whom even dressed as men so they could fight, were part of the American story and legacy. I knew I had to be a part of that.”

Pat Tyson, 84, a native Washingtonian now living in Silver Spring, Md., worked for the Department of State before retiring. She said telling the history of our ancestors has been especially well received by children in the D.C. Public School system.

“I portray Hallie Quinn Brown, who was born in 1850 and died in 1949,” Tyson said.

“She was a teacher, an author, a community activist and a club woman. In those days, women who wanted to work on a specific issue formed a club. She was determined to help her people rise from the dungeon of poverty and to be able to use their talents for the benefit of their families and their country.

“We’ve performed at churches, social groups and government agencies. Sometimes we run into children who have exhibited discipline problems in school. But once they see us dressed up, and then are allowed to touch some of the artifacts we bring with us, we have their undivided attention.”

Tyson said that on some occasions, FREED teams up with other local organizations, usually composed of men, who bring trunks

full of Civil War artifacts – a real treat for the children.

“Visual aids really help,” Tyson said. “One time, a man opened his bag of tricks and took out a cap, a uniform and a ‘hard tack’, which was a replica of the kind of hard biscuit that the soldiers carried with them while in the field. Until they could find a tree with fruit or berries on plants, it served as the only food they had.”

Marcia E. Cole, a native Washingtonian who portrays Charlotte Smith, said she’s learned a lot since joining the ranks of FREED. “Charlotte was a former slave who was one of the first women to propose a statue of Abraham Lincoln,” Cole said. “She was so grateful for being freed from slavery, that she reportedly donated five dollars toward the monument of Lincoln that now stands in Lincoln Park.

Black women did extraordinary things in those days, and their stories deserve being told.”

Bailey said it makes a difference – telling the stories of people that the history books routinely omit.

“Hollywood wants you to believe that Black women were only cooks or worked in the fields, or took care of little white babies, but were more than that,” Bailey said. “And while America’s leaders may want to erase or ignore our history, we’re making sure that people don’t forget the truth.”

AFRO Photo / D. Kevin McNeir

Joyce Bailey (left), Ruby Thomas and Marcia E. Cole portray Black women who were pioneering leaders and supporters of Black troops during the Civil War. The women are members of a D.C.-based, non-profit organization known as FREED (Female RE-Enactors of Distinction).

‘Blacks in Wax’ Continued from A11

Photo Courtesy of Cora Masters Barry

Cora Masters Barry, former first lady of the District of Columbia, is now CEO of the Recreation Wish List Committee, which works to support students and families who face challenges and unequal opportunities.

The AFRO about Blacks in Wax’s 20-year history and how the program has helped change and better the lives of hundreds of youth participants.

“We’ve done a lot over the past two decades, performing at the MLK Library, the Kennedy Center and the White House, but being asked to showcase the talents of our youth at the National Archives is a first and a real honor,” Masters Barry said. “We held our final performance earlier this year in March at THEARC in Southeast D.C., but when we got the invitation, I knew we had to go for an encore.

However, instead of trying to replicate our full show, we brought with us our “best” of Blacks in Wax.” Masters Barry said the program was founded with three goals in mind: to build confidence, to educate and to entertain youth and those who support their endeavors.

Still, she said keeping the program going over the years while also increasing the number of youth participants has not been without challenges.

“The good news is our kids are from D.C. Public Schools,” she said. “The bad news is our kids are from D.C. Public Schools. I know how that may sound, but as an afterschool program, we have to

catch our children when we can – when they show up and feel up to the challenge.

“I’m proud of them – all of them,” Masters Barry continued. “Some of our children, when they first committed themselves to Blacks in Wax, could barely read. Now, they’re learning, memorizing and reciting as much as two pages of text.

And they’ve also learned how to act, sing and dance on stage. It’s a full plate for them. But they’ve continued to respond admirably.”

In an essay addressing the importance of the federal government continuing to fund public schools and allow for the teaching of lessons on gender and diversity, equity and inclusion, Marian Wright Edelman, the first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi bar and the founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (1973), addressed the topic with eloquence.

