Prince Georges Afro American Newspaper September 13 2014

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDITION

Volume 123 No. 6

SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

Ravens Fire Rice

Excellence in Christian Music Academy Unites Community

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent

The Baltimore Ravens fired Ray Rice Sept. 8 after the emergence of additional video showing the running back punching his thenfiancée in an Atlantic City casino elevator on Feb. 15.

The Ravens threw their support behind Rice when the incident became public earlier in the year. But the surveillance footage released by TMZ Sports early Monday morning, which shows graphic details of the domestic violence incident between Rice and his now-

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Born out of Prince Georges County, the Excellence in Christian Music Academy (ECMA) is a gospel music organization that continues to connect diverse groups to opportunities previously not afforded them.

According to Henry Harris, CEO and founder of ECMA, the organization is based online and grew out of a desire to connect local artists and –Vivian Walker music lovers to professional production of gospel music.

The ECMA program started in 2003 and was inspired by internet radio and Stellar Gospel Music Academy.

Harris was a Stellar Gospel board member from 2001 to 2002 and president of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy. “I wanted to create Photo courtesy of The Excellence in Christian Music Academy inclusiveness and diversity in ECMA Coaches: L to R: Julia Royston, Sharnette Mitchell, gospel,” stated Harris. “There Angela Donadio, the Rev. Duncan Land, and Sandra King Continued on A3

“ECMA has brought my community something we greatly needed, professional entertainment.”

The Baltimore Ravens fired Ray Rice Sept. 8.

AP File Photo

wife Janay Palmer, undercut that support.

In the one-minute-plus video, Rice and Palmer enter the hotel elevator and

More pictures of Dr. Jazz at Jericho

are many subgenres of gospel and independent artists who were not afforded the same opportunities as others,” said Harris.

Harris explained that ECMA works with music artists as young as 14 and seniors too and them a chance to follow fulfill their

By Derek Braxton Special to the AFRO

appear to be involved in an argument, which quickly turned physical. Rice appears to hit Palmer with a left cross Continued on A3

Dr. Jazz at Jericho

By Zenitha Prince Senior AFRO Correspondent

Part two of a two-part feature In 1997, Temple University history professor Bettye Collier-Thomas published Daughters of Thunder: Black Women Preachers and Their Sermons, a groundbreaking examination of the contributions of African-American women preachers to the church.

Modern-day “Daughter of Thunder,” the Rev. Dr. Jasmin Sculark, said reading that text helped her understand her ministerial birthright, similar to what she inherited from the Apostle Betty Peebles at Jericho City of Praise, where she was recently inducted as senior pastor.

“When I studied that book, when I looked at all those women, I realized that I am part of a rich legacy,” Sculark said in an interview with the AFRO. “The Apostle Betty Peebles was a … ‘Mother of Thunder.’ She wrote books, broke the glass ceiling, she dared to go where no other

sanctuary, senior citizens’ complex, school, and other enterprises.

Peebles is just one of Sculark’s “sheroes” and heroes in ministry. The Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, a presidential advisor, pastor, theologian, author, activist, academic, and former United States ambassador-atlarge for International Religious Freedom in the Obama administration is one of them.

Susie C. Owens, co-pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington, D.C., and, according to Sculark, one of the only female preachers to “shut it down” at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ MegaFest is another. She also looks up to and relies on the

“It helps keep you humble that you can be solid as a rock but you’re not perfect, you also have some weaknesses.” man would have gone.”

Though burdened by the deaths of her husband and two sons, Peebles built Jericho, based in Landover, Md., into a megachurch that counts among its assets a 10,000-seat

Continued on A5

Photo by Rob Roberts

Bishop T. D. Jakes and Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark at her installation ceremony as new pastor of Jericho City of Praise

Local Chef Competes in Hell’s Kitchen

By LaTrina Antoine Washington D.C. Editor

The event was flooded with eager recyclers

‘Shred-It’ Event Comes to Prince George’s County

kitchencray.com

Chef James Robinson

By Courtney Jacobs AFRO Staff Writer Prince George’s County Community College was flooded with cars on a sunny September morning, but they were not vehicles of students going to class. On Sept. 6 NBC4, in partnership with Prince George’s County Government, Shred-It, and Prince George’s Community College hosted the NBC4 Allstate Community Shred Event.

This free event was for anyone with paper, of any type, needing shredding. Residents could bring up to five boxes or paper bags of personal documents to shred onsite. “I’m so glad they have this event, because I had boxes of paper just sitting at home,” Troy Williams told the AFRO. “I have a paper shredder at home but it would take me hours to shred hundreds of files.”

Although early arrival was suggested, hundreds of cars waited patiently at the intersection of

James Robinson’s love for the culinary arts allowed him to enhance his passion through several low moments – including a span of homelessness – to being one of 18 aspiring chefs competing in season 13 of Fox series “Hell’s Kitchen” with Chef Gordon Ramsey.

“I auditioned for ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ because I knew it would be a great opportunity for exposure, and it would be a new challenge for me,” he told the AFRO Sept. 9. The show premiered Sept. 10.

Robinson is owner and executive chef for Kitchen Cray, a mobile dining service-based in Bowie, Md. He has several years of experience working in kitchens in the District, Maryland, and New York.

Robinson said his experience as a chef in kitchens similar to the one on “Hell’s Kitchen” was a plus that helped him in the contest. “Going to ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, I had experience that

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The Afro-American, September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014

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NATION & WORLD

Atlanta Police Officer Charged with Murder of Woman He Met Online

An Atlanta police officer is accused of murdering a woman he met on Craigslist, and shooting her multiple times before lighting her body on fire.

Atlanta police officer Tahreem Zeus Rana, 23, was arrested Aug. 28 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport while attempting to escape to Mexico after allegedly murdering Vernicia Woodard, 26, according to Atlanta CBS affiliate WGCL. Police said a city employee found the body of a woman on fire at the end of Elm Street in the Atlanta suburb of Hapeville on Aug. 22.

Rana and Woodard initially met on Craigslist for a “romantic exchange” according to the television station, and met in person the same night Woodard was killed.

“First he took her to a secluded area to do the crime and then after killing her, he used some kind of fuel to light the body on fire in order to cover up any type of evidence that may be there,” Hapeville Police Detective Stephen Cushing told WGCL. Rana worked as an Atlanta Police Department officer for three years. According to personnel records obtained

by The Atlanta JournalConstitution, he had no major disciplinary problems in that time.

Cushing told Atlanta ABC affiliate WSB-TV that Rana Photos courtesy of the Hapeville Police Department was a native of Hapeville and several local officers have (Left) Tahreem Zeus Rana, known Rana since he was a 23 and (right) Vernicia child.

Woodard, 26 “I’ve been a police officer in the city of Hapeville for 15 years and actually saw this young man grow up and heard him say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a police officer,” Cushing told the television station.

Atlanta police quickly moved to strip Rana of his position.

“We are shocked and saddened by these developments. The officer has been relieved from duty, and is in a non-enforcement status,” Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs Director Carlos Campos told WGCL. “We must allow the justice system to run its course. But these clearly are very disturbing allegations that are not in line with the expectations we have for our officers, and will be immediately dealt with.”

Motion Picture Academy to Recognize Harry Belafonte in November

Harlem, received the nickname King of Calypso for his Caribbean music style. He first made a name for himself in the 1950s performing blues, folk, gospel and show tunes, and is best known for “The Banana Boat Song”. He later transitioned into film, starring in Odds Against Tomorrow, Carmen Jones, and Flesh and the Devil.

Ravens Fire Ray Rice, NFL Suspends Him Indefinitely Timothy Kelly The way he hit her and dragged her was like this was the ‘norm’ between them! He’s a fool for treating his woman like that and she’s a fool for staying with him! He could have killed her!! Maybe she’ll leave now when his money runs out! Perhaps that’s the only reason why she was with him in the first place.

Rochelle Moore I do not believe this is the first time he hit her!

Marcia Carey The men are always in the wrong. No man should [ever] hit a woman, but I notice that society supports the women when they hit the men. Nobody has the right to put their hand on anyone. I was taught if you don’t want nobody hitting you, then don’t hit anyone. Everyone has a right to defend themselves. Women wake up. If you don’t want a man hitting you, then don’t hit them regardless.

Gretna, La. Festival Cuts CeeLo Green Over Rape Remarks Bo Birdie

Harry Belafonte is among those who will be honored by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ board of governors later this fall.

