Afro e-Edition 12-16-2023

A6 The Afro-American October14, 2023 - October 20, 2023 Volume 132 No. 20 THE BLACKwww.afro.com MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM

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DECEMBER 16, 2023 - DECEMBER 22, 2023

Harvard board keeps president as leader of Ivy League school following antisemitism backlash Courtesy photo

Harvard University officials say Claudine Gay, the first African American to lead the school as president, will remain in her role after she sparked controversy with comments in a congressional hearing.

By Steve LeBlanc and Kathy McCormack The Associated Press

afro.com

Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university’s highest governing body announced Dec.12.

“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious

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societal issues we are facing,” the Harvard Corporation said in a statement following its meeting Dec.11.

Only months into her leadership, Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about campus antisemitism in the wake of the latest IsraelHamas war, which erupted in early October. Their academic

responses provoked backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses.

Some lawmakers and donors to the university had called for Gay to step down, following the resignation of Liz Magill as president of the University of Pennsylvania on Dec.9.

On Dec.12, the University of Pennsylvania announced it had selected an interim president to replace Magill, naming Dr. J. Larry Jameson, who has served as executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine since 2011.

A petition signed by more than 600 faculty members had asked the school’s

governing body to keep Gay in charge.

At issue was a line of questioning that asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate the university’s code of conduct. At the hearing, Gay said it depended on the context, adding that when “speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies.”

“So many people have suffered tremendous damage

and pain because of Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack, and the university’s initial statement should have been an immediate, direct and unequivocal condemnation,” the corporation’s statement said. “Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values.

President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and Continued on A3

Leaders of major U.S. congressional caucuses unite, calling for federal action to protect low-income renters

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com And

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com Members of the major U.S. congressional caucuses have come together in a call for action to protect low-income renters.

Since 2020, rent across the nation has increased by 24 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The spikes were sparked by rising interest rates, inflation and a shortage of new construction.

“Housing is a human right. We must ensure that everyone in the United States has a safe, affordable, accessible place to call home,” wrote the congressional chairs in a letter to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Sandra L. Thompson. “As the historic investments Congress made to keep people safely housed during the pandemic are depleted, and as COVIDera renter protections have expired, creative and bold policymaking is needed to ensure that all people, particularly those with low incomes and the marginalized, have access to safe, affordable homes.”

Photo courtesy of the Federal Housing Finance Agency

Several U.S. congressional caucus leaders are seeking federal action from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) by calling on Director Sandra L. Thompson, shown here, to ensure low-income renters are protected.

Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28); Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04); Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Rep. Nanette Barragán (DCA-44); Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash-07); demanded action from the FHFA, an agency that oversees and regulates the housing finance system.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) said he stands with the caucus leaders’ initiative.

“I absolutely support this letter. Housing is a human right and the components of this letter establish critical tenant protections for those receiving lawful, government assistance to have a place to call home,” said Mfume. “Particularly, as the weather has become colder, it is even more important to push for greater housing stability so that no family is unjustly evicted during the winter months.

The scope of the federal government’s outreach, and our duty as public servants, is why initiatives like

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Continued on A3

A2 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

T.I. and Tiny open affordable housing complex in Atlanta

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Hip-hop power couple T.I. and Tiny Harris celebrated the grand opening of their long-awaited affordable housing complex, The Intrada Westside, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Atlanta last month.

According to HipHopDX.com, the project is part of the couple’s commitment to

grandmother shopped.

The Intrada Westside, located opposite Center Hill Park in the northwest part of Atlanta, boasts 143 apartments and 25 unique units to house homeless youth. T.I., born Clifford Harris and known for hits like “Whatever You Like,” expressed gratitude for the support from the arts and entertainment industry, which helped garner the financial resources needed to provide some of the essential amenities to the community.

“The arts and entertainment industry in this city has been able to collaborate and be, I guess, profitable enough to offer the community so many things that are much needed,” he said.

This venture is reportedly not the first time T.I. has invested in revitalizing his Atlanta community. In 2020, he urged his social media followers to shift their focus from luxury items

“The Black Press of America salutes both the creative genius of T.I. and his concrete commitment to the economic development of Black communities.” community development, but it also has personal meaning for T.I. – the property once housed a grocery store where his

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Entertainers T.I. and Tiny Harris are making good on their promise to make change in affordable housing with the opening of a new complex in Atlanta. to real estate. The rapper highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer behavior and

encouraged responsible spending.

HipHopDx.com reported that T.I. had

been actively involved in community initiatives through his Buy Back the Block initiative, investing

over $2.7 million since 2017 to acquire six properties and plots of land in his Center Hill neighborhood. The website said his philosophy emphasizes the potential for individuals to thrive financially while positively contributing to their communities.

“The Black Press of America salutes both the creative genius of T.I. and his concrete commitment to the economic development of Black communities,” National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said. The NNPA is the trade association of America’s more than 230 Black-owned newspapers and media companies.

“The affordable housing development in Atlanta is an innovative and positive pathway forward,” Chavis added. “I know T.I. personally, and his character and integrity are impeccable.”

This was originally published by NNPA Newswire.

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December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 The Afro-American A3

Two-time Emmy winning actor Andre Braugher dies at 61

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Renowned actor Andre Braugher, celebrated for his compelling performances in iconic television series such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” has died at 61 after a brief illness. His publicist, Jennifer Allen, first confirmed the news to Variety.

A two-time Emmy winner, Braugher gained widespread acclaim for portraying Capt. Raymond Holt in the police procedural comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013 to 2021. Braugher’s character, an officer who appeared tough but displayed his care for all, was paired with Andy Samberg’s Detective Jack Peralta, the polar opposite of Holt.

Many may recall Braugher’s role as Det. Frank Pembleton on NBC’s “Homicide: Life on the Street,” which earned him the title of lead actor Emmy in 1998 when he departed from the series. In the critically acclaimed police drama that Barry Levinson, Tom Fontana, and David Simon created, Braugher stood out due to his intense performances.

In addition to his Emmy successes, Braugher received acclaim for his role as a master criminal in the FX series “Thief,” for which he earned another Emmy in 2006.

His multifaceted career prompted reflection on the complex portrayal of police officers in the media, as discussed in a 2020 Variety cover story where he emphasized the need to

address the depiction of law enforcement on television collectively.

Born in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford University before pursuing drama at the Juilliard School. His career began with a notable role as a Union soldier in the film “Glory,” portraying Thomas Searles, a free Black man who joined the first Black regiment. From there, he seamlessly transitioned to television, notably appearing in “Kojak,” “Homicide: Life on the Street,”

His career began with a notable role as a Union soldier in the film ‘Glory,’ portraying Thomas Searles, a free Black man who joined the first Black regiment.

“Hack,” and “House, M.D.” Braugher’s versatility extended to the big screen, where he left an indelible mark with roles in films such as “City of Angels,” “Frequency,” “Poseidon,” “Primal Fear,” “Duets,” “The Mist,” “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” “Salt” and “The Gambler.”

His wife, Ami Brabson, who also starred in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and their three children survive him.

This article was originally published by NNPA Newswire.

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Actor Andre Braugher, of ‘‘Brooklyn 99” dies at age 61.

Harvard president Continued from A1

has committed to redoubling the university’s fight against antisemitism.”

In an interview with The Harvard Crimson student newspaper last week, Gay said she got caught up in a heated exchange at the House committee hearing and failed to properly denounce threats of violence against Jewish students.

“What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community — threats to our Jewish students — have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged,” Gay said.

Testimony from Gay and Magill drew intense national backlash, as did similar responses from the president of MIT, who also testified before the Republicanled House Education and Workforce Committee.

Rep. Elise Stafanik (R-N.Y.), a committee member who repeatedly asked the university presidents whether “calling for the genocide of Jews” would violate the schools’ rules, voiced her displeasure about the school’s decision on X, the social media platform.

“There have been absolutely no updates to (Harvard’s) code of conduct to condemn the calls for genocide of Jews and protect Jewish students on campus,” she said. “The only update to Harvard’s code of conduct is to allow plagiarists as president.”

The school said an independent review into

plagiarism allegations against Gay found three instances of “inadequate citation,” but no misconduct.

On the Harvard campus, the news about the decision came as students and teachers were rushing to classes.

Gunduz Vassaf, a visiting professor in psychology, said he supports Gay. “I fully support her testimony before Congress. I do believe that the situation has been taken out of context in the emotions of the immediate moment,” Vassaf said.

“As long as there’s no incitement and a call for violence, this falls within the freedom of speech,” he added.

Evan Routhier, a student at Harvard, said he also supports Gay. My experience since she’s taken over has been positive,” he said.

The news drew others to the campus.

Rabbi Chananel Weiner, the director of Aish Campus Boston, said he came to Harvard to show solidarity with students.

“We need to resist the ideas really that are being spread here that are really against the Jewish people,” he said. “The Jewish people are under attack and we’re under attack from all angles, academia being one of them and this is the heart of academia.”

Celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz, a longtime defender of Israel and a professor at Harvard Law School, said Dec. 12, it was

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a mistake for the Harvard Corporation to support Gay, saying she championed a diversity, equity and inclusion bureaucracy “that has become an incubator for antisemitism.”

He said he hopes that Gay changes her views on free speech to ensure everyone is treated the same.

“Right now she has been presiding over a dangerous double standard that permits free speech attacking some groups but not others. The school must decide on a policy, either free speech for all, equally, or limited restrictions, equally applied.

She has not been the champion for that kind of equality and therefore she is the wrong person, at the wrong time, in the wrong

job,” he said.

A grassroots watchdog group called StopAntisemitism said on X that Harvard’s decision “serves only to greenlight more Jew-hatred on campus.”

It said it continues to call for Gay’s resignation and urged the corporation to reconsider.

College campuses nationwide have been roiled by protests, antisemitism and Islamophobia since the start of the war in Gaza two months ago, putting university administrators across the nation on the defensive.

The corporation also addressed allegations of plagiarism against Gay, saying that Harvard became aware of them in late October regarding three articles she

had written. It initiated an independent review at Gay’s request.

The corporation reviewed the results on Dec.9, “which revealed a few instances of inadequate citation” and found no violation of Harvard’s standards for research misconduct, it said.

Gay is proactively requesting four corrections in two articles to insert citations and quotation marks that were omitted from the original publications, the statement said.

Harvard’s announcement came the same day several prominent universities faced new federal investigations for allegations of antisemitism or Islamophobia.

The U.S. Education Department announced

it opened civil rights investigations at Stanford, UCLA, the University of California-San Diego, the University of WashingtonSeattle, Rutgers University and Whitman College.

Details about the complaints were not released. Those schools join Harvard, Penn, Cornell, Columbia and several others that have come under investigation by the department since Oct. 7. ___ McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire.

Associated Press reporter David Sharp contributed from Portland, Maine.

This article was originally published by Associated Press.

Low-income renters Continued from A1

these must remain a priority of our Tri-Caucus.”

The group took advantage of the FHFA’s 2023 request for input on multifamily tenant protections, which called for public opinions on issues with tenants in multifamily properties, suggesting better ways to protect renters across the U.S. Record-breaking numbers of Americans are without decent homes due to a lack of affordable homes throughout the U.S., especially for families with extremely low income. Extremely low income means they earn at or below the federal poverty line, or 30 percent of their area median income.

The federal poverty line is currently at $19,720 for a twoperson household and $30,000 for a four-person household, according to the Assistant Secretary for the Planning and Evaluation for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that the U.S. has a shortage of 7.3 million rental homes affordable and accessible to extremely lowincome families. It estimated that nationally 33 affordable and available rental homes exist for every 100 extremely lowincome renters across the country.

The caucus chairs highlighted that the reforms needed are multifaceted.

The members detailed six key reforms they want FHFA to enforce: 1. Anti-rent gouging protections to prohibit landlords from rent spikes.

2. “Good cause” eviction standards to safeguard against

unfair, discriminatory and retaliatory evictions.

3. Source of income protections to prohibit landlords from discriminating against households receiving housing assistance.

4. Habitability and accessibility requirements to ensure housing is safe, decent, accessible and healthy.

5. Rental registry participation requirements so tenants are adequately informed about their landlord before signing a lease.

6. Limits on artificial intelligence to curb rent spikes, prevent tenant discrimination and reduce other unintended consequences From May 2020 to May 2022, CAP discovered that households in the Western and Southern parts of America grappled with the steepest rental inflation.

In the West, Arizona’s Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale and California’s Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario areas experienced the highest hikes.

The former grew from 3.4 percent to 13.5 percent, and the latter rose from 1.8 percent to 8.1 percent.

In the South, Florida’s Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area had an 11.9 percent rental inflation, up from 4.9 percent, while both Florida’s Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and Georgia’s Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan experienced an 11.1 percent rental inflation, up from 1.7 percent and 4.1 percent respectively.

The Baltimore metropolitan area’s rental inflation grew from -1 percent to 5.4 percent.

“Housing is a human right. We must ensure that everyone in the United States has a safe, affordable, accessible place to call home.”

A4 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

COMMENTARY

How hospitals hijacked a drug discount program for the poor

By Howard Dean Corporate greed is a powerful motivator. When our lawmakers draft legislation, they really ought to have a special committee to evaluate how corporations might exploit it.

No such committee exists, though. And that’s one reason a program enacted in 1992 to give poor, underserved populations better access to costly prescription drugs has turned into a multibilliondollar boondoggle for hospital mega-chains.

It’s high time for Congress to restore the 340B drug discount program to its intended purpose.

The 340B program allows hospitals, specified clinics and other “safety net” providers to purchase outpatient prescription drugs at significant discounts.

Theoretically, providers could pass along these savings to their underserved patients by charging them less for medications– or reinvesting in services and facilities for those in need.

But nothing requires them to do that. So, very often, they don’t. Instead, they use the discounts to pad their profits.

Though 340B participants

get drugs at a discount, they can still seek reimbursement from commercial insurers, Medicare and uninsured patients at the much higher market rates. On average, for example, hospitals price top oncology drugs 4.9 times higher than their discounted acquisition cost.

The number of entities eligible to receive 340B discounts has skyrocketed since the program’s inception.

Originally, only hospitals that served a “disproportionate share” of low-income Medicare or Medicaid patients, as well as certain specified clinics, were eligible to participate. This amounted to only a few thousand providers.

The program expanded over the years but really took off in the mid-2000s. Large hospital groups discovered they could claim 340B discount pricing even for clinics serving wealthier patients. By expanding the number of 340B entities, they could maximize profits without spending a dime on populations in need.

Today, more than 50,000 hospitals, affiliated clinics, and other providers claim 340B discounts.

As the number of participating organizations

Photo courtesy of Britannica

Howard Dean is the former chair of the Democratic National Committee and former governor of Vermont. has risen, so too has the grift. Discounted purchases accounted for about $4 billion per year in 2009 but increased more than tenfold by 2022, to $54 billion.

All of this wouldn’t necessarily be cause for concern if participating providers passed along their savings to patients. But study after study has shown that large hospital systems and big pharmacies are the primary beneficiaries of 340B discounts. And these entities are pocketing the profits at

the expense of low-income patients.

It’s time for Congress to act. The need for the 340B program– to help underserved populations receive quality

care– remains just as pressing today as it was in 1992.

Reforming the 340B discount drug program should be a bipartisan priority. Let’s close the loopholes, increase

the oversight, re-examine which hospitals should qualify and ensure that hospitals re-invest their savings into helping those who need it most.

Why does most of America ignore violence prevention?