“In his seminal book, ‘The Mid-Education of the Negro,’ Dr. Carter G. Woodson noted that the inferiority of the Negro is drilled into him in almost every class he enters and in almost every book he studies – it’s a calculated and insidious attack,” said Wright Edelman in response to questions posed by members of Congress during a Senate hearing in February 2025.

“When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about their actions.”

Wright Edelman emphasized the

importance of teaching not just Black children, but all children Black history in an increasingly multicultural nation and world.

“None of our children and young people can afford mis-education and ignorance about the rainbow of others around them – or forced attempts to make them believe their own history and existence are subversive, marginal, inferior, or only worthy of the back door,” Wright Edelman said.

With the theme of their performance at the National Archives, “DC: The People, the Culture, The Power,” the young performers from Blacks in Wax honored some of Washington, D.C.’s most beloved African-American leaders who have positively impacted the District’s history, culture and political landscape.

The list included but was not limited to the following: Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Frederick Douglass, Marion Barry Jr., Carter G. Woodson, Shirley Horne, Tariji P. Henson, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Donnie Simpson and Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Masters Barry said she wanted to send out a final message to her performing scholars.

“I am so very proud of you who– each and every year–have proven that excellence comes in all ages and from all addresses,” Masters Barry said.

Shawn Joseph Continued from A11 Since I’ve been here, I’ve been reminded of the absolute brilliance and genius of our children,” said Joseph. “I’m so proud to have the honor to serve them, and when I reflect on the last year, we’ve made a lot of progress.”

In Joseph’s interim year, PGCPS reduced teacher vacancies by 52 percent, expanded tuition-free dual enrollment, secured a 96 percent bus driver fill rate, launched an attendance ambassador program to address chronic absenteeism and created public dashboards to provide families and other stakeholders with accessible data on student achievement, attendance and staffing.

When Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy appointed Joseph permanent superintendent, she said he represented the

“right leadership at the right time.”

“Over the last year, Dr. Joseph has demonstrated strong leadership, sound financial stewardship, a commitment to transparency and unwavering focus on improving outcomes for students,” said Braveboy in a June 1 statement.

“He has brought stability during a critical period, strengthened relationships with educators and employees, expanded opportunities for students and positioned our school system to continue moving forward.”

Joseph’s appointment follows his navigation of a $150-million budget cut, the largest oneyear reduction in the school system’s history, without laying off any teachers. Still, Joseph said funding remains the top challenge for PGCPS. He is working to counter an inaccurate,

persistent narrative that 60 cents of every tax dollar collected goes to public education. Joseph said it’s really closer to 33 cents, a share that’s lower than most school districts in the state.

“It’s going to be a matter of us as a community deciding that education is important and that we’re going to look at the dollars that we have to reprioritize dollars for education. But that only happens when people recognize that they’re under-investing versus over-investing,” said Joseph. “Right now there’s a perception that there’s an over-investment, and until we get that narrative right, we won’t make plans and progress to move us forward with intention.”

In light of the fiscal challenges, Joseph is focused on charting a long-term path forward as he enters the final stages of launching the

school district’s next 3-year strategic plan.

The roadmap, dubbed “Forward By Design,” prioritizes continued gains in reading and mathematics achievement and special education while expanding career and technical education pathways.

“It’s a ‘back-to-the-basics’ plan but a plan that looks forward into the future. It’s one that doesn’t solely rely on getting every kid prepared for college, but getting kids prepared to be successful in living out their dreams— whether that be college, going directly into the workforce, opening their own business or going into military service,” said Joseph.

“Next year, we’re going to make sure every kid has an individual plan, particularly in that senior year, and can articulate and communicate which path they’re on and why.”

with us. Even if they are not in the same predicament, they can at least understand our experience.”

According to the D.C. Board of Elections, there are 482,968 registered voters in the District. This year, they used ranked choice voting (RCV) for the first time ever. The RCV system permitted voters to rank candidates based on their preference.

According to the ACLU of D.C., this meant that instead of voting for just one candidate, voters could “rank up to five candidates for each office, in order of preference.” Voters could still “pick just one person to vote for or rank fewer than five people.”