Belafonte, 87, will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the sixth annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Nov. 8, according to the Associated Press.

The talented actor and singer will receive the award for his ongoing efforts to highlight racism and inequality worldwide, according to the AP. Belafonte, who grew up in

Loose lips sink ships. Sometimes one should keep certain sensitive comments to themselves.

Delorme Mckee-Stovall Alright, alright. We have shamed him for his mis-thought, jacked up speech and misdeeds. Let’s take a step back and see how and if he can redeem himself. Otherwise we are no better than we currently think he is with our repetitive rapacious gloating. Women and our allies are better than this.

Yaa Hargrove Good. Now he needs to get his soul straight and/or disappear. It would be nice for him to get a bunch more hits to his finances. That seems to be the only way these ppl understand their behavior will not be accepted.

Look alive.

Good times are ahead.

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September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014, The Afro-American

Local Police Join Hope AME Church on Unity Walk

People who participated walked with banners and signs advocating peace in the communities.

Maria Adebola AFRO Staff Writer More than a hundred residents from the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County gathered at the Eastover Shopping Center in Oxon Hill, Md. Sept. 6 for the Unity Walk. The event was organized by the Community of Hope AME Church in conjunction with the Prince George’s County Police Department and Washington Metropolitan Police Department.

The walk, dubbed “Unity in the Community,” was to show the unity and collaboration within D.C. and Prince George’s

“Partnerships like this opens door for us and gives us a better sense of how to communicate with residents.”

– Diane Groomes County law enforcement and community leaders in the effort to curb crime in the area.

In the scorching heat, men, women, and young boys and girls, with banners above their heads – most calling for an end to violence within the community – walked alongside police officers towards their anticipated destination, Oxon Run Park, located in Southeast D.C. According to Prince George’s Chief of Police Mark Magaw, unity walks have taken place annually for the last four years and foster a sense of trust within the community. “From a police officer standpoint, participating in events like this helps to build relationships with the community while getting to know what the issues are from a community perspective, so that we can [more]

Photo by Maria Adebola

effectively deal with them,” Magaw said. “We want to send a message to the community that the Metropolitan Police Department and Prince George Police Department work together every day with the community to solve the issues that are affecting our communities.”

Magaw boasts that one of the reasons why Prince George’s County has had a substantial reduction in crime over the last four years is because of the joint efforts of the community from both sides understanding that “what affects them, affects us as well.” A report released earlier this year by the Prince George’s County Police Department shows that crimes such as robberies, assaults, and theft have plummeted in the last four years. According to the report, between 2010 and 2013, the overall crime rate in Prince George’s County dropped 27 percent.

Assistant Chief of Police for the District of Columbia, Diane Groomes echoed Magaw’s comment by acknowledging the importance of working with the faith-based community and local organizations to raise awareness on reducing violence. Though the District also has documented a slight reduction in violent crimes, Groomes concedes D.C. police have more work to do in gaining trust. “Partnerships like this opens doors for us and gives us a better sense of how to communicate with residents,” she said.

“Instead of us just being law enforcers, we want residents to see us as the peacemakers who are also part of their community.”

Community of Hope AME Church’s founding Pastor Tony Lee said, “This is just a portion of what we do to symbolize a larger partnership we’re already doing with Prince George’s County and D.C. [law enforcement].

In this community, we’ve been blessed to be able to walk a journey with each other, so it has not just been the police trying to make the community better; it’s all of us helping to make neighborhoods better.”

Excellence in Christian Music

Continued from A1

dreams of becoming recording artists. “We educate you on the ins and outs of the industry,” explained Harris, “We have coaches who teach our participants in their respective fields, whether it be marketing, accounting, image, etc.”

As a result, the students involved in this program receive what Harris refers to as a sort of graduation, which is the awards ceremony. “We bring them together to recognize their completion of the program with a certificate, a lapel pin, and an opportunity to perform in a professional environment.”

This year the ceremony takes place Oct. 11, in Southeast D.C. It is sponsored by MGM National Harbor and called the “Seniors Night Out Celebration.”

“We focus on underserved populations, such as seniors and youth who do not ordinarily get an opportunity to get out,” said Harris. According to Harris, they deliver sponsor tickets for the Gala, which is in its fourth year, to churches, assisted-living facilities, and more.

Vivian Walker, a senior who received a ticket last year, attended the gala and is grateful for the opportunity in her otherwise underserved community. “I am grateful for the opportunity to attend ECMA’s gala,” said Walker, “As a senior, I am not always able to greet the others in my neighborhood and surprisingly, this event was in my own backyard. ECMA has brought my community something that we really needed – professional entertainment.”

Ashly “Blaze” Miles, 23 and a successful participant in ECMA, will be attending the gala this year for the third time. “ECMA has taught me professionalism,” said Miles, emphasizing how impressed she was with the professional conduct and structure of the program. Miles has five recorded albums and says that one of the lessons she learned from the program was to carry herself with respect.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of positive role models,” continued Miles, “This program helps youth to prepare for success and for me, it gave provided a greatly needed outlet.”

“Henry Harris is not focused on ticket sales,” stated Alecia Jones, public relations representative for ECMA, “He has focused himself and the program on diversity, connecting underserved people with opportunities.”

‘Shred It’ Event

Continued from A1

Prince Place and Campus Way South for their turn as they filled the entire campus. “I got here at 6:45 a.m. because they said early arrival was suggested,” Tanya Jones told the AFRO. “I’m glad I did because around 7:30 a.m. [there were] 200-300 cars lined up behind me.”

Shred-It recycles all shredded documents and the cardboard boxes are recycled at the County’s Materials Recycling Facility. More than 32 tons of cardboard have been salvaged from past shred events at the community college.

“Document shredding is one of the best ways to prevent identify theft,” Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III said in a news release. “We encourage the public to safely dispose of their personal documents by participating in this valuable

public service.”

At Shred-it, their vision is to “relentlessly pursue success and innovation, driven by the needs of their customers and delivered with the shared energy, ability and commitment of their people,” according to their website. “This event not only highlights the importance of

destroying personal documents properly, it provides a great environmental benefit with the recycling of the shredded materials, boxes, and paper bags by keeping them out of our landfill,” Department of the Environment for Prince George’s County Director Adam Ortiz said in a news release.

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Ravens Fire Rice

Continued from A1

to the face, knocking her out cold. He then stands over her unconscious body and drags her out when the elevator doors open.

The video spurred outrage within the NFL and beyond, with many decrying the leniency given to Rice by law enforcement and the NFL. Initially, both Rice and Palmer were charged with simple assault stemming from the incident.

However the charges against Palmer were later dropped.

respect to domestic violence and other forms of violence against women,” Goodell said in a letter to Rice at the time.

Now, many are calling for 27-year-old player to face more severe repercussions. “This video makes me sick to my stomach,” tweeted Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. “If there’s anyway [sic] to open that case up and give this guy the punishment he deserves, it NEEDS to be done.

That man should be thrown out

Rice,” an NFL spokesman said via Twitter.

In the wake of Rice’s suspension, Goodell announced sweeping changes to the personal conduct policy concerning domestic violence cases. Violations regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involve physical force “will be subject to a suspension without pay of six games for a first offense.” A second offense will result in

“The Ravens made the right decision today. No family is immune from the horror of domestic violence and we should never turn a blind eye – regardless of whether the abuser is famous or lives across the street.”

– Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown In May, Rice resolved the [NFL] and thrown into jail. banishment from the NFL for his third-degree aggravated Shame on those deciding his at least one year.” assault charge in the incident punishment.”

Maryland gubernatorial – avoiding prosecution and Ravens and NFL officials candidate Anthony Brown, three-five imprisonment – defended their previous who has suffered a loss by entering into a pretrial stances, with the NFL saying because of domestic violence, intervention program. If Rice it had not seen the video spoke in support of the successfully completes the before imposing the two-game NFL and Ravens’ decision. program, intended for firstsuspension. “We requested “The Ravens made the right time offenders, his record will from law enforcement any decision today. No family is be expunged. and all information about the immune from the horror of On July 24, NFL incident, including the video domestic violence and we Commissioner Roger Goodell from inside the elevator,” the should never turn a blind announced Rice would be league said in a statement eye – regardless of whether suspended for two games released to NFL Media the abuser is famous or lives and fined an additional Insider Ian Rapoport. “That across the street. Our families game check for violating the video was not made available and communities will be league’s personal conduct to us and no one in our office stronger when all of our policy. “The league is an has seen it until today.” wives, mothers, daughters, entity that depends on Now, the commissioner and friends can live free from integrity and in the confidence has taken it a step further. the fear of domestic violence[. of the public and we simply “Roger Goodell has T]hat’s why we must continue cannot tolerate conduct that announced that based on working to implement serious endangers others or reflects new video evidence that consequences for abusers negatively on our game. became available today he has while strengthening support GSUSA Fall ad#3 Washington Afro 5.68x10_GSUSA Fall ad #1 Washington Afro 4:37 PM Page 1 This is particularly true with indefinitely suspended Ray for5.68x10 victims9/5/14 and survivors.”