By Dr. Stephanie Myers

We all know America was born into violence with genocide of the Native Americans, enslavement of millions of African people and violence against indentured poor White Europeans from England, Scotland and Ireland during the 1500’s-1800’s. Violence has been used as the preferred method of control, and is showcased regularly in movies, on nightly television, in video games, by law enforcement, gangs and through easy access to guns.

For 12 years, during the month of October, Black Women for Positive Change has sponsored annual days, weeks and months of nonviolence, families, voters rights and opportunities.

It is our belief that with the epidemic of violence still gripping the nation, America should be anxious for new approaches that can promote violence prevention, anger management, conflict

resolution and de-escalation of violence.

So far in 2023, the Gun Violence Archive reports that there have been more than 35,250 people who have died from gun violence this year– and 50 percent were suicides. However, in spite of our 12 years of outreach to governors, members of Congress, mayors and national leaders, there has been very little response to our efforts to start a violence prevention movement.

Our nation needs a national grassroots movement with citizens and institutions from all sectors.

Not everyone is turning a deaf ear. In September of 2023, President Joe Biden created the vital Office of Violence Prevention; and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) and Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) are supporting our efforts, along with Everytown for Gun Safety, National Black Nurses Association, National Association for

Community Mediation, 100 Fathers and some law enforcement and faith-based organizations. But this is not enough.

In 2024 we must change the culture of violence in America, and the world, by urging use of new methods for peace and reconciliation.

For example, this year during the Month of Non-Violence, we focused on “Restorative Justice Peace Circles” in schools and organizations.

These peace circles provided adults and children with forums where they were able to honestly express anger, interact with peers, analyze their moods and to find ways to resolve conflicts without violence or suicide.

This year, we engaged over 3,400 adults and children, in 84 activities including peace circles, in 15 U.S. States and eight overseas countries. Children in elementary schools in South Korea, Pittsburgh, Houston, the Ivory Coast of Africa and Nigeria, have had open non-

judgmental discussions about anger they were feeling and how to resolve it.

Global peace discussions were held with professionals in the USA, England, Scotland and Canada, where health professionals, educators and law enforcement personnel discussed how to stop domestic violence, and how to teach de-escalation of violence. There was even a session on the impact of artificial intelligence on society, and how it can be used to foster global peace.

As we hear daily news about violence increasing in the U.S. and overseas in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Sudan, Ethiopia and other countries, we are all alarmed.

It is urgent that people come together to implement nonviolence, non-militaristic solutions since history shows that more violence, increased punishment, expanded prisons and lack of mental health for suicidal adults and children, are not the answer.

Let’s stop ignoring the discipline of violence prevention and start to overhaul the American culture of violence. We must advocate for funding for programs that establish peace circles in schools, make state and local Departments of Parks and Recreation safe centers of non-violence, and build on programs that teach the time-tested philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela and other nonviolent leaders.

Sadly, much of the violence in our nation begins at the kitchen table and is the fault of law enforcement that commits violent acts against innocent people.

Our children, adults and law enforcement must learn how to de-escalate violence and how to use different approaches to resolving disputes and anger, other than taking guns and shooting family members, coworkers, fellow students– or themselves.

The year of 2024 will be the 13th Year of NonViolence, Families, Voters Rights and Opportunities.

Will the readers of this article stop ignoring violence prevention and take leadership in their communities?

If yes, contact us at

Bkwomen4poschange@ gmail.com or visit our website at www .blackwomenforpositivechange. org.

Courtesy photo

Dr. Stephanie Myers is national co-chair of Black Women for Positive Change.

Why peace In the Middle East could avert a regional crisis

By Michael A. Grant, J.D. During the late 1970’s, I went to work for the Carter Administration in the press office of Health and Human Services Secretary Joseph Califano. While our agency was focused primarily on domestic issues, one of President Carter’s allconsuming objectives was a foreign policy issue: How to broker a peace between Israel and her Arab neighbors.

With Carter’s tenacity and the willingness of Israel’s Menachem Begin and Egypt’s Anwar Sadat’s to come to Camp David to hash out what would later be called the Camp David Peace Accords,

the world was given an example of how seemingly unbridgeable national interests could be harmonized through skillful diplomacy.

Today, some 45 years later, the Middle East is once again mired in deadly conflict with casualties mounting for both Israelis and Palestinians. An attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians has been countered by airstrikes on innocent Palestinians with a ground invasion resulting in the deaths of thousands, including more than 3,000 who are children!

As of this writing, over 1,500 Israelis and at least 8,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. The number

of wounded on both sides is much larger. Over 200 hostages are being held in captivity.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has already reached nightmarish proportions with shortages of food, clean drinking water, medical supplies and fuel needed for hospitals to operate reaching dangerously low levels.

Children are suffering and dying!

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that this will be a protracted struggle; hopefully, he will be proven wrong. The sooner this war is ended, the better for all concerned–this includes Israelis.

The United States has leverage to discourage further carnage. We have not effectively used our resources as bargaining chips to secure a reliable two-state solution, with two sovereign powers, ruled by governmental authorities recognized by the United Nations and the world community.

To be an honest broker in this latest conflict, the U.S. must demonstrate to the people of the region that it wants a fair deal for both sides. If with our foreign aid, Israel has carte blanche ability to encroach and occupy without restraint, Arab resentment will proliferate; thereby giving justification to

rogue states’ desires to exploit local tensions.

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will move the people of the world to insist on an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Pictures of the human suffering broadcasted around the world should shock the conscience of all who say they believe in a just and compassionate God. If you have read this commentary, please consider joining the worldwide movement calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Remember President John F. Kennedy’s exhortation: “God’s work on this earth must truly be our own.”

Courtesy photo

Michael A. Grant, J.D., is former president of the National Bankers Association.

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

December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 The Afro-American A5

Afro Charities seeks $350,000 in pledge donations before Dec. 31 More than $3.2 million in funding to be unlocked if goal is reached

AFRO Photo/ James Fields

Afro Charities is on a mission to raise $350,000 in donation pledges by Dec. 31. The funds will be used to renovate the Upton Mansion, future home of both Afro Charities and sister company, the AFRO American Newspapers.

By Savannah Wood Special to the AFRO In August, Afro Charities launched its Make History With Us! campaign in an effort to raise $350,000 by December 31, 2023.

The funds will be used towards securing a financial closing for their Upton Mansion redevelopment, which includes a mix of New Market Tax Credits, Federal and State Historic Tax Credits, a temporary bridge loan, and governmental and philanthropic support. If Afro Charities is able to meet its goal by December 31, the project will be shovel-ready by spring 2024, allowing for an opening in late 2025. Since August, the organization has raised just over $160,000 from 91 donors, with more donations and pledges on the way.

Afro Charities was awarded the right to redevelop the Cityowned Upton Mansion in 2020. Since then, they have launched a successful fundraising drive, attracting philanthropic support from both local and national foundations, including the Mellon Foundation, and grant support at every level of government, including a $2,000,000 federal earmark.

Of the overall $13,300,000 redevelopment budget, the organization has just $1,500,000 left to raise. This year’s $350,000 goal is included in the larger $1,500,000 gap that Afro Charities will continue to tackle following its financial closing and the beginning of construction in early 2024. Reaching the pledge goal by Dec. 31 will help the organization unlock $3.2 million in New Markets Tax Credit Equity.

To become a Groundbreaker — a founding donor to Afro Charities’ Make History With Us! campaign — make a pledge or an outright donation of $500 or more at the campaign page at: https://www.afrocharities.org/makehistory-with-us.

Sponsored Content

What Does It Mean to Have Hypertension During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes natural changes in the body. And for childbearing people who don’t know what to expect when expecting, it can be difficult to determine what is a normal change and what needs closer medical attention.

Hypertension is fairly common during pregnancy—1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies to be exact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Defined as having a systolic blood pressure reading (the top number) of 140 or higher and a diastolic blood pressure reading (the bottom number) of 90 or higher, hypertension, if left untreated, can be harmful to parent and baby.

“During pregnancy, there’s a lot more blood flow involved.

So, if you have long-standing hypertension, it can lead to impaired functioning of the heart, cardiac problems like congestive heart failure or peripartum cardiomyopathy, which is a specific heart condition during pregnancy where the heart is not able to keep up with the increased volume of blood volume,” Aneesha Varrey, MD, maternal fetal medicine specialist and high risk obstetrician at Perinatal Associates at GBMC Health Partners, said. “In terms of the baby, the placental blood flow can be compromised in a woman with hypertension, which can lead to impaired growth of baby and therefore lead to a preterm birth.”

Women might already have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant or develop it during pregnancy. Either way, the interventions are the same.

Dr. Varrey recommends lifestyle changes such as 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily and lowering salt intake. There are also medications safe for pregnancy that help to stabilize blood pressure.

“One medication we give for women with high blood pressure prior to pregnancy or women who are at increased risk of preeclampsia is baby aspirin, which we start at 12 weeks,” Dr. Varrey said. “It reduces the risk of hypertension developing into preeclampsia by 40%.”

If high blood pressure suddenly develops after 20 weeks, that is referred to as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.

It is an important distinction because preeclampsia is a more serious condition associated with high blood pressure as well as increased protein in the urine and impact on other organs. Pregnant women who have hypertension are at higher risk for preeclampsia, but it is not a certainty.

“In the first two trimesters, blood pressure naturally drops during pregnancy for everyone, so hypertensive women may not require as many medications during the first two trimesters,” Dr. Varrey said. “During the third trimester, blood pressure starts to go up again, and that’s when we usually have to go up on the medications to make sure they don’t develop preeclampsia.”

Photo Courtesy Bing Images Pregnant women diagnosed with hypertension should expect to visit with their obstetrician more regularly to check in and be monitored, but the frequency depends on how high their blood pressure is. Dr. Varrey also said that while she and her team do not typically recommend early induction for a traditional pregnancy, this would be different.

“For chronic hypertension, if they’re on medications, we usually recommend an induction by 39 weeks,” Dr. Varrey said. “After that, the risk of stillbirth and abruption increase. At 39 weeks, the baby is fully developed, and we have very good data that shows induction at 39 weeks does not increase risk of cesarean section or any other harmful outcomes.”

Knowing what to expect is step one, and then, advocate for what you need. The best thing pregnant women can do to protect their health and their baby’s health is monitor symptoms, advocate for tests and interventions, and get a second opinion if they feel needs are getting dismissed. Pregnancy can be a new challenge, but now you know what to expect.

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Learn more by visiting GBMC.ORG/BALTIMORECITY This program is funded in part by the Maryland General Assembly as part of the Maryland Health Equity Resource Act. Grant funding is administered by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission. For more information, please visit: https://health.maryland.gov/mchrc/Pages/herc.aspx.

The views presented here are those of the grantee organization and not necessarily those of the Commission, its Commissioners, or its staff. This publication is graciously brought to you in part by The Merrell Langdon Stout Memorial Lectureship in Human Communications.

A6 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

White House officials delay menthol cigarette rule, Black leaders speak out Dr. Enid Neptune of Johns Hopkins Medicine recognized menthol paired with nicotine, a stimulant drug found in tobacco, is more dangerous than people think.

“Many people think that menthol is like strawberry, watermelon, or bubblegum – it’s just a flavor – but it actually acts on proteins

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com Black community organizers, faith leaders and public health groups are speaking out after the Dec. 6 announcement that White House officials will delay a ruling on the impending ban of menthol cigarettes.

“We’re deeply disappointed by the White House’s delay in issuing a rule to ban menthol cigarettes. We’re calling on the Biden administration to keep its promise and issue a rule by the end of this year,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, president and CEO of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Make no mistake, delay is deadly. Delay means that the tobacco industry can continue to target Black communities and profit at the expense of Black and other lives.”

On Dec. 7, the White House told reporters they could not comment on the delay.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco companies started to heavily advertise menthol cigarettes in Black communities in the 1950s.

From the 1970s to the 1980s, a tobacco company used Black models and hip-hop icons to encourage African Americans to smoke.

“Eighty-five percent of Black smokers prefer menthol cigarettes, a direct outcome of the tobacco industry’s targeting and predatory marketing strategies. The time is now to do what is morally right, to save lives and get this done in 2023,” said Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) proposed prohibiting menthol cigarettes as the main ingredients in cigarettes and cigars, which make the taste of nicotine more appealing, in June 2022.

The White House was expected to deliver its final ruling on the Food and Drug Administration’s ban on menthol cigarettes this fall. However, via an updated timeline at reginfo.gov, the Biden administration delayed the ruling until March 2024.

“Menthol cigarettes have a devastating and disproportionate impact on the health of Black Americans. We, as Black physicians, see this every day,” said Dr. Yolanda M. Lawson of the National Medical Association. “Smoking-

Neptune said it’s already on the market in states like California, where the sale of menthol is already restricted.

According to a medical study by Paul T. Anastas, Hanno C. Erythropel, Sairam V. Jabba, Sven E. Jordt and Julie B. Zimmerman, tobacco companies are replacing menthol with a synthetic cooling agent named WS-3 in “non-menthol” cigarettes marketed in California.

“We’re playing what we call in California the end game. We’re looking at how we can end this and dismantle this whole system because it’s relentless,” said Carol McGruder of the African-American Tobacco Control Leadership Council.

Some believe that there is not enough support ready for the sudden halt of menthol cigarettes to those who may need to be weened off the product, thereby causing more harm than good to Black Americans.

“I agree with the decision of the BidenHarris Administration to place a pause on the FDA’s proposed ban on selling menthol cigarettes because the FDA needs to first complete a racial impact study on the potential disparities as a result of racial targeting and racial profiling of African American and Latino American smokers who prefer to buy and smoke menthol cigarettes,” said Dr. Ben Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

“We’re deeply disappointed by the White House’s delay in issuing a rule to ban menthol cigarettes. We’re calling on the Biden administration to keep its promise and issue a rule by the end of this year.”

Unsplash / OC Gonzalez

The White House delayed its final ruling to ban menthol cigarettes, disappointing some Black faith leaders, community organizers and public health groups who want the ban to go into effect as soon as possible. As of now, the final ruling will take place in March 2024. related illnesses are a leading cause of death in the Black community. Approximately 45,000 Black Americans die each year from smokingrelated diseases.”

Lawson said the biggest concerns about the impact of menthol cigarettes on the body are the inhalation effects on the lung and respiratory system and how it can aggravate underlying medical conditions, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).

and receptors that are on cells that are able to desensitize the airway,” said Neptune. “It makes smoking less harsh, and nicotine is a natural irritant to the airway.”

Neptune said people must remain aware of how menthol works, especially as tobacco companies are imitating the chemical.

“Tobacco companies are already starting to design mimics of menthol that have the same type of signaling properties but may not smell just like menthol. It may not give you the fresh menthol taste we get with the gum, but it will have the same effect within a tobacco product,” said Neptune.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

How a government shutdown could halt flood insurance, delaying thousands of home closings

By Monica Goodwick Capital News Service Congress keeps hitting dead ends in attempts to extend a long-term plan for the federal program that provides flooding coverage for homeowners in the country.

Unless the National Flood Insurance Program’s renewal happens by its new deadline of Feb. 2, it could lapse.

That could mean that about 1,300 closings on home sales per day would be delayed or canceled, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The flood insurance program’s Feb. 2 deadline is in the latest stopgap spending measure passed by the Congress and signed

by President Joe Biden on Nov. 16. Unless the deeply divided Congress passes another spending bill for the government early next year, portions of the federal government - including the flood insurance program would shut down.