“If one candidate in a race receives more than 50 percent of first choice votes, that

candidate wins the election,” said information released by ACLU D.C. “If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of first choice votes, then the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated in rounds of counting until there are only two candidates left. The candidate with the most votes wins.”

D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who currently represents Ward 2, threw her hat in the ring to replace longtime U.S. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. As of noon on June 17, she was trailing behind Robert White Jr. by more than 40 points.

“We are in the middle of a huge generational shift. We have had an incredible person and warrior on the Hill in Eleanor Holmes Norton for the last 35 years and I’m so grateful for

all her service,” Pinto said. “As we work to build on that legacy, it is about fighting for the next generation in D.C. where it’s possible to address the skyrocketing costs of housing and create sustainable safety for all eight wards.”

Dawn Smith, a D.C. resident and member of Parents Amplifying Voices in Education (P.A.V.E.), told The AFRO she believed all the candidates should address youth issues in the District.

“We ask citizens to specifically vote for who they think will be best for DC’s kids, and who will keep the District’s children in mind,” Smith said. “We do a lot of advocacy work for students and youth around the city, and we are asking anyone seeking office on D.C.’s Council ‘What will you do for our kids?’”

Midterm primaries Continued from A11 do their research before voting, and if they struggle with that, then come talk to older folks and exercise your right.”

Zeke Ghee, also originally from Washington D.C., shared his thoughts on the importance of voting.

“Try to educate yourself about the voting process and vote for the right person that you feel will do the best of their ability, instead of only focusing on money and what tax return they will give,” Ghee said. “There are a lot of homeless people in the city living in shelters and not getting proper food or treatment, and we need representatives who will address these things, touch our people, and rub elbows

A13 The Afro-American June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026

Global Chiefs for Change Gala celebrates leadership, culture and service The guests came from near and far to take part in the Global Chiefs for Change Gala, hosted by Dr. Ezi Mecha, on July 13. The event was held at the Holiday Inn Columbia East-Jessup. The celebration featured global dialogue and an awards ceremony.

The Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike delivered the ceremony address, which was titled, “The Altar and Ofor: Chieftaincy Redeemed for Kingdom of God.” Dr. Reney Key, legal consultant for the

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, received the Icon of Ethnic Change and Advancement Award. Marcellus Crews, CEO of Crewsing LLC, received the outstanding Humanitarian and Economic Development Leadership Award.

Chief Dr. Bernard Mitchell, recipient of Chieftaincy Title Nomination Recognition Certificate, accepted his award all the way from Nigeria via Zoom. A royal procession started the celebration followed by a performance by the DMV Igbo Cultural Dance Group.

AFRO photos / Patricia McDougall

Chinedu Ogbulie (left), Dr. Haywood A. Robinson III, who serves as pastor of The People’s Community Baptist Church, and Marcellus Crews, CEO of Crewsing enjoy the Global Chiefs for Change Gala.

Chief Paschal Agubuzo (left) and his wife, Lolo Iris Agubuzo, share a moment with Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike, who served as keynote speaker.

By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO

Shown here, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Janquil Jackson, a senior enlisted leader.

Dr. Ezi Mecha, CEO of TrendCrafters, speaks.

Mr. Edwin Roan addresses the crowd.

Mrs. Shola Aroloye speaks to those gathered for the women’s panel.

Shown here, Nevaeh Williams, a 19-year-old bachelor of fine arts student from the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. Williams is a painting major.

Yvonne E. Clarke serves as mistress of ceremonies.

Honoree Dr. Renee Key (left) enjoys a moment with Rev. Mary Charles Nwoke.

Honoree Mr. Izuckukwu Obioma Nweke plays the ọjà, a type of Nigerian flute made of wood.

Dr. Chandra Wilson, a World Network Global Chiefs for Change program board member, speaks.

His Royal Majesty Kwashie Gborlor IV (front, left), the divisional chief of Negleshie Amanfro for the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, and Her Royal Majesty Sulton Falanga Sula Pene Nyundu dance with Chief Favour Okeiyi (back, left) and Dr. Ezi Mecha, founder and CEO of World Ebony Network.

