Certified Business Enterprise
By: Ashleigh Fields
Last year citizens in the District were subject to the highest rate of violent crime and property theft in the last two decades. Over 274 lives were claimed due to gun violence making 2023 the deadliest year for the city since 1997. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the city council faced significant pushback from residents who felt like elected officials were not doing enough to keep neighborhoods safe.
By the end of the year, Bowser and the City Council selected Police Chief Pamela Smith to take over the Metropolitan Police Department to make improvements to the broader community.
“The Metropolitan Police Department remains steadfast in our mission to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the District of Columbia,” said Chief Pamela Smith prior to announcing the city’s enrollment in a new drone program.
The District’s police force will join the 1,500 other departments across the nation that utilize remotely operated aircraft systems like drones in cases of missing persons, locating individuals with high-risk warrants, car crashes and other instances.
“MPD’s new drone program marks a significant step in integrating the latest innovative technology to better serve and protect the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia,” Smith added with the support of Mayor Bowser.
Throughout the last six months, the
department says their air unit has responded to 493 calls for service and assisted officers in conducting 76 arrests.
“We know that MPD’s Air Support Unit plays an important role in driving down crime and keeping our community safe, and these upgrades are going to support that work,” said Mayor Bowser. “We have already seen
Community News
Local Education News
Black Celebrities advocate on Capi tol Hill Read More on P5
New laws in the DMV to start this month
Read More on P10
Senate Blocks Rights to IVF Read More on P8
(Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Police Department)
The UnTold Stories
Monthly Contributors:
Ashleigh Fields
Donald Isaac
Phinis Jones
Kristal Knight
Shelley Rice
Jacqueline Walker
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Governor Wes Moore pardons 175,000 Marylanders with Cannabis Convictions
By: Ashleigh Fields
The nation’s sole Black governor, Wes Moore, made history on June 17 by signing an ex ecutive order pardoning Marylanders with charges relating to the possession of cannabis and qualifying misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Moore followed in the footsteps of President Biden who first pardoned thousands with felonies for marijuana possession and use in October of 2022. Both Biden and Moore be lieve the step is a measure toward evening the playing field for racial and economic injus tices.
“Maryland made history when we legalized cannabis by referendum. But we cannot cele brate the benefits of legalization while forget ting the consequences of criminalization. No Marylander should face barriers to housing, employment, or education based on convic tions for conduct that is no longer illegal,” said Gov. Moore. “Today, we take a big step forward toward ensuring equal justice for all. But this won’t be our last effort. We must continue to move in partnership to build a state and society that is more equitable, more just, and leaves no one behind.”
The action represents the first of its kind in the nation by including pardons for drug paraphernalia which Moore’s office says will clear the records of approximately 18,000. The formal process for forgiveness is expected to take two weeks under the Maryland Judiciary courts which will clear each individual’s electronic docket with a pardon respective to the corresponding crime for which they were convicted.
“The enforcement of cannabis laws has disproportionately and overwhelmingly burdened communities of color. Opportunities were denied because those who were convicted faced steep obstacles to jobs, education, and housing,” said Maryland Attor-
ney General Anthony G. Brown. “Governor Moore’s pardons will remove these barriers and enable thousands of Marylanders to lead productive lives without the impediments created by their prior convictions. I thank Governor Moore for his bold and decisive action in the name of fairness and equity.”
Over the course of the next 10 months, those imprisoned for marijuana related crimes can also expect to see clearance on their criminal record to indicate the conviction was pardoned. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will oversee this process.
“Today’s historic pardon is the boldest measure undertaken by any governor and will finally provide a light at the end of the tunnel for people who are dealing with the collateral consequences of a record – inability to find
housing, employment, education, or even insurance or financial products, based solely on a scarlet letter from their past,” said Last Prisoner Project Director of Strategic Initiatives Jason Ortiz. “By answering President Biden’s continued call on governors to grant cannabis clemency, Governor Moore has become a champion of cannabis justice that other governors can follow. All it takes is the stroke of a pen to right history.”
Individuals do not need to take any action to receive the pardon. Those interested in reviewing their record or have questions about if they qualify for a pardon can visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website: casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/ .
To locate the nearest courthouse, visit mdcourts.gov/courtsdirectory/courtlocations
Photo courtesy of the Office of Gov. Wes Moore
1
success with the Real-Time Crime Center, and this is one more way to leverage new technology to protect officers, keep DC safe, and drive down crime.”
(Photo courtesy of MPD)
Bowser’s 2025 fiscal year budget will financially support 200 new CCTV cameras, 47 license plate readers and Airbus H-125 helicopter, referred to as Falcon 1. The device features new technology that allows for better tracking and execution of real time crime review especially in weather resistant conditions. According to the city, Falcon 1 will also help with the Harbor Police Unite that monitors water vehicles and bridges.