“Reauthorizing NFIP ensures that home sales will continue to move forward with the full protection of flood insurance,” Austin Perez, a senior policy representative for the National Association of Realtors, told Capital News Service. “It’s about protecting people, property and communities

from flooding, the number one natural disaster in the United States.”

Even though the federal program is not funded by the government, Congress has to reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to keep writing flood insurance policies.

The NFIP is funded by premiums and fees that policyholders pay. FEMA in April completed a two-year, phased-in change in rates for flood insurance policy holders. Lawmakers have been clashing over whether the new pricing of premiums across states should reflect the level of risk of every area or if premiums should help subsidize the communities that increasingly are more vulnerable to flooding.

“It’s one of the most important programs for the entire real estate industry,” said Lake Coulson, the chief lobbyist of the National Association of Home Builders. “Arguably (it’s) the most important insurance program that’s out there.”

FEMA’s previously announced pricing makeover for the flood insurance program, known as Risk Rating 2.0, was designed to establish the rates based on the “actuarial” risk of a particular area. In other words, the prices are intended to more

accurately reflect how prone a house is to flooding based on its location.

FEMA’s move addressed sweeping annual losses and debt in the flood insurance program.

The NFIP historically has been allowed to borrow money from the Treasury Department to pay claims and later repay the government with interest, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.

“However, this changed when Congress increased the level of NFIP borrowing to $20.775 billion to pay claims in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricane season (particularly Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma),” CRS said. “Congress increased the borrowing limit again following Hurricane Sandy to its current limit of $30.425 billion.”

Under the new model, policyholders in lower-risk areas would stop subsidizing the people in higher-risk regions.

“I think flood insurance provided by the taxpayer, subsidized by the taxpayer, shouldn’t be for rich people and shouldn’t be for their vacation home and beach homes,” Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, said during a September debate on the Senate floor over the flood insurance program.

See more on afro.com

Photo courtesy of ready.gov

The National Flood Insurance Program is awaiting renewal before the Feb. 2, 2024 deadline, which could affect thousands of people who have applied for flood insurance if missed.

December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 The Afro-American

WASHINGTON-AREA

Southeast library to close for renovations

Prince George’s County police officer acquitted ‘District of Second after shooting death of William Green Chances’ film highlights second look laws for incarcerated youth

By Zsana Hoskins Special to the AFRO

In one month D.C.’s Southeast Library, located at 403 7th street in Washington, D.C., will close for a $33 million renovation to modernize the building.

The renovation work to the historic Carnegie-funded library will begin Jan. 4, 2024 and is expected to take approximately two years to complete.

“The new Southeast Library will expand the 7,943 square foot building to a 17,547 square foot building that will feature expanded space for children, teens and adults,” said George Willams, the media relations director for D.C. Public Library.

Williams added that the upgraded facility will include “more space for books, more computers, seating and

“The new Southeast Library will expand the 7,943 square foot building to a 17,547 square foot building that will feature expanded space for children, teens and adults.” preservation and restoration of the building’s historic elements.”

The historic building opened in 1922 and was designated a historic landmark by the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board on March 25, 2021.

The one-story building was the second neighborhood library to be built in the District and was designed

by Edward L. Tilton. It was purchased with $8,360 from Congress and bolstered by $67,000 in construction Continued on B2

B1

By Amber D. Dodd Special to the AFRO adodd@afro.com

Courtesy photos

Jury members in the trial against a former Prince George’s police officer do not believe he committed acts of murder, assault, manslaughter or misconduct in the shooting death of William Green (shown here) who was in his custody.

By Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor dbailey@afro.com A Prince George’s County police officer has been acquitted in the Jan. 27, 2020 death of William Green, a resident of Southeast D.C. who was shot while in handcuffs.

Michael Owen Jr. was found not guilty of four charges filed against him in a Prince George’s County Circuit Court jury on Dec. 6. The charges of first degree murder, second degree assault, manslaughter and misconduct in office, were filed following the death of William Green, of Southeast D.C., according to court records.

In January of 2020 Owens became the first police officer in the history of the country to be charged with murder while handling an on-duty case just 24 hours after the shooting.

Owen has been reprimanded for the use of force against citizens more than nine times in the course of his career.

Prior to the killing of Green, he sought workers compensation for psychological trauma caused by another shooting earlier in his career.

Supervisors claimed to be unaware of the other shooting incident.

Green was shot six times while in the front seat of Owen’s police cruiser. Owen handcuffed Green, who was first found unconscious in Temple Hills, Md. on Jan. 27, 2020, after crashing into multiple vehicles.

Greene’s family was awarded a $20 million settlement from Prince George’s County months after the incident. The settlement was the largest in history for a police-involved shooting death in Prince George’s County, according to the Murphy, Falcon, Murphy law firm which represents the family.

“It is our belief that when we are at fault, we take responsibility. And in this case, we are accepting responsibility,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

At a 2020 press conference, Alsobrooks also stated that she did not object to the court charges levied against Owen. “He should

not be treated any differently than any other individual who had just shot someone multiple times with no clear justification,” she stated.

During testimony at the trial, both prosecution and defense agreed upon the facts of the case. Police were called to the scene of the shooting on the night of Jan. 27, 2020 after Green crashed into several vehicles. Both sides say Green was under the influence of illegal narcotics and alcohol at the time of his arrest and placement in the police cruiser. However, that is where the discrepancies begin. The disputed aspects of the case center on whether the men struggled before the shooting and if Owen shot Green in selfdefense.

Joel Patterson, Prince George’s County assistant state’s attorney, argued that Green was “not a threat” that warranted the use of deadly force while handcuffed in Owen’s cruiser.

Nonetheless, Owen’s attorney, Thomas Mooney, successfully argued that Owen acted in selfdefense.

During the trial, Owen took the stand, defending his actions and — for the first time since the incident— explaining his version of what happened while Green was handcuffed in the front seat of his police cruiser.

Maryland law considers selfprotection a reasonable defense when facing a homicide charge if the defendant believes they were in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm, and the use of force was reasonable in the moment.

In State v. Faulkner (Md. 1984) the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled “self-defense operates as a complete defense to either murder or manslaughter.” The burden of proof was on Green’s attorneys, as he was tasked with breaking down Owen’s self-defense argument.

Owen was fired from the Prince George’s Police Department shortly after the incident. His trial was originally delayed after Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy offered a plea deal that would have reduced the charges against Owen from murder to voluntary manslaughter. Judge Michael R. Pearson rejected the plea agreement and issued a rare rebuke to Braveboys’ team. The judge said Braveboy “dropped the ball” by failing, three years after the shooting, to provide the defense with evidence in the case.

“He should not be treated any differently than any other individual who had just shot someone multiple times with no clear justification.”

The National Press Club hosted the Families Against Mandatory Minimum Foundation (FAMM) on Dec. 7 for the premiere of their documentary, “District of Second Chances.” The film focuses on three men who were sent to prison for life as teenagers.

The documentary follows Anthony Petty, Gene Downing and Colie Levar Long, three D.C. natives,

“One thing I always said to myself is ‘Once I do get home, I’ll never be the same person I was when I was 16.’” in their journeys back to freedom.

All three men featured in the film were involved in acts of murder. Petty was sentenced to 25 years to life, Downing was handed an 82 years to life sentence and Long was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.

The documentary included different perspectives of mass incarceration; family members such as mothers who grieved the lives of their sons, daughters who never met their fathers outside of prison meetings before release and attorneys who spend their careers reversing the damage of the U.S. prison system.

Continued on B2

Techstars DC presents Accelerator Cohort for 2023 Demo Day

By Jordyn Taylor Special to the AFRO Demo Day for the 2023 Techstars DC Accelerator Cohort was held on Dec. 8 at The View DC. The day featured 24 young tech start-ups that are leading the next generation of innovative solutions in industries spanning from healthcare and education to military and governmental services. The companies at the event were grant recipients from Techstars DC’s second year, which offers mentorship through a three-month accelerator program powered by JP Morgan Chase.

“Access is the number one thing,” said Cornelius George, the founder of Chuqlab, a Black-owned tech company. “This start-up game is really tough and as a Black founder, not getting that support. There’s a lot of great ideas coming out of our community, but without access, a lot of those things get lost.”

“Getting that access through Techstars gives me the opportunity to now pay that back and pay forward to the next generation,” continued George. “The business boasts its software program designed to analyze and mine data from several sources in order to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement investigations.”

With over 600 applications, the final cohort features a diverse portfolio of founders; a rarity in the venture capital market. Techstars and JP Morgan Chase put forth major efforts to break down barriers that block opportunities for minorityowned companies, which represent only 3 percent of all businesses according to the Pew Research Center. In spite of this, they are often underfunded by traditional venture capital.

Continued on B2

Photo courtesy of Jordyn Taylor

Mac Wilkinson (left), founder of Moolathon, speaks with an audience member Prabdeep Gill about how he is changing the game with his innovative fundraising platform.

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The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

Southeast library Continued from B1

funding from the Carnegie Corporation.

As the need for updates presented itself, the library hosted eight community meetings to ensure community input was considered in the design plans. The team also conducted a survey, and hosted focus groups for community feedback, according to the D.C. public library website dclibrary.org Also according to the website, the project was reviewed by the Advisory Neighborhood Committee (ANC), the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board, The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society.

The new additions will also include a universally accessible entrance and maintenance of the original historic entrance. There will be a restoration of the exterior landscape, environmentally sustainable design and more study spaces under the guidance of architectural firm Quinn Evans and design partner Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.

Chuck Wray, the Quinn Evans’ principal in charge of the overall construction process, spoke with the AFRO to highlight some of the unique features the new library will include.

“One of our design drivers has been the focus on natural light,” Wray shared.

“The original architect of the Library, Edward L. Tilton, was one of the first to advocate that libraries

should be filled with natural light. Taking this to heart, we worked to bring light to the two new underground floors.”

“The final design includes a new, large roof-top skylight that is located over the historic upper level and a series of floor openings that connect the underground levels below. There is also a grade-level skylight over one edge of the children’s area located on the lowest floor.”

Wray also highlighted the commitment to sustainability in the renovation plans, stating the project has been designed to meet the LEED v4 Gold sustainability benchmark.

“Our efforts have been concentrated in improving the energy performance of the existing structure, designing a highly energy efficient addition, and incorporating as many sustainability best practices as possible,” Wray said.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner David Sobelsohn of 6B03 is excited about the renovations but believes there are some flaws in the plans.

“The library system has not thought through the process of renovating the library, nor committed to the kind of maintenance the new library will require.

Other projects, including the Eastern Market Metrorail Plaza right across from the library, show the fallacy of thinking that new construction by itself provides enough resources for a community. It takes

Photo courtesy of the D.C. Public Library

Proposed designs for the Southeast D.C. Public Library show additions to the exterior and interior areas, such as a media center and the children’s area. The original building (left) was crafted in 1922.

dedicated maintenance,” said Sobelsohn.

According to statistics from City-Data, there are over 112,000 residents in the Southeast area. With the closure of the neighborhood library, Sobelsohn anticipates several challenges residents may face during the renovation period, especially since the next closest library is the Northeast branch, over a mile away from Carnegie.

Despite Sobelsohn’s claims, DCPL still believes the Northeast location to be sufficient for residents over the next two years.

“The Northeast Library not only offers a full-service library as the interim location, but also provides greater accessibility for those with disabilities, due to its historic modernization. This includes features like wider aisles and doors, lower service counters, and a handicap-accessible ramp at the entrance. We encourage Southeast Library visitors to explore these

District of Second Chances Continued from B1

The film began with a systemic look at the increase of incarcerated youth, which included the effects of the 80s crack era in D.C. and hard-on-crime legislation such as the Crime Control Act of 1994, commonly known as “The Crime Bill.”

At the time, while advocating for the bill’s passing, Princeton professor John Dilulio and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton touted the “superpredator” stereotype about Black children and teenagers. The narrative permeated the media and revved up calls for hard-oncrime legislation.

Longtime D.C. delegate congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton spoke to those effects.

“The ‘superpredator’ trope I found to be racist, and it was put on the District at the time where crime was beginning to fall,” Norton recalled.

Roxana Rincones, interim president of FAMM, said that the documentary’s goal was to give a different look at the systems of incarcerated people and how they affect lives, a core mission of the organization.

Petty spoke of his time in the criminal justice system, which included solitary confinement and the experience of serving his sentence in more than 20 different prisons around the country after Lorton Correctional Complex for D.C. closed in 2001.

“We don’t need to lock up these young people for years, we need to reinvest in the community,” Rincones said. “We have to provide

accessibility upgrades during the temporary closure period,” said DCPL in an email statement.

To combat some of these issues, Sobelsohn and the community are making efforts to fill in the gaps that the renovations may cause.

“Through community efforts, we found places for our book groups, including kids’ storytime. Following our suggestion, our Ward Six council member Charles Allen secured funds to maintain a part-time library facility at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center. Arthur Capper would also offer the first library resources for residents of the Navy Yard area part of Ward Eight,” Sobelsohn added.

Sobelsohn also claims that, although these alternate arrangements have been made, D.C. Public Library “threatens to make it difficult for residents to use the Arthur Capper facility.”

Sobelsohn said the Arthur

Capler Recreation Center will have limited hours, will not provide access to enough resource materials, or open soon enough for residents to use. The ANC commissioner even advocated for a closure delay, as he believes residents were not given enough notice about the library renovations.

“Without evening or weekend hours, most working people, and even school-age children, won’t have much chance to use the facility.

The library system won’t guarantee that we can return books to Arthur Capper. The library system continues to call the Northeast branch the interim facility for Southeast residents, even though the system has no plans—none— to enhance the resources at the Northeast branch to accommodate Southeast residents,” Sobelsohn claimed.

In response to Sobelsohn’s claims, DCPL stated via email: “The hours of service at

Arthur Capper are designed to meet the needs of residents who need internet access and computer help: job seekers, students after school, and residents who have no other options for internet access,” the statement read.

“The Library cannot provide services at Capper immediately after the Southeast closure because staff will be preparing the library for construction and moving equipment currently at Southeast to Arthur Capper and other locations.”

As far as Sobelsohn’s request to postpone the closure, DCPL said a delay beyond the six-week notice they’ve already provided will increase the overall cost of the project.

The final community meeting regarding the renovations was held on Dec. 14 in meeting room 1 at the Southeast Library where Whiting-Turner discussed the logistics of what to expect during the construction.

documentary together.

“Attorneys live this vicarious trauma,” Long said as he thanked his attorney, Destiny FullwoodSingh seen in the film. The other two attorneys James Ziegler and Rebecca Vogel were also given praise for implementing the IRAA effectively.

Petty and Downing used the panel to speak about their process of self-

forgiveness, despite their actions as teenagers, and the power of education during incarceration. Downing became a GED instructor during his incarceration.

“The trajectory of my life really changed when I was telling other men how to read, how to write and it ended up being a mentorship. I couldn’t tell them how to forgive themselves or better

themselves if I didn’t first do it myself,” Downing said.

Petty said he’s read over 1,000 books and continues to move forward with a positive outlook.

“One thing a book does is open your mind to what the future may bring,” Petty said. “One thing I always said to myself is ‘Once I do get home, I’ll never be the same person I was when I was 16.’”

Techstars DC Continued from B1 AFRO Photo / Amber D. Dodd

Kevin Ring (left), vice president of criminal justice advocacy at Arnold Ventures, and filmmaker Wynette Yao join Colie Levar Long, Anthony Petty and Gene Downing, stars of the documentary, “District of Second Chances,” and videographer Travis Edwards at the film premiere.

and when you watch the documentary, you will see how these gentlemen talk to the youth, [saying] ‘Don’t follow that path,’ follow the path into education.”

