Issuu

November 11, 2017 - November 11, 2017, The Afro-American A1 www.afro.com $2.00 $1.00

Volume Volume 127 123 No. No.18 20–22

DECEMBER 2, 2017 - DECEMBER 8, 2017

Inside

Baltimore Mourns Det. Sean Suiter

AFRO Editorial: Is Enduring 3 More Years of Trump Leadership Possible?

Baltimore

Sen. McFadden Defends His Record

Washington How to Prevent Seasonal Depression this Winter

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Mourners file into a funeral for Baltimore Police Det. Sean Suiter at Mount Pleasant Church in Baltimore Nov. 29, 2017. Suiter died a day after being shot while investigating a homicide case in a particularly troubled area of West Baltimore. See story on page B1.

INSERTS • Walmart

Join the U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, chair of the Congressional Black 600K+ Caucus, spoke to members of the NNPA about a recent Black members surveillance document. of the AFRO AP Photo/Alex Brandon Facebook Black Caucus Quizzes FBI Director Family

on ‘Black Identity Extremists’

afro.com

Your History • Your Community • Your News

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including its chairman, U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.) posed tough questions to FBI Director Christopher Wray about surveillance of Black political activists in recent months. Continued on A3

47105 21847

AFRO Takes Up Residence in New Baltimore Office

By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com

Printing Schedule and Advertising Remain Unchanged

The controversy surrounding U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) and his settlement of a sexual harassment case in 2015 by a former employee and accusations that he sexually harassed several other women hasn’t damaged the high reputation that he has among leading Blacks. “I have known him for a long time,” Dr. E. Faye Williams, president and CEO of the National Congress of Black Women, told the AFRO. “He has been a Continued on A3

Aug. 23, 1969

Please join us every Monday and Friday at 5 p.m. EST for our new podcast, The AFRO First Edition w/Sean Yoes, on afro.com and the AFRO’s Facebook page.

Conyers Buffeted by Sexual Harassment Controversy

AFRO Archived History

New Podcast!

Black Business Wins LongFought License Battle

On Nov. 29 FBI Director Christopher Wray faced tough questioning from members of the Congressional Black Caucus about a document titled “Black Identity Extremists Likely Motivated to Target Law Enforcement Officers” that leaked in October. The document stirred fears among many that the FBI was reviving its infamous COINTELPRO program, which targeted for surveillance and disruption Black activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Panthers in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1970, the AFRO published an editorial cartoon which depicted Black Panther leader Fred Hampton after the FBI executed a “no knock” warrant on his apartment in 1969. Hampton was killed in the raid under suspicious circumstances that supporters have longed called murder.

By AFRO Staff

Rep. John Conyers, who has been a member of Congress since 1965, recently stepped down as the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee because of sexual harassment accusations by former employees.

The AFRO-American Newspaper Company moved into its new, digitally focused, location in Baltimore on Nov. 28. The newspaper’s publication schedule and web posting frequency will remain the same. The new address of Continued on A3

Prince George’s County House Delegates Address Maglev Issue By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com The growing controversy over a proposed high-speed train that will go through but not serve Prince George’s County has motivated the county’s delegates to go to Annapolis to get actively involved. The SCMaglev (super-conducting magnetic levitation) train is being seriously proposed for the Washington D.C.Baltimore corridor and a $27.8 million Environmental Impact Study that is being overseen by the Maryland Department of Transportation is scheduled to be completed by the winter of 2019. The issue that upsets Prince George’s County leaders and residents is that this train will start in the District, cut through neighborhoods in Prince George’s County’s northern sector and stop at BWI Airport in Anne Arundel County and finish

Continued on A4

The Afro-American, December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017

NATION & WORLD

Your History • Your Community • Your News

The Afro-American Newspapers

Baltimore Office • Corporate Headquarters 2519 N. Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4602 410-554-8200 • Fax: 1-877-570-9297 www.afro.com Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892

Prince Harry, Mixed Race Actress Meghan Markle to Wed Next Year

Will Be First Partially-Black American Addition to British Royal Family

Chairman of the Board/Publisher - John J. Oliver, Jr. Executive Assistant - Sallie Brown - 410-554-8222 Receptionist - Wanda Pearson - 410-554-8200 Director of Advertising Lenora Howze - 410-554-8271 - lhowze@afro.com Advertising Account Executives Baltimore - Robert Blount - 410-554-8246 - rblount@afro.com Washington, D.C. - Vetta Ridgeway - 202-332-0080-ext. 1104 vridgeway@afro.com Director of Finance - Ronald W. Harrison - 410-554-8242 Assistant Archivist - Shelia Scott - 410-554-8265 Director, Community & Public Relations Diane W. Hocker - 410-554-8243 Editorial Managing Editor - Kamau High Baltimore Editor - Sean Yoes Washington, D.C. Editor - LaTrina Antoine Editorial Assistant - Takiea Hinton Production Department - 410-554-8288 Baltimore Circulation/Distribution Manager Clarence Massey - 410-554-8232

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Palace officials announced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged, and will marry in the spring.

By The Associated Press Prince Harry, fifth in line to the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, palace officials announced Nov. 27, confirming months of speculation. Markle, a humanitarian campaigner and lifestyle blogger who succeeded in show business before falling for Harry, will become a senior member of the royal family as the wife of one of the monarchy’s most popular figures. Harry, a bad-boy-made-good by his tireless devotion to wounded veterans and his embrace of a variety of charitable causes, has said for several years that he wants to start a family, and the rumors of his engagement to Markle have been flying for some time. The marriage represents a first-ever blending of Hollywood glamor with the once-stuffy royal family, which has of late seemed less fixed in its ways, and brings a mixed-race American divorcee into a highly visible role. Harry’s brother, Prince William, and his pregnant wife Kate welcomed Markle to the royal family. “We are very excited for Harry and Meghan,” they said in a statement. “It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together.” Harry’s father, Prince Charles, told reporters he was “thrilled” with the engagement. “They’ll be very happy indeed,” he said. The engagement announcement says the couple became engaged in London earlier this month and that Harry has informed his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. It says he sought and received the permission of Markle’s parents. The couple plan to live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace. Markle is also reported to have started the sometimes time-consuming process of moving her dogs from Canada to Britain. She recently left her television show, a development that helped fueled engagement speculation. Congratulations also came in from the queen and her husband, Prince Philip, and from Prime Minister Theresa May. Markle’s parents also welcomed the news. Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland said their daughter Meghan “has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents.”

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Markle was raised in the Los Angeles area. Her father is a Hollywood lighting director, her mother a yoga instructor and psychotherapist.

Tampa Police: Finding Gun was Key in Arrest in 4 Slayings

By The Associated Press A recent college graduate who was charged in four slayings that terrorized a Tampa neighborhood over the past 51 days used the same gun in all of the shootings and targeted people near bus stops with “no apparent motive,” a police chief said Nov. 29. The crack in the case came Tuesday when Howell Emanuel Donaldson, 24, brought a bag with a loaded handgun in it to his job at a McDonald’s and asked a co-worker to hold it while he went across the street, authorities said. Restaurant workers thought that was odd and when Donaldson left, they reported the gun to a police officer who was doing paperwork there, setting off an investigation that linked Donaldson to the shootings. Aside from matching shell casings at the shootings, authorities said location data from Donaldson’s cellphone put him at the scene of at least three of the killings. “The gun is what we needed,” Police Chief Brian Dugan said at a news conference surrounded by family members of the victims. The arrest overnight brought relief to an anxious community worried about a serial killer. The first shooting happened Oct. 9, followed by two more shooting deaths. By Halloween, the fear was so great that police escorted children while trick-or-treating. The fourth killing happened earlier this month. “We had a community that was on edge,” Mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “Today the light shines. The darkness is over. This community begins the healing process.” Donaldson did not live in the Seminole Heights neighborhood where the shootings occurred and told investigators he was unfamiliar with it. Arrest records don’t list an attorney and the police chief said he didn’t know if he had a lawyer yet. He’s scheduled for a first appearance hearing on Thursday. Donaldson graduated from St. John’s University in New York in January 2017, according to school spokesman Brian Browne. He was a walk-on for the men’s basketball team during the 201112 season, but never played in a game, Browne said. After graduating, he worked in customer support at the Ultimate Medical Academy, a school that trains workers for health care jobs. He started there Feb. 13 and worked for about three months before he was fired for absenteeism. The academy said he passed a background check before he was hired. His LinkedIn account Tampa Police Department via AP also listed a job as a “guest Howell Emanuel experience host” for the New Donaldson, a recent college York Mets in 2016. The Mets would neither confirm nor deny graduate, is a suspect in that he was employed by them. a string of four slayings Police in New York said that terrorized a Tampa Donaldson had been arrested neighborhood. in May 2014, but the arrest was sealed and no details were available. Authorities there said they will review cold cases to see if Donaldson could be linked to any crimes there. He was a crew chief at the McDonald’s when he was arrested. The tip that led police to him came from one of his co-workers at an Ybor City McDonalds, which is near the Seminole Heights neighborhood. The police chief said authorities have not been able to determine why Donaldson chose the Seminole Heights neighborhood. Residents and police had been on edge since Oct. 9, when 22-year-old Benjamin Mitchell was shot to death. On Oct. 11, 32-year-old Monica Hoffa, was slain. And on Oct. 19, Anthony Naiboa, 20, was killed after taking the wrong bus home from his new job. On Nov. 14, 60-year-old Ronald Felton was killed. All of the October victims were either getting on or off a city bus, or were at a bus stop when they were shot, police said.

The Afro-American, November 11, 2017 - November 11, 2017

December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017, The Afro-American

Conyers

Continued from A1

neighbor of mine for many years and I have worked with him on many projects. I am saddened by these recent developments.” As a Democrat who represents a Detroit-based district, Conyers stepped down as the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee on Nov. 26. He is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee. “I deny these allegations, many of which were raised by documents reportedly paid for by a partisan alt-right blogger,” the representative said in a statement. “I very much look forward to vindicating myself and my family before the House Committee on Ethics.” Conyers has served in the House since 1965 and has chaired the Judiciary and the former Government Operations committees. He is a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the last founder still serving in the Congress. According to the {Washington Post}, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and members of the current Congressional Black Caucus were pushing Conyers to resign. Conyers has insisted he will not resign. Paul Brathwaite is a former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus. Braithwaite told the {AFRO} that Conyers is a respected member of the House. “His legislative accomplishments are many,” he said. “He has a 50-plus year legacy of fighting on the front lines for justice in America and his record on that is commendable.” Conyers prime legislative achievement is the 1983 passing of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Act, in which the slain civil rights leader’s life and legacy is honored annually on the third Monday in January. Conyers also played a key role in the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act even though he was a freshman member of Congress at that time and the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. He is a supporter of District of Columbia statehood and full citizenship rights and pushed voting bills such as Motor Voter and Help America Vote, which made it easier for citizens to cast ballots. Conyers has introduced a bill that would explore reparations for Blacks as a result of slavery

during a number of sessions and recently proffered a bill that would establish a single-payer health care system in the United States. Brathwaite said whether the fight was about voting rights, equality, or his oversight as the chairman or the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, “Conyers demonstrated at his core the belief that every American has fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.” According to news reports a second woman, Deanna Maher, also claims that Conyers made three unwanted sexual advances towards her when she served as his deputy chief of staff from 1997-2005. A total of four women have accused Conyer of sexually harassing them. Doug Sloan, a Democratic political analyst and District resident, told the AFRO he thinks conservatives are being hypocritical when they attack Conyers. “These sexual harassment situations have happened with some Republicans,” Sloan said. He mentioned former U.S. Sen. David Vitter’s (R-La.) actions with a prostitute and former – Paul Brathwaite U.S. Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) with his inappropriate interactions with congressional male pages. Williams, Brathwaite, and Sloan agree that Conyers should remain a member of the House. Williams has been outspoken over the years about sexual harassment, particularly when it comes to Black women. However, she is reserving judgment about Conyers’ situation. “I think he is an honorable man,” Williams said. “I need to see the evidence before I believe it.” As Sloan sees it, there is no racial double standard at this time. “They have come down hard both on Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Conyers,” he said. He did note that Conyers agreeing to settle with the former employee is somewhat disturbing. He notes that no crime has been committed in the Conyers case, though.