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

June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A14

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements.

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BALTIMORE CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY

City of Baltimore DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NOTICE – JUNE 2026

Citywide Traffic Signal Reconstruction & Pedestrian Crossing Sector 1 Public Meeting Join us to review proposed citywide traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. This meeting will cover upgrades to traffic signals and pedestrian crossing beacons, enhancements to ADA accessibility, and related sidewalk and roadway modifications.

Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names.

The real property for these applications will be posted on or about June 15, 2026. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings may be scheduled on or after June 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM in the Liquor Board Hearing Room, located at 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2300, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

Please visit baltimorecity.gov/llb under the link for “Hearing Schedules” for confirmation of the date, time, and place for all matters being heard by the Board.

1. CLASS “A” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE Applicant: Navadrishti, LLC T/a One Stop Shop Liquor - Rajesh Shrestha, Nimala Bhandari, and Raymond Crank Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 4905 Frankford Avenue 21206 (City Council District: 2nd; State Legislative District: 45th) Applicant: Sai Baba Liquors, Inc. T/a Harford Road Liquors - Neel Sharma Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 4627 Harford Road 21214 (City Council District: 3rd; State Legislative District: 45th) Applicant: Melroy’s Liquor, LLC T/a Melroy’s Package Liquors - Seema Gulati and Ann Francis McRae Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 1813 Pennsylvania Avenue 21217 (City Council District: 7th; State Legislative District: 40th) 2. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE Applicant: LYM Hospitality Group, LLC T/a Union Hill Kitchen & Craft Bar - Matthew Largent Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of outdoor table service, requesting off-premises catering Premises: 938-40 S. Conkling Street 21224 (City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th) Applicant: 900 E Fort, LLC T/a Fili Anthem House - Ziad Maalouf and Liz Amy Gomez Pena Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service, offpremises catering, and delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 900 E. Fort Avenue, Suite C aka Suite 109 21230 (City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th) 3. CLASS “BD7” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE Applicant: Eden Sports Bar & Grill, LLC T/a Edens Sport Bar - Shakria Lanea Buckner Petition: Transfer of ownership and location of a Class “BD7” BWL license presently located at 414-16 E. Baltimore Street to 404 E. Baltimore Street requesting live entertainment Premises: 404 E. Baltimore Street 21202 (City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th) Applicant: Kanda Enterprises, Inc. T/a Trade Name Pending - Shah Baaz Singh and Jessica Bhatia Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 2300 W. Baltimore Street 21223 (City Council District: 9th; State Legislative District: 40th) Applicant: Calvert Pub & Spirits, LLC T/a Calvert Pub & Spirits - Hiren Vora Petition: Transfer of ownership and location of a Class “BD7” BWL license presently located at 1708 Thames Street to 10 N. Calvert Street #102 (Amended) Premises: 10 N. Calvert Street #102 21202 (City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th) Applicant: Always Five O’Clock, LLC T/a Clock Kitchen and Bar Jolene Allen and Craig Martin Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of live entertainment, requesting delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 31 S. Calvert Street 21202 (City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th) Applicant: Spent the Night in Eutaw, LLC T/a 8 x 10 - Chris Perella and Samuel Robert English Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of live entertainment Premises: 8-10 E. Cross Street 21230 (City Council District: 11th; State Legislative District: 46th) Applicant: GIP, LLC T/a Q’s Liquors and Tavern - Ganesh Adhikari and Iswor Lamichhane Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 2521 E. Monument Street 21205 (City Council District: 13th; State Legislative District: 45th)

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PUBLIC MEETING Monday, July 30, 2026 6:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Enoch Pratt Free Library Waverly Branch 400 E 33rd St. Baltimore, Maryland 21218 If you have any questions, comments or need special accommodations, please contact dotengagement@baltimorecity.gov subject line Citywide Traffic Signal Sector 1 Or call 410-396-6802 Accommodation requests should be received by Monday, July 20, 2026 Receive regular updates via Facebook, “X” formerly known as Twitter at @BmoreCityDOT. Veronica P. McBeth, DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

City of Baltimore Department of Finance Bureau of Procurement Sealed proposals addressed to the Board of Estimates of Baltimore will be Received until, but not later than 11:00 am local time on the following dates for the stated requirements.