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The Afro-American, September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014

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The Act of Consecration: Rev. Dr. Sculark kneels before Bishop T.D. Jakes (Left), The Presiding Bishop, The Homilist and Chief Consequator as he pours oil on her head, ears, fingers and soles of her feet while Rev. Dr. Charles Booth, Pastor John Jenkins and Archbishop Alfred Owens, Jr. encircle her

t took four days and a four hour service, Sept. 7, for Jericho City of Praise to thank God for their new pastor and to properly install the Rev. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark in her official position as senior pastor.

Worship leaders included Minister of Music VaShawn Mitchell, the Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook and Dr. Rita Twiggs.

Supporting clergy included E. Dewey Smith Jr., House of Hope, Atlanta; Dr. Henry P. Davis, First Baptist Church, Highland Park and Bishop Walter Thomas of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore City.

The Potter’s House pastor, BishopT.D. Jakes, presided and served as homilist and chief consecrator along with Archbishop Alfred Owens Jr, Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church; the Rev. Dr. Charles Booth, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio and the Rev. John K. Jenkins, First Baptist Church, Glenarden, Md.

The Installation Charge being given by Rev. Dr. Charles E. Booth to Rev. Dr. Sculark, Pastor-Elect (in the forefront)

Gifts being presented to Pastor Sculark from the congregation

Archbishop Alfred Owens, Pastor, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church gives the invocation Pastor John Jenkins of First Baptist Church of Glenarden gives Charge of the Congragation

The Jericho dance ministry team performs Former Ambassador at-large for International Religious Freedom, Rev. Dr. Susan Johnson Cook

Bishop Jakes presents Jericho’s new pastor, Rev. Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark, in her white robe

Jericho parishioners in the spirit of the moment

The Music Ministry of Jericho performs And they shouted with joyfulness…

Photos by Rob Roberts

September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014, The Afro-American

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Report Shows Racial Discrimination Surrounding Washington’s NFL Team

By Adina R. Young Special to the AFRO The National Black Players Coalition (NBPC) announced the upcoming release of a special report on the discriminatory practices of the NCAA and NFL, according to a press release.

The report is a culmination of years of research with a focus on the Washington Redskins.

This announcement came on the heels of questionable comments by commentator and former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann during a broadcast of the team’s preseason football game against the Ravens Aug. 23. Theismann, according to the Washington Post, said, “”Kirk Cousins has played much better at the quarterback position than Robert Griffin III has. Now, Robert is learning to work out of a pocket. He doesn’t look as smooth or as comfortable throwing the football. I mean, your eyes will tell you everything you need to know. “. . . Now, if there was a quarterback competition, it wouldn’t be a competition. Kirk Cousins would be the man I believe he would have

to go to, because of the efficiency with which he has run [the offense].

Coalition President and Founder Fred Outten told the AFRO these comments further exposed his racist temperament “against Black quarterbacks by automatically manufacturing a quarterback controversy that should not exist.”

The coalition said Theismann has openly shown his distaste for other Black quarterbacks aside from Robert Griffin III. Theismann said the quarterback for Auburn University Cam Newton, did not deserve the No. 1 draft pick in 2011 for the Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton went on to became Rookie of the Year and, in his third year, was one of three Black quarterbacks fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl.

“The Black quarterback is the most disrespected and scrutinized highest profile position in football, and maybe in all of sports,” said Outten. He added that every NFL team should have at least one black quarterback.

The Redskins, referred to as the “Washington Football Team” by the NBPC, has only drafted two Black quarterbacks in its entire history; the first came 72 years after the conception of the team

(Jason Campbell in 2005) then in 2012 with RGIII. The Redskins were the last NFL team to hire a Black player.

“No longer should the NFL be dominated by 32 white owners in a sport that has 70 percent black players,” Outten said. “What we have to do collectively is show our power and demand our equality; we aren’t asking for it, we are demanding it.”

Black players are also less likely to be hired by the NFL after they retire, he said. “We are just gladiators in a Roman coliseum,” Otten said. “Once the fight is over, we get nothing in return.”

The special report, expected to be released during the 201415 NFL season, will include information on the unfair treatment of other Black NFL quarterbacks v. White quarterbacks; the disproportionate number of Black head coaches, general managers, and owners relative to their qualifications for these jobs; the lack of Black team owners, and the fact there has never been a Black NFL. “Now is the time to end racial discrimination in the NCAA and the NFL, beginning right here in the nation’s capital with the Washington Football team,” Outten said.

women – because for so many years I [lived with] mental violence and mental abuse because I didn’t know who I am.

And not knowing who you are – you know your identity plays a part in your destiny. So I want to equip, educate, and empower everyone, but particularly women, to let them know that greater

until you get to the root of why this person is violent or abusive all you’re doing is dealing with the symptom.”

And it may not be just about addressing the issue from the pulpit, she added. “The Apostle Betty Peebles had a desire to provide a shelter, a tangible way of providing for women and men in that situation [domestic violence], because you know sometimes churches talk a whole lot but they don’t put action behind what they’re saying. And the Apostle Betty Peebles wanted a woman or man in an abusive relationship [that] needed a place to stay [have Jericho] provide that [place].”

Apostle Peebles was not able to see the completion of that dream, Sculark said. “That’s one of the legacies I hope God will empower me to carry on.”

Beyond that, Sculark hopes to shepherd Jericho’s parishioners and others through the perilous times facing them—a time of shifting values and social ills, like those raised by the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.—and to help the Church become a viable part of the solution.

“The Church is living in challenging times, but it’s a great time. I think sometimes with the shifting of values and stuff, it’s an awakening for the Church,” she said. “Sometimes the Church falls asleep . . . we just go through the routines or [the church] buries its head in the sand” on certain issues.

Dr. Jazz

Continued from A1 counsel of the Rev. Dr. Charles Booth, her “father in ministry,” and pastor John K. Jenkins, of First Baptist Church of Glenarden.

And then there are the Bible luminaries she admires: Esther, who, Sculark said, stepped forward when called upon instead of remaining in the relative safety of the sidelines; and Deborah, a respected female leader and a fighter, who, if she has to go down, will go down “swinging.” Then there’s Simon Peter, the imperfect disciple who became the rock upon which Christ built his church. “It helps keep you humble that you can be solid as a rock but you’re not perfect, you also have some weaknesses.

But even in the midst of Peter’s weaknesses, God used him. You know he preached one sermon, and 3,000 people got saved,” Sculark said.

Like her ministerial heroes and heroines, Dr. Jazz said she has her share of weaknesses and challenges, which she shares in her book, Dancing with Broken Bones. With beginnings in the poverty- and violence-stricken urban jungle of Laventille, Trinidad, bereft of both mother and father, Sculark had many issues to battle. But her experiences have helped shape her calling, she said.

“I get to minister to everybody, but my passion is women.

I believe in liberating and empowering women,” Dr. Jazz said.

“That’s a passion that God has given me – to help liberate

“I get to minister to everybody, but my passion is women. I believe in liberating and empowering women.” is He that is in them than he that is in the world.”

That is why the issue of domestic violence – the incidence of which is high in the DMV area – will be on her agenda as she assumes the mantle of leadership at Jericho, Sculark said. [The Church] has not tapped into that at all, about uncovering the issue of domestic violence or even providing holistic ministry,” Dr. Jazz said. “One of the problems sometimes with the Church is that we deal with the symptoms and not the root of the issue. And

Local Chef

Continued from A1 actually helped me like working in places similar to ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ like working in Park Hyatt. We didn’t have a ticket machine, the chef would just yell dishes to us,” he said.

When asked about what he learned in the competition, he replied patience and “making sausage.”

“I learned how to be patient, because you would wait for everything,” Robinson said.

“I [also] learned how to make sausage from scratch using the old school grinder,” he continued.