“His legislative accomplishments are many.”

FBI Director Continued from A1

Richmond with his colleagues, including U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), spoke with Wray about the surveillance. Richmond said he was deeply disturbed by the recent FBI activity. “We are very alarmed that the FBI has created a ‘Black Identity Extremists’ subgroup,” Richmond told news professionals who are members of the NNPA, on a conference call on Nov. 29. “We could not sit back and let that go.” In August, law enforcement agencies around the country were sent a document entitled “Black Identity Extremists Likely Motivated to Target Law Enforcement Officers.” The document was sent a few days before the White supremacist march in Charlottesville, Va. The document was leaked to the general public in October and the CBC requested a meeting with Wray on the matter. “Wray told us that the document was done before he got

there,” Bass said. Wray assumed office on Aug. 2. Bass said that Wray assured the CBC members who were present that there was no investigation or targeting of Black political activists by his agency. She said the director could only launch an investigation if three criteria were met: there had to be credible evidence, there had to be a credible threat and there had to be a -Rep. Karen Bass furtherance of a social goal. Bass said many members questioned the naming of the documents and he surprised them when he said the document at one time was referred to as “Black Separatists Extremists”

“Wray told us that the document was done before he got there.”

before a change was made. Bass said Wray got his information on the intended targets from “open-sourced documents.” “What that means is the FBI is getting their information from the news media,” she said. “Who knows what that is?” Bass’s comments led Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA and publisher of the Crusader newspapers in Chicago and Gary, Ind., to quickly comment that the FBI probably didn’t get their information from any NNPA newspapers. Bass said Wray made reference to police killings in Texas and Louisiana but said the director was corrected in that the Texas shooting was facilitated by a man who suffered from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the Louisiana shooting was from a non-Black. Bass said CBC members inquired whether Black Lives Matter activists are being targeted and again he denied there was any surveillance of that group. Bass said that Wray didn’t mention any specific groups being targeted. Bass said CBC members urged the director to issue a new message to law enforcement questioning the validity of the “Black Identity Extremists” document. “We don’t want to use that document to make it open season on Black activists,” she said. Bass said that Lee, in the meeting, referred to the “Black Identity” document as “COINTELPRO II.” COINTELPRO was the infamous FBI program created by then director J. Edgar Hoover to discredit and destroy Black leadership that questioned the government. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Coretta, and members of SNCC and the Black Panthers were often the targets of COINTELPRO. Richmond said Wray didn’t know whether the “Black Identity” effort started in the Trump or Obama administration. However, Richmond said that the director committed to meeting with the CBC on a regular basis. “He admitted that there isn’t much diversity in the FBI,” Richmond said. “I said if there was diversity, this effort would have been stopped.”

AFRO

Continued from A1

the AFRO, which this year celebrates 125 years of publishing, is 1531 South Edgewood Street in the Caton 95 Office Park. “The digital revolution means that we can do more with less office space,” said Jake Oliver, AFRO CEO and Publisher. “We will continue to serve our large readership and valued advertisers in new and innovative ways.” The AFRO was previously located at 2519 N. Charles St. The sale of that location was completed on Oct. 30.

Identification Statements

Baltimore Afro-American – (USPS 040-800) is published weekly by The Afro-American Newspapers, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Subscription Rate: Baltimore - 1 Year - $70.00(Price includes tax.) Checks for subscriptions should be made payable to: The Afro-American Newspaper Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, MD. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Afro-American Newspapers Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.

The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune – (0276-6523) is published weekly by the Afro-American Newspapers at 1816 12th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009-4422. Subscription Rate: Washington - 1 Year - $70.00(Price includes tax.) Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.

The Afro-American, December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017

November 11, 2017 - November 11, 2017, The Afro-American

Maglev Continued from A1

in Baltimore. “This train has no economic benefit for Prince George’s County, but it is a benefit for Baltimore,” Prince George’s County Delegate Jazz Lewis (D-District 24) told the AFRO. “We have had town hall meetings this summer and fall on this.” The Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail company is pushing the project and has offices in Baltimore, the District, and Annapolis. At its current stage, the 39.8 mile project is supported by the Federal Railroad Administration. The Japanese government has committed $5 billion to the project and the other $5 billion is expected to come from other sources such as the federal and state governments as well as private donations. The train when fully completed could go as far as Boston and will be built above and underground. Traveling at speeds up to 300 miles per hour, the train would get to Baltimore in 15 minutes, New York City in one

hour and Boston in 90 minutes. Lewis said that there was a proposal to build the Maglev through his district that includes municipalities such as Capitol Heights, Seat Pleasant and Fairmount Heights but he and civic activists worked to put a stop to it. “We didn’t want this train to be built at the expense of our residents,” he said. Lewis, who works with Maryland State Sen. Joanne Benson (D-District 24) in the 202 Coalition, a civic group based in central Prince George’s County, made it clear to the proponents of the Maglev that it would not come

Courtesy photo

A Maglev train could come to D.C.-Baltimore area and Prince Georgians aren’t happy about it.

through their area without a serious fight. Lewis said that when the Maglev’s backers reduced their plans from six to three, his district was left alone. Still, the freshman legislator has problems with the high-speed train. “In one of the meetings, we were told that for customers, it would cost basically $2 a mile,” he said. “That is costprohibitive. That means it would take $70 or $80 to get to Baltimore and that is not for the average Prince Georgian.” The routes being proposed presently will go through Prince George’s County but largely along the BaltimoreWashington Parkway. A Nov. 27 meeting on the Maglev, that took place at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md., was called by Maryland Del. Alonzo Washington (D-District 22). Lewis is incensed that county leaders weren’t properly

“This train has no economic benefit for Prince George’s County but it is a benefit for Baltimore.” -Del. Jazz Lewis consulted on the project. “The Prince George’s County Council did not have a say in this matter,” he said. “The members of the county council had a briefing on it but they couldn’t do or say anything about it.” Lewis explained that the county council, through an arcane law, could not take action on projects like the Maglev but the Baltimore City Council and its mayor could. “We intend to change that when the legislative sessions begins in January,” he said. It is likely that Maryland Del. Jay Walker (D-District 26), who is the chairman of the county’s House delegation, will play a critical role regarding the Maglev. “We are planning to hold a hearing on this in midDecember,” Walker told the AFRO. “I don’t have a feel for it because it doesn’t affect my district too much.” Walker’s district is in southern Prince George’s County dozens of miles away from neighborhoods that will be affected by the Maglev. Nevertheless, he recognizes that it is a big issue. “This will affect the central and northern parts of the county,” he said. “It is important that the county council and the state delegation get involved in this.” In addition to the 202 Coalition, the Stopthistrain.org, an advocacy group, has organized to make sure that residents in the Hyattsville/Woodlawn/Beacon Heights area of the county are heard and will work to stop it if necessary. “Most of us have been in the impacted area for over 30 years,” the Fells family said in a Nov. 17 letter to the AFRO. “However, prior to retirement, we want to make our homes comfortable for us in retirement and relocating was not in the plan. Nor was the interference of a high-speed train coming through our neighborhood under or above ground. Just imagine the pollution, vibration and economic impact that would have on us and we are not the intended ridership.”

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December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017, The Afro-American

COMMENTARY

AFRO Editorial

Is Enduring 3 More Years of Trump Leadership Possible? Donald Trump is wrapping up his first year as our 45th President in the White House and we’re left to ask this head-scratching question: How can Americans be expected to endure an additional three years of this flawed, racist, unscrupulous individual? Since Trump took office in January, he has proven time and again to be void of being able to articulate the truth about virtually anything. As the leader of one of the greatest nations on earth, Trump’s leadership is literally akin to driving at midnight without headlights. There is nothing this president says the citizenry of this country can justifiably rely upon as being accurate or true. This is a sad and dangerous reality for this country to be in given the increased need for credibility created by the national and international challenges currently unfolding every day. According to a survey by The Washington Post, “Trump has now made 1,628 false or misleading claims in his 298 days in office.

That’s an average of five and a half (5½) misleading or outright false statements for each day -- including weekends! – that Trump has been president.” Last week, Trump tweeted that TIME magazine called to tell him that he was “probably” going to be named the magazine’s person of the year, but that he turned the offer down. But TIME quickly refuted Trump’s wacky claim. “The President is incorrect about how we choose Person of the Year. TIME does not comment on our choice until publication, which is December 6,” Time said in a tweet. Another colossal lie by Trump. Trump’s racism is another element of his troubled leadership. Such is consistently evident with respect to his actions involving people of color. Ever since he emerged as a presidential candidate, the highway of Trump’s political actions has been littered with insensitive, ignorant references and actions which reflect someone who is clearly the wrong person to lead an ethnically diverse nation like the U.S. His immigration policy that calls for sending 60,000 Haitians living in the U.S. back to Haiti is one of several actions to ethnically cleanse America of Black and Brown immigrants. His vows to build a wall spanning the U.S. Mexican border is another example of this president’s racist ethnically cleansing focus.

Just this week, Trump used a racial slur during an event honoring Native American heroes at the White House when he referred to U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as “Pocahontas.” The White House claims the term “Pocahontas” was not a “racial slur” but we know better. The Navajo Code Talkers, honored at that White House event, nevertheless felt slighted by 45’s obvious insensitive and ignorant reference. Trump consistently claims the news media publishes “fake news” about him but we insist that the real “fake” in the sad situation this country finds itself mired in is indeed Donald Trump our 45th president. Instead of Trump ‘cleaning up the Washington D.C. swamp” most Americans are now confronted with the dire realities that he has delivered to this nation, his personal sewage of lies and racism.

Three more years of Donald Trump is three years too long.

What You Need to Know About Maryland Health Care

Health care can be confusing, especially with all of the conflicting information being circulated at the federal level. Yet Marylanders can rest assured that in our state we remain committed to upholding the promise of the Affordable Care Act and are continuing to implement and improve upon the law. Maryland’s uninsured rate is half of what it was prior to 2010, and we are among the best in the nation for young adult enrollments. This year, under the direction of Dr. Howard Haft and now Michele Eberle, total enrollments in the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange are up 10% compared to last year, and first-time enrollments are up by 15%.

marketplace, is taking place now through Dec. 15. The open enrollment period is shorter this year compared to those of the past so do not delay. This applies for all plans except Medicaid, which is open all year.