July 1, 2026 • Vehicle & Equipment Upholstery Repair Services - RFQ-000812 ENTIRE SOLICITATION CAN BE VIEWED AND DOWNLOADED BY VISITING THE WEBSITE: cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/suppliers/ bid-opportunities

City of Baltimore DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Frederick Avenue ADA Improvement Public Meeting Join us to hear how DOT is enhancing safety and accessibility on Frederick Avenue by rebuilding sidewalks and ramps to meet ADA standards.

Project Highlights: • Accessibility: New ADA-compliant ramps and sidewalks for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.

• Infrastructure: Added crosswalks and modernized mast-arm traffic signals.

• Streetscape: Updated curbs, gutters, and tree pits were needed.

TR23301 Frederick Ave ADA Improvements City of Baltimore DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Citywide Traffic Signal Reconstruction & Pedestrian Crossing Sector 2 Public Meeting Join us to review proposed citywide traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. This meeting will cover upgrades to traffic signals and pedestrian crossing beacons, enhancements to ADA accessibility, and related sidewalk and roadway modifications.

TR19309, TR17305, TR25301 Citywide Traffic Signal Reconstruction & Pedestrian Crossing PUBLIC MEETING Monday, July 27, 2026 6:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Enoch Pratt Free Library Walbrook Branch 3203 W North Ave. Baltimore, Maryland 21216 If you have any questions, comments or need special accommodations, please contact dotengagement@baltimorecity.gov subject line Citywide Traffic Signal Sector 2 Or call 410-396-6802 Accommodation requests should be received by Monday, July 17, 2026 Receive regular updates via Facebook, “X” formerly known as Twitter at @BmoreCityDOT. Veronica P. McBeth, DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION City of Baltimore DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Citywide Traffic Signal Reconstruction & Pedestrian Crossing Sector 4 Public Meeting Join us to review proposed citywide traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. This meeting will cover upgrades to traffic signals and pedestrian crossing beacons, enhancements to ADA accessibility, and related sidewalk and roadway modifications.

TR19309, TR17305, TR25301 Citywide Traffic Signal Reconstruction & Pedestrian Crossing PUBLIC MEETING Monday, July 6, 2026 6:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Enoch Pratt Free Library Southeast Anchor Branch 3601 Eastern Ave. Baltimore, Maryland 21224 If you have any questions, comments or need special accommodations, please contact dotengagement@baltimorecity.gov subject line Citywide Traffic Signal Sector 4 Or call 410-396-6802 Accommodation requests should be received by Monday, June 29, 2026 Receive regular updates via Facebook, “X” formerly known as Twitter at @BmoreCityDOT.

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Applicant: Armaan Singh, LLC T/a Jimmy D’s Liquor & Bar - Sahibjeet Singh and Patricia Scruggs Petition: Transfer of ownership requesting delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 5900 Moravia Road 21206 (City Council District: 2nd; State Legislative District: 45th)

TR19309, TR17305, TR25301 Citywide Traffic Signal Reconstruction & Pedestrian Crossing

LEGAL NOTICES

Veronica P. McBeth, DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC MEETING Wednesday, July 15, 2026 6:00p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Bon Secours Community Resource Center 31 S. Payson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21223 If you have any questions, comments or need special accommodations, please contact dotengagement@baltimorecity.gov subject line Frederick Ave ADA Or call 410-396-6802 Accommodation requests should be received by Monday, July 8, 2026 Receive regular updates via Facebook @BmoreCityDOT, “X” formerly known as Twitter at @BmoreCityDOT, Instagram at @BmoreCityDOT Veronica P. McBeth, DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

City of Baltimore DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES NOTICE OF LETTING Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate, addressed to the Board of Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked for PRJ000889 – Harford Senior Renovation & Envelope Upgrades, will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, Room 204, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026. 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. Bid opening proceedings can be also viewed live at https:// www.charmtvbaltimore.com/live-stream at 12:00 noon. Bid tabulation sheets detailing the bids received will be publicly posted to the Comptroller’s website by COB on the date of bid opening.