Though he had one break over the rest of the contestants, Robinson realized that concepts such as trust were not apparent. “I learned not to trust [the] team members in the

competition,” he said. “The experience was rough. I see why they call it “Hell’s Kitchen,” they put you through hell.”

According to Robinson, one of his biggest challenges was becoming a different person.

“It’s like you’re stepping out of your comfort zone,” he said.

After his experience in the competition, Robinson said he would change some of the specialty items on Kitchen Cray’s menu. “I want [people] to get to experience the stuff I cooked on the show,” he said, referring to foods such as risotto.

Robinson attributes much of his success as a chef to being able to set and stick with his goals. One goal he hopes to accomplish is to help children get into the culinary world by

opening a Kitchen Cray Academy for children ages 11 to 18 that teaches them culinary arts, nutrition, and fitness along with standard academic courses. “I think if the kids had an

opportunity to learn from professionals at a young age, they would stay on track,” he said.

For more information, visit http://www. kitchencray.com/.

A6

The Afro-American, September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Washington, D.C.

Unity of Washington, DC Observes World Day of Prayer

Unity of Washington D.C. (Unity WDC) will join Silent Unity - an international, transdenominational 24/7 prayer ministry - and Unity churches around the world for the 21st annual Unity World Day of Prayer on Sept. 11. Unity created “World Day of Prayer” as a global effort to uplift the world in shared prayer consciousness. Residents in the Washington Metropolitan Area are invited to attend events being offered at Unity WDC, located at 1225 R Street, N.W. and Lafayette “President’s” Park.

Zion Baptist Church Continues 150th Anniversary Celebration

Zion Baptist Church located at 4850 Blagden Ave., N.W. will continue the celebration of its 150th anniversary with a special performance of “The Slabtown District Convention,” a one-act comedy featuring some of the most memorable characters performed by Zion’s own on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. The play, which is based on a group of missionaries attending their annual convention, is Free. For more information, call 202-722-4940.

AKA Community Shred Day

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Rho Mu Omega Chapter will hold its first community paper shred day Sept. 20 to help residents protect their identities. The sorority will only shred documents that are in ream sized boxes. All boxes, three at maximum, must be delivered by car to the University of the District of Columbia’s Community College Bertie Backus Campus, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 5171 South Dakota Avenue N.E. . Walk ups will not be allowed. Plastic or metal items will not be shredded. The event is free.

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Homecoming Festival and Ministries Fair

“Change the World” is the theme for Asbury United Methodist Church’s 2014 Homecoming Festival and Ministries Fair Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Asbury will present an interactive ministry showcase, featuring the congregation’s nurture, outreach and witness programs.

The event will include music, dance, food and fun activities for all ages. The Homecoming celebration will conclude Sept. 21 with a 10 a.m. worship service led by Marcus Matthews, resident Bishop of the Washington Episcopal Area and Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church. Asbury United Methodist Church is located at 926 11th Street, N.W. (between 11th & K). The event is free. For more information call 202-628-0009 or visit www.asburyumcdc.org.

Senior Classes Available Through Osher Lifelong Learning

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers a unique opportunity for seniors to continue learning at the university level. Subjects include: Politics, Law and Government; Visual Arts and Music; Literature and Language; Psychology, Sociology and Culture; Economics; Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Math; History and Geography; Philosophy and Religion. Classes are held in Northwest D.C. and Bethesda. Semesters are Fall and Spring and each semester is $275 which entitles a member to three (3) classes per semester. Osher is a volunteer organization.

Classes are led by volunteers and fees cover the costs of staff, rental space, the catalog, the website and registration system. For more information, please visit the OLLI website at www. olli-dc.org or call 202-895-4860.

Fort Washington, Md.

Shalom Ministries Hosts Family and Friends Day

Shalom Ministries Christian Center will hold a family and friends day Sept. 21 for its 11 a.m. service. The service will include a guest psalmist, liturgical dancing and refreshments.

The church is located at 515 Kerby Hill Road in Fort Washington. For more information, contact: Angie Edwards, 301-325-8890.

Alexandria, Va.

‘Three Sistahs’ Stage Play Comes to Metro Stage

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“Three Sistahs” is a musical about three women who reflect on the promise of the future, while revealing the pain of the present and their regrets of the past. The musical was written and directed by Thomas W. Jones II. It will run at the Metro Stage, located at 1201 North Royal St., Alexandria, Va. from Sept. 17 to Nov. 2. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.metrostage.org/three-sistahs.html#.

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September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014 The Afro-American

COMMENTARY

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The Invisible Achievement Gap

Across the country it’s back to school time. I hope it is a year full of promise and not disappointment and added stress for all children, especially those most vulnerable.

I also hope this school year begins with a renewed commitment by all teachers and school administrators to help every child succeed.

Every year too many children don’t get the respect and extra help they need to reach their full potential. Children of color, poor children, English learners, Marian Wright and children with disabilities are Edelman especially likely to be left behind.

NNPA Columnist And there is another group of children – those in foster care – whose special needs too often are ignored. Many school districts do not even know which students are in foster care and are not tracking their performance.

So now I am grateful that in California findings about educational outcomes for public school students in foster care have been well documented in a 2013 study by The Center for the Future of Teaching & Learning at West Ed commissioned by the Stuart Foundation and a 2014 follow-up report by The Center and the California Child Welfare Indicators Project linking student outcomes to their foster care experiences. They found the odds against foster student success are worse than we thought and call this “The Invisible Achievement Gap.” While there has been a positive federal push to improve educational stability and success for children in foster care and some strong advocacy and good laws in California to protect them, these important data reports, a collaboration between California’s Departments of Education and Social Services, were the state’s first effort to examine and report educational outcomes for these students in every county. They found children in foster care: • Were more likely than other students to change schools during the school year. About 1 in 10 students in foster care attended three or more schools during the year compared to about 1 in 100 of the general student population and their “low socioeconomic status” peers (those eligible for free and reduced-priced lunch or whose parents have not received a high school diploma); • Were more likely than the general student population to attend the lowest performing schools.

• Had the lowest participation rate in the statewide testing program, making it impossible to accurately determine how they are performing.

• Fell into “below basic” and “far below basic” performance levels for English language arts and mathematics at twice the rate of

the statewide student population and performed worse than their low socioeconomic status peers.

They performed similarly to English learners and students with disabilities in English, but did worse than all groups in math.

• Had a lower graduation rate; 58 percent, compared to 84 percent for all students, 79 percent for low socioeconomic status students, 65 percent for students with disabilities, and 60 percent for English language learners.

• Were clustered in a small number of districts. Two-thirds were enrolled in 10 percent of the state’s school districts. Identifying where these students are and targeting services there is critical to closing this achievement gap for California and the rest of the nation.

Congress and the administration have acted to improve educational stability and success for children in foster care, but more is required. The bipartisan Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 requires all states to ensure children entering foster care remain in their original school if it’s in the child’s best interest.

While states step up and do their part, local actions like the enhanced resources and supports for students in foster care in the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Stuart Foundation’s Education Equals Partnership initiative—a five-year demonstration effort in four California counties to improve educational outcomes for children in foster care from early childhood education through college—also are essential. The Kids in School Rule! Project in Hamilton County, Ohio, a collaboration between the county child welfare agency, the city schools, the juvenile court, and the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, is another strong local initiative.

We must all work together to get child welfare and education agencies in more states—and eventually every state—gathering data on how children in foster care are doing in every school district and taking appropriate action to help them succeed. You can begin by

asking your own school district what they are doing to help children in foster care stay in one school, rather than moving from school to school as placements change, and help them get the extra support they need.

Check with the American Bar Association’s Legal Center for Foster Care and Education to see what your state is doing to improve school stability and success in foster care and to link with others working on their behalf in your own state. We must not let any of our children remain invisible or go without the help they need to receive a quality education.

Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.

D.C.’s Public Charter School Students Deserve Funding Equality

Recently, the D.C. Association of Chartered Public Schools, Eagle Academy Public Charter School and Washington Latin Public Charter School filed in court to require the District of Columbia government to end its practice of underfunding charter school students. For the past eight years, DC has deprived its public charter school students—44 percent of D.C. students enrolled in public school—of between $2,600 and $1,600 per student per year. Those are city dollars, which their peers in DCPS received, but District public charter school students did not.

The inequity is illegal.

This lawsuit follows years of advocacy by the District’s public charter school community to try to persuade the D.C. government to follow the law, which demands that DCPS and D.C. charter students be funded according to the same criteria.