Need health care? Here is what you need to know: • Open enrollment in the Maryland Health Connection, the state’s public health insurance

• The Maryland Health Connection offers high-quality health plans at a variety of price points. All plans sold on the Exchange are required to cover a package of

Vincent DeMarco

• Free, in-person, help is available during the open enrollment period. Trained professionals can help you decide which plans will best meet your health care needs and your budget. This year it’s more critical than ever to shop around before you sign up. • Financial help is available. Last year, 9 out of 10 Marylanders who enrolled in coverage through the Maryland Health Connection qualified for financial assistance to help them afford that plan.

Essential Health Benefits dictated in the Affordable Care Act including emergency room care, primary care and more. • There is a significant financial penalty at tax time for not having qualifying coverage. Take advantage of these resources to avoid the penalty and gain access to high quality, affordable health insurance today. For more information, go to marylandhealthconnection.gov or call toll-free 1-855642-8572. Vincent DeMarco is the president of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, the state’s largest health care consumer coalition with over 1200 diverse organizational members, including religious, health, community, labor, and business groups from across the state.

Sarcoidosis Doesn’t Have to be a Death Sentence

Nowadays there are many African Americans living and coping with life changing diseases. However one disease that is drastically affecting the African American population is called sarcoidosis and there isn’t much known about this mysterious, life-destroying disease. Sarcoidosis is chronic disease that causes inflammation in the body and affects multiple organs such as eyes, joints, skin, lungs, and heart. This disease is characterized by a buildup of cells in the organs that form small cluster called granulomas. If left untreated sarcoidosis can spread to many parts of the body causing blindness, facial deformity, excruciating joint pain, heart or lung failure and can even lead to death. My doctor first realized something wasn’t right with my health when I had a blood test and my white blood cell count was high. I soon developed reddish lumps all over my body some that were itchy, had a burning

Stacy Sneed

sensation and were unbearable to touch. Following the skin deformities, I developed a chronic cough. The chronic cough made it difficult to breathe and made me incredibly fatigued. I felt like I was being suffocated slowly and there was nothing I could do for relief. My doctors eventually discovered that I had scaring on my lungs. Soon after, I was notified that this mysterious disease that was ravaging my body had a name: sarcoidosis. African American families suffer from the effects of sarcoidosis. The treatment for it can be expensive. These drugs, without insurance, can range in price from $5,000 to $16,000 per treatment. I’ve observed many people in urban cities such as Baltimore Maryland and Washington D.C people walking around with facial deformities that are consistent with the effects of sarcoidosis. These facial deformities can have a profound effect on a person’s selfesteem confidence. Those who suffer facial deformities from this disease are constantly stared at and harassed by

the public who are unaware of what this is they’re seeing. I had to live with the constant stares for many years until my doctor prescribed Remicade, which healed and restored my nose from its deformed appearances this brought back a little normalcy for my life. After17-years of living with sarcoidosis I have realized the diagnosis wasn’t a death sentence. Getting educated on the latest treatments isn’t hard but it does take dedication and commitment. Part of that commitment is a healthy diet, plenty of fruits, green leafy vegetables, lots of water and eliminating all processed foods and sugar. I also focus on spiritual mediation, which has been effective in reducing stress and anxiety. You’re going to have good days and bad days but if you keep up the fight, and never give up, there is hope. Stacy Sneed is the CEO and founder of Women of Life Changing, which helps women who suffer with health issue share their stories with others.

The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO. Send letters to The Afro-American • 1531 S. Edgewood St. • Baltimore, MD 21227 or fax to 1-877-570-9297 or e-mail to editor@afro.com

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The Afro-American, Afro-American, December November 2, 11,2017 2017- December - November8,11, 2017 2017

Senate GOP Tax Bill

Plan Could Devastate Blacks for Generations, Richmond Says By Hamil R. Harris Special to the AFRO Shortly after Senate Republicans released their proposed tax plan, Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, blasted the plan as being designed to cripple multiple generations of Black families. “Massive spending cuts coupled with a repeal of economic development incentive programs like NMTC (The New Market Tax Credit) will devastate African-American communities for generations to come,” he said in a statement. “Republicans tout their proposal as a victory for middle class families, but it is insulting to offer an African-American family a few hundred dollars in tax relief while giving major corporations and Trump’s 1 percent a multi-million dollar windfall. We are facing a crisis of wealth and income disparities in America and Republicans have the audacity

to propose a modern day reverse Robin Hood tax system that will only widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots.” For Americans making more than $100,000 a year the Senate Republican tax plan will offer major benefits and tax cuts. But for poor people -- those making less than 30,000, this proposed plan will make hard times even harder. The Senate Budget Committee voted Nov. 28 to approve the Tax Plan sending the measure to the full Senate for a likely vote in the coming weeks. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation, nonpartisan groups charged with evaluating the tax plans, say the legislation would eliminate the most important provisions of the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, that offers federal tax breaks to people to supplement their health insurance payments. The CBO also said the bill would add $1.4

“… it is insulting to offer an African-American family a few hundred dollars in tax relief while giving major corporations and Trump’s 1 percent a multi-million dollar windfall.” – Rep. Cedric Richmond trillion to the deficit over the next decade, a 29. He called the plan “a poison pill,” that potential problem for Republican lawmakers would particular hurt Blacks. “The median worried about America’s growing debt. income for African Americans is $39,000 that The tax bill would also revise numerous means the vast majority of people in this plan provisions under current U.S. tax laws, reduce will not see a tax decrease. They will see a tax most income tax rates for individuals and increase. And because it stinks 56 percent of modify the tax brackets. It would also increase Americans are opposed to the plan.” the standard deduction and the child tax credit; While the CBO and JCT analyses make and repeal deductions for personal exemptions, it seem as if the poor will be losing out, certain itemized deductions, and the alternative Republican proponents say people making minimum tax (AMT). less than $30,000 are not Adding even more pain, paying taxes anyway. these changes would take The plan would: effect on January 1, 2018, and • Create seven income would be scheduled to expire tax brackets ranging after December 31, 2025. from 10 percent to 38.5 In terms of “Obamacare,” percent, which is down the bill would also from the current rate of permanently repeal the 39.6 percent. penalties associated with • Increase the standard the requirements that people deduction; must obtain health insurance • Repeal the coverage, which is also known individual alternative as the “individual mandate.” minimum tax (AMT); According to the CBO, • Allow a 17.4 under the Senate plan percent deduction, Americans earning less than subject to certain Courtesy photo $30,000 a year would be limits, for qualified Rep. Cedric Richmond, chair of worse off by 2019. By 2021, the Congressional Black Caucus, business income that Americans earning $40,000 or is outraged at the Senate individuals receive from less would be net losers, and Republicans’ tax plan proposal’s pass-through entities, by 2027, most people earning namely partnerships, S impact to Black families. less than $75,000 a year would corporations, and sole be worse off. proprietorships; For those making $100,000 to $500,000, • Increase the child tax credit to $2,000, the bill does subject them to larger tax cuts. and, among other related changes, provide a “The Tax Plan fundamentally stinks,” new $500 credit for certain other dependents; said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the and National Urban League, in a keynote address • Double the exemption allowed under at the Center for American Progress on Nov. estate and gift taxes.

Send your news tips to tips@afro.com.

December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017, The Afro-American

BALTIMORE-AREA

Race and Politics

Who Killed Det. Sean Suiter?

Det. Sean Suiter was laid to rest Nov. 29, at Mt. Pleasant church in East Baltimore, Sean Yoes two weeks Baltimore AFRO after somebody Editor syoes@afro.com shot him in the head at point blank range (allegedly with his own gun), in a West Baltimore neighborhood notorious for violence. He died the next day. Despite a reward of at least $215,000, Suiter’s killer remains at large. And the rumors and conspiracy theories about his murder augment and fester. However, attempting to discern truth from fiction has been difficult. Because, critics argue, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has engaged in a skillful game of obfuscation connected to the murder of this husband and father of five, who was gunned down one day before he was to testify in a case connected to the notorious Gun Trace Task Force. These are the eight officers indicted on federal charges of racketeering, which allegedly include instances of these officers shaking down Baltimore residents, planting guns and drugs on suspects, selling drugs, filing false police reports, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent overtime submissions and even robbing an exotic dancer in a Baltimore County gentlemen’s club. “Last week, just before Thanksgiving, commissioner (Kevin Davis) calls a last minute press conference and drops a bombshell on the city, saying that Det. Suiter was a witness, had been summoned to a grand jury

Mourners Salute Det. Sean Suiter

Killer Still at Large

Was Det. Suiter Killing Connected to Testimony? By Stephen Janis Special to the AFRO As funeral services for slain Baltimore Homicide detective Sean Suiter were held this week, the mystery has only deepened about how the veteran cop was killed in a vacant West Baltimore lot roughly two weeks ago. There have been few leads and even fewer clues as to how and why Det. Suiter, an 18 year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), was fatally shot in the head with his own gun after what police have described as a brief struggle.

Photo credit: Deborah Bailey

Thousands attended the funeral for Baltimore Police Department (BPD), Det. Sean Suiter on Nov. 29, who died two weeks ago. He was shot in the head while on duty in West Baltimore on Nov. 15. Suiter’s funeral service was held at Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries in Baltimore. Several City and State officials including Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, Gov. Larry Hogan and Mayor Catherine Pugh, each spoke at the service offering their condolences, as well as members of Suiter’s family, friends, and BDP colleagues. “I am not just here as the Mayor of Baltimore. I am here as a resident of Baltimore,” said Mayor Pugh. Compelled to pay my respects to Det. Sean Suiter, and the men and women in uniform who sacrifice their lives for the safety of our city and its future.” A phalanx of law enforcement officers joined the funeral procession, which forced the shutdown of portions of interstates 95, 695 and 83, among other roads in the Baltimore area by the State Highway Administration. Suiter, a husband and father of five was laid to rest at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

45th District Race

Det. Sean Suiter was shot in the head in the line of duty Nov. 15 and died the next day. His killer remains at large.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight,” said Eric Booker, president of the Broadway East Community Association, from the new office of Sen. Nathaniel McFadden (D-45), at 1812 E. Ashland Ave., in East Baltimore. Booker, a member of the Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee representing the 45th District, is a disciple of McFadden, and the East Baltimore political machine that birthed them both. McFadden and Booker gazed out of the senator’s window Nov. 27, and highlighted the physical transformation of a community known as “Middle East,” in the shadow of ubiquitous Johns Hopkins Hospital. The area was once dubbed “Zombieland” (a reference to heroin addicted Photo credit: Sean Yoes residents and blight) in the 1990’s by the Baltimore Sun, Sen. Nathaniel McFadden (D-45), points out his office to McFadden’s chagrin. Yet, the veteran lawmaker said his window at 1812 E. Ashland Ave., at the new development political acumen, diligence and patience, in cooperation with in the East Baltimore community known as Middle East.