So far this year, Falcon 1 has conducted 100 photo missions to include crime scene documentation and crowd management; 457 safety checks of boaters, hikers, and pedestrians along the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers; and 558 traffic safety checks, including observation of roadway work zones, traffic flow, and crash investigation.
(Photo courtesy of MPD Facebook)
By: Ashleigh Fields
Black Celebrities advocate on Capitol Hill
A few of the most notable Black artists have spent the last few months visiting the nation’s capital to champion causes that have been impacting the Black community. Halle Berry, Usher Raymond and Curtis Jackson also known as “50 Cent” have paid their legislators a visit on the Hill to personally raise awareness about a wide array of issues.
On May 2, Berry spoke about menopause, a condition that impacts a woman’s ovaries causing them to stop producing eggs and releasing the necessary hormones for fertility.
On the steps of the Capitol, Berry alongside Senators Patty Murray and Lisa Murkowski. Together, they introduced the Advancing Menopause and Midlife Women’s Health Care Act. Legislation that has the potential to use an unprecedented $275 million toward research, care and acute treatment for menopause.
“I’m standing up for myself. Because I know that when a woman stands up for herself she stands up for all women. And all women go through menopause,” Berry, a 57-year-old mother of two, said.
Nearly 1 in 3 women between 45 and 54 have been misdiagnosed with another condition by a healthcare provider before finding out it was actually menopause causing their symptoms according to a recent poll.
Inaccurate diagnosis often disproportionately impacts Black women. Similar to type 1 diabetes which disproportionately affects Black youth.
Usher Raymond, whose son receives treatment for diabetes, visited the Hill to discuss the rising cost of insulin on June 12.
“Really great to be able to be here in the city today, be able to share my story,” Raymond told reporters.
He met with Sen. Raphael Warnock, Rep. Diana DeGette and Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Diabetes was the eighth-leading cause of death in the United States in recent years which is why activists are supporting the PREVENT DIABETES Act authored by members of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus.
“Our bill makes CDC-recognized diabetes prevention programs more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries at risk of diabetes, particularly those in rural areas and others who may not be able to attend an in-person diabetes prevention program,” said DeGette.
Access to resources has been a barrier to success for millions due to direct and indirect financial challenges. Well known rapper “50 Cent” took time to speak to his issue as a minority business owner who lacks access to capital during his visit to the Hill on June 5.
“[Jackson] was here today trying to blaze trails, knock down barriers and say just like you want generational wealth for you children, we want generational wealth for our children,” Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump shared on his behalf.
Jackson mentioned he was taken advantage of by distributor Suntory Global who he claims overcharged him $6 million for the purchase of spirits for his liquor company. He met with
Singer songwriter Usher walks through the Rayburn Room outside of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ office at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., June 12, 2024. Courtesy Getty Images
By: Ashleigh Fields
Biden celebrates Juneteenth on White House South Lawn
Hundreds of celebrities, lawmakers and artists gathered on the White House South Lawn in honor of Juneteenth, the nation’s newest federal holiday. The event served as a day of remembrance of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas ending generations of enslavement for many Black families.
So far, the White House team has put on two concerts for invited guests to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of Black professionals spanning throughout the last century. This year, officials invited legends like Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson, Kirk Franklin and Patina Miller amongst many others to artistically portray songs of strength, struggle and success.
“Our ancestors are smiling down on us celebrating something that would have seemed unfathomable,” Wilson, the final performer shared while on stage.
His words were echoed by other musicians who feel as though the annual formal recognition is not only desired but needed to remind Americans how America was developed into fruition.
“It’s important to know how we got all the way from enslavement to the first Black woman vice president and the first Black woman on the Supreme Court,” the evening’s host, comedian Roy Wood proclaimed.
His script included highlights of significant moments and leaders in Black history who helped ensure their children could live a better life where their civil rights were constitutionally recognized and upheld.
Wood mentioned names like Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman to a group of historic elected officials like Congressman Jim
courtesy of the White House Clyburn and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Two long serving members in the House of Representatives that also formerly chaired the Congressional Black Caucus, a legislative group geared towards “achieving greater equity for persons of African descent in the design and content of domestic and international programs and services.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said the goal of the night’s event was to be mindful of the
past while pressing forward towards a better future.
“While Juneteenth is a day for celebration, it is also a day for dedication; a day to rededicate ourselves to the ongoing and unfinished work of our American experiment; a day to renew our commitment to defend our freedoms, to honor our history, and to continue to fight for the promise of America,” said Harris.
Photo
Charlie Wilson performing White House Juneteenth Celbration Photo courtesy of the White House
Biden also shared similar sentiments during his closing remarks.