Two government-sponsored reports during the past three years have publicly acknowledged the inequity and one has specifically cited the illegality of current funding disparities.

Charters are public schools that offer a tuition-free education to District-resident children. Charters must accept all applicants without screening, provided they have the places to seat them.

These public schools also are required to fully accommodate special education students and those for whom English is a

Ramona Edelin

second language. Additionally, public charter schools must obey all health and safety regulations, and civil rights laws.

Public charter schools are free to offer their own school culture and curriculum, while being held accountable for improved student performance by the D.C. Public Charter School Board, whose members are appointed by D.C.’s mayor.

They are performing well, and meeting the City’s mandate to close the achievement gap between students of color and White students in DC. They should be rewarded for their success – not punished!

These public schools’ biggest impact has been made east of the Anacostia River, where public charter students outperform their peers enrolled in D.C. Public Schools, the traditional system, in Wards Seven and Eight by 19 and 28 percentage points respectively. Charter high school graduation rates are 21 percentage points higher than those of their DCPS equivalents, ensuring that a higher share of charter students are accepted to, and can graduate from, college.

This illegal funding inequity adversely impacts some of our city’s poorest and most at-risk students. Of the charter students whom the District government underfunds, 78 percent are African-American, compared to 68 percent in DCPS; and 12 percent of DCPS students, but only five percent of charter students, are White. Some 80 percent of District public

Rescued from America’s Gulag Archipelago

When a North Carolina judge last week vacated the prison sentences of 50-year-old Henry Lee McCollum, who had spent nearly 30 years on the state’s death row, and his 46-yearold half-brother, Leon Brown, sentenced to life in prison, for a heinous rape and murder DNA evidence had finally proved they had not committed, the court room resounded with cries of relief and “Thank you, Jesus!” from their families and friends But it’s vitally important to note the reaction in another Lee A. Daniels quarter to this latest piercing NNPA Columnist evidence of how broken America’s criminal justice system is: the profound silence from those who continue to assert the death penalty is justified as a moral and effective tool for fighting crime and punishing those convicted of committing murder.

If America’s death-penalty advocates had had their way, Henry Lee McCollum would today have been dead for at least 20 years and Leon Brown would be locked away from society and forgotten for the crime neither of them committed. Indeed, in two unrelated death-penalty cases that came before the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Antonin Scalia cited McCollum by name as especially worthy of being executed. At press time, Justice Scalia was still silent.

We should no longer pretend that the injustice these men and their families and friends endured is an “exception.” Instead, we ought to regard the nation’s criminal justice system – its four-decade long war on drugs having given America the largest prison population in the world – as a distant cousin of the former Soviet Union’s infamous gulag archipelago.

That was the name the great Russian writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn gave to the network of prison camps and colonies –describing them as “a chain of islands”— scattered across the USSR’s vast territory and the administrative system that over nearly a half century consumed millions and millions of ordinary criminals, prisoners of war, and political prisoners alike. In 1973, Solzhenitsyn, who himself had been imprisoned for 11 years, published his stunning description of that system, The Gulag Archipelago—a monument in words to both the cruelty human beings can inflict on one another and the resilience of the human spirit.

The tragedy that befell Henry Lee McCollum and Leon Brown, both of whom are mentally disabled, certainly exemplifies the former.

The details of how the police coerced the two, then teenagers of 19 and 15 whose mental disability was obvious, into confessing, and how the state’s judicial system then failed to protect them are horrifying.

As Dahlia Lithwick wrote in Slate.com last week, “This case highlights the same well-known and extensively documented problems that can lead to false arrests and convictions: Police who are incentivized to find a suspect quickly, rather than the right one carefully; false confessions elicited after improper questioning; exculpatory evidence never turned over; the prosecution of vulnerable, mentally ill, or very young suspects in ways that take advantage of their innocence rather than protecting it; prosecutorial zeal that has far

charter school students are eligible for federal school lunch subsidies—a higher percentage than those attending DCPS who are similarly disadvantaged.

The Uniform Per Student Funding Formula law, passed by the D.C. Council, was designed to ensure equal resources from the government for all public school students. For example, under the formula, every third-grader needing level one special education services receives the same local public funding, whether she or he attends a DCPS or a D.C. public charter school.

To uphold the basic fairness enshrined in the law, we have gone to court because as the government continues to underfund its public charter school students, those students lose between $130 and $75 million annually. In fact, over the past eight years, the underfunding amounts to over $770 million—a huge amount.

The District’s public charter schools have helped build a lifeline through high school and college to professional careers for many of our most disadvantaged students. Will the DC government invest in this tremendous, life-altering success and treat all public school students equally?

Ramona Edelin is executive director of the D.C. Association of Chartered Public School and a longtime civil rights activist.

more to do with the pursuit of victories than the pursuit of truth; and a death penalty appeals system that treats this screwed-up process of investigation and conviction as both conclusive and unreviewable.”

The saving grace of this case, as with many of the cases of the unjustly convicted who finally receive justice, is the resilience they display. One can witness that in the words Leon Brown spoken in a videotaped interview when his release was imminent. “I have never stopped believing that one day I’d be able to walk out that door,” he said. “A long time ago, I wanted to find me a good wife. I wanted to raise a family; I wanted to have my own business and everything. I never got the chance to realize those dreams. Now I believe that God is going to bless me to get back out there.”

It’s impossible to say this is the most horrific of the nation’s 317 post-conviction DNA exonerations that have been cataloged by The Innocence Project, a national litigation and public policy organization that investigates claims of innocence made by prisoners’ convicted of rape and murder. It’s certainly believable that some of those have executed over the long history of the death penalty in the US were innocent. And it’s certainly believable that there are many more men, women and juveniles now locked away in America’s own gulag archipelago who are innocent or were convicted by fundamentally flawed police, prosecutorial, or judicial processes.

America’s pledge of allegiance promises a society “with liberty and justice for all.” More and more, our criminal justice system is proving that there remains a vast gap between that rhetoric and the reality.

Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City. His latest book is ‘Last Chance: The Political Threat to Black America.’

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The Afro-American, September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014

We are a collection of smalls.

Homes, main streets and communities. They’re our foundation.

Our building blocks. Brick by brick, they make our whole greater.

They’re why Wells Fargo invests in our communities a little differently. Because small, personal measures offer huge meaning for the people and communities we serve. And with every business, neighborhood and community supported, you’d be surprised how it all adds up to something bigger.

Sometimes a single kitchen can kick-start a local economy with new businesses. A handful of seeds can sow a community garden of well-being. A single job can support thousands more. And the list goes on from there.

Last year we worked with over 18,500 non-profits and schools from the San Francisco Bay Area to Tampa Bay, donations that totaled more than $275 million. But offering a helping hand can also mean lending your own hand to a cause. So Wells Fargo Team Members volunteered nearly 1.7 million hours in their local communities last year.

Little by little we can do a lot. Because small is huge.

Visit www.wellsfargo.com/stories to see how big small can be.

© 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014, The Afro-American

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had the crowd swaying and applauding loudly as they soaked in the R&B sounds. Other special The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), held it’s 56th National Convention Aug. 20 – 23 at guests and presenters included former US Secretary of Labor, Alexis Herman and Harry Johnson the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. of the MLK Memorial Foundation. under the leadership of Ingrid Saunders Jones with Co-Chairs, Dr. Paulette Walker and Paulette Norvel Lewis. A major highlight of the convention was the 13th UNCOMMON HEIGHT Awards Gala where U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President of Morehouse School of Medicine were honored. Gala co-chairs were Lori George Billingsley and Dr. Thelma Daley. The event's special musical guest was Valerie Simpson of the famed musical duo, Ashford and Simpson. She Special performance by R&B Dr. Paulette Walker, Paulette Norvel Lewis, Ingrid Saunders Jones, Lori Billingsley belted out some of the duo’s mega hits and singer Valerie Simpson with and Dr. Thelma Daley.