But, one fact which has emerged from the case is only stoking community suspicions and raising more questions about the department tasked with solving the case: the widening of an investigation into eight officers charged with stealing from residents, racketeering and drug dealing. At an impromptu press conference on Nov. 22, BPD Commissioner Kevin Davis revealed that Suiter was set to testify before a federal grand jury as part of an ongoing investigation into the now-notorious Gun Trace Task Force. The charges brought against that group have continued to reverberate

Sen. McFadden Defends His Record Sean Yoes Baltimore AFRO Editor syoes@afro.com

Continued on B3

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Baltimore Area Church News Compiled by Joi Thomas

Special to the AFRO 2017 is almost over and I encourage you to look over the goals you set for 2017 and see what you have left to accomplish. Then make it happen. Also, make sure you take some time during the remainder of 2017, to plan for 2018. Be intentional about your success. Here is your church news for the week. Here is the church news for the week. Greater Harvest Baptist Church 1617 W. Saratoga St. Baltimore, Md., 21223 Messiah and the Motown Sound Featuring W. Patrick Alston on organ Dec. 3, 5 p.m. Rev. Errol D. Gilliard, Sr., Pastor Holy Temple Church-East 336 E. 25th Street Baltimore, Md. 21218 12th Anniversary Dec. 6– Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. , Dec. 10, 11 a.m. Overseer Margaret Shelley and Apostle Ronald Shelley, Pastors Continued on B3

Gifting’ of New SUV to Jewish Group Roils Some By Stephen Janis Special to the AFRO

The bestowing of a safety vehicle to an influential Northwest Baltimore community group has stoked controversy among residents in Park Heights and other Baltimore neighborhoods. The $50,000 2017 Chevy Tahoe was given to the Shomrim, a neighborhood crime watch organization that patrols the city’s orthodox Jewish community in Northwest Baltimore. The vehicle was presented to the group by Mayor Catherine Pugh at an event earlier this month. The vehicle was purchased from slot machine proceeds administered by the Pimlico Development Revenue Authority which allocates the funds that are supposed to be spent on neighborhoods within a half mile radius of the Pimlico Race Track. There are no slot machines at Pimlico but the track receives 1 percent of Maryland slot machine revenue. The use of slot funds for a vehicle that will be used by private security group, which has been linked to controversial tactics in the past, has only heightened tensions over crime strategies. Especially as the vehicle is painted with a color scheme similar to Baltimore police vehicles and includes a police type logo on the back. “The Tahoe allows everyday city residents of Continued on B2

The “gifting” of a $50,000 SUV to the Baltimore Shomrim neighborhood patrol has sparked controversy in Park Heights.

Past Seven Days

317 2017 Total

Data as of Nov. 29

The Afro-American, December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017

Race and Politics Continued from B1

investigation related in some way to the eight officers that have been indicted for racketeering...the Gun Trace Task Force,” said my colleague, and AFRO contributor, Stephen Janis, during the Nov. 28 episode of the AFRO First Edition video podcast. “He (Davis) also put forth the theory that...Det. Suiter’s murder was not related to his testimony, which has a lot of people I talk to in Homicide scratching their heads. How can they know anything at this point? They don’t have a suspect...how can the commissioner start spouting theories on the case?” Again, Suiter was scheduled to testify in the case connected to the Gun Trace Task Force, Nov. 16, but he was gunned down the day before. Yet, Commissioner Davis somehow felt compelled to tell the people of Baltimore Suiter’s murder had nothing to do with his testimony? Why would Davis promulgate theories about the case given the dubious and disturbing circumstances surrounding Suiter’s death? Instead of shedding more light on the case, police actions seem to spark more questions.

BPD released an audio transmission of the 9-1-1 dispatch call on Nov. 15, the day Suiter was shot. Listening to the 9-1-1 call revealed that investigators initially located Suiter’s gun and radio, however no bullet casings were discovered. Allegedly, the next day bullet casings were found. BPD had not released the name of Suiter’s partner, who was on the scene of his murder. . Further, BPD says there is video of the murder scene that shows Suiter’s partner scurrying for cover when the shots are fired, which raises even more questions. Although Suiter’s partner seemed to be in close proximity of his shooting, how come there is no description of the shooter? Why didn’t Suiter’s partner get a look at his murderer? How come Suiter’s partner wasn’t backing him up closely as he investigated a triple homicide in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city? BPD released the audio of the 9-1-1 tape, why haven’t they released video of the murder scene? “This case... is emblematic of how the mistrust between the

police department and the community is hurting the department because most people believe at this point, at least from what you see on social media that this is an inside job,” said Janis, referring to the fact many in the community believe Suiter was killed by one of his own, another member of the BPD. Or at least the killer was somehow enabled by a member of the BPD. “All of them (law enforcement), to a person says, `Where was his partner?’,” said Janis. “Why is this guy down the street or where was he? Sean Yoes is Baltimore editor of the AFRO and host and executive producer of the AFRO First Edition video podcast, airing Monday and Friday on the AFRO’s Facebook page.

District Race Continued from B1

many, has helped invigorate the once beleaguered Ashland Ave., and the neighborhoods surrounding it. “Seventeen years ago we looked at East Baltimore and saw the crime and the devastation, and the drug problem and we said we need to attack it in multiple ways: health, education, housing...skill development and that takes time, ” McFadden told the AFRO. The senator named several developments erected over the last several years (many of them visible from his new office), including the new building his office is located in at 1812 Ashland Ave. The $65.5 million innovation hub, for Johns Hopkins Hospital research, was developed by Hopkins, Forest City Enterprises and East Baltimore Development Inc., (EBDI). On the ground floor of the building is a Starbucks, which would have seemed implausible a decade ago. The building is part of the 88-acre EDBI renewal area. “The generation that we live in now is a bit impatient. But, the situation is still the same, it requires time,” added McFadden, whose analysis seems to be a direct response to Del. Cory McCray (D-45), who has launched a vigorous challenge for McFadden’s senate seat. McCray, 35, recently told the AFRO, “The challenge is the city is in such challenging turmoil right now that you can no longer wait things out,” in reference to some who suggest McCray wait McFadden out. McFadden, 71 defended his record during an interview with the AFRO, Nov. 27 and also answered some of McCray’s recent assertions. Specifically, McCray blamed McFadden for the lack of new or renovated schools coming to the 45th as part of the 21st Century Schools Initiative.

“It was done by the school system, based on a survey by a firm that did an analysis that projected population trends, Census tracts of where people would be,” said McFadden. “If you want to build new schools in the portion of the district that he’s (McCray) referencing you have to have places for those students to go while those renovations or new construction takes place. It wasn’t anything deliberate. It wasn’t anything that I said, or did or did not do. It wasn’t like we were asleep at the switch.” McCray also alleged McFadden doesn’t actually live in the 45th District, which McFadden refuted. “My residence is 2702 Mura St., always has been,” said McFadden who explained he and his wife plan to live full-time in a condominium in the swanky Village of Cross Keys, which is outside of the 45th. But, McFadden said emphatically, he has not retired. “Some 30 years ago I was young and I was impatient,” McFadden explained before name checking a list of legendary political figures in East and West Baltimore who taught him the ropes. “Clarence “Du” Burns, Clarence Blount, Samuel Daniels, Ben Brown, Herb Brown, the faith community said, `son, there’s a process, there is a way in which you can advocate for the things that you need, but, it’s a process you have to go through.’ I had to learn, I had to understand you had to put yourself in position to effectuate change and that comes over time.”

SUV

Continued from B1

Shomrim to look like they are driving an official police vehicle,” argued Christopher Irvin, a resident of nearby Howard Park. “I’m sure that there is something in the Maryland Annotated code that allows police to charge people with impersonating a police officer and yet the mayor would hand over a vehicle so closely representing an official police

vehicle.” According to a report by the Baltimore Jewish Times, a letter by Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer (D-5), sent to the office of Mayor Catherine Pugh indicates he personally requested slot machine money to be redirected to purchase the SUV for Shomrim. Schleifer told the Jewish Times, that money invested in Shomrim is a good investment for all of Park Heights.

We've got you covered, Baltimore! We can help you find an affordable health insurance plan. Our navigators provide free, one-on-one assistance.

December 15th hcamaryland.org | 410-500-4710

“Public safety is my number one priority,” Schleifer said. “Shomrim helps the police in assisting with all of crimes, and this command center (vehicle) is a benefit to the entire community that will help the volunteers and police catch criminals committing crimes.” However, Irvin, an activist who is a board member of Howard Park Civic Association said giving a vehicle to Shomrim showed a preference for one community while others struggle with more serious crime. “This is not about attacking anyone, it is about parity and a long-standing issue of the redirecting of monies from lower Park Heights and the surrounding predominantly Black communities,” said Irvin, noting that Howard Park has had several recent homicides. In 2012 Shomrim was embroiled in controversy after two brothers - Eliyahu and Avi Werdesheim -working for the group were accused of accosting and beating a 15-year old Corey Ausby while he was walking through Northwest Baltimore. The brothers were charged with assault (Ausby’s arm was broken during the incident), but argued in court the victim was holding a wooden board which prompted them to act in self-defense. Prosecutors argued the beating was unprovoked. The pair were convicted of wrongful imprisonment and assault and sentenced to three years of probation.

December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017, The Afro-American

Church News

Testimony

Morning Star Baptist Church The Renaissance Center 6665 Security Boulevard Baltimore, Md. 21207 Caring and Sharing: Traveling Through Grief and Loss Dec. 9, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, Pastor

throughout a department already under a federal consent decree and battling a record wave of crime and homicide. “I am now aware of Det. Suiter’s pending federal grand jury testimony surrounding an incident that occurred seven years ago with BPD police officers who were federally indicted,” the commissioner said. “The acting U.S. attorney and the special agent in charge of the Baltimore field office have told me in no uncertain terms [that] Detective Suiter was not the target of any ongoing criminal investigation.” The bombshell announcement came about a week after Suiter was killed. But, tangible leads in the slaying have been scarce, according to investigators familiar with the case. That fact has not stopped Davis from publicly expressing his theories on what happened—among them, that Suiter’s impending testimony and his murder are not linked. “It appears to be nothing more than a spontaneous observation of man acting suspiciously, and a spontaneous decision to investigate his conduct,” Davis said. Still, the fact that Davis’ comments came during the widening ongoing federal investigation of the department, and during a highprofile murder investigation, have raised questions both inside and outside the department. “Everyone was surprised that he’s been talking so freely about the case,” a source familiar with the investigation, who did not want to be named, told the AFRO. Suiter was not the only officer who worked with the Task Force to receive a summons to appear before a federal grand jury. According to sources within BPD, at least one other officer who had worked with the Gun Trace Task Force received a letter last week compelling them to testify, indicating federal prosecutors are far from done with the scandal. It’s unclear which aspect of the case investigators are currently exploring. However, Baltimore NBC affiliate WBAL-TV and The Baltimore Sun reported that federal prosecutors have reopened an accident case that involved Suiter and Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, one of the eight Task Force officers already indicted. In 2010, the pair engaged in a car chase with a suspect who ultimately crashed into another vehicle, killing the 86-year old father of a Baltimore police officer. The suspect was charged with possession of heroin, but has asked a federal judge to reopen his case. Meanwhile, questions still surround the few details police have disclosed about what happened in that vacant lot in the city’s Harlem Park neighborhood, a crime scene that remains cordoned off. An aspect of the case that troubled one former homicide investigator is how a suspect could take Suiter’s weapon and shoot him while his partner was nearby. “We would cover someone,” said former Baltimore Homicide Lt. Stephen Tabeling. “I would have been right behind him.”