Biden said Juneteenth is, “A day of profound weight and power. A day to remember the original sin of slavery and the extraordinary capacity to emerge from the most powerful moments and the painful moments with a better vision for ourselves. A day that reminds us we have a hell of a lot more work to do.”
He signed legislation to ensure the national holiday, Juneteenth, would no longer just be informally celebrated but recognized by federal entities across the nation on June 17, 2021.
Pictured: Invited guest celbrating Juneteenth on the White House south lawn./ courtesy of the White House
By: Ashleigh Fields
Earlier this month, Senators were tasked with evaluating reproductive rights to treatment and contraception. The two bills known as the “Right to Contraception Act” and the “Right to IVF Act” fell short of the necessary votes to pass, impacting millions aspiring to create families. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade which granted citizens the right to an abortion, many are concerned about vital access to healthcare for women, especially those residing in conservative states.
“The anti-abortion movement is not yet finished. Now that Roe is gone, they have set their sights to a new target- in vitro fertilization,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.
In Vitro Fertilization, also known as IVF, collects eggs from a woman’s ovaries to be fertilized by sperm in a lab outside of the human body. Embryos are then placed into the woman’s womb 3 to 5 days after egg retrieval and fertilization. The procedure is done in the doctor’s office while the woman is awake.
Women who are older in age or those whose health conditions make it harder for them to
Senate Blocks Rights to IVF
conceive often use this option to protect themselves and the baby from any harm. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, Tyra Banks and Kim Kardashian amongst others have used IVF to carry their pregnancies to full term.
“We were trying to get pregnant and it wasn’t going well,” Obama, 60, wrote in her memoir Becoming. “We had one pregnancy test come back positive, which caused us both to forget every worry and swoon with joy, but a couple of weeks later I had a miscarriage, which left me physically uncomfortable and cratered any optimism we felt.”
Because of her struggles with conception she turned to IVF to help.
“I felt like I failed because I didn’t know how common miscarriages were because we don’t talk about them,” she later shared in an interview broadcast on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Black women are 43% more likely to have a miscarriage than their counterparts and are also more likely to die in childbirth which is one reason many have turned to alternative methods for reproduction.
“Access to IVF empowers individuals to navigate their reproductive journeys with autonomy and choice. To deny people this fundamental right is to deprive them of the ability to plan their futures,” Senator Cory Booker said when the bill was first introduced. “It’s imperative that we protect everyone’s opportunity to pursue parenthood and uphold reproductive freedom in response to the relentless attacks on Americans’ right to make their own medical decisions happening in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, including against IVF.”
According to statistics from the American Pregnancy organization, 10-25% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, while more than 8 million children have been born via in vitro fertilization.
Currently, IVF is legal in most states but is not a federally protected right anywhere. Recently, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled the treatment was illegal leaving hundreds with an uncertain future without access to further treatment.
“My husband and I are filled with so much uncertainty about expanding our family without the risk of being prosecuted,” Jamie Heard, a Black woman from Birmingham testified before Congress. “All these questions and all these decisions regarding my body and my family are being decided by those who aren’t here with me to fight the anguish of infertility.” Democrats have accused Republicans of widespread plans to revoke access to IVF and other treatments, however many have adamantly denied those claims.
Currently, Costa Rica is the only country to outlaw IVF but thousands fear without federal protections states across America will do the same.
In her testimony at the Capitol, Heard emphasized she was left in a state of turmoil as, “there are still a lot of questions that we have about how to move forward.”
A statement released by a group of all 49 Republican Senators read, “In vitro fertilization is legal and available in every state across our nation. We strongly support continued nationwide access to IVF, which has allowed millions of aspiring parents to start and grow their families.”
Senate Block IVF from pg.
Photo courtesy of the Associated Press
By: Shelley Rice
New laws impacting the DMV to start this month
There are new laws beginning July 1, 2024 that will impact residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, colloquially known by the abbreviation “DMV”.
These changes throught the region have been long awaited by many and highly objected by others. These laws, signed by Governors Glenn Youngkin and Wes Moore, cover various issues from minimum wage increase, child marriages to active shooter drills, cracking down on ticket price scams and retail alchohol delivery.
Here are a few to note and make appropriate actions to comply.
District of Columbia
Minimum wage increase
The minimum wage in the District will increase from $17 per hour to $17.50 per hour for all workers, regardless of the size of their employer. Select the Public Notice below to see the full announcement.
Public Notice
Maryland, Governor Wes Moore signed 1,049 bills into law. View all the MD passed legislation here: 2024 Genearal Session
• Vehicle Registration: Next time motorists register their vehicles expect a new rates increase between 60% and 75%, depending on the weight of vehicles. See more at mva.maryland.gov.