Felicia Collins on the guitar

Deborah Catching-Smith, Thelma Johnson and Bonita Herring Uncommon Height Award Honoree Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) receives award from Alexis Herman and Ingrid Saunders Jones

The emcee, comedian Jonathan Slocumb Alotta Taylor and Dr. Johnnetta Cole

The invocation

by Dr. Skinner

Uncommon Height Award Honoree Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice (left) being presented by Ingrid Saunders Jones

Fran Jones, Dr. Thelma Daley, Lori Billingsley, Dr. Barbara Shaw and Alotta Taylor Photos by Rob Roberts

Cynthia McIntyre Butler (center) with friends A. Shaunise Washington and Harry Johnson

Mary Breaux Wright, International President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Bonita Herring, International President, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Alexis Herman, Ingrid Saunders Jones, Chair, Board of Directors, NCNW, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice and Harry Johnson

Step Afrika, D.C.’s first and only cultural ambassador brought the energy and excitement of step and dance to DC Parks and Recreation’s (DCPR), Raymond Recreation Center with the second annual Step Xplosion! The free performances for community members, youth and seniors was a summer finale and kick-off for new the school year. The September show featured a dynamic Step Afrika performance and a showcase of the DMV’s best step teams that included: Dem Raider Boyz; KAOSS; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; QuaDrew; Royal Diamonds and Lady ICONZ. This concluding Step Xplosion was part of a tour of several recreation centers that began on Aug. 8 at the Theodore Hagans Recreation Center. Excitement, passion and high energy were the watchwords as the tour wound its way though all 8 wards.

Stepping supporters like what they see The Qua Drew Step Team

The Lady Iconz Step Team take to the floor Step Afrika performs…

C.B. Williams, the founder of Step Afrika

The Grand Finale...all teams stepping together Photos by Rob Roberts

Omega Psi Phi Step Team

These ladies are stepping hard

Steppers reflecting major news story in the headlines

Everyone empties the bleachers and wobble baby wobble on the floor

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The Afro-American, September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014

SPORTS

AFRO Sports Desk Faceoff

Could the Seattle Seahawks Repeat as Super Bowl Champs?

By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley AFRO Sports Writers History is against the chances of the Seattle Seahawks repeating their Super Bowl campaign of last year. The last champions, the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens, failed to even return to the playoffs in the following year. And for those prior champions that did manage to make it back to the playoffs, a Super Bowl winner hasn’t won a postseason game in the next season in eight years.

But as they displayed in their opening night 36-16 thrashing of the Green Bay Packers, Seattle could be a different story.

The Seahawks looked light years ahead of a Packers team that was well regarded entering this season. Although we’re not even a full weekend into the season, the question begs to be asked: could the Seattle Seahawks repeat? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate the question.

Riley: Seattle has an excellent opportunity to secure home field advantage again, courtesy of a weakened NFC West. They’re already the gold standard in the conference, and another two-week stretch in Seattle in late January will yield the same results as it did last year when the Seahawks were simply unbeatable on their home turf in the postseason.

The loss of St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford and numerous defections and disciplinary problems among the San Francisco defense leaves both teams thin on paper. Arizona’s top runner Andre Ellington is currently dealing with a foot ailment, so the stars are aligned again for Seattle to rule the division. This team could easily get on a roll and storm its way to another championship. Remember, Seattle outscored its opponents by just a touchdown in conference postseason play before they dismembered the Denver Broncos in a 43-8 Super Bowl romp. The Seahawks’ roster returns largely intact and the team is still shockingly young—they were the second youngest team to ever win a Super Bowl. No one else in the NFC has drastically improved, and two AFC powers, Denver and New England, enter the season another year older. A repeat is guaranteed shy of injury.

Wikimedia Commons

Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch celebrate the Super Bowl XLVIII victory at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

Super Bowl champs. That’s why history has been so hard on title defenders. Week in and week out, you’re now some other team’s own personal Super Bowl matchup, and that can wear a team down fast. Their showing against Green Bay was impressive, but it also highlighted what a lot of teams will do this season—challenge boundary corner Byron Maxwell.

The fourth year pro out of Clemson has played well, but he’s going to have to be elite to handle what’s headed his way as teams avoid Richard Sherman. The offense is an annual Percy Harvin-injury away from being devoid of playmakers. The Seahawks are a good team, but we can’t just pencil any team Green: Repeats are never guaranteed, Riley. Teams make T:7.446”in for anything at this point of the season. Opposing coaches have studied the tape and already crafted game plans for adjustments and coaches get every opportunity to study the Dhani Jones Sports Honoree (not shown) Iyanla Vanzant Inspirational Honoree

Kevin Liles Entertainment Honoree Henry Coaxum McDonald’s Owner/Operator Honoree Gabrielle Williams Community Choice Youth Honoree

Al Sharpton Humanitarian Honoree

Will Packer Arts & Entertainment Honoree

Seattle this year. It’s not going to be a piece of cake.

Riley: I can’t understand why it won’t be easy. Seattle is younger, faster and simply better than a large percentage of teams, and as long as they maintain their hunger, which they appear to be doing, then I can’t see who’s going to chop this team down. There might not be a more efficient quarterback than Russell Wilson and he’s still getting better. Seattle’s loaded and could probably flirt with an undefeated season if they were truly committed to the task. They’re that talented, they’re amazing at home and possess a talented roster with a great defense, great quarterback and excellent coach. I’m all in on the Seattle Seahawks.

Green: You never know how the season will shape things, and I could easily envision a number of different teams holding the Lombardi Trophy when it’s all said and done. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2012, everyone thought New England was a sure bet to return to the championship game that year. When the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2011, everyone expected a red-hot Aaron Rodgers and Packers to return to the big game. Point is, there are a lot of good teams out there that will challenge Seattle for the title.

Let’s not write off the rest of the top teams in the league just yet.

Hey Adults and Youth!

Would you consider helping change our community values for the better? Yes! How? With a copy of my book, The Mentoring Clinic, in the hands of all our youth, we’ll see their moral values change. Our youth is our change in our community.

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SERVING OTHERS IS THE GREATEST REWARD OF ALL. All of the McDonald’s® 365Black® Award honorees deserve recognition, but for them, nothing is more fulfilling than helping others. Please join us as we applaud their dedication and let us all be inspired to be deeply rooted in the communityTM by giving back. Find your motivation at 365Black.com.

Barry Lumsden 1525 9th St., NW 1st Floor Washington, DC

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September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014, The Afro-American

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ARTS & CULTURE Hip Hop Corner

50 Cents Worth of Reading

By Jineea Butler NNPA Columnist “Pretty Boy” Floyd hit the scene with the loud, over-zealous crooners anticipating his ascension in 1993. He was handsome, he was sharp; he had young boy’s swag. I wondered who he would become. Floyd is now the highest paid athlete of all times.

At times even I questioned his ability as the greatest fighter, probably because some of his antics made me dislike him but if you watch him carefully he has mastered the art of boxing.

Floyd’s flashy image, large entourage and excessive partying lead the way for the Money Team to brand his lavish spending habits and lifestyle choices.

Jineea Butler During the ALS Ice Bucket challenge frenzy, 50 Cent decided to change the challenge and call out his former BFF Floyd Mayweather Jr. to read a full page of a Harry Potter book and 50 Cent pledged to give $750,000 to the charity of Floyd’s choice. Obviously, 50 Cent knew Floyd had trouble reading and this was just another ploy to publicly humiliate Floyd with 50’s attention grabbing shenanigans.

Charlemagne Tha God, a popular radio personality on NY’s Hot 97 Breakfast Club, took it a step further and released audio of Floyd stumbling through a PSA in the studio. The audio definitely exposed Floyd’s reading challenges. Floyd responded with pictures of his last two checks from Golden Boy Promotions and captioned it. ‘Read this.’ Fifty further insulted Floyd by challenging him to read ‘The Cat in the Hat’ on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The back and forth continued with an offer for 50 Cent to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas but Floyd took the high road and challenged 50 Cent to give $750,000 to the family of Michael Brown, the slain Ferguson, Mo. youth. We have yet to hear back from 50 Cent on that one.

While 50 Cent has spent most of his career clowning Ja Rule, Mobb Deep and a list of others, he always seems to hit them where it hurts. We heard Floyd say on numerous occasions that he came from nothing. We heard him say he raised himself. His father was locked up in his most impressionable

years and his mother was on drugs; yet he managed to become the world’s greatest boxer and highest paid athlete. There has got to be some merit in that. So why is Floyd, the man we all love to hate? Why are we not applauding him with the same reverence of Jay Z, who sold drugs as an alternative to going to school?

For a while, I did not know what to make of Floyd. His arrogance, his constant boasting and throwing money around seemed childish. And that is exactly what he is, a child who willed himself to greatness in spite of ill-fated conditions he grew up around. His public rants are only defense mechanisms that developed from his lack of education and abundance of success. Now I get where Floyd feels the need to flaunt himself to the world. He is a walking dream. He feels the only thing that got him to the position he is in is his heart and determination to succeed.