Continued from B1

Family Bible Ministries Worldwide, Inc. 5300 Edmondson Ave. Baltimore, Md. 21229 Installation celebration for Bishop Cassandra A. Montgomery as General Overseer and Senior Pastor of Family Bible Ministries Worldwide Dec. 10 4 p.m. Bishop Cassandra A. Montgomery Greater Paradise Christian Center 2900 E. Oliver Street Baltimore, 21213 Family and Friends Day Dec. 10 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Rev. Shawn Bell, Pastor Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries 6000 Radecke Ave. Baltimore, Md. 21206 Tis the Season, A Holy Day Celebration Friday Dec. 15 7 p.m. -9 p.m. Bishop Clifford Johnson, Pastor New Friendship Baptist Church 1515 East Eager Street Baltimore, Md. O Christmas Tree- A Gala for Children Dec. 16, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Rev. Roderick Parks, Pastor Mount Pleasant African Methodist Episcopal Church 235 Tollgate Road Owings Mills, Md. 21117 Christmas Concert Dec. 16, 5 p.m. Dr. Diane H. Johnson, Pastor

Continued from B1

However, Davis has said that the detective who accompanied Suiter that day, who has yet to be identified, was allegedly not in the immediate vicinity when the shooting occurred. “Upon the sound of gunfire, Suiter’s partner sought cover across the street and immediately called 911,” Davis said. “We know this because it was captured on private surveillance video that we’ve recovered.” “The evidence refutes the notion that Detective Suiter’s partner was anything but just that, his partner,” Davis said. Tabeling also noted that Baltimore police officers usually wear safety holsters, which are designed to prevent suspects from taking a gun during close contact. “They make it pretty tough to get the gun,” Tabeling said.

The Afro-American, December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017

Photos by Devone Marshall

Jude Robinson, Hassan Muhhamed, Juston Thompson, Trac Cole, Dagran Adamson, Rashan Gibbs , Woodstock Job Corps volunteering their services Deaconess Mary Anthony , mother of Carmelo Anthony and founder of The Carmelo Anthony Family Foundation, Geraldnay Barnett and Gloria Ann Addison - Scott, volunteers

Corey Bradford, Event Coordinator/Assistant

Corey Bradford, Jr (front ) Samar Ross (rear)

CARMELO ANTHONY

TURKEY GIVE AWAY Nov. 20 was the annual Carmelo Anthony Family Foundation Thanksgiving Give Away. The Love Crowd Christian Light Church, located on Eutaw Place in Reservoir Hill, opened their doors to serve the community. The Carmelo Anthony Family Foundation in partnership with the Feed the Children Foundation, provided perishable and nonperishable items to the community.

Volunteers from Woodstock Job Corps with Mary Anthony (dressed in black) Sister Vern Kernball and Rodney Scott, volunteers

28TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES The Festival of Trees benefits the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI), which specializes in helping children and young adults with disorders of the brain, spinal cord and musculoskeletal system. Christmas trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses are decorated by corporations and individuals and then sold to raise money for KKI. Major sponsors include BBT Bank, Erickson Living, Whiting -Turner Contracting Co. and Chick-fil-A Restaurants. The AFRO-American Newspapers was one of the media sponsors. Children were entertained by Santa, the Milk Shake Band and The Girl Scout Chorus of Central Md. There were pony rides, a carousel, remote control race cars, face painting, a model railroad display and cookie decorating. Attendance was expected to be over 50,000 people over the three day event. The Festival of Trees is at the Timonium Fairgrounds.

Lanaya Brooks, Ariah Brooks and Kennedy Brooks

Tree designed by Bernard “Jack” Young Balto. City Council President.

Tree designer LaShay Ross and Leila Ross

The AFRO American Newspapers 125 Tree was designed by Takiea Hinton, AFRO’S Editorial Assistant and Janet Guest, volunteer

Kelly’s Model Train Display

1st Place Gingerbread House winner Photos by Anderson Ward

Larry Young’s birthday celebration was held at the Arena Players, the oldest continuously operating Black Theater in the United States, on Nov.16. Artartus Jenkins and Ms. Maybelle were the hosts. Performances were by Tapsicore Dance Group, Kenyatta Hardison, Monique Jones, Therm James Jr., Eddie Satterfield, Sandra Meekins and Tamba Giles. Awards were presented to Jean Cobb, Tabb Bishop, David McClure, Farhad Jafari, Michael Jenson, Corbin Smith, Kay Merrill Dr. Elaine Simon, Kamau High of the AFRO and Donald Owens. The Hon. Kweisi Mfume, Bernard “Jack” Young, Marilyn Mosby, Sen. Joan Carter Conway, Anthony McCarthy, A. Dwight Pettit,Travis Winkey, April Watts and D.J. Quicksilva were in attendance. Catering was provided by Culinary Innovations

M.C. Artartus Jenkins Hon. Kweisi Mfume

Honoree Tabb Bishop (Verizon)

Bernard “Jack” Young President Balto. City Council

Sen. Joan Carter Conway Yolanda Parker, Rochelle Arrington and seated Coryetha Arrington

LARRY YOUNG’S

68TH BIRTHDAY Honoree Michael Jenson Tapsicore Dance Group Photos by Anderson Ward

Carlton and Darlene Douglass

Travis Winkey and Larry Young

Honoree David McClure Mr. and Mrs. A. Dwight Pettit

December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017, The Afro-American

ARTS & CULTURE

Black, Latino Acts Rule Grammy Noms By The Associated Press The Recording Academy sent a clear message when they announced the nominees for the 2018 Grammys: They want to see a Black or Latino act have a better shot at winning in the major categories. Black and Latino musicians dominated in the top four categories, including album and song of the year, giving those acts who perform rap, Rå&B and Latin music a strong chance at taking home the biggest awards, usually reserved for pop, rock and country musicians, or White artists. In the past, acts like Beyonce, Kanye West, Eminem and Alicia Keys were leaders in nominations, but would never win awards like record of the year. This year there is a shift. Jay-Z, rap’s most powerful force, is the top nominee with eight, the academy announced Nov. 28. Jay-Z’s nominations include album, song and record of the year. “It’s just time,” said No I.D., who produced Jay-Z’s entire “4:44” album and is nominated in the top three categories alongside the rap icon. “I believe that when you really make the best music you can make from your heart, it will transcend all of those stereotypes, color issues, everything, because music is really made for human beings.” Kendrick Lamar, another artist who has never won album, song or record of the year despite multiple nominations, is also up for the top prize with his third effort, “DAMN.” Other album of the year nominees include Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic,” Childish Gambino’s “Awaken, My Love!” and Lorde’s “Melodrama,” making the New Zealand singer the only White act up for the prize. Justin Bieber, a featured guest on Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s ubiquitous hit “Despacito,” is the only White performer nominated for record of the year. Bieber and singersongwriter Julia Michaels are the only White nominees for song of the year. And Michaels is the only White act up for best new artist; she will compete with SZA, Khalid, Alessia Cara and Lil Uzi Vert. Neil Portnow, the academy’s CEO and president, said the organization took time this year to work hard at diversifying its

(Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Kendrick Lamar was nominated for seven Grammy nominations. The 60th Annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS, Jan. 28, 2018, in New York. voting membership, which includes more than 13,000 people. “You look at the nominations this year and I think that’s clearly a reflection of the fact that we’ve done a lot of good work there,” he said. The Grammys has a long history of Black and Latino artists, as well as rap and R&B acts, losing in major categories despite appearing as the clear front runner. The organization was

criticized earlier this year when Adele’s “25” album won album of the year over Beyonce’s “Lemonade.” Though Adele’s project outsold Beyonce’s, “Lemonade” was viewed as an artistic, bold and daring project that truly owned the year. Even Adele said Beyonce should have won instead of her. But, now, Jay-Z’s own work of art may bring the Carters the gold. Though “4:44” debuted at No. 1, it is not Jay-Z’s best-selling album nor does it have multiple hits like his past projects. However, his 13th album has been viewed as a brave and personal album revealing stories about his life and showcases that, at 47, he is still relevant and a cultural force in music, where youngsters tend to dominate. “I’m really happy Jay had the 100 percent courage to really open up and that’s where I think this connection comes from — I think this is a genuine moment that people know in their hearts, like, ‘This wasn’t a trick ... this was the opening up of a human being giving us something special,’” said No I.D. “We collectively approached it with certain principals that rock albums use,” he added. “There’s not too many oneproducer rap albums. There are lot of one-producer rock albums ... and country albums.” Behind Jay-Z, Lamar scored seven nominations while Mars earned six. Those who scored five nominations were black acts, including Childish Gambino, SZA, Khalid and No I.D. “When you really make things that really challenge the status quo or challenge issues and you do it artistically and you do it with no fear, people are listening,” No I.D. said. “As much as you act like everything is programmed or calculated or researched or numbers, spins, radio and clubs, it’s still human beings out here you can reach with music.” The producer said he was “happy” with the nominations. But was Jay-Z? “Um, yes,” said No I.D., who spoke to Jay-Z by phone on Tuesday. “He’s a cool guy so part of him is always cool, but, you know, we both have been pretty quiet about it all. I think we wanted the music to speak more than (us).” “I’m speaking today because I am happy. I am happy that (the music) spoke to some people,” he said. The 2018 Grammy Awards take place in New York City on January 28, 2018.