The Contract Documents may be purchased for a non-refundable cost of $100.00 by contacting Lauren Hoover at lauren.hoover@ baltimorecity.gov as of FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026.

Conditions and requirements of the Bid are found in the bid package.

All contractors bidding on this Contract must first be pre-qualified by the City of Baltimore Boards and Commissions. Interested contractors should call 410 396-6883 or contact the Office of Boards and Commissions at 4 South Frederick Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If a bid is submitted by a Joint Venture (“JV”), then in that event, the documents that establish the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes.

The Prequalification Category required for bidding on this project is E13001 – THREE STORY AND UNDER. The Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $3,000.000.01 to $4,000,000.00 A “Pre-Bidding information” session will be conducted at 4920 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 on TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Principal Items of work for this project are: 1. Interior Renovation of the Harford Senior Center The MBE goal is 24% The WBE goal is 10% CONTRACT NO. PRJ000889 APPROVED: M. Celeste Amato Clerk, Board of Estimates

APPROVED: Berke Attila Director, Department of General Services

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June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A15

June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026 The Afro-American A16

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements.

Effective immediately, The Afro AmericanNewspapers will require prepayment for publication of all legal notices. Payment will be accepted in the form of checks, credit card or money order. Any returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee and may result in the suspension of any future advertising at our discretion.

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2026ADM000586 BIRDIE L. FERGUSON Name of Decedent VICKEY A. WRIGHT-SMITH 1629 K. STREET, NW #300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006 Name and Address of Attorney Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MINNIE BARBOUR, whose address is 1512 SPRING PLACE, WASHINGTON, DC 20010 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BIRDIE L. FERGUSON who died on APRIL 7, 2017 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 DECEMBER 12, 2026 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 DECEMBER 12, 2026 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: June 12, 2026 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Law Washington Reporter AFRO American Newspapers MINNIE BARBOUR Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06.12, 06.19, 06.26.26

For More Information Please call the number above

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2026ADM000541 CECILE ZO’OBO ANGO Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DANIELLE MONI ZO’OBO & IVAN ULRICH ZO’OBO ANGO, whose addresses are 1130 48TH PL NE WASHINGTON, DC 20019 & 2113 PINE STREET, WILMINGTON, DE 19802; were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CECILE ZO’OBO ANGO who died on MARCH 12, 2026 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 DECEMBER 12, 2026 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 DECEMBER 12, 2026 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: June 12, 2026 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Law Washington Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2026ADM000552 HEZEKIAH DILLAHUNT, SR. Name of Decedent DIANN DAWSON, ATTORNEY 2101 STEUBEN WAY SILVER SPRING, MD 20905 Name and Address of Attorney Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CASSANDRA DILLAHUNT and MICHELLE DILLAHUNT, whose addresses are 7921 MANDAN RD. #204, GREENBELT, MD 20770 and 7708 KIRKLEE CT., LAUREL, MD 20707; were appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HEZEKIAH DILLAHUNT, SR. who died on MARCH 24, 2026 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 DECEMBER 12, 2026 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 DECEMBER 12, 2026 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: June 12, 2026 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Law Washington Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2026ADM000557 DEBORAH ANN LYLES Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DAVONN LYLES, whose address are 4007 24TH PL, TEMPLE HILLS, MARYLAND 20748 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBORAH ANN LYLES who died on OCTOBER 22, 2024, 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 DECEMBER 5, 2026. 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 DECEMBER 5, 2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: JUNE 5, 2026 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American News

DANIELLE MONI ZO’OBO and IVAN ULRICH ZO’OBO ANGO Personal Representative(s) TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06.12, 06.19, 06.26.26

CASSANDRA DILLAHUNT and MICHELLE DILLAHUNT Personal Representative(s)

DAVONN LYLES Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06.05, 06.12, 06.19.26

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 06.12, 06.19, 06.26.26

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