Floyd chose a path that did not require him to read to make a living. Therefore, his reading comprehension and communication skills suffered as a result. You could never convince him that somewhere along the way he should have interrupted his training schedule to learn to read more efficiently. I am sure he has many people around who have no problem reading for him. So the issue really becomes does Floyd Mayweather Jr. think it is important for him to be able to read and write proficiently and understandably?

I would like to see him take on the challenge of becoming a fluent reader, even finishing his GED. This is a great opportunity to show that education is always available no matter what your age. Floyd is obviously a man who is very disciplined; he does not drink or smoke and maintains a healthy diet to remain the best in his class. He could inspire millions of young men and women to get their GED, to stay in school and to never stop learning.

Even Muhammad Ali had difficulty reading and he started a program called “Go the Distance.”

Let’s hope 50 Cent’s sick intent really helps Floyd stop avoiding and hiding from the inevitable task of learning to read for himself. We all have a part in making sure the people in our community become the best they can be no matter what the circumstances.

Jineea Butler, founder of the Social Services of Hip Hop and the Hip Hop Union is a Hip hop analyst who investigates the trends and behaviors of the community and delivers programming that solves the Hip hop dilemma. She can be reached at jineea@gmail.com or Tweet her at @flygirlladyjay

Author’s Corner Title: Bruh Beaver and Bruh Rabbit on the Road to Animal Town Author: Dawn & Dellaphine Chitty [Photo by Juanita Turner] Release Date: October 2014

we had writing these stories down. How difficult it is to publish children’s picture books, everyone is looking for the next Harry Potter but we forget everyone starts with “The Cat in the Hat” before they progress to Harry Potter type books.

Dawn: How many details are in each phase of the publication process from wording to illustration.

For what audience is your book written?

K-3rd grade and the adults who are children at heart.

Dawn Chitty Raised in South Carolina Dawn, felt inspired to honor her familial roots by Dawn and Dellaphine Chitty sharing these timeless tales she has listened to her entire life. “Bruh Beaver, Bruh Rabbit and the Man in the Moon,” is Dawn’s literary debut, but is one of many folktales which have been shared in her family for over five generations. Currently the Director of Education at the African American Civil War Museum in Washington D.C., Dawn is an alumni of the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina and Kaplan University.

What one thing do you most want the reader to learn?

To appreciate when someone does you a kindness.

What did you learn during the writing process?

Stay organized, persistence, and have fun.

“ THE

What’s next on the horizon for you?

More books to write.

List other books you’ve written.

Bruh Beaver, Bruh Rabbit and the Man in the Moon

FIRST GREAT

THRILLER OF THE FALL.” Joel D. Amos, MOVIE FANATIC

“ENGROSSING

TERRIFYING Jeremy Smith, AIN’T IT COOL NEWS

Dellaphine Chitty A native of South Carolina, Dell, is the youngest of six children and she grew up hearing a verity of animal folktales from her mother and maternal grandmother. Many of these tales featured Bruh Beaver, Bruh Rabbit, Foxy Loxy, Chicken Li’l and the Old Wise Owl and the passion to share these stories became deep rooted at a young age when she first started sharing them with her own nieces and nephews.

A graduate of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Dell has been a professional in the field of Information Technology for the past 20+ years and is currently a Senior Consultant with Leidos Health, a healthcare consulting firm. Dell made her literary debut with “Bruh Beaver, Bruh Rabbit and the Man in the Moon,” in 2012.

What was the impetus for writing this book?

This story has a light hearted appreciation for hard work and gratitude. We thought this was an important lesson for children to learn. These types of folktales have been shared orally in our family for several generations and we wanted to share them with others. www.animalfolktales. com facebook twitter What surprised you about the development of the book?

Dell: How much fun

AND

” .

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND CROSS CREEK PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH EXCLUSIVE MEDIA AND ENDGAMEMUSICENTERTAINMENT A JERSEY FILMS/DOUBLE FEATUREEXECUTIVE FILMS PRODUCTION KERRY ORENT LIAM NEESON “A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES” DAN STEVENS DAVID HARBOUR BOYD PRODUCED HOLBROOK SUPERVISOR MARY RAMOS MUSICBY CARLOS RAFAEL RIVERA PRODUCERS ADI SHANKAR TRACY KROHN JOHN HYDE MARK MALLOUK LAUREN SELIG NIGELBASEDSINCLAION R BY DANNYWRITTEN DEVITOFORMITHECHAELSCREENSHAMBERG STACEY SHER TOBIN ARMBRUST BRIAN OLIVER A UNIVERSAL RELEASE THE NOVEL BY LAWRENCE BLOCK AND DIRECTED BY SCOTT FRANK © 2014 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 CHECK

STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

B4

The Afro-American, September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014

September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014, The Afro-American

B5

FAITH

Jericho City of Praise Welcomes “Daughter of Thunder”

Jasmin Sculark Installed as Senior Pastor

By Shantella Sherman Special to the AFRO A 4-hour service Sept. 7 including praise team worship and dancing, led by Minister of Music VaShawn Mitchell, served as the finale of a four-day welcome celebration for Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark as Jericho City of Praise’s new senior pastor.

Charged with officiating the ceremony, T.D. Jakes, lead Sculark through a cheering sanctuary packed to near capacity. There were also scripture readings from Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook ad Dr. Rita Twiggs, and well wishes from celebrated clergy, including E. Dewey Smith Jr. House of Hope Atlanta; Dr. Henry P. Davis of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, Landover, Md.; and Bishop Walter Thomas, of New Psalmist, Baltimore, Md. For Sculark, who left Trinidad with $30 and a one-way ticket on American Airlines

“When [Dr. Jazz and I] came together at the moment of prophesy some time ago, I told her that God was going to open a big gate, but I had no idea it would be this. This is a big gate for real.”

– T.D. Jakes

20 years ago, the installation was viewed as the reaping of spiritual fruit. Jakes, in fact, recalled prophesying over Sculark several years earlier, “a gate or a door opening,” but said he could never have envisioned her meteoric ascension. Sculark had applied for a position as youth pastor at Jakes’ 30,000-member Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas in 1995. She did not get the job.

The New Pastor, Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark Photo by Rob Roberts

Calling it the mystery of God’s will, Jakes encouraged Sculark to trust in God, saying there was something she was called to do beyond that position. “There is a mystery to [God’s] will. Who would have thought that 20 years ago we would be here in this situation, or even 10 years ago? When [Dr. Jazz and I] came together at the moment of prophesy some time ago, I told her that God was going to open a big gate, but I had no idea it would be this. This is a big gate for real,” Jakes said.

Jakes, along with Dr. Charles E. Booth, Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr., and Archbishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. presided over the installation. In addition to the anointing of Sculark’s head, finger, foot, and ear with oil, the laying on of hands, and the covering of her head with the Word of God, Jakes was led by the Holy Ghost to dance. The church erupted with joyous dancing and praise, officially welcoming Sculark into leadership.

In a black suit emblazoned with gems and

a smile so bright it lit the night sky, Sculark addressed the jubilant congregation. “I want to build on the legacy of Betty Peebles. It feels like she just tagged me on the shoulder and said, ‘Tag, you’re it.’ What a night, what a night. The mystery of His will. Who would have thought a little girl from Trinidad . . . The mystery of His will,” an emotional Sculark said. “I’m just speechless. I thank Jakes for reminding me that [God’s will] is a mystery.

Everyone is asking how I got to Jericho

because I was never a candidate; I never put in my resume, or was scripted or selected.

The first time I took to this pulpit, it was to be installed as the preacher of this church.”

Then, addressing her new membership, Sculark said, “In the past when people talked about Jericho City of Praise, they talked about some of their problems. People see problems; prophets see potential. And I love you all. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity and I will be able to give God the praise and glory.”

–– Advertorial ––

Ford Partners With Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. on Second Season of “Finding Your Roots” By: LaKara Person One show. Ten episodes. Thirty guests.

As fall arrives and your favorite shows return to the small screen, there’s only one television show to watch to learn more about the heritage and ancestries of 30 of today’s leading entertainers, athletes, chefs and media personalities, including Hip Hop Superstar Nas and Actor Courtney B. Vance.

Ford Motor Company has joined forces with PBS to bring the second season of “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, JR. back this fall. The 10-part series, finds Gates continuing on his quest to, as he says, “get into the DNA of American culture.” By weaving a group of celebrity stories together, each episode takes viewers on a journey through layers of ancestral history, uncovering familial secrets.”