How to Prevent Seasonal Depression this Winter

Many confuse symptoms of major depression and SAD with being “down in the dumps” or just having the “winter Amid flu season and the approach of winter, many are blues,” but sadness and depression differ in many important focused on maintaining their physical health—but keeping ways. up with one’s mental and emotional health can be just as “Everyone is sad at some point, sadness is a typical human important. emotion,” Carter said. “However depression is not a typical Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately abbreviated as emotion—it is a disease. If you’re sad more often than not SAåD, affects around 3 million people each year. It is a type of and sad in the wake of positive things or regardless of the depression that presents itself around the same time every year, circumstances, that’s how you know there is a problem. When beginning in the fall and continuing into winter. your sadness is getting in the way or your everyday activities “It’s what we would call a transient mood disorder,” said and day-to-day life, that’s when you should reach out.” LaKita Carter, vice president of the board of directors for the Carter said those suffering from SAD should recognize and Black Mental Health Alliance, a Baltimore-based organization understand their condition, and seek professional assistance (Jose F. Moreno/Camden Courier-Post via AP) which seeks to raise awareness about mental health needs in before the colder months begin and depression takes hold. Keeping up with one’s mental and emotional health the Black community. She also encouraged sufferers to try to maintain their social during the winter can be just as important as maintaining and family connections rather than pull away from sources of “For some people it occurs regularly, and as the seasons physical health. change they get increasingly depressed,” Carter said. “As support, and to keep a regular, healthy sleep pattern. summer ends the days get shorter, the sun is no longer out, and If someone you know is suffering from SAD or major it gets colder. The holidays are coming as well, which brings on new stressors and as a result depression, there are a few things you can do to support them. people feel more down then they typically do. Some people may have a bout of depression just “Take the word ‘crazy’ out of your vocabulary—you don’t want there to have any shame once, but with many of the people who suffer from SAD, it’s a pretty consistent occurrence associated with your loved one getting help,” Carter said. “Offer to accompany or drive your happening every year around the same time.” friend or loved one to an appointment and talk to them in order to take some of the shame and Symptoms of SAD typically begin to occur in the late fall and continue through the winter, embarrassment out of seeking help, because it is the healthiest thing anyone could do.” usually subsiding in the spring or summer. If you or someone you know is suffering from SAD or any other mental illness, the Black “Some of the things to look for are just general symptoms of depression: low energy, feeling Mental Health Alliance provides support services, education, and depression screenings to help sluggish, difficulty focusing, suicidal thoughts, a general feeling of hopelessness and changes those in need. They are located on 16 West 25th Street in Baltimore and can be reached at 410in your appetite or sleep pattern,” Carter said. “With this disorder, these symptoms would start 338-2642 or at mha.swdesignclient.com. around the onset of fall as opposed to major depression disorder which could pop up at any time If you are in immediate crisis or contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide during the year.” Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. By Jannah G. Johnson

MacArthur Fellow

Njideka Crosby’s Work on Exhibit at BMA By J. K. Schmid Special to the AFRO Recent work of Njideka Akunyili Crosby, 34, painter and 2017 MacArthur Fellow, is currently on exhibit at Baltimore’s Museum of Art (MFA). Born in Enugu, Nigeria, the daughter of a pharmacist and a doctor, Crosby studied at Queens College in Lagos. Crosby, since arriving in the United States, has studied at Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Yale University School of Art, New Haven. She was artist in residence at both the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Bronx Museum AIM. In 2012, Crosby was a visiting instructor at Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore. Crosby’s six pieces of work dominate the contemporary wing at the MFA. The shortest pieces are six feet tall. The pieces bring the visitor into Akunyili Crosby’s dual identities. Titled “Counterparts,” like a polyptych, the works hinge on left and right: the United States and Nigeria, new and old, but both ideas of ‘home.” (Courtesy photo) The central pieces are two self portraits. The images then push Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s ‘Home’ is one of the into more and more isolated aspects of the artist’s two lives. Out recent MacArthur Fellow’s pieces of art being from center, the pairs are titled “Dwell,” “Home” and “As We See exhibited at Baltimore’s Museum of Art. You.” Elements from one piece, appear in the complementary pieces

in new positions and new contexts. They read like the heightened reality of a dream, like the consolidation of someone else’s memories playing out in real time. Some things seem simple. Crosby’s self portraits pose her selves back-to-back. In one she sits for tea alone in Nigeria with metal kettle and ceramic mug. In another, she sits in California with her dog. In the backgrounds of both fronds of tropical plants fill the panes. Other elements are more subtle. A recurring motif from other pieces, a live television, broadcasts a Connery-era James Bond. Behind him, just in frame, is a blackamoor statue. Longtime symbols of colonial chic, the figurines most often portray Black males as servers and footmen, bedecked in gold and other finery. The statue reappears at the opposite end of the exhibit in the still life of the very real Texas home of her husband’s family. In “As We See You: Embarrassment of Riches” shirtless blackamoor miniatures offer dessert morsels on broad leaf trays. Many things seem left behind in the trip from Nigeria to Texas, but naked colonialism lies waiting in plain sight. The BMA negotiated the exhibition years before Crosby was named a MacArthur Fellowship winner earlier this year and this is the first place where the new work can be seen. “Counterparts” will be on exhibit until March 18, 2018.

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10 Years Gone

Taylor’s Shadow Still Hovers Over Burgundy & Gold in D.C. By Mark F. Gray Special to the AFRO

Former Washington NFL linebacker Sean Taylor’s death still resonates 10 years later.

In death Sean Taylor is more of an icon than if a rogue armed robber hadn’t taken his life 10 years ago—prematurely ending what was shaping up to be a hall of fame NFL career. Had it not been for the tragedy of Len Bias cocaine induced heart attack in 1986 that ended a promising NBA career before it began, Taylor’s passing would’ve been the greatest loss in the history of D.C. sports. When Bias died innocence was lost but it was a sign of the times. The crack cocaine epidemic had its hold on the D.C. area and no one was immune from the peril. From the newsroom to the mayor’s office, the rock was cooking. When Taylor died, however, hope was lost. He was blossoming into the game changing player Washington thought they had drafted with the sixth pick in the 2004 draft. His bouts with immaturity and acrimony gave way to leadership on the field and off and just like that he was gone. “Meast” – half man half beast– as he was known by teammates – was blessed with physical tools that even his peers marveled at. At 6’2” 230 pounds Taylor played free safety linebacker size and was blessed with receiver speed (4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash). He was Ray Lewis ad Ed Reed in one. Taylor’s could play up near the line and punish running backs like Lewis. In pass coverage Taylor took away the center of the field by daring receivers to venture into his area and pay the price like Reed. He intimidated quarterbacks by forcing them to think twice knowing that a bad decision could lead to a game changing interception. Though he played only four seasons in Washington Taylor’s

evolution as a person off the field coincided with his maturity on it. After blowing off the NFL’s rookie symposium and earning a $25,000 fine before he signed a seven-year $18 million rookie deal Taylor fired his agent. Over the first three years of his career he was fined at least seven times for various uniform infractions and late hits. Taylor also had brushes with the law. In 2004 he was charged with DUI after being clocked at 82 in a 55-mph zone following a birthday party for receiver Rod Gardner in Fairfax County, Va. In 2005 he was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm (a felony) and misdemeanor battery in Florida. Ultimately, he pleaded down to two misdemeanor charges. The guilty plea led to his inability to own a firearm in a stand your ground state. This was a cruel irony since he died protecting his family from four armed robbers who shot him at his home. His greatest moment of infamy came during Washington’s 2006 wildcard playoff game at Tampa where his fumble recovery and touchdown led to their victory, but he was ejected for spitting on Bucs running back Michael Pittman. Life changed for Taylor during that offseason. He became a new man after his engagement to Jackie Garcia and the birth of his daughter Jackie. Taylor lost 20 pounds to play faster and when he died led the NFL with five interceptions despite missing four weeks with a knee injury. Memories of Taylor transcend the new generation of NFL defensive backs and many still wear number 21 to honor him. His jersey remains one of the team’s top sellers and fans still cope with a tragic loss of greatness cut down too soon.

AFRO Sports Desk Faceoff

Should Derrick Rose Retire?

injury has been frustrating, but Rose can still play at a higher level than the average NBA hooper. At 29 and still effective, It seems as if Derrick Rose has been battling injuries there’s still tread left on Rose’s tires. since he entered the NBA. Now it seems he may be Riley: Being able to play physically tired of fighting the war against his body. is one thing, but being mentally capable The current Cleveland Cavalier and former league is another thing. The injuries which have MVP has reportedly taken a leave of absence from sabotaged Rose’s career are a leaguethe team to contemplate his future in the league and wide story that saddens anybody who possible retirement. At age 29, Rose is far from a knows it. Playing with LeBron James and grizzled veteran who should even be close to walking Dwyane Wade probably puts things into away from the Association. perspective for Rose, being sandwiched Considering the amount of injuries Rose has between two players who absolutely love sustained since starting his career with the Chicago basketball. Bulls, the point guard has more miles on his body than Rose is fighting two battles right most players his age. A lingering ankle injury that has now, one with his body and one with sidelined him for the past month is scheduled to keep his commitment to enduring the pain him out another two weeks. Rather than battle back, that it takes to keep playing. With no Rose is considering retiring for good. Should he? Perry title in his pocket and looking back on Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk a career that should have netted more debate this question. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) accomplishments, it might not be worth it Cleveland Cavaliers’ Derrick Rose has left the Cavaliers to attend to a personal matter, at this point for Rose to continue. Riley: Rose hasn’t been the same player following a team spokesman said. a rash of injuries—every time he recovers from one Green: If he’s committed, he has as injury, he sustains another. Some players just don’t good a chance as anyone to win a title and have the body to sustain a long career in the league. The same thing has happened to several push his name back into the superstar tier where it belongs. It just depends on him. He can still great players: Grant Hill, Anfernee Hardaway and Brandon Roy are among the recent stars who play and be effective for a contender. Playing with Cleveland almost gives him a free pass to the couldn’t get their body to cooperate. Rose will never recapture the explosive magic that he once Finals. It’s there if he wants it, but by no means should he retire. possessed and he may have already mentally checked out of the rigors of the NBA. An ankle injury isn’t the same as the ACL and knee tears that he’s battled in the past. If he can Green: Rose may not be the same athlete, but he’s still been pretty good. He’s averaging return from this latest setback then he’ll be playing in the Finals. That alone should be enough almost 14 points per night as a Cavalier in only 26 minutes per game. He can still play. The ankle motivation to keep him running. By Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley AFRO Sports Desk

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WASHINGTON-AREA VIP Room Wins LongFought Tavern License Battle

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Grosso’s Bill Could End Out-of-School Suspensions

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com “We could have gone to college and earned a degree in the time it’s taken to defend our family’s business and restore my father’s legacy; but thank God we’ve come out of this whole licensing tussle, victorious,” Bo Sampson, told the AFRO following a final ruling by the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration on Nov. 3. The family-owned social hall, founded in 1978, began facing challenges in 2015 when new homeowners protested a shift in the venues liquor licensing that would permit The V.I.P. Room to permanently serve alcohol. Since its founding, the establishment secured temporary day/event alcohol licenses through D.C.’s Office of Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) at a cost of $300 per license. With the popularity of the venue, Sampson was advised to apply for a tavern license, which would offer an annual renewable liquor license and streamline the cost. It was during this revised application process, Sampson said, that new residents began an aggressive campaign to label the business a nuisance to the neighborhood. Complainants Continued on D2

By Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO ssherman@afro.com

Photos by Shantella Y. Sherman

Mayor Muriel Bowser (inset) enjoyed a crab cake sandwich at the MLK Deli on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast D.C. to celebrate the family-owned delicatessen during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25.

Bowser Names Minnesota Ave. as a D.C. ‘Main Street’ By James Wright and Shantella Sherman Special to the AFRO In the midst of the holiday shopping frenzy, one of the District of Columbia’s most storied thoroughfares, Minnesota Avenue, received a special designation from Mayor Muriel Bowser. On Nov. 25, Bowser (D) held a daylong celebration of Small Business Saturday, a day following the Thanksgiving holiday that is dedicated to shopping at local small businesses. The celebration was kicked-off with the mayor declaring Minnesota Avenue as the newest corridor in the D.C. Main Streets program, an initiative that promotes the

revitalization of traditional business districts in the city by expanding opportunities for more D.C. entrepreneurs and residents to exchange goods and services. According to dc.gov, the D.C. Main Streets program has created 2,000 jobs in the last two years. “Today, and all year, we celebrate the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy,” the mayor said. “These businesses drive economic development and pathways to the middle – Vincent Gray create class by employing D.C. residents, and we are proud to support our local businesses.” Minnesota Avenue is a north-south corridor that goes into Northeast and Southeast Washington. It crosses Benning Road, Continued on D2

“This will revitalize the corridor and small businesses will benefit from the designation.”