The trio of men were released under two initiatives: The Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and the Second Look Amendment Act of 2019. Both laws allow incarcerated residents who committed serious crimes before the age of 18 to be released. The IRAA eventually became the Second Look Amendment.

This occurred as an outgrowth of the act which expands the second look age pool to 25.

While the film shows the success of IRAA and the Second Chance Amendment, Long’s story does not end like the others. When he initially applied for the program, he was denied. He was granted parole and was

monitored for three months.

On July 29, 2022, Long was released from federal prison, 26 years after being sent to prison.

“When I come outside, my eyes get watery. There’s thousands of dudes who don’t get to see this here,” Long said, after seeing the sunrise as a free man in the film. He enjoyed his freedom with Petty by ordering a strawberry milkshake with a cherry on top.

“The last time I had this was 1995,” Long jokes with Petty, after eating at Ben’s Chili Bowl in the film.

Since the IRAA was enacted in 2016, 155 people have returned to their homes.

Of that number, only 1.2 percent of them returned to prison after being released.

During the questionand-answer session, the trio discussed the film process, what it means to them and those who helped throughout the process of bringing the

The District of Columbia is cited as the 11th best startup ecosystem in the country by Technical.ly, a media company that focuses on tech news. Of the 24 tech companies, many are Blackowned and are geared towards bridging the gap for issues and paving the way for more diversity in their markets.

“There’s no question that if we’re not investing in AI, then we’re kind of falling behind.”

Founders present at the Demo Day included cofounders of Mili Llama, Donovan Bennett and Joshua Rodgers, who aim to end the substitute teacher shortage by connecting college students with K-12 schools.

Impacted by the horrors surrounding Black maternal health, Layo George joined the mere 4 percent of Black women to create start-ups after launching her company, Wolomi. The organization focuses on maternal health

and expands access to perinatal care resources for mothers of color.

Norfolk State University graduates, Valeni “V” and Chana Felton, founded their start-up, Washington’s Hammer, with hopes of “advancing the tools and techniques utilized in the U.S. Navy’s ship repair industry,” according to their website.

The platform serves as a collaboration space for the emerging opportunities that trades and skill-based jobs have moving into the future.

A special focus on artificial intelligence based technology was prevalent through the

presentations, something that Adam Phillips, the Managing Director for Techstars DC, says was important to embrace for this cohort.

“There’s no question that if we’re not investing in AI, then we’re kind of falling behind.

I knew that that would be a component of what we do,” Phillips explained. “That’s the future. That’s where we’re headed.”

The Demo Day successfully highlighted the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that many other investment firms should mirror.

To view the complete list of 2023 Techstars DC portfolio companies, please visit www.techstars.com.

Photo courtesy of Jordyn Taylor

Mckeever Conwell (left) conducts a panel discussion with Valeni “V” Felton, Cornelius George, Erin Heim and Mac Wilkinson during panel discussion for Techstars Demo Day.

December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 The Afro-American

B3 B1

Councilwoman Jolene Ivey takes helm of Prince George’s County Council won the post, following a failed vote to affirm Blegay.

Ivey’s constant refrain and warning was for

By Deborah Bailey AFRO Contributing Editor dbailey@afro.com

Veteran Prince George’s County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey (D-Prince George’s County- District 5) is now head of the County Council. Ivey took the gavel with the unanimous support of 11 council members, all of whom were in attendance at the gavel exchange ceremony inside of Largo’s County Council hearing room Dec. 5.

“As Prince George’s County grows we should make sure that our families thrive along with it. Strong parents lead to great students, a more vibrant economy and safer communities,” Ivey said.

Ivey stated that resources for teachers, support for the local business community, new housing that minimizes traffic

congestion and support for the county’s nonprofits were also priorities.

“We have to stay laserfocused on the budget,” said Ivey, adding that “being able to pay for schools, to pay for police, the fire department” is top priority.

In her first remarks as council chair for the 2024 session, Ivey lauded the council for their role in advancing the county’s development. She also warned they must stand united to deliver results including prioritization of county resources for vulnerable residents, smart development and increasing staffing of public safety positions to improve Prince George’s County for citizens in 2024.

While Ivey’s selection by her peers for council

“This is the unity our council requires and the unity our residents deserve.”

Photo courtesy of Prince George’s County Council

Councilwoman Jolene Ivey receives unanimous vote to chair the Prince George’s County Council.

chair was smooth sailing, a short dispute rose for the vice chair’s spot, as both Sydney Harrison (D-Prince George’s

County- District 9) and Walla Blegay (D- Prince George’s County- District 6), were nominated.

Harrison ultimately

council members to stand united in serving Prince Georges’ residents in 2024.

“This is the unity our council requires and the unity our residents deserve,” Ivey said.

“We’ve come a long way in Prince George’s County.,” she said, noting that the FBI “has found a new home and will

relocate fromthe nation’s capital to Greenbelt.”

Virginia lawmakers have requested a federal investigation into the relocation decision, stating that Greenbelt was chosen for political reasons, according to a letter sent to the U.S. General Services Administration’s office of the inspector general.

Many are hopeful that the original decision will be upheld. It would bring in much needed economic growth, as there is a projected $58 million deficit in the fiscal year that begins in July 2024, according to an October report from the Spending Affordability Committee.

Leaders have proposed strict spending cuts to balance the county budget amid the dipping tax revenue in order to fund essential departments with public services.

D.C. Council extends youth crime and opioid public emergencies

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer tmcqueen@afro.com

The D.C. Council recently voted to extend the youth violence and opioid public emergencies until Feb. 15 of 2024.

Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) declared a public emergency on Nov. 13, providing District residents with more resources to address youth violence and the opioid crisis.

“The emergency declaration allows district agencies to respond more flexibly, cooperatively and expeditiously to these crises,” said Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), during the legislative meeting. “Opioids have inflicted profound harm on communities within the district and across the nation. Between January and July 2023, we’ve averaged 42 opioid fatalities every month.”

According to Councilmember Christina Henderson (Ind-at-Large), the district currently has about $14 million dollars in opioid settlement funds that are available for community investments.

“In the first nine months of 2023, there were 458 arrests of juveniles for robbery including carjacking, homicide or assault with a dangerous weapon – a number which is already 10 percent more than the total number of such arrests in all of 2022,” Pinto added.

Public health emergencies, by law, expire in 15 days, but can be extended by the vote of the council.

Within the extension, the council provided

limited flexibility for procurement.

“The agility provided through this public emergency is crucial and makes a substantial impact on the crisis,” said Henderson. “ I want to thank the mayor for

data from the OIJJ. The average stay for youth is about 62 days.

“Between January and October of this year, 97 youths have been shot, including 15 fatally. The order from Mayor Bowser addresses how we can

“The public emergency will allow us to streamline and expedite our responses.” moving on this effort and I look forward to continuous work in this area.”

The public emergency permits the district to include non-fatal overdoses in a datasharing agreement between D.C. Health, the Department of Behavioral Health and the Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

The order also allows the district to encourage private providers to open more shelters and expedite renovations at the Youth Services Center which will add a 10-bed unit.

“We need to have more flexibility to house kids more effectively,” said Sam Abed, newly appointed acting director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). “We need to be able to classify kids and move them into different spaces based on a number of criteria that we look at. We’re going to be looking at: Do they have conflicts? Do they have size considerations?

We look at their age. We look at their gender.”

As of Nov. 23, there are 79 youngsters in the YSC, according to

respond urgently to our youth needs by ensuring there’s a wide continuum of placement options for our young people who are engaged in the juvenile justice system,” said Lindsey Appiah, deputy mayor for public safety and justice. “While shelter homes, which are community-based group homes, are one piece of that continuum, we know our youth have a host of needs. We’wre invested in meeting those rehabilitative needs while providing for the safety of the public by having a wide range of placements.”

A week before Bowser declared these public emergencies, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) spoke out about alleged violence and poor conditions at the Youth Services Center (YSC).

“We’ve seen a number of issues happening here over the course of the year, more recently in the last two weeks,” said White on Nov. 6. “There’s a lot of frustrated youth in here, and as a result of being frustrated, they’ve been acting out in various ways.

White’s office said

Photo courtesy of the D.C. Council

Lindsey Appiah, deputy mayor of public safety and justice, believes the extension of the D.C. Council’s youth crime and opioid crisis public emergency to Feb. 15 will help further address the needs of residents affected by the two issues. As a former employee of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and Department of Children’s Services, she is advocating for more opportunities for youth in the juvenile justice system.

Abed confirmed incidents of assault between youths and a situation where five youths refused staff instructions and were being combative.

According to Councilman Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), there have also been reports of “all-out brawls.”

“It’s a broken system,” said White. “Some of these youths are complaining their lawyers came Friday and they weren’t able to talk to them or their parents. The intake process is supposed to last no more than 10 days. Some of them have been in the intake process for three months.”

White also said some youth at YSC are complaining about being kept in their rooms for 23 hours and only receiving 30 minutes of education daily.

On Nov. 16, White introduced a resolution alongside Councilmembers Christina Henderson (Ind at-Large), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and Parker to keep the

Office of Independent Juvenile Justice Facilities Oversight (OIJJFO) open through Sept. 30, 2024.

The resolution passed on Nov. 21 and went into effect immediately.

B4 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

NCNW hosts 18th Biennial Uncommon Height gala F

By Ashleigh Fields AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com

Over 200 attendees gather to celebrate Black women at the Gaylord National Resort for the 18th Uncommon Height gala.

orging an unprecedented path forward, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) President Shavon Arline Bradley and National Chair A. Lois Keith partnered to present the 18th Biennial Uncommon Height gala on Dec. 8. With a mission to encourage and inspire future generations, the event also aimed to pay homage to the late President Emerita Dr. Dorothy I. Height. In her honor, the Crystal Stair Award was entrusted to her longtime mentee Bishop Vashti McKenzie (retired).

McKenzie has broken faith barriers as the first woman to be elected as bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and currently serves as first woman in the combined role of president and general secretary for the National Council of Churches.

Photos courtesy of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)

Shavon Arline Bradley (left), president and CEO of National Council of Negro Women, congratulates Bishop Vashti McKenzie, alongside A. Lois Keith, national chair of National Council of Negro Women.

The Crystal Stair award is presented to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime devoted to the protection of freedom, the pursuit of excellence in their career and personal dedication to humanity in the spirit of late former NCNW President Dr. Dorothy I. Height.

Jazz recording artist Ledisi Anibade Young engages the crowd in a call and response to heighten participation among attendees.

Gospel singer Kathy Taylor makes a surprise appearance.

Uncommon Height gala host Adrianna Hopkins (left), of WJLA, sits with Shavon Arline Bradley, president and CEO of National Council of Negro Women.

Shown here, Alexis Herman, president of the Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of Labor for the Clinton Administration.

DJ Quik Silva kicks the Uncommon Height gala after party into full swing on Dec. 8 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

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

December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 The Afro-American

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Holiday hype: Refusing to settle in relationships

By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO Eab@erickaalstonbuck.com

The upcoming holiday season can amplify the pressure to be in a relationship. Some people might choose to stay in toxic relationships, merely for the sake of not being alone during festivities.

The societal expectation to have a “plus one” for family gatherings and holiday parties can be overwhelming. However, I’ve come to realize

and a fair share of humorous anecdotes that underscore the importance of holding true to one’s values in the quest for a meaningful relationship.

In the realm of relationships, the terms “compromise” and “settle” often get entangled, but there’s a crucial distinction. Compromise involves finding common ground, a middle point

“In the realm of relationships, the terms ‘compromise’ and ‘settle’ often get entangled, but there’s a crucial distinction.“ that succumbing to this pressure and settling for less than I deserve is a disservice to myself.

As a single, professional, AfricanAmerican woman navigating the labyrinth of modern dating, I find myself standing firm on the principle of not settling for anything less than authentic, fulfilling love.

The journey has been enlightening, filled with moments of introspection,

where both partners contribute to the wellbeing of the relationship.

Settling, on the other hand, implies accepting less than what you deserve, sacrificing your core beliefs or values for the sake of companionship.

It’s a compromise that chips away at your authenticity, leaving you with a relationship built on shaky foundations.

In the pursuit of love, it’s tempting to make

choices that prioritize the happiness of others, even if it means compromising our core principles. I’ve learned the hard way that this approach often leads to internal conflicts and a sense of self-betrayal.

As we age, the desire for a genuine connection becomes even more pronounced. It’s essential to stand firm in our beliefs, refusing to compromise on the fundamentals that define who we are.

Approaching the dating scene while remaining true to myself, I’ve learned to navigate through the sea of potential partners with grace and self-assurance.

As I aim to find my forever person, I’ve made a conscious decision not to compromise on my values or settle for a relationship that doesn’t contribute positively to my life. After all, honesty is the best medicine, especially when faced with the challenges of modern romance.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that being alone is not synonymous with loneliness. Choosing to prioritize self-love and personal happiness over the societal expectations of being in a relationship has been liberating.

I’ve discovered the joy

Courtesy photo

Single in the city columnist Ericka Alston Buck addresses the difference between compromising and settling.

of my own company, relishing in the freedom to be unapologetically me. Rather than settling for companionship that doesn’t add value to my life, I’ve embraced the idea that being alone can be an empowering choice.

Still Single in the City, the journey to find

love doesn’t come with a set timeline or a onesize-fits-all approach. As a woman navigating the complexities of modern dating, I’ve learned that settling for less is not an option. It’s about finding that delicate balance between compromise and authenticity, refusing to let

societal pressures dictate my choices.

This holiday season, choose the gift of selflove, confident that in due time, the right person will come into your life without compromising your values, boundaries, your happiness or authenticity.

Let me be frank, as Black Americans we are no strangers to rejection.

Our first experiences in this country were filled with rejection; it’s a part of our history. The key to healing this, though, is learning to accept rejection. We cannot

change it or avoid it. We can only heal it. Take the next step in the healing journey.

Black women and the pain of rejection

By Nijiama Smalls The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds

Have you experienced rejection? Let me answer that for you. Yes, you have- because we all have.

It is a part of the human experience—it’s the part of life that we don’t like and we’d rather forget.

Nevertheless, we all must face it.

Rejection sneaks up on us out of the blue taking us by complete surprise and smacking us dead off of our feet. It comes in various forms-- from those that made us feel invisible, not being offered the position we interviewed for, emotionally unavailable parents, the social media comment from a stranger critiquing our work, being left out of the clique, sibling rivalry, being ghosted by a friend, and the worst-- unrequited love.

What makes the rejection wound so painful and hard to cope with is that it causes us to question our self-worth.

Am I good enough? Am I smart enough? Am I pretty enough? Am I loved?

Am I valued? These are questions that rejection forces us to ask ourselves.

Rejection can be so painful that our mind does what it can to prevent us from feeling this pain again. Here are some ways that rejection wounds may

be showing up in your life: • • •

You are very guarded Feeling rejected hurts deeply You reject people

•

•

before they can reject you Rejection is your weapon and you reject people that hurt you You can easily sense when you or others are being left out

•

You are unwilling to put yourself in situations where you can be rejected (i.e. hesitant to host a party because you fear people may not attend).

This article was originally published by the Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds

Nappy.co/Nappy Stock

Rejection is a traumatic experience that every human faces from sources both expected and unexpected. We all have to learn to process the hurt in a positive way that doesn’t spread the trauma to others.

C2 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

Sudan’s generals agree to meet in efforts to end their devastating war, a regional bloc says

By Samy Magdy The Associated Press

Two Sudanese generals say they will meet in-person in efforts to establish a cease-fire and begin discussing a permanent end to the ongoing conflict, according to reports from African officials in the region on Dec. 10.