Ford, a company who has deep roots in the community, was thrilled at the opportunity to join forces on the series.

“We are so excited to help play a role in bringing the second season of this program to life,” said Shawn Thompson, Ford manager, multicultural marketing. “The role that Professor Gates is undertaking to show how all Americans are connected is something that we as a company can stand by and are pleased to support.”

THE

CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1 9 6 4 A LONG STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the act, highlights legal and legislative victories, and sheds light on individuals who shaped the civil rights movement.

Each hour long episode will highlight three celebrity guests bound together by an intimate, sometimes hidden link. With the help of a team of genealogists, Gates travels thousands of years into the past to discover the origins of today’s game changers.

In addition, each episode will also feature a thirty-second spot that looks back at the history of Henry Ford and his visionary, family-owned company. For Gates, one of Ford’s lasting contributions was his willingness to pay a fair wage to black workers in his factories, which led Southern sharecroppers to Detroit as part of the early 20th century’s Great Migration.

The series kicks off on Tuesday, September 24 at 8:00PM EST as Gates discovers the secrets of Stephen King, Nasir “Nas” Jones, Gloria Reuben and Courtney B. Vance.

To find out when your favorite celebrity will be a guest on the show, visit http://www. pbs.org/wnet/finding-your-roots/.

Be sure to share your favorite celebrity stories, along with your own roots on Twitter using the hashtags #MyFordRoots and #FindingYourRoots.

A Library of Congress Exhibition SEPTEMBER 10, 2014—SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 Thomas Jefferson Building 10 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20540 HOURS:

Monday – Saturday 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

www.loc.gov

The exhibition is made possible by a generous grant from Newman’s Own Foundation and with additional support from HISTORY ®.

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Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM879 Victoria Rose Swilley Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kenneth Darnell Swilley & Roger Mark Reynolds, whose address is 4219 Charlot Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of Victoria Rose Swilley, who died on January 22, 2014 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 03/05/2015. 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 03/05/2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: 09/05/2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Kenneth Darnell Swilley & Roger Mark Reynolds Personal Representatives TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM754 Walter Jackson Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Janice Osborne, whose address is 8106 Highland Meadows Drive, Clinton, MD 20735 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Walter Jackson, who died on May 11, 2014 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 1, 2015. 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 March 1, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: August 29, 2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Janice Osborne Personal Representative

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM822 Dorothy L. White Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ve r n e s s a C . W h i t e , whose address is 7115 Pony Trail Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20782 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Dorothy L. White, who died on December 11, 1991 without a will.All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before March 1, 2015. 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 March 15, 2015 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: August 29, 2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Vernessa C. WhiteJackson Personal Representative

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM894 Icelean D. Lowery Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ta w a n a G a i l F o r d , whose address is 17 V Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Icelean D. Lowery, who died on July 11, 2014 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before 03/05/2015. 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 03/05/2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: 09/05/2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Tawana Gail Ford Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

08/29, 09/05, 09/12/14

09/05, 09/12 & 09/19/14

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Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM898 Mary B. Washington Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Norman C. Washington Jr., whose address is 6 1 0 7 4 t h S t N W, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Mary B. Washington, who died on May 25, 2014 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose where-abouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 12, 2015. 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 March 12, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: September 12, 2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Norman C. Washington Jr. Personal Representative

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the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM866 Merle Van Brooks Decedent Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Faith I. Jones, whose address is 3301 Acccokeek Road, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Merle Van Brooks, who died on February 4, 2010without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 03/05/2015. 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 03/05/2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: 09/05/2015 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Faith I. Jones Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 09/05, 09/12 & 09/19/14

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B6 The Afro-American, September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE INSIDE SALES ADVERTISING ACCOUNT Advertising Sales Professional needed for the EXECUTIVE AFRO-American Newspapers, Washington, D.C. or Baltimore office.

Entry-Level Advertising Sales Rep needed for the AFRO-American Position provides: Newspapers, Baltimore, M.D. • Competitive compensation package • Salary andprovides: commission plan Position benefits after trial period • • Full Competitive compensation package • • Opportunity Salary and commission plan for fast track advancement • Full benefits after trial period • Candidates Opportunity for fast track should be: advancement • Self starters

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Please email your resume to: Pleasedhocker@afro.com email your resume to: lhowze@afro.com or mail to or mail to AFRO-American Newspapers, Afro-American Newspapers Diane W. Hocker, Director of Human Resources, Diane W. Hocker, 2519 N. Charles Street, Director of Human Resources Baltimore, MD 21218 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218

September 13, 2014 - September 19, 2014 The Afro-American TYPESET: Sep 09 13:04:19 EDT 2014 TYPESET: Tue Sep 02 16:37:56 EDTTue 2014 TYPESET: Tue Sep 02 13:38:12 EDT 2014 TYPESET: Sep 09 13:04:41 EDTTue 2014 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM878 Elvira Jackson Decedent Moses V. Brown 10 G Street, NE, Suite 710 Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sharon Jackson-Day, whose address is 4701 Silverbrook Way, Bowie, MD 21117, wasappointed personal representative of the estate of Elvira Jackson, who died on June 18, 2011 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 03/05/2015. 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 03/05/2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: 09/05/2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Sharon Jackson-Day Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM896 Williemae Crenshaw AKA Willie Mae Crenshaw Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS F r a n c i s W. H o l m e s , whose address is 4819 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Williemae Crenshaw AKA Willie Mae Crenshaw, who died on July 22, 2014 witha will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before 03/05/2015. 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 03/05/2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: 09/05/2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Francis W. Holmes Personal Representative

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM740 William Thomas Mickens Sr. Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William Thomas Mickens Jr., whose address is 12112 Windbrook Dr Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed personal representative of the estate of William Thomas Mickens Sr., who died on April 10, 2014 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 12, 2015. 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 March 12, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: September 12, 2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter William ThomasMickens Sr Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

09/12, 09/19,9/26/14

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE WASHINGTON REGION´S PROPOSED 2014 UPDATE TO THE CONSTRAINED LONG-RANGE PLAN (CLRP), FINANCIAL PLAN, FY 2015-202 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP),AND AIR QUALITYCONFORMITY ANALYSIS The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) will initiate a 30-day public comment period for the proposed 2014 update to the Constrained Long-Range Plan (CLRP) and FY 2015-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), their accompanying air quality conformity analysis, and the CLRP Financial Plan, on September 11 at the TPB Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting. The CAC meets from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) first floor conference center, 777 N. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. This public comment period will extend through Saturday October 11, 2014. The TPB is scheduled to approve these submissions at its October 15, 2014 meeting. Members of the public are invited to review these draft documents on the COG website, www.mwcog.org/clrp/. These materials may also be reviewed at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), 777 N. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20002.

The CLRP shows the road, bridge, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV), transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects funded through the year 2040. The six-year TIP includes all projects, programs, and strategies that state and local transportation agencies plan to implement between 2015 and 2020. The air quality conformity analysis assesses the plan amendments and program with respect to the air quality requirements under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The comment process on the TIP is being used to obtain comments on the region’s program of projects that are funded by the Federal Transit Administration (including projects funded by the Urbanized Area Formula Program) and the Federal Highway Administration.

Members of the public are invited to submit comments on the draft documents on-line at www.mwcog.org/TPBcomment/. Written comments can also be mailed to TPB Chairman Patrick Wojahn, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), 777 N. Capitol St. NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002.

For additional information or for special assistance, please call (202) 962-3311 or (202) 962-3213 (TDD).

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TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM719 Evelyn DeBoeck Decedent Norman Schneider Kamerow Law Firm, 5001 Seminary RD, Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22311 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS April Land, whose address is 816 Hermosa Dr NE,Albuquerque New Mexico, 87110 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Evelyn DeBoeck, who died on June 16, 2014 with a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent´s will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C .

20001, on or before March 1, 2015. 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 March 1, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: August 29, 2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter April Land Personal Representative

Superior Court of the District of District of Columbia PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2014ADM898 Mary B. Washington Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Norman C. Washington Jr., whose address is 6 1 0 7 4 t h S t N W, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Mary B. Washington, who died on May 25, 2014 without a will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose where-abouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before March 12, 2015. 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 March 12, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of Publication: September 12, 2014 Name of newspaper: Afro-American Washington Law Reporter Norman C. Washington Jr. Personal Representative

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TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 09/12, 09/19, 09/26/14

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