In what some consider a progressive move towards racial equity for Black students in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Councilmember David Grosso (I-At-large) has introduced a bill to limit and, in some cases, end outof-school suspensions and expulsions. The Student Fair Access to School Act of 2017, according to the bill, would work to “disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, increase school safety, and put every child in the best position to succeed.” The bill limits out-ofschool suspension for students in kindergarten through eighth grade for all but the most harmful offenses, which include physical and emotional harm to other students. For high school students there would be a ban on suspensions for minor incidents like disobedience or uniform violations. “Despite the progress made over the past years, Black students in D.C. are seven times more likely to be suspended than White students – that should outrage us all,” Grosso wrote in his introductory statement. “When those students are Continued on D2

Black Caucus Embraces House Healthy Food Access Bill By James Wright Special to the AFRO jwright@afro.com A number of communities of color throughout the country don’t have easy access to a quality, fullservice grocery store. But, there is a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, with the support of Congressional Black Caucus, that attempts to remedy that. On Nov. 6, U.S. Reps. Dwight Evans (DPa.) and Donald McEachin (D-Va.), both members of the CBC, co-introduced “The Healthy Food Access for All Americans” (HFAAA) along with Reps. Ryan Costello (R-Pa.) and Tim Ryan (D-Ohio). The bill establishes a system of tax credits and grants for businesses and non-profits serving low-income and lowaccess urban and rural areas. The bill is trying to eliminate food deserts, which are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as urban areas where residents don’t have a one-mile access to a quality grocery store and in rural areas, a 10-mile access. “I truly believe when we change the narrative as it relates to healthy food options and provide greater access to

nutritious food choices we can move the needle in terms of getting rid of food deserts, something I’ve focused a great deal of my time on throughout my entire career,” Evans, who represents a large portion of Philadelphia, said. “This bill is an example of a way to utilize the tax code to incentive food merchants to help close the grocery store gap and change behaviors. We know diet-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart

statistics indicating 37 million Americans live in a food desert. In order to qualify for the grants, about a third of a grocery store’s selections must include fresh produce, poultry, dairy, and deli items. New stores will get a onetime 15 percent tax credit while existing stores that improve their offerings will receive a one-time 10 percent tax credit. In the U.S. Senate, there is a companion bill with a similar name, “The Healthy Food Access for All American Act” that is being pushed by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.). In the District of Columbia, Wards 7 and 8 combined have three – Rep. Donald McEachin grocery stores with a population of 150,000 people. In central Prince George’s County, disease, obesity, and others the Capitol Heights-Seat have a direct correlation Pleasant-Fairmount Heights to the foods we eat and to area hasn’t had a major fullcritical nutrients missing from service grocery store in it our diets.” since Safeway left Addison McEachin, who represents Plaza in Seat Pleasant in July a Richmond-based district, 2016. agreed with Evans. “Every Chloe Marshall, chairman person, regardless of where he of the Food Justice Coalition or she lives, deserves access in Prince George’s County, to nutritious, affordable food, told the AFRO she supports yet thousands of families in the House bill. my congressional district live “We want to support this in areas where food access if bill,” Marshall said. “I think a problem,” he said. it could be a benefit to the The USDA has published Continued on D3

“We must do everything we can to eliminate food deserts.”

AP Photo

Nicole Dickey, 39, an adult learner at Community College Preparatory Academy in southeast D.C., poses for a picture in the computer laboratory Oct. 24.

D.C. Invests in Adult Learning By The Associated Press A high school dropout, Nicole Dickey adds fractions in math class at a charter school for adults, hoping to earn her high school credentials and find a good paying office job. “My life has changed, I am here to make it better,” said Dickey, 39, who left high school after she became pregnant and spent the next two decades working low-paying jobs, raising five children, living on government assistance and struggling with alcoholism. Faced with high illiteracy rates among city residents and an extremely competitive job market, the nation’s capital is experimenting with adult education. The district is running more than a dozen adult schools, both charter and traditional public ones that together serve about 5,100 students, both disconnected youth

and older adults. And despite the political controversy surrounding Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ push to expand school choice, the charter and the traditional public school sectors in the District of Columbia cooperate in adult learning. Dickey’s story is part of a larger picture nationwide. Even though high school graduation rates have been rising in recent years, 10 percent of American adults aged 25 or over don’t have high school credentials, according to government data. With 9 out of 10 jobs today going to college graduates, not having a high school credential is strongly associated with unemployment, poverty, poor health and eventually similar problems for one’s children. Across the country, adults looking to earn

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The Afro-American, December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017

Bill

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Photo by Vincent Jones

Celebration of Life

MBI Health services, a certified behavioral health agency in D.C., gave turkeys to residents on Nov. 21 in honor and gratitude for slain Baltimore Detective Sean Suiter, who was a D.C. native. (pictured) MBI Senior Vice President Tony Crews and CEO Marie Morilus-Black. They gave away 400 turkeys to needy families at the celebration at the agency’s Hunt Place location in Northeast D.C. A card signed by residents was also given to Suiter’s family. Suiter was laid to rest in Baltimore on Nov. 29.

suspended, they are more likely to fail academically, to drop out, and to end up involved in the criminal justice system. This bill would require schools – both DCPS and charters – to have discipline policies that avoid exclusion, address bias, and seek the root causes of misbehavior.” For former DCPS students like Anthony Mack, who said he went through a stint of fighting and being disobedient in school, Grosso’s desire to return to a student-friendly and student-centered system of discipline is necessary. “I spent a good amount of time in DCPS on suspension while in junior high, but there was a program called ‘In-School Suspension’ where I still had to show up at school,” Mack, a Ward 6 resident who attended Francis Jr. High School, told the AFRO. “I had a responsibility from which I was not absolved just because I wanted to be disobedient in class. In-school saved me from being on the street, getting into real trouble, and ensured that I turned in every single assignment that was required while I was being punished.” Mack said that since so many young Washingtonians face real-life challenges, including homelessness, abuse, hunger and depression, the Student Fair Access to School Act could spell the difference between matriculation and dropping out. There are currently five disciplinary

tiers that determine whether a student receives an on-site or off-site suspension, according to the DCPS Student Discipline Policy. Jeff Canady, a D.C. education reformer with We Act Radio concurred, said Grosso’s efforts move in the right direction, but should also work to determine how frustrations within the educational

Courtesy photo

D.C. Councilmember David Grosso introduced a bill that would stop out-of-school suspension practices for D.C. Public School. environment sometime promote misconduct, which can lead to suspension. “Suspensions and expulsions are signs the ecosystem in a school environment is unbalanced. School administrators should

not be handed impossible reforms and then held accountable for implementing them; they should have wide latitude to make good judgments on what best suits the needs of the student and the school environment,” Canady told the AFRO. “In-school suspension is one of many techniques used to encourage students to modify behavior and become successful academically. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy environment for children and school staff.” Grosso said he began researching other school districts and convened several working groups with education researchers, lawyers, and parents connected with charter, local education agencies, and public schools to draft the language. Other mandates of the legislation include: a ban on suspensions for absence/tardy instances, uniform violations, and purely behavioral incidents (i.e. willful defiance, etc.), as well as incidents that transpire off-campus. Student suspensions would be limited to 10 days or fewer consecutively, or fewer than 20 days cumulatively. Finally, schools must continue the education for students while they are suspended and have a reintegration plan for students to return successfully to school.

Adult Learning Continued from D1

high school credentials usually take classes at community colleges or community-based organizations to pass the General Education Development test, known as the GED. Unlike those options, which often carry fees, the adult schools in the District of Columbia are free and open to residents age 16 or 17, depending on the school, and older who want to earn high school credentials or further their skills. One student hunched over a math problem at Community College Preparatory Academy on a recent morning was 85 years old. That’s where Dickey labors on math and sees new possibilities. “I want to work in an office building,” she said. “I want something different. I want to have options.” In the city, more than 72,000 residents 25 and older don’t have high school credentials, according to 2016 census data. The first adult school in the city opened in the 1970s, and the sector has been growing in recent years. The D.C. Public Charter School Board has opened four new schools since 2012 and the D.C. Public Schools this year spent $4

million to revamp its four adult schools. While the adult charter schools tend to focus on older residents, traditional adult schools cater to residents aged 17-22, who receive a high school diploma if they complete the program. The schools have had mixed success, in part because older students also are balancing families and jobs. At Luke C. Moore High School, a public school that serves young adults, the average graduation rate is 49 percent, significantly below the nation —and D.C. — average. At Community College Prep, the GED completion rate is 50 percent. Nationwide, GED completion can range from 39 to 80 percent, according to several studies that used different methodology for tracking success rates. Such comparisons of success rates aren’t the full measure, said Julie Strawn with Abt

Associates, a research and consulting firm, because many other factors count, such as students’ initial skills and the barriers they face. “Whether that’s low or high depends a lot on where the students they are serving are starting from,” Strawn said. This year, the district launched a leadership training program at Georgetown University for 20 principals of D.C. regular and adult schools, both from the traditional public and charter sectors, to study together and – Nicole Dickey foster cooperation. And Scott Pearson, executive director of the D.C. Public Charter School Board, which runs 10 adult charter schools in the city, recently joined public schools chancellor Antwan Wilson on a tour of Luke C. Moore so they could learn together about educating adults. Aniya Smith, 18, transferred to Luke C. Moore after having a child last year. As she

“I want something different. I want to have options.”

attended a school coaching session, her 1-yearold daughter Riley prepared to nap in the onsite nursery. Besides help with child care, the school offers twice-a-week mentorship and coaching sessions to help students, who often experience trauma at home and in their communities, both academically and emotionally. “I am getting more help than I would have in any other schools,” said Smith, who wants to become a cosmetologist. “Since I am a mother ... it’s making things easier.” Students at Community College Prep attend three-hour sessions on weekdays, choosing morning, afternoon or evening classes depending on their family and work schedules. The sessions alternate between live instruction and online courses and tests. Besides GED preparation, the school also offers certification programs in IT and other fields, also for free. Jarell Richey, 35, is enrolled in an IT program at the school. “There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope,” said Richey, who was paralyzed in a shooting and served six years on drug charges. “Everything is OK.”