Sudan slipped into chaos after soaring tensions between military chief Gen. AbdelFattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, exploded into open fighting in mid-April in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the country.

The country has been in turmoil for several years, ever since a popular uprising forced the removal of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The short-lived transition to democracy was derailed when the two generals joined forces to lead a military coup in October 2021. After they fell out, war followed 18 months later.

The conflict has wrecked the country and

AP Photo

AP Photo/ Marwan Ali

Sudan’s warring generals Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan (left) and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, are agreeing to hold a face-to-face meeting in efforts to establish a cease-fire and initiate political talks to end the country’s devastating war, an African regional bloc said Dec 10.

killed up to 9,000 people

by October, according to the United Nations.

However, activists and doctors’ groups say the real toll is far higher.

In a meeting of the leaders of the InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a grouping of East African countries, both Sudanese generals agreed to “an unconditional cease-fire and resolution of the conflict through political dialogue,” and to hold a “a one-to-one meeting,” the bloc said in a statement Dec. 10.

Burhan, who chairs Sudan’s ruling Sovereign

Council, attended the meeting Dec. 9 in Djibouti, which holds the rotating IGAD presidency.

Meanwhile, Dagalo, whose whereabouts are unknown, spoke by phone with IGAD leaders.

The statement gave no further details, including when and where the two generals would meet.

However, Alexis Mohamed, an adviser to Djibouti’s president, said Dec. 10 on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the Sudanese generals “accepted the principle of meeting within 15 days in order to pave the way

for a series of confidencebuilding measures” that would eventually lead to political talks to end the conflict in Sudan.

There was no immediate comment from either the Sudanese military or the RSF. The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the generals’ commitment to a ceasefire and a face-to-face meeting and called for them to “abide by these commitments and enter talks without delay,” said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the State Department.

IGAD is part of mediation efforts to end the conflict, along with Saudi Arabia and the United States which facilitated rounds of indirect talks between the warring parties as recently as early in November.

When the war began, fighting initially centered

in Khartoum but quickly spread to other areas, including the western region of Darfur.

More than 6 million people were forced out of their homes, including 1.2 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries, according to the U.N. figures.

In Darfur, which was the site of a genocidal campaign in the early 2000s, the conflict has morphed into ethnic violence, with the RSF

and allied Arab militias attacking ethnic African groups, according to rights groups and the U.N. The U.S. State Department said earlier this month that the RSF and the Sudanese military were responsible for either war crimes or crimes against humanity, or both, in Darfur.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

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C6 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 The Afro-American

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FDA approves groundbreaking cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has greenlit two revolutionary cellbased gene therapies, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, marking a significant leap forward in treating sickle cell disease (SCD) for patients aged 12 and older.

The approval by the FDA signifies the commencement of a novel epoch in managing sickle cell disease, providing optimism to individuals whose lives have been significantly disrupted by the arduous condition.

Sickle cell disease, a group of inherited blood disorders, affects around 100,000 individuals in the United States and is predominant among African Americans. Health officials said the root cause of SCD is a mutation affecting hemoglobin, a crucial protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen delivery. The genetic problem causes red blood cells to have a unique “sickle” shape, which can lead to vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) or vaso-occlusive

crises (VOCs), which are very painful and damage organs.

The recurrence of these crises poses life-threatening risks and

“Sickle cell disease is a rare, debilitating, and lifethreatening blood disorder with significant unmet need, and we are excited to advance the field.” potential disabilities.

“Sickle cell disease is a rare, debilitating, and lifethreatening blood disorder with significant unmet need, and we are excited to advance

Courtesy of NNPA

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disease prevalent in the Black community. The FDA recently approved two new therapies to help treat the disease. the field,” said Nicole Verdun, M.D., director of the Office of Therapeutic Products within the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Casgevy, a groundbreaking cell-based gene therapy, is the first FDA-approved treatment employing CRISPR/Cas9, a revolutionary genome editing technology. The therapy is for individuals 12 years of age or older who have recurrent vasoocclusive crises. It changes the patient’s hematopoietic stem cells using CRISPR/Cas9, a

technology that can precisely edit DNA. The edited cells are then transplanted back into the patient, enhancing the production of fetal hemoglobin and preventing the sickling of red blood cells.

Lyfgenia is another cellbased gene therapy that uses a lentiviral vector to change genes. The FDA approved it for those 12 years of age or older who have SCD and a history of vaso-occlusive events. Lyfgenia changes

blood stem cells to make HbAT87Q, gene-therapyderived hemoglobin that looks like adult hemoglobin and makes it less likely that red blood cells will sickle. Both therapies utilize the patients’ blood stem cells, administered through a one-time, singledose infusion following myeloablative conditioning.

“These approvals represent an important medical advance with the use of innovative cell-based gene therapies to target potentially devastating diseases and improve public health,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

The Casgevy and Lyfgenia applications received Priority Review, Orphan Drug, Fast Track and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designations. Casgevy was granted approval to Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Lyfgenia to Bluebird Bio, Inc. The FDA said its approval of Casgevy was based on a single-arm, multicenter trial evaluating its safety and effectiveness in adult and adolescent SCD patients. Of the 44 treated patients, 93.5

percent achieved freedom from severe VOC episodes for at least 12 consecutive months. Common side effects included low platelet and white blood cell levels, mouth sores, nausea and musculoskeletal pain.

Lyfgenia’s approval was based on a 24-month multicenter study, with 88 percent of patients achieving complete resolution of VOEs between 6- and 18-months post-infusion. Side effects included stomatitis, low blood cell levels, and febrile neutropenia. A black box warning highlighting the risk of hematologic malignancy accompanies Lyfgenia’s label, emphasizing the need for lifelong monitoring in patients.

“Today’s actions follow rigorous evaluations of the scientific and clinical data needed to support approval, reflecting the FDA’s commitment to facilitating the development of safe and effective treatments for conditions with severe impacts on human health,” Dr. Marks asserted.

This article was originally published by NNPA Newswire.

Many people of color worry good health care is tied to their appearance

By Colleen DeGuzman Word In Black

Nappy.co/Nappy Stock

Black and Brown people brace themselves for insults and judgments before medical appointments, according to a new survey of patients that reaffirms the prevalence of racial discrimination in the U.S. health system.

policy program.

“For folks who have been following these issues for a long time, the findings are not unexpected,” she said.

they experienced discrimination in their everyday lives were more than twice as likely to report often feeling anxious, lonely, or depressed compared

“In 2023, the notion that any person must prepare for discrimination is sad on one hand and angering on the other. The stress that this causes, in addition to whatever health issue involved, is crazy.”

Other findings: A third of adults reported at least one of several negative experiences with a health care provider in the past three years, such as a professional assuming something about them without asking, or suggesting they were to blame for a health problem.

Nearly a quarter of Black adults, 19 percent of Alaska Native and Native American adults, 15 percent of Hispanic adults, and 11 percent of Asian adults said they believed they endured negative treatment because of their race or ethnicity.

Twenty-two percent of Black adults who were pregnant or gave birth in the past 10 years said they were denied pain medication they thought they needed. Just 10 percent of White adults in similar circumstances reported the same complaint.

When people don’t feel respected or welcomed by their health care providers, they may be discouraged to reach out for medical help or may switch providers more often, Artiga said. Members of minority populations are found to be “experiencing worse health as a result of experiencing unfair treatment in the health care system,” she said.

The survey also found that discrimination outside the health care system had health consequences. People who said

with those who rarely or never faced discrimination.

Black people who selfreported darker skin tones were more likely to have encountered discrimination than those with lighter skin, the survey found.

The survey reveals “how

persistent and prevalent adults whose health providers experiences with racism and were also Black said they discrimination remain today, in discussed such economic and daily life and also in health care, social subjects, while just 24 despite, really, the increased percent of Black adults who saw calls and focus on addressing providers who weren’t Black racism,” said Liz Hamel, KFF’s said those issues were brought director of public opinion and up. survey research.

Harrison, of the National Diversity among health Minority Health Association, care providers matters, the wrote that “a renewed emphasis survey found. Most people of on recruiting more people of color who participated in the color into the health care field survey said that fewer than half is vital.” of their medical visits in the The survey, he added, past three years were with a “painfully illustrates that COURT OF THE is as provider who shared their race SUPERIOR racial bias in healthcare DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA or ethnicity. But Black patients damaging as any disease.”

PROBATE DIVISION who had at least half their KFF’s “Survey ADMINISTRATION NO.on Racism, 2023ADM001431 visits with a provider of their Discrimination and Health” JEAN MARION TRUHEART race or ethnicity, for example, was conducted from June AKA were more likely to report 6 to Aug. 14 BURKE online and by JEAN MARION Name of Decedent better experiences, such as their telephone among a nationally Notice of Appointment, doctor explaining things “in a representative sample of Notice to Creditors way they could understand” or and U.S. in English, Noticeadults to Unknown Heirs DESTINIE BUDD,Chinese, whose address 2012 asking them about health factorsTRUNA Spanish, Koreanisand MARYLAND AVENUE NE APT 102, WASHINGTON such as their employment, Vietnamese.

DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of housing, and access to the food andof JEAN MARION TRUEHEART AKA JEAN estate MARION BURKE, who died on NOVEMBER 10, 2023 transportation.

This article was originally with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All Nearly 40 percent of Black heirs and published

by Word In Black. unknown heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding.

Washington Classified Continued from C5

People of color brace themselves for insults and judgments before medical appointments, according to a new survey of patients that reaffirms the prevalence of racial discrimination in the U.S. health system.

The KFF survey of nearly 6,300 patients who have had care in the past three years found that about 55 percent of Black adults feel they have to be very careful about their appearance to be treated fairly by doctors and other health providers. Nearly half of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic patients feel similarly, as do about four in 10 Asian patients.

By comparison, 29 percent of White people surveyed said they worried about their appearance before appointments.

“In 2023, the notion that any person must prepare for discrimination is sad on one hand and angering on the other,” Burgess Harrison, executive director of the National Minority Health Association, wrote in an email. “The stress that this causes, in addition to whatever health issue involved, is crazy.”

Discrimination has long been a concern for both patients and health providers in the U.S., where racial disparities in health outcomes are vast and particularly unfavorable toward Black people.

A 30-year-old Hispanic man in Illinois who responded to the KFF survey told researchers he wears clothes to health care appointments with the logo of the university where he works.

He noticed, he said, that when health care providers know he is a professor, they listen to him more intently and involve him more in care decisions.

Black people who selfreported darker skin tones were more likely to have encountered discrimination than those with lighter skin.

A 44-year-old Asian woman in California told the researchers that her White male doctors ignored her concerns about breathing issues, telling her she “was probably just thinking too hard about breathing.” She was later diagnosed with asthma.

The two respondents were not identified in the study.

The survey offers “a way to actually quantify what those experiences are with racism and discrimination, and the multitude of ways they then impact people’s lives,” said Samantha Artiga, director of KFF’s racial equity and health

Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the LEGAL NOTICES

Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE 15, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be preDISTRICT OF COLUMBIA sented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register PROBATE DIVISION of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy ADMINISTRATION NO. to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 15, 2024 or be 2023ADM001431 forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legaJEAN MARION TRUHEART tees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this AKA notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so JEAN MARION BURKE inform the Register of Wills, including name, address Name of Decedent and relationship.

Notice of Appointment, Date of first publication: Notice to Creditors DECEMBER 15, 2023 and Notice to Unknown Heirs DESTINIE TRUNA BUDD, whose address is 2012 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: MARYLAND AVENUE NE APT 102, WASHINGTON Washington Law Reporter DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of AFRO American Newspapers the estate of JEAN MARION TRUEHEART AKA JEAN DESTINIE TRUNA BUDD MARION BURKE, who died on NOVEMBER 10, 2023 Personal Representative with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unTRUE TEST COPY known shall enter their appearance In this proceeding.

REGISTER OF WILLS Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23 Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 15, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be preTHE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY sented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 15, 2024 or be SOLICITATION NO.: 0003-2024 forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this ROOFING CONSULTING SERVICES notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, The including name, District of address Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires qualified and relationship. professional roofing consulting services for residential housing units at Date of first publication: DCHA. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning MonDECEMBER 15, 2023 day, December 11, 2023, on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org unName of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter der “Business” and “Solicitations”.

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•Your History •Your SEALED BID RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Friday, January DESTINIE BUDD 2024, TRUNA at Community 19, Personal Representative 11:00 AM. TRUE TEST COPY •Your News Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org REGISTER OF WILLS copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

12/15, 12/22,with 12/29/23

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001303 ADRIENNE CAMILLE RICH Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs TYRONE ORION ALLAN RICH, whose address is 8412 CREDOS CT ALEXANDRIA VA 22309 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ADRIENNE CAMILLE RICH, who died on JULY 29, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 1, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 1, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1368 ROBERT S. FANTROY JR. Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CHANTELL JOHNSON, whose address is 11318 GOLDEN EAGLE PL G WALDORF MD. 20603 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT S. FANTROY JR., who died on MAY 30, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 1, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 1, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001327 LEOLA A. HOLMES Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs BARBARA TATUM, whose address is 1324 HOLLYBRIAR COURT, VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23464, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LEOLA A. HOLMES, who died on MAY 3, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 8, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 8, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 8, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

TYRONE ORION ALLAN RICH Personal Representative

CHANTELL JOHNSON Personal Representative

BARBARA TATUM Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001298 GERALDINE MIDDLETON AMIR Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs IRIS J. PARKS, whose address is 7545 ALASKA AVENUE NW, WASHINGTON DC 20012 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GERALDINE MIDDLETON AMIR, who died on AUGUST 14, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 1, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 1, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers IRIS J. PARKS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001375 BAYO AYABA CALLENDER FALL FALL Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs MURIEL TILLINGHAST AND AISHA HINTON, whose addresses are 550 CARLTON AVE, BKLYN,NY 11238; 414 ALBEMARLE ROAD BRKLYN NY 11218 , was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BAYO AYABA CALLENDER FALL FALL, who died on OCTOBER 9, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 8, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 8, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 8, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers MURIEL TILLINGHAST AISHA HINTON Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/8, 12/15, 12/22/23

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001351 MARCUS ANTHONY HEARN Name of Decedent CAROL S BLUMENTHAL, ESQ BLUMENTHAL, CORDONE & ERKLAUER, PLLC 7325 GEORGIA AVE. NW WASHINGTON DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs FREDERICK HEARN, whose address is 104 KELLY DRIVE, GREENWOOD, MS 38930 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARCUS ANTHONY HEARN, who died on AUGUST 21, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 1, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 1, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers FREDERICK HEARN Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/8, 12/15, 12/22/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001300 MARYLIN THERESA HILL AKA MARILYN HILL Name of Decedent DEE GREER 1350 LEEGATE ROAD, NW WASHINGTON DC 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs STANLEY ELLIS, whose address is 1406 PICKETT COURT FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA 22630 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARYLIN THERESA HILL AKA MARYLIN HILL, who died on JUNE 20, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 1, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 1, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers STANLEY ELLIS Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1354 JAMES H. WILLIAMS Name of Decedent WENDELL C. ROBINSON ESQ 7600 GEORGIA AVENUE N.W. SUITE 203 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs JANIE R. WILLIAMS, whose address is 1606 25TH STREET, SE, WASHINGTON, D.C 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES H. WILLIAMS, who died on SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 8, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 8, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 8, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001292 MARY L. NEAL Name of Decedent IZU I. AHAGHOTU ESQ. 3724 12TH STREET NE WASHINGTON DC 20017 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs KATRINA WIGGINS, whose address is 6011 ARMOR DRIVE CLINTON MD 20735 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY L. NEAL, who died on JUNE 1, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment 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 JUNE 1, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 1, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

JANIE R. WILLIAMS Personal Representative

KATRINA WIGGINS Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/8, 12/15, 12/22/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001322 REJINA C. GREEN Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DAMON A. GREEN, SR., whose address is 5098 VIBURNUM COURT INDIAN HEAD, MD 20640 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of REJINA C. GREEN, who died on OCTOBER 9, 2016 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 1, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 1, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers DAMON A. GREEN SR. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM1336 LINDA DENISE RAMSEUR Name of Decedent ELTON F. NORMAN ESQ. THE NORMAN LAW FIRM PLLC 8720 GEORGIA AVENUE STE. 203 SILVER SPRING, MD 20910 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs SHIRLEEN CHAMPAGNE, whose address is 1120 OWEN PLACE, NE WASHINGTON DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LINDA DENISE RAMSEUR, who died on MARCH 17, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 8, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 8, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 8, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

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LEGAL NOTICES

SHIRLEEN CHAMPAGNE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/8, 12/15, 12/22/23

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION 2023FEP000121 AUGUST 16, 2023 Date of Death CARRIE LOU REESE Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS MICHAEL WALLER, whose address is 15303 JENNING LANE, BOWIE MD 20721 was appointecd representative of the estate of CARRIE LOU REESE deceased, by the ORPHAN’S Court for PRINCE GEORGE’S County, State of MARYLAND, on OCTOBER 12, 2023. Service of process may be made upon PATTERSON LAW OFFICE, 100 M STREET, SUITE 600 WASHINGTON DC 20001 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 4421 5TH STREET, NW WASHINGTON D.C 20011. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 1, 2023 Name of newspaper, and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO-American MICHAEL WALLER Personal Reperesenative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/1, 12/8, 12/15/23

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BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON BILL NO. 23-0413 December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

The Afro-American C5

The Economic and Community Development Committee of the Baltimore City Council will meet on October 31, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 4 th Floor, City Hall, 100 Holliday Street to conduct a public hearing on City Council Bill No. 23-0413.