• Indoor Vaping Ban: Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act ban on smoking extended to vaping in public indoor areas, places of employment and mass transit systems.
• Pava Marie LaPere Act: Prevents those convicted of first-degree rape and most violent sex crimes from earning early release shortening credits for good behavior.
• Tobacco Tax Increases: A pack of 20 cigarettes increased from $3.75 to $5 with an additional $1.25 tax. Other tobacco products, excluding cigars, went up 7% to 60% of the wholesale price. Sales and use tax on electronic smoking devices increased from 12% to 20%.
• Ride-Hailing Services: The new fee is 75 cents per passenger trip, or 50 cents for each shared-passenger trip or trip in an electric vehicle.
• Electric Vehicles: a new annual surcharge set to $125 for zero-emission vehicles and $100 for plug-in electric vehicles.
Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 777 bills this session. View all the VA passed legislation here: 2024 Genearal Session
• Active Shooter Drills-Rules: The state barred drills or trainings in schools from including specified activities that could be traumatic for students or school personnel.
• Legacy Admissions: HB 48 prohibits any public higher education institution from giving preferential treatment in admissions decisions on the basis of a student’s legacy status.
• “Lucia’s Law”: named for 13-year-old Lucia Bremer, a Henrico girl who was killed by another teenager with documented mental health issues. SB 44 charges any person 18 and older that is responsible for the care of a child with a felony if their child gains possession of a firearm when they have been notified that the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
• Auto Sears Ban: HB 22 prohibits “auto sears”, a device used in converting a semiautomatic firearm to shoot automatically without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger.
• Minimum Wage: Montgomery County, Md. Large employers, with 51 or more workers, will increase to $17.15 per hour. Mid-sized, employers with 11-50 workers, requirement will increase to $15.50 per hour.
Celebrities on Capital Hill from pg. 10
both Republicans and Democrats including House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana who commended him for urging Congress to do more for minority business owners.
“This is exciting for me, I got to meet with both sides today,” said Jackson. “The response I got makes me feel like there are bright things ahead of us.”
In the coming months, more Black leaders are expected to be invited to speak to Congress members either providing testimonies or private discussions with lawmakers about current legislation.
Pictured: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (L) and his lawyer Ben Crump with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) at the U.S. Capitol to advocate for Black entrepreneurship on June 05, 2024 in Washington, DC./ Getty Images
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson with “50 Cent” in D.C. thanking him for investing in Shreveport and the community. 50 Cent’s G-Unit Studios opened in Shreveport earlier this year../ Getty Images
CANCER
(June 21 to July 22)
Affirm:“Iamblessedtobesuchablessingtotheworld.”.”
July 2024 is bursting with abundance, romance, and new opportunities. Things kick off on a high note! bringing a chance to set some powerful and heartfelt intentions around your most meaningful goals. nce Leo season kicks into gear, you’ll be ready to get your finances in order and tap into a more abundance-focused mindset. Allow yourself to enjoy the finer things in life and indulge in all the sensual pleasures the summer has to offer!
LEO
(July 23 to August 22)
Affirm:“I reconnect with my true self whenever I feel lost.” Your birthday season is fast approaching! You’re generating lots of ideas and you’ve got plenty to say about them, so speak up! Spending some time alone to reflect on things and get in tune with your heart. Clear clutter from your schedule and ditch any bad habits to make room for growth. Try to find a balance between taking action toward your higher path and surrendering to the universe’s plans
VIRGO
(August 23 to September 22)
Affirm:“I am an endless source of positive change for the world.” Cancer season has you craving social connections and collaboration but your Virgo horoscope for July 2024 promises plenty of action in the realms of career, romance, and spirituality too! Your intuition is your superpower over the next few weeks. Do something worthwhile for your community now or be a little vulnerable and reignite the friend group chat so you can coordinate some plans. You may feel an urge to make an unexpected move or shift your way of thinking mid-month, so go with it. Change can be a good thing, and you’re more open-minded than people give you credit for!
LIBRA
(September 23 to October 22)
Affirm:“I am aligned with opportunities that bring me the most success.”
Cancer season has you pouring your heart into your work life, but your Libra horoscope for July 2024 promises plenty of time for you to put your social butterfly wings back on, too. It’s a great time to network or bring new friend groups together. Professional goals have been dominating much of your time the past month, but the full moon on July 21 puts you back in touch with your responsibilities at home, giving you a chance to take care of any lingering business.
JULY Horoscopes
Source: https://stylecaster.com/
SCORPIO
(October 23 to November 21)
Affirm:“When I try something new, I embark on an adventure.”
This month, open up your heart and mind to new adventures, giving you a chance to breathe life into your summer goals and beyond. Professional plans begin to click into place, bringing more connection, communication, and ideas at work. It’s a it a fabulous time to sign up for a