Minnesota Avenue

Continued from D1 East Capitol Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and ends in Southeast at Good Hope Road and on Sheriff Road, NE. “Ninety-nine percent of all employable businesses are small businesses and 95 percent of those businesses have fewer than 10 employees,” Cable Green, owner of Eclectic Cafe, said. “Corporations employ 38 percent of all American workers while 53 percent of Americans work for small businesses.” Throughout the day, the mayor traveled to other wards in the city to highlight the contributions of small businesses. For those seeking healthy food options, The MLK (Martin Luther King) Deli has proven to be a beacon of hope within a Southeast neighborhood sandwiched amid carry-outs, liquor stores, and corner stores. Its reputation for the best crab cakes and desserts in the city continues to create traffic nightmares for Metro bus drivers and parents picking up children from the Democracy Prep Charter school. That reputation also caught the attention of Bowser, who dropped in the family-owned business on Nov. 25. “It is

important for people in the District to support their corridors, Bowser said. “We expanded this last year because we want folks to support their local businesses so that they will be here and we can have filled storefronts and different options when people go in. We want people to walk and have every option in Ward 8 that they have in Ward 2 and the MLK Deli is a big part of that.” Tyrone White Jr., owner of the MLK Deli, said that Bower’s support, along with that of the city, has helped reinvigorate interests in their food beyond the immediate neighborhood – particularly among young people searching for healthy food options. The D.C. Main Streets program was created in 2002 under the mayoral administration of Anthony Williams and is designed to expand D.C.’s innovation economy and serve as a national model for inclusion and diversity. Minnesota Avenue is the second street in Ward 7 to be added to the program. Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave., N.E. was the first. D.C. Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) is pleased

about the Minnesota Avenue designation. “This will revitalize the corridor and small businesses will benefit from the designation,” Gray said. “There will be additional storefront investments and this will spur the building of the street car to the Benning Road station.” On Nov. 29, the D.C. Council’s Committee on Finance and Revenue also pushed forward two bills, the “East End Commercial Real Property Tax Rate Reduction Amendment Act of 2017,” which would lower the commercial property tax rate from $1.64 to $0.85 per hundred dollars of assessed value and the “East End Grocery and Retail Incentive Tax Exemption Act of 2017,” which would provide a 30-year tax relief for new grocery stores located in Wards 7 and 8. Both bills are scheduled to have a first vote before the full Council on Dec. 5. “This legislation will provide the spark that is needed to jump-start small business development in our neighborhood commercial corridors,” Gray said in a statement.

VIP Room Continued from D1

argued that public urination, debris, increased violence, reduced parking and decreased property values were a direct result of the VIP Room and its clientele; allegations later proved unfounded or erroneous. It took four years and the concerted effort of neighbors, other area businesses, and constant prayer, to resolve the issue. “We are thankful to God first and foremost because there are plenty of businesses in D.C. that are being targeted and closed by people who don’t see their value. It is because of the community and the reputation of the VIP Room for being stewards of the neighborhood that the board granted our license,” Sampson said. “The Board acknowledged that even with the temporary licensing there had [been] no issues or violations, and that our business model has not had a negative impact on quality of life in the community.” Sampson said that in addition to members of the community who endorsed their bid, Councilmember Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4), the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, the police department and other business owners, including Peaches Watson of Peaches Kitchen Restaurant and Catering, offered testimony on their behalf for the September hearing.

VIP Room neighbor Charlie Lassiter told the AFRO that she has supported the business from the moment the protestors and detractors came forward, and remains steadfast in ensuring the business continues to thrive. “I am all for people settling into a community, but they need to do so understanding what they are coming into rather than attempting to change things by maligning the characters and reputations of their fellow neighbors,” Lassiter told the AFRO. “I do believe the establishment was targeted, but I also believe that those who lied and schemed to try to keep the Sampsons from getting their license have learned a valuable lesson.” On the heels of the victory, the Sampson family has vowed to move on – continuing to serve the community that rallied behind them. “They tried to disrespect my father’s legacy and to target us the way they’ve done Black churches and small family businesses throughout the city, but we’ve always followed the rules and been faithful. That is a testimony to how God can fix things,” Sampson told the AFRO. “We want to make a living, but we want to honor God in everything we do. We will continue to ‘watch our backs’ because some folks still are unhappy, but we’re going to continue to follow the rules and give the same courtesy no matter your background or beliefs.”

“They tried to disrespect my father’s legacy and to target us the way they’ve done Black churches and small family businesses throughout the city, but we’ve always followed the rules and been faithful.”

December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017, The Afro-American

AFRO

WASHINGTON AREA

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Ave., NW World AIDS Day Mapathon The World AIDS Day Mapathon is scheduled to be held on Nov. 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Ave., NW. The purpose of the event is to increase an impact against HIV/AIDS and awareness by mapping areas of high-levels of individuals with HIV in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire in support of World AIDS Day. The event is free and open to the public. A laptop is recommended. To RCVP, email mapgive@state.gov. Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Connecting the Dots: Exploring the Intersection of Violence Against Women and Children The Global Women’s Institute is scheduled to host a panel “Connecting the Dots: Exploring the Intersection of Violence Against Women and Violence Against Children” on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave., NW. The panel will discuss common factors that lead to such cases of violence as well as challenges and opportunities to survive from such abuse. The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, visit globalwomensinstitute.gwu.edu

Bowie, Md.

New Beginnings Community Fellowship Church, 16508 Old Central Ave. Things Aren’t Always What They Seem The Taking Effective Action are partnering with Love A.M.E. Church and New Beginnings Community Church to host a two-act play entitled “Things Aren’t Always What They Seem” on Dec. 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the New Beginnings Community Fellowship Church, 16508 Old Central Ave. The play highlights HIV/AIDS as well as STDs and the various ways college students are exposed to the diseases as well as the negative stigmas about the diseases, and how to live a prosperous, healthy life when facing the disease. Following the play, a panel will be available to answer the audience’s general questions. The panel will include a licensed family therapist, three pastors and an HIV/ AIDS subject matter expert from the Prince George’s County Health Department as the panel moderator. The event is free. For more information, visit t-action.org.

CHURCH EVENTS Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Baptist Church, 1412 Minnesota Ave., SE ONE D.C. and Empower D.C. Host ‘On My Mind/In My Heart’ Performance Community nonprofit organizations ONE D.C. and Empower D.C. will host “On My Mind/In My Heart: The Voices of Women in Public Housing” on Dec. 1 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Ambassador Baptist Church, located at 1412 Minnesota Ave., SE. The free event is a performance led by the voices and perspectives of six women as public housing residents in the midst of gentrification in the District. The performance will be followed by a discussion, including Congress Heights residents and representatives from ONE DC, highlighting how to resist displacement.

Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St., NW Community Christmas Festival

Foundry United Methodist Church and nonprofit organization Friends of Stead Park will host their annual Community Christmas Festival on Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St., NW. This free event will include free photos with Santa, crafts, snacks and a donation drive for attendees to bring hats, gloves, and other winter wear for the homeless.

Alexandria, Va.

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Rd. Blessed, Bold and Beautiful Breakfast Bazaar

Agape Embassy Ministries will host their Blessed, Bold and Beautiful Breakfast Bazaar on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Rd. The event will be hosted by Dr. Renee Mills and will feature guest speakers and various vendors. Registration is required. Breakfast is also included.

Homicide Count 2017 Total

Past Seven Days

106 2

Data as of Nov. 29

Fort Washington, Md.

6801 Bock Rd. Speak Up & Speak Out Speak Up & Speak Out is a youth mentorship program located at 6801 Bock Rd. The program will be hosting their first meeting on Dec. 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The mentors hope to empower, engage, and promote strong mental health within the youth in the area. The event is free. Speak Up & Speak Out is currently looking for mentors who are eager to positively influence the youth. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Washington, D.C.

St. Marks Episcopal Church, 301 A Street 5th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence The 5th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence is scheduled to be held on Dec. 6 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 301 A Street, SE. Hosted by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the event sheds light on the devastating impact of gun violence and contributes to the #EndGunViolence through all fifty states. Families and loved one directly affected by gun violence are expected to be in attendance. Performers, congressional leaders, and guest speakers are also expected to be in attendance. The event is free and open to all. For more information, visit eventbrite. com.

Food

Continued from D1 [Capitol Heights] area. This area needs more grocery stores and more accessible grocery store options.” In the District, D.C. Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) has introduced legislation that addresses food deserts in his ward and the neighboring Ward 8. The primary bill is “The East End Health Care Desert, Retail Desert and Food Desert Act of 2017” that is set to be sent to the council as a result of action that took place on Nov. 29 in the Committee on Finance and Revenue, with “The East End Grocery and Retail Incentive Program Tax Abatement Act of 2017” and “The East End Surplus Allocation Equitable Incentive Act of 2017” also being considered as a three-part package. The bills are scheduled to have a first vote before the full Council on Dec. 5.

Let’s treat each other with respect.

Who am I? I’m a brother, an uncle, a travel lover —but you know me as your Metrobus driver. Each day I come to work to give my best effort, not to be threatened or assaulted. After all, we take this trip together.

The Afro-American, December 2, 2017 - December 8, 2017

Photos by Rob Roberts

Edgar brookins being escorted in by Renee Brown(left) and Pamela Jenkins(right) Edgar Brookins, D.C. AFRO general manager; Andrea Roane, WUSA9 News, emcee; and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker

Edgar Brookins with models from Anya by Vivien

Dexter Brookins and Renee Allen

Darius Grayson(cousin), Larry Lucas(college buddy), Edgar Brookins, Joe Howze, Orlando Dixon and Frank Phillips, fraternity brothers

Violinist Marvin Miller

Bernetta Townsend(top 2nd from the right) and family

Edgar Brookins(center) with members of Delta Sigma Theta Soroity

Planning committee: Dexter Brookins, Andrea Young, Pamela Jenkins, Edgar Brookins, Renee Allen and Dewayne Sims

Joe Howze and Gwen Howze

Edgar Brookins Birthday Celebration Edgar Brookins’ 70th birthday celebration was held on Nov. 12 at the Camelot by Martin’s, Upper Marlboro, Md. with nearly 200 family and guests attending. The celebration provided a variety of entertainment, good food, special video presentations, tributes, and a mini-fashion show. The celebration raised more than $4,000 for the Lupus Foundation in memory of Brookins’ daughter, Ciera.

Evie Brown and Michelle Bailey, Arlington, Va. Links present $3,000 donation to Edgar for the Lupus Foundation

Master T impersonates Barry White

The Brookins family

Edgar Brookins and Rev. Dr. Myrtle Bowen

Frances Johnson, Ms. Senior D.C.

Mary Lively, Guy Lambert and Dr. Alice Howard

R & B singer Raheem DeVaughn

Roxie Curtis, Reggie Burvis and Gina Whitmowth

Marvette Thomas, Gigi Williams and Rev. Velena Metcatte

Alice H. Howard, president/organizer, NCBW, Prince William County, Va.

5th Annual Gala and Fundraiser The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Prince William County Chapter held its 5th Annual Gala and Fundraiser on Nov. 11 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va. The theme for the evening was, “Puttin’ On The Glitz-A Night To Sparkle” with guest emcee, Guy Lambert from WPGC-FM Radio and guest artists Raheem DeVaughn, Wes Felton and the Crossrhodes.

Edgar Brookins, D.C. AFRO general manager, Pamela Jenkins and Guy Lambert, WPGC Radio, gala emcee

Members of the Prince William County Coalition of 100 Black Women

The Andrews Family

Photos by Rob Roberts