CC 23-0413 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – The Solid Waste Management Plan for Baltimore – Repeal and Replace – FOR the purpose of repealing the Solid Waste Management Plan for 2013-2023 that was adopted by Resolution 14-019, as amended by Resolution 15-025; adopting the Solid Waste Management Plan for 2024-2033; providing for a special effective date; and generally relating to the Solid Waste Management Plan for Baltimore City.

Payment Policy for legal notice advertisements.

State law (Environment Article § 9-503 and COMAR 26.03.03) requires

Effective immediately, The Afro American Newspapers willeach require prepayment for publication of all and legalmaintain notices a comprehensive county and Baltimore City to adopt Payment will be accepted in the form of checks, credit card or money order.

Any returned checks be subject to a $25.0010-year processing feeand to solid waste plan that coverswill at least the succeeding period and may result in the suspension of anyperiodically future advertising at our discretion. review, amend and revise the plan as needed. The plan to be LEGAL NOTICES BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY NOTICE – DECEMBER 2023 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 December 18, 2023. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings may be scheduled on or after December 28, 2023 at 10:30 AM in City Hall; 100 N. Holliday Street, Room 215, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Please visit llb. baltimorecity.gov 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: Alish, Inc. T/a Frankford Garden Liquors - Arsh Chaudhri and Audrey Delray DeGross Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 5418-20 Sinclair Lane 21206 Applicant: CNY Enterprise, LLC T/a Mt. Vernon Liquor - Young Yim and Stephanie Marie Corelli Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 815-17 N. Charles Street 21201 2. CLASS “A-2” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE Applicant: AAMA Chori, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Sabitri Thapa and Beth Ann Thomas Petition: Transfer of ownership requesting delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 4220 Edmondson Avenue 21229 3. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE Applicant: Barn & Lodge at Rotunda, LLC T/a Barn & Lodge at the Rotunda - James Joseph King and Peter B. Rosenwald, II Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service and off-premises catering Premises: 729 W. 40th Street, Suite 101 21211 Applicant: QQ Asian Cuisine, Inc. T/a Bambao - Qin Qin Huang and Deborah Yahudah Yah Yisrael Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of outdoor table service, requesting delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 1010 Aliceanna Street 21202 Applicant: Bcockey, LLC T/a Cockey’s - Tiffany Welch and Robert Glen Cockey, Sr. Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service, off-premises catering, and delivery of alcoholic beverages Premises: 737 Carroll Street 21230 Applicant: HM Management Latrobe, LLC a/k/a HM Management, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Jennifer Pasquier Webber and Pamela R. Haner Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 909 N. Charles Street 21201 Applicant: Jeffcross, Inc. T/a Trade Name Pending - Andrew Lasinski and Lonnie Shaulis Petition: Transfer of ownership and location of a Class “B” BWL license presently located at 38 E. Cross Street to 31 E. Cross Street requesting live entertainment and outdoor table service Premises: 31 E. Cross Street 21230 Applicant: Mayfield Café, LLC T/a Mayfield Café - Austin Allen Petition: New restaurant license requesting outdoor table service Premises: 3500-02 Harford Road 21218 Applicant: Macon Opco, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Mangafoula Minadakis Petition: Transfer of ownership Premises: 422-26 S. Macon Street 21224 Applicant: Golden Grillz, LLC T/a Da’ Hangout - Rifkaw Shlomis Fonseca and Zoraida Lolita Iris Fonseca Petition: New restaurant license requesting off-premises catering Premises: 2-4 E. Preston Street 21202 4. CLASS “BD7” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE Applicant: 3 Doors Down, LLC T/a Trade Name Pending - Eric Christopher Seaburn

BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON BILL NO. 23-0413 The Economic and Community Development Committee of the Baltimore City Council will meet on October 31, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 4 th Floor, City Hall, 100 Holliday Street to conduct a public hearing on City Council Bill No. 23-0413.

CC 23-0413 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – The Solid Waste Management Plan for Baltimore – Repeal and Replace – FOR the purpose of repealing the Solid Waste Management Plan for 2013-2023 that was adopted by Resolution 14-019, as amended by Resolution 15-025; adopting the Solid Waste Management Plan for 2024-2033; providing for a special effective date; and generally relating to the Solid Waste Management Plan for Baltimore City.

State law (Environment Article § 9-503 and COMAR 26.03.03) requires each county and Baltimore City to adopt and maintain a comprehensive solid waste plan that covers at least the succeeding 10-year period and to periodically review, amend and revise the plan as needed. The plan to be considered for adoption would be for the period covering 2024 to 2033. Interested persons may attend the hearing. Written statements may be sent to Ms. Natawna Austin, Executive Secretary, Office of the City Council President, 100 Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

Summary of Plan:

CITY OF BALTIMORE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS NOTICE OF LETTING

For More Information Please call the number above

Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board of considered for adoption would be for the period covering 2024 to 2033. In- Estimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and marked NO. RP23889 GARDENVILLE RECREterested persons may attend the hearing.

Written statements may be sent for BALTIMORE CITY LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES ATION CENTER will be received at the Office of the Comptroller, to Ms. Natawna Austin, Executive Secretary, Office of the City Council Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland until 11:00 A.M. January President, 100 Holliday Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

24, 2024. Positively no bids will be received after 11:00 A.M. Bids Summary of Plan: will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, City Hall at Noon. The proposed Contract Documents may be exThe Baltimore City 10 Year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) is amined, without charge, at the Dept. of Rec & Parks at 2600 Mada regulatory plan submitted to the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to map operational needs, constraints, and improvements for ison Ave, Baltimore, Md. 21217 by appointment only on Mondays waste management within the City for the next 10 years (2024-2033). The - Fridays, 8:30am – 4:00pm by emailing benitaj.randolph@balplan consolidates goals for managing the City’s solid waste stream, as- timorecity.gov as of December 8, 2023 and copies may be pursesses the existing solid waste collection systems and current and future chased for a non-refundable cost of $200.00. Conditions and redisposal capacity needs. Many actions described in the SWMP reflect a quirements of the Bid are found in the bid package. All contractors transition towards zero waste principles, prioritizing the conservation of bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified by the City of materials, circular economies, and greenhouse gas reduction.

Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee. Interested parties should call (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4 South The SWMP’s Plan of Action includes: Frederick Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is * A roadmap for the City to achieve a recycling rate of at least 35% by im- submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the docuplementing strategies to improve source reduction, donation, reuse, and ment that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for verification purposes. The Prequalification Category required diversion; * Cleaning and greening strategies focused on reducing littering and ille- for bidding on this project is E13001 Three Story and Under. gal dumping through community engagement and enforcement; Cost Qualification Range for this work shall be $12,000,000.00 * Improvements to mixed reuse and recycling curbside collection, bulk to $17,000,000.00. A “MANDATORY Pre-Bidding Information” waste pick-up and the session will be conducted via Microsoft Teams at 10:30 A.M. on small hauler program; December 14, 2023. Email your contact information to sharvari. * Expansion of Baltimore City’s waste processing capacity including recy- subramaniam@baltimorecity.gov to receive an invite to the Microsoft Team(video conference mee ing) no later than DecemSUPERIOR COURT OF THE cling processing infrastructure (MRFs) and composting facilities; DISTRICT COLUMBIA 13, 2023 at 9:00am. Principal Items of work for this project * Plans to improve and expand Quarantine Road Landfill and increase theOF ber PROBATE DIVISION City’s waste transfer capacity; AND are Removal of site improvements, Earthwork, Underground NO. * Strategies to decrease the City’s dependence on incineration. ADMINISTRATION utilities, Storm water facilities, New One-Story Building, New Site 2023ADM1369 NOTE: This bill is subject to amendment by the Baltimore City Council. including a Loop walk, Playground, Landscaping, & ELEANOR J.Amenities EDGETT Name of Decedent Hardscaping. The MBE goal is 13.85% and WBE goal is 4.23%.

HONORABLE SHARON GREENE MIDDLETON WILLIAM C. KING, POWERS, APPROVED: M. Celeste Amato, Clerk, Board of Estimates LEWIS & KING PLLC Chair

5039 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW BUILDING ONE WASHINGTON DC 20008 Notice of Appointment, CITY OF BALTIMORE Notice to Creditors DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS and Notice to Unknown Heirs NOTICE OF LETTING CORBY S. ROSEWAG, whose address is 12765 TRIADELPHIA ROAD ELLICOTT CITY MD 21042, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sealed Bids or Proposals, in duplicate addressed to the Board ,ofwho died on SEPTEMBER 13, ELEANOR J. EDGETT 2023 with and a Willmarked and will serve without Court superviEstimates of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore sion. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts for BALTIMORE CITY NO. RP23889 GARDENVILLE RECREare unknown shall enter their appearance In this proATION CENTER will be received at the Officeceeding. of theObjections Comptroller, to such, appointment shall be filed Room 204 City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland untilWith 11:00 January theA.M. Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street,11:00 N.W., A.M. 3rd Floor, 24, 2024. Positively no bids will be received after BidsWashington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 8, 2024. Claims against the decedent will be publicly opened by the Board of Estimates in Room 215, shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to City Hall at Noon. The proposed Contract Documents be or exthe Registermay of Wills filed with the Register of Wills a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 8, amined, without charge, at the Dept. of Rec &with Parks at 2600 Mad2024 or beon forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs ison Ave, Baltimore, Md. 21217 by appointment only Mondays or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy - Fridays, 8:30am – 4:00pm by emailing benitaj.randolph@balof this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication copies may the be Register pur- of Wills, including name, timorecity.gov as of December 8, 2023 andshall so inform and relationship. chased for a non-refundable cost of $200.00.address Conditions and reDate of first publication: quirements of the Bid are found in the bid package.

All contractors DECEMBER 08, 2023 LEGAL NOTICES bidding on this Contract must first be prequalified theLEGAL Cityand/or of NOTICES Name ofby newspaper periodical: Washington Law parties Reporter Baltimore Contractors Qualification Committee.

Interested COURT OF THE AFRO American should callSUPERIOR (410) 396-6883 or contact the Committee at 4Newspapers South DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Frederick Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. If a bid is PROBATE DIVISION CORBY S. ROSEWAG ADMINISTRATION NO. submitted by a joint venture (“JV”), then in that event, the docu- Personal Representative 2023ADM001389 ment that established the JV shall be submitted with the bid for NANCY ELIZABETH BASKERVILLE TRUE TEST COPY verification purposes.

The Prequalification Category required Name of Decedent REGISTER OF WILLS for bidding Notice on this project is E13001 Three Story and 12/8, Under. of Appointment, 12/15, 12/22/23 Notice Range to Creditors Cost Qualification for this work shall be $12,000,000.00 and Notice to Unknown Heirs to $17,000,000.00.

A “MANDATORY Pre-Bidding Information” SAMANTHA HERRON, whose address is 714 HAMSUPERIOR COURT OF THE session will be via DC Microsoft Teams at 10:30DISTRICT A.M. onOF COLUMBIA ILTON STREET NEconducted WASHINGTON 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate information of December 14, 2023.

Email your contact to sharvari.

PROBATE DIVISION NANCY ELIZABETH BASKERVILLE, who to diedreceive on NO. an invite toADMINISTRATION the Misubramaniam@baltimorecity.gov JANUARY 3, 2022 with a Will and will serve without 2021ADM680 crosoft Team(video conference mee ing) no later than DecemCourt supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose GAIL MARIE WILSON ber 13, 2023 at 9:00am.

Principal Items of work for this project whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance Name of Decedent In thisRemoval proceeding.ofObjections to such, appointment MARILYN CAIN GORDON ESQ. are site improvements, Earthwork, Underground shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building 7603 GEORGIA AVENUE, NW STE 304 utilities, Storm water facilities, New One-Story Building, New Site A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON, DC 20012 Amenities including a Loop walk,against Playground, Landscaping, 20001, on or before JUNE 15, 2024. Claims the Notice of&Appointment, decedent shall be The presented the undersigned with a WBE goal is 4.23%. and Hardscaping.

MBEtogoal is 13.85% Notice to Creditors copy to the Register Wills or filed with the Clerk, Register Board of and Notice to Unknown Heirs APPROVED: M.ofCeleste Amato, Estimates of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before MARILYN CAIN GORDON, whose address is 7603 JUNE 15, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed GEORGIA AVENUE, NW STE 304 WASHINGTON DC to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not re- 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the ceive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its estate of GAIL MARIE WILSON , who died on SEPpublication shall so inform the Register of Wills, includ- TEMBER 26, 2020 without a Will and will serve withouting name, address and relationship.

Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose Date of first publication: whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance DECEMBER 15, 2023 In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment Name of newspaper and/or periodical: shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building Washington Law Reporter A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. AFRO American Newspapers 20001, on or before JUNE 15, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a SAMANTHA HERRON copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register Personal Representative of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 15, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed TRUE TEST COPY to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not reREGISTER OF WILLS ceive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23 publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE Date of first publication: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DECEMBER 15, 2023 PROBATE DIVISION Name of newspaper and/or periodical: ADMINISTRATION NO. Washington Law Reporter 2023ADM1369 AFRO American Newspapers ELEANOR J. EDGETT Name of Decedent MARILYN CAIN GORDON WILLIAM C. KING, POWERS, Personal Representative LEWIS & KING PLLC 5039 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW BUILDING ONE TRUE TEST COPY WASHINGTON DC 20008 REGISTER OF WILLS Notice of Appointment, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23 Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs CORBY S. ROSEWAG, whose address is 12765 TRISUPERIOR COURT OF THE ADELPHIA ROAD ELLICOTT CITY MD 21042, was DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PROBATE DIVISION ELEANOR J. EDGETT , who died on SEPTEMBER 13, ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervi2022ADM001481 sion. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts RAMSEY N. BUTLER are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proName of Decedent ceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed E. NICKEY PATTERSON, ESQ. With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th 100 M STREET SE, SUITE 600 Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on WASHINGTON, DC 20003 or before JUNE 8, 2024. Claims against the decedent Notice of Appointment, shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to Notice to Creditors the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills and Notice to Unknown Heirs with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 8, DOROTHY LEE BUTLER AND VANESSA CANNADY, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs whose addresses are 13111 TAMARACK ROAD SILor legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy VER SPRING MD 20904, was appointed Personal of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication Representative of the estate of RAMSEY N. BUTLER shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, , who died on FEBRUARY 7, 1998 without a Will and address and relationship. will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and Date of first publication: heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their DECEMBER 08, 2023 appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, apName of newspaper and/or periodical: pointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Washington Law Reporter Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, WashingAFRO American Newspapers ton, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 15, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the underCORBY S. ROSEWAG signed with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with Personal Representative the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on

BALTIMORE CAREER CORNER

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2022ADM001481 RAMSEY N. BUTLER Name of Decedent E. NICKEY PATTERSON, ESQ. 100 M STREET SE, SUITE 600 WASHINGTON, DC 20003 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DOROTHY LEE BUTLER AND VANESSA CANNADY, whose addresses are 13111 TAMARACK ROAD SILVER SPRING MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RAMSEY N. BUTLER , who died on FEBRUARY 7, 1998 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, apLEGAL NOTICES pointment 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 JUNE 15, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 15, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 15, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers

Start working in IT in 30+ days or less with zero prior experience for $100/ month. Call or text 571-463-0382.

Washington Classified Continued from C4

DOROTHY LEE BUTLER VANESSA CANNADY Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION ADMINISTRATION NO. 2023ADM001392 DELORES REDDING AKA DELORES MAY REDDING Name of Decedent ROBERT L. PILLOTE, JR TYRRELL, MASON & PILLOTE, P.C. 6116 EXECUTIVE BOULEVARD, SUITE 500 N. BETHESDA MD 20852 Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs FAYLENE DANE, whose address is 3123 51 ST PLACE, N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DELORES REDDING AKA DELORES MAY REDDING, who died on SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before JUNE 15, 2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before JUNE 15, 2024 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: DECEMBER 15, 2023 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers FAYLENE DANE Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/23

Washington Classified

Continued on C3

C6 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

WHERE

THE

MONEY

GOES.

Thanks to the support of our players, the Maryland Lottery contributed more than $714.3 million to support Maryland’s schools, public health and safety programs and the environment, and paid more than $1.73 billion in prizes to players during Fiscal Year 2023. Not bad. We’d like to think we generated a few million smiles as well.

Please play responsibly. For help, visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 18 years or older to play.

BALTIMORE-AREA

December December 16, 16, 2023 2023 -- December December 22, 22, 2023 2023 The Afro-American D1 D3

Lawmakers may revisit issue of marijuana odor and probable cause to search vehicles

The Moore Report

In case you missed it— there was a huge hostage crisis in Iran in 1979

By Ralph E. Moore Jr Special to the AFRO The current situation of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza reminds some of us of a large capture of American hostages in Iran in 1979.

What is fascinating is that the event was in the middle of a presidential campaign that resulted in President Jimmy Carter eventually losing the 1980 election for a second term to Ronald Reagan.

The story begins on Nov. 4, 1979, when a group of Iranian students crashed the United States Embassy in Tehran, taking more than 60 American citizens hostage.

The students’ action was in reaction to Carter’s permitting the deposed leader, the Shah of Iran, to come to the United States for treatment of his cancer.

The Shah was an unpopular figure in his homeland, and had been expelled from it months before. The act of kindness by the former American president angered the students, resulting in the taking of hostages’ and a concomitant statement of their independence from America’s interference in their economic and political affairs.

Additionally, the capture of the American citizen became perceived as a revolutionary act that raised the profile of Iran’s new leader. Folks around the world soon learned the name of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni and news media kept a day-by-day count of hostages in captivity. The television show now known as “Nightline” was a daily source of information on what was happening in Iran and what was being done in Washington, D.C. to free the Americans. There was more attention and a more intense interest back then, when considering the current Continued on D2

By Lucy Hubbard Capital News Service

year period to tackle the crisis.

“That starts with a pledge from the City of Baltimore for $300 million,” said Scott. “To finance this, we will become the first city in the United States to issue non-contiguous tax increment financing (TIF) bonds,” said Scott. “We will create many TIF districts around vacant houses across Baltimore, allowing us to borrow up to $150 million over the next 15 years and pay back the loans using the property taxes generated from the renovated properties down the road.”

TIF bonds have been overwhelmingly used to fund waterfront neighborhoods and large commercial projects in Downtown Baltimore but will now be expanded, especially toward neighborhoods plagued with vacant housing.

“I know that our neighborhoods, city and neighbors will not truly find peace and justice until they all have been fully restored. When I took office, Baltimore had been stuck at 16,000 vacant properties for two decades,” said Scott. “My administration has invested a historic $146 million in investment and to our neighborhoods. That investment,

When leaving a meeting at Prince George’s Community College Monday night, the Rev. Robert L. Screen and his wife were shocked when a car drove past them smelling so strongly of marijuana that they both noticed it even with their windows rolled up.

The couple had just left the MD Route 210 Traffic Safety Committee, an organization that Screen founded, when the car drove past. Screen carefully put some distance between him and the other car, as it sped off down the road.

“My wife and I were just taken aback and said, ‘This is the landscape of what we’re going to be dealing with for the future,’” Screen said.

Opponents of a law prohibiting police from using the odor of marijuana as probable cause to stop and search a vehicle or person said these problems are just as they predicted when the law went into effect July 1. Now some of those critics plan to return to the legislature in January to ask that it be changed. At the same time, police are trying to figure out exactly what they can do to marijuanaimpaired drivers to keep them off the roads.

The Fines for Smoking in Public, Stops and Searches law was approved during the final minutes of the 2023 session. Several Republicans wanted to explain their votes but House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore). seeing that the General Assembly session’s time was about to expire, pushed the vote through. Jones’ decision

Continued on D2

Continued on D3

Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor/ J.J. McQueen

Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) CEO Mark Anthony Thomas (left), Rev. Cristina Paglinauan, a Baltimoreans United for Leadership Development (BUILD) executive team member and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott unveil a 15-year $3 billion initiative designed to eradicate vacant housing in Baltimore on Dec. 11.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, BUILD and GBC detail $3 billion plan to tackle vacant properties crisis

By Tashi McQueen AFRO Political Writer Tmcqueen@afro.com Baltimore residents packed into Greater Harvest Baptist Church on Dec. 11 to hear details on a $3 billion investment aimed at combating the vacant property crisis in the city.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) CEO Mark Anthony Thomas and the leadership of Baltimoreans United for Leadership Development (BUILD) spoke on the extent of the problem in the area and how they will address the issue with a historic partnership.

Mayor Scott discussed his own experience of growing up in the Park Heights neighborhood of West Baltimore, still to this day inundated with vacant properties.

“As a young man, I had a frontrow seat to what happens when neighborhoods lose their strength because they are suffocated purposely, in addition to the violent struggles with addiction. My neighborhood was full of vacant houses,” said Scott at the podium, before the more than 500 gathered for the

community meeting. “I’ve been working to right historical wrongs, bring peace and justice to our neighborhoods and set the city’s course to achieve our full potential – not for some of the city—for all of the city.”

Scott’s mother told the future mayor

“I know that our neighborhoods, our city, our neighbors will not truly find peace and justice until they all have been fully restored.” “if you want change you have to do it.

No one is coming to Park Heights to save you.”

Now, he’s working to do just that.

The 15-year plan disclosed by Scott, Thomas and BUILD leadership calls for $3 billion public investment. But, a total of $7.4 billion will be invested over a 30-

Ken Washington named Black Engineer of the Year BEYA STEM Conference prepares for Baltimore homecoming in 2024

By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com For the first time in nearly a decade, the annual Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) STEM Conference will take place in Baltimore Feb. 15 to 17.

The multicultural event, put on by Baltimore-based Career Communications Group (CCG), assembles more than 10,000 students with corporate, government and military leaders and industry employers to celebrate excellence and showcase opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) spaces.

Ken Washington, senior vice president and chief technology and innovation

Photo Courtesy of Medtronic

Ken Washington is officially the Black Engineer of the Year, an honor bestowed at the Becoming Everything You Are Stem Conference. He’s set to accept his award in February at the annual event, which is set to return to Baltimore after nearly ten years.

officer for Medtronic, will be honored as BEYA’s Black Engineer of the Year.

“BEYA attracts the most senior level people in government, Corporate America, industry and education. We could never have all come together in this trusted community without BEYA,” said Tyrone Taborn, publisher, chairman and CEO of CCG. “We want to make sure that America maintains its global leadership and ensure that we are encouraging enough people to come into STEM career paths. That means we need to focus on groups of people who are traditionally left out, women, Blacks, Hispanics and indigenous people, and that’s what BEYA does.”

Taborn commended Washington for his efforts to

propel the healthcare solutions with artificial intelligence (AI). At Medtronic, Washington’s top priority is to leverage the power of data, AI and robotics to streamline the therapies and medical devices that it provides to patients.

One example is the healthcare technology company’s GI Genius Intelligent Endoscopy

1

Past Seven Days

Module, which uses AI to support the detection of polyps during colonoscopies.

“Ken Washington is one of the few Blacks with a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering.

He’s one of the guys that transformed Ford Motor Company to be the EV leader that is today,” said Taborn.

“Now, he’s bringing all of this

Continued on D3

251

2022 Total Data as of Dec.13

D2 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

Twenty-five years later, Morgan State University’s wrestling team is back year to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and is excited to be competing at Morgan. “It’s a pretty young team, so we’re all like-minded. We ready to get this thing started,” he said.

He enjoys the sport and the mental aspect.

“It’s a mental grind. It’s a physical grind every day. You come in here, and you find something to get better—[something] that other people can’t do, and then it pushes you to keep going

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO Morgan State University’s (MSU) wrestling team has made a comeback after a 25-year hiatus, making it the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) to offer a Division 1 men’s wrestling program.

The sport was cut from MSU during the 1996-1997 season due to lack of funding. The organization, HBCU Wrestling, donated $2.7 million to the institution to restart the program, supporting its goal to diversify the sport and provide opportunities to HBCU students.

HBCU Wrestling is “committed to restoring and establishing women’s and men’s wrestling programs at historically Black colleges and universities.” They execute this by pledging “to make up to a 10-year commitment to NCAA-sanctioned wrestling programs,” along with providing “scholarship opportunities, coaches with salaries comparable to top programs and competitive operating budgets,” according to information released by the organization.

This opportunity opened the doors for highly decorated wrestler, Kenny Monday, to become the head coach for the team. Monday is a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and earned an Olympic Gold medal in 1988 and a silver medal in 1992.

He has vivid memories of how he fell in love with the sport at just five years old. He

Photo Courtesy of James Fields

The new staff of Morgan State University's wrestling program includes Head Coach Kenny Monday (left) with Assistants Thomas King, Jerod Trice and Alonzo Allen. chalks his love for the sport up to his two older brothers, Mike and Jim Monday, who started wrestling at a YMCA program in Tulsa, Okla.

“I started behind my brothers and then just fell in love with it. I never, never looked back— never, never stopped,” he said.

He continued pursuing the sport through high school.

“I didn’t lose a match from the seventh grade through the 12th grade,” said Monday. “I was one of the most highly recruited athletes

First Black Chair Continued from D1

concern for the hostages in captivity.

The 1979 seizure of Americans was decades in the making. Without going over all of the details of the troubled relation between the United States and Iran, I think it’s safe say oil was the basis of the intense conflict.

American and British companies controlled the Iranian petroleum reserves almost since they were discovered and they realized the profits from them. Over time, particularly the early 1950s, the Iranian government moved to take control of their country’s oil by nationalizing it. This caused a problem for leaders in the United States and Great Britain, who reportedly did not want to give up their access to Iran’s oil.

Some say the two Western governments were involved in replacing the Iranian leader at the time with a more sympathetic leader to America and Britain’s corporate interests. That’s where the Shah of Iran enters in the story; his name was Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi, who became Iran’s leader in August of 1953.

The Shah looked very favorably upon Western corporations’ interests. And all were happy with the new arrangement—except the Iranian people. The Shah was known to torture and kill thousands of citizens in his country to keep control,

which led to his eventual ouster from the country. He was eventually replaced by the radical cleric Ayatollah Khomeini. It is safe to say the students who took the hostages were acting in Khomeini’s name.

In 1979, the Shah was forced to flee from Iran to Egypt. The Ayatollah installed a new government, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and a new, less friendly relationship with the United States began.

American leaders did nothing to defend or protect the Shah until President Carter allowed the Shah to come to America for medical treatment of advanced malignant lymphoma. Carter’s seeming act of kindness created boiling rage in Iran, to say the least and revenge was the way of the day in Iran.

And so on Nov. 4, 1979, once the Shah arrived in New York City, a group of Iranian students, faithful to the Ayatollah, took to the American embassy in Tehran, Iran. They took a group of 66 hostages, mostly diplomats and embassy employees.

Thirteen members of the original group were released, leaving 53 Americans behind.

Those let go were basically women, African Americans and persons from countries other than the United States.

Eventually a fourteenth hostage was released due to failing health. Fifty-two hostages remained in captivity

throughout most of the year 1980. Diplomacy nor economic sanctions proposed by the Carter Administration could secure releases of the Americans. The Iranians paraded blindfolded hostages before the world’s TV cameras. The uncertainty of the hostages’ futures was the most disturbing aspect of the crisis.

In desperation, President Carter launched an April 1980 military rescue attempt of the hostages. It was called “Operation Eagle Claw” and it failed miserably. A surprise desert storm caused the malfunction of the mission’s helicopters and a crash of one of them into a transport plane.

Eight American servicemen were killed in the disastrous rescue attempt and Carter’s secretary of state, Cyrus Vance Sr., resigned because of his opposition to the rescue attempt.

Democrat Jimmy Carter lost the 1980 election to Republican Ronald W. Reagan. Not being able to get the American hostages released became Carter’s downfall. On his Inauguration Day, Jan. 21, 1981, President Reagan announced that the American hostages were released by the Iranians.

It was a bittersweet announcement. The Americans were free and able to come home, but the outgoing president, Carter, had failed to get the American hostages free after numerous and varied attempts.

It has to be excruciatingly difficult to be held hostage as the 138 are in Gaza (fewer than 10 are Americans).

As it was back then, the current turn of events is just an unfortunate situation all around. With hope, America has learned from the past, and will use the lessons from decades ago as the IsraelHamas conflict continues today.

Obituary

Zelene Octavia Grant Hudnell Zelene Octavia Grant Hudnell, 90, passed away on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, in Riverview, FL. A native of Charleston, SC, she resided in Riverview since 1995 after living in Baltimore, MD, for 40 years.

She attended the historic Avery Normal Institute in Charleston, SC, and received her practical nursing training at Carver Vocational School in Baltimore, MD. She was a health care provider for 50 years and a lifelong 7th Day Adventist.

Zelene was the eldest child of Ralph T. Grant, Sr., and Lillian De

Lesline Grant. Her siblings include Dr. Ralph T Grant, Jr., Leon T. Grant, Nathaniel C. Grant, Rosita Grant Arrastia-Hood (dec.), Jerushia Grant Caldwell, Dr. David J. Grant, Sr., Philip T. Grant (dec.) and cousins Charles Smith (dec.) and Oliver Smith.

Zelene raised five children, Kenneth Nell Jr., Francis Nell, Lillian O’Neill, Carl Hudnell Jr., and Carol Hudnell. She is survived by her two daughters, ten grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and five great- great grandchildren.

Photo Courtesy of James Fields

Morgan State University wrestler Kingsley Menifee competes on behalf of the institution at 184 pounds. out of high school.”

Throughout college, he trained, competed and prepared to join the Olympic team in 1988. He became the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling.

His journey and love for HBCUs ultimately has led him to serve Morgan State University as a coach, reviving the program—a heavy task— but not too much for Monday.

The Olympian said building and recruiting the team from scratch was complex, but he is confident in the selection.

“I started with one kid, and now we have 30 kids on the program.” He shared that he was dedicated to building a meaningful team.

“I recruited all the kids before I even hired an assistant.” His goal is to mold MSU’s team and become national champions.

Eric Tecson, a freshman, took a gap

“Our goal is to bring student-athletes in and have our studentathletes graduate. We want to make sure we have a high graduation rate so they can come through Morgan State and be Morgan State graduates.” and keep working on your moves,” he said.

“It’s a grind that you can never perfect, but you always are chasing perfection.”

Monday is excited to share his connections, knowledge and resources with the team.

Kingsley Menifee originally planned to attend Cornell University but, after being given the opportunity by Monday, switched his decision and attended MSU. He explained that as a freshman, he is getting acclimated to being a collegiate student-athlete, but the team helps each other through that. “School comes first, so you gotta get that done,” he said. “We have study hours to maintain every week and then practice. So it keeps our schedule pretty busy.”

Coach Monday explained the importance of the students coming in and being successful not only on the mat but also in their academics.

“Our goal is to bring student-athletes in and have our student-athletes graduate. We want to make sure we have a high graduation rate so they can come through Morgan State and be Morgan State graduates.”

Jake Marsh has had experience being on a college wrestling team. He recently graduated from Princeton University, and with his last year of eligibility, he joined the team and is earning his master’s in Finance. “It’s pretty cool to be around a group of younger guys,” he said. “They have a little more drive; they’re more excited. So that’s kind of refreshing to be around that energy.”

He talked about balancing school and athletics, but he feels accustomed to it due to his time at Princeton; however, with the graduate-level workload, he is finding his balance. “I’d also like to attend the national tournament, represent there, and help reach our independent highest potential.” He has the goal of possibly helping the team next year as a grad assistant.

In their first home match of the season, the team won their first victory, 53-0 over Marymount University.

Vacant properties Continued from D1

when you plus that with the work of BUILD, ReBuild Metro and so many other private developers, has helped Baltimore collectively get down to 13,640 vacant properties as of today.”

Through the collective agreement, at least 37,500 properties, primarily located in East, West and South Baltimore, must be addressed throughout the next 15 years.

“Our communities are worthy of investments,” said Thomas. “They are worthy of excitement, new construction and small business openings.”

GBC is roughly 70 years old and has been on a mission to make significant change in Baltimore.

“We agreed to look at four key areas and I want this to really be communicated,” said Thomas. “How do we finance a reform at scale? How do we then implement those reforms?

How do we support community development partners and how do we make sure we have a workforce that can build and rebuild our communities?”

Hundreds packed into the church, from the pulpit to balcony and overflow rooms, vowing their long-term support for the initiative.

“I’m 62, so I’ve seen the worst of it. Now we’re going to see the glory and the promised land of this,” said Peggye Butler, of St. Martin Church of Christ in West Baltimore.

Butler said she’s most hoping for better quality neighborhoods, increased comfortability and safety in the communities of Baltimore.

At the meeting, members of the initiative closed out the event by stacking bricks with the names of the different entities on board to help build a strong foundation for the partnership and the change to come. Coppin Heights, Fayette Street Outreach and others all laid down their bricks to symbolize the collaborative effort. Finally, another brick was revealed—one for Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who was not in attendance.

Del. Malcolm Ruff (D-Md.-41) spoke with the AFRO after the meeting about the investment plan and how he hopes the governor’s office will help along the initiative.

“As a state legislator, I look forward to figuring out how to generate state resources to support this $3 billion goal. I look forward to speaking to our governor and his administration by joining this partnership and making sure that he comes to get his brick.”

“I’m sure that his commitment to Baltimore will be reinforced by his jumping into this journey for our city,” said Ruff.

Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.

December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023 The Afro-American D3

Marijuana odor Continued from D1

prompted an outburst from Del. Nicholaus R. Kipke, (R-Anne Arundel), and caused most Republicans to walk off the House floor in protest.

The controversy over the law continues and on Nov. 14, when Maryland’s Joint Republican Caucus announced its 2024 Public Safety Agenda for the upcoming legislative session, included was a provision to overturn the smell search law.

House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick) said the law limits officers’ ability to police impaired driving.

“When the smell of cannabis smoke is billowing out of a moving vehicle, it is very likely that that driver is under the influence,” Pippy said. “Prohibiting law enforcement from stopping said vehicle is like prohibiting an officer from stopping someone who’s chugging a beer while driving.”

But getting the Democratic majority General Assembly to overturn the provision will be difficult.

It was approved because it addressed inequality in traffic stops, which disproportionately impact Black Marylanders.

Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Montgomery) chair of

Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus, and a sponsor of the bill, HB1071, that became the marijuana smell law said the law is essential to protecting the constitutional rights of Marylanders and “it’s unfortunate that our Maryland Republicans will be advocating for warrantless searches of American residents.”

“Passage of HB1071 in 2023 was a top priority for the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland,” Wilkins said.

“And so we will vigorously defend this bill and push back against any effort to reverse or weaken it.”

According to the analysis of the bill at the time, Maryland traffic stop data dating back to 2018 revealed that Black drivers made up at least 60 percent of traffic stops, while representing just 29 percent of the state’s population. Black drivers in Maryland were also more than four times as likely to be subject to a warrantless vehicle search than white drivers.

“Cannabis is legal in the state, so someone simply smelling like cannabis, whether they’re just walking down the street or whether it’s the smell in their car, it should not trigger a warrantless search,” Wilkins said. “So, protecting

Ken Washington Continued from D1

artificial intelligence to the healthcare industry with Medtronic. This guy is the future.”

A native of Chicago, Washington said he couldn’t remember a time when he wasn’t interested in technology. Over his career, he’s held positions at Sandia National Laboratories, Lockheed Martin, Ford Motor Company (Ford) and Amazon, working on various complex engineering technologies. At Lockheed Martin, he led a team responsible for building the Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) on the James Webb Space Telescope, and at Ford his team prototyped the automaker’s first electric truck, known today as the F-150 Lightning.

Washington has attended the BEYA Stem Conference since 2007.

“I’m honored that I’ve been named the Black Engineer of the Year,” said Washington.

“It’s not lost on me that as an AfricanAmerican executive of a large corporation, I can serve as an inspiration for young Black boys and girls who have an aspiration to go into technology or who didn’t believe they could. It’s such a powerful platform to be able to be a role model to others.”

The BEYA Stem Conference was created

by Taborn 38 years ago alongside Eugene Deloach, the founding and emeritus dean of Morgan State University’s Clarence M. Mitchell School of Engineering. The pair deemed it essential to expose young people to

“We want to make sure that America maintains its global leadership and ensure that we are encouraging enough people to come into STEM career paths.” career pathways in the STEM industries.

The inaugural conference took place at the historically, Black university and continued to be held in Baltimore for nearly two decades before rotating between Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

“For over 20 years we were here in Baltimore. We went into rotation and left Baltimore for a while, but now we’re coming back home. It’s important to me as I prepare to turn the conference over to new leadership,” said Taborn. “We bring millions of dollars to the city and a ton of prestige, and I think the BEYA renaissance is coming back home at the right time.”

court and prove it, it’s just based on whatever the officer says.”

As of Dec. 8, there have been over 100 roadway fatalities, of 571 total road deaths, in Maryland this year where the driver was impaired, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Dashboard.

Maryland is projected to exceed 600 roadway deaths this year for the first time since 2007. Of the Unsplash / Elsa Olofsson roadway fatalities The smell of marijuana smoke in vehicles is once again a topic of recorded in 2023, nearly 18 percent were discussion in Annapolis. Legislators are debating whether the smell of marijuana is probable cause to stop and search vehicles. the result of crashes where a driver was impaired by alcohol Americans from unreasonable in his experience “the use or drugs. searches and seizures is really of the odor of marijuana As of Nov. 16, there have to search vehicles was a foundational aspect of our been 4,620 drug-related DUI disproportionately utilized constitution in our state.” citations statewide this year, against Black and brown Another issue with according to law enforcement Marylanders.” conducting searches over figures captured through “And I would often only the odor of marijuana is that E-Tix Software.

It’s unclear see the cases where they hemp, which also derives how many were marijuana found something,” Beach from the cannabis plant related. said. “I can only imagine but contains a negligible John Seng, founder of how many cases there would amount of the psychoactive the Maryland Coalition for be where they found nothing ingredient THC, smells the Roadway Safety, said the and the driver had to suffer same when it is burned. legalization of recreational the indignity of having their Hemp is not a controlled marijuana creates new substance in the United States car searched out in public concerns over impaired in front of everybody on and is often used in CBD driving in Maryland. whatever road they’re on.” products.

“I wished the Maryland According to Yanet Michael Beach, General Assembly, when it Amanuel, public policy district public defender was dealing with the pressure director for the American for Montgomery County, from the public to approve Civil Liberties Union of found while working as a marijuana for recreational Maryland, police used the public defender in multiple purposes, said not, ‘No,’ alleged scent of marijuana Maryland jurisdictions that but, ‘Not now,’” Seng said. as a cover to racially profile “Not now until we figure the Black and brown drivers. science out so we can police “They’ll racially profile marijuana use and vehicles.” somebody and they’ll say, It is too early to see ‘Oh, I smell marijuana,’ and the change in fatal crashes then suddenly…(they) are caused by the legalization allowed to conduct a search,” of recreational marijuana, Amanuel said. “And the thing Screen said. is, you can’t take the odor to

AFRO File photo

Tyrone Taborn serves as the publisher, CEO and chairman of Career Communications Group, the media company behind the Becoming Everything You Are STEM Conference.

The 2024 conference is expected to bring more than $20 million in economic impact to the Baltimore area. A steering committee of local changemakers and leaders, including Sen. Ben Cardin, Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway and AFRO publisher Frances ‘Toni’ Draper, are helping to plan BEYA’s Baltimore homecoming.

For those who cannot attend the three-day event in person at the Baltimore Convention Center, BEYA offers a digital twin experience, enabling attendees to tune in virtually on Taborn’s metaverse platform, STEM City USA. “Pop culture has inundated our young people with negative imagery about underrepresented minorities, and I want us to counteract that with an over-indexing of positive imagery of whom they can be, what they can achieve, and how they can drive innovations into corporations and build new solutions,” said Washington.

Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.

“I think it’s an impending storm that has yet to reveal itself,” Screen said.

A 2022 study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada saw changes in the rate of injuries and fatalities due to car crashes after legalizing recreational marijuana and the start of retail sales. Across five states, there was a 5.8 percent increase in the rate of traffic crash injuries and a 4.1 percent increase in the rate of fatal crashes.

There are challenges in even determining marijuana intoxication among drivers.

With drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, police can administer a breathalyzer test, but there is no similar test for determining marijuana impairment. One option is a drug recognition expert – a police officer trained to recognize drug impairment.

“DRE may be requested and they will conduct additional testing sequences to determine…what category drug they may be impaired with,” said Ron Snyder, a spokesperson for the Maryland State Police.

Drug recognition experts have been a part of police departments in Maryland since 1990.

There are nearly 190 DREs in Maryland in over 30 agencies. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the agency that coordinates the National Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, there is a 12- step process to determine drug impairment.

See more on afro.com

D4 The Afro-American December 16, 2023 - December 22, 2023

Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle hosts inaugural Asante Celebration

By AFRO Staff eaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS), the Baltimore-based think tank aimed at pushing the Black race forward, held their inaugural Asante Celebration on Dec. 10 at The Sinclair, located at 3425 Sinclair Lane. The event included a keynote address

by Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, founder of the Black Church Food Security Network, and a spoken word performance by Lady Brion.

A silent auction was also held. Artist Christopher Batten also did a live painting of the late activist, Eddie Marshall Conway.

Aside from networking and celebrating the work of LBS, awards were given to those who have helped the organization sustain over the years.

L

Former Baltimore City Councilman Carl Stokes shows his support for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle.

Adam Jackson, chief executive officer of LBS, thanks Candice Handy, chief operations officer for LBS, for her hard work in the organization.

Lady Brion performs a spoken word selection for those in attendance at the inaugural LBS Asante Celebration.

All photos by Juwan Thomas

Dayvon Love, director of public policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, speaks on the importance of having sustained community support as they push for legislative changes and work to improve the state of Black life in Maryland and beyond.

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, founder of the Black Church Food Security Network, delivers the keynote address for the 2023 Asante Celebration.

Billie Malcom is honored with the Sustainer of the Year Award for her long-standing contributions to the organization.

Kumasi Johnson pours libations and honors the ancestors at the start of the Asante Celebration.

National Great Blacks in Wax Museum celebrates 40 years

By AFRO Staff

E

lected officials, community members and stakeholders all came together to honor the four decades of work done by Joanne Martin, Ph.D., and her late husband, Elmer Martin, Ph.D, founders of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum (Blacks in Wax) in Baltimore. An upscale brunch was held at the Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore, located on the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus at 800 Wolfe St. Attendees received detailed information on the future of the museum and learned about the story of its founding. Dr. Kevin Daniels served as master of ceremony for the event, and spoken word artist Rotica D. Lewis performed a moving selection for the crowd.

Awards were given out to a host of deserving community members, to include the following: Eryn Naomi and Xavier Reid, winners of the Legacy Keeper Award; Maryland Sen. Cory McCray (D-Md.-45), recipient of the Freedom Bound Public Service Award and Dr. Tiffany Mfume, who received the Freedom Bound Lift as We Climb Award. The museum has been a staple in East Baltimore. In April 2023, U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) and U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) announced more than two million in funding would be dedicated to preserving the history and resources offered by Blacks in Wax.

All photos by Juwan Thomas

U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.07) speaks on the impact of the Blacks in Wax Museum.

Forty years ago Joanne Martin, Ph.D., and her late husband, Elmer Martin, Ph.D., put everything on the line– including their home– to launch and sustain the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. Today, the institution stands proudly on North Avenue and will soon undergo major renovations to preserve even more Black history.

Maryland Senator Cory McCray (D-Md.-45), speaks moments after receiving the Freedom Bound Public Service Award.

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott honors Joanne Martin, Ph.D., for her work in the Baltimore community and beyond.

Bill Meyers, of Meyers and Affiliates Architecture, attends the 40th anniversary brunch.

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

Known in the community as “Dr. Mama,” Deborah PierceFakunle is a longtime supporter and griot in residence at the Blacks in Wax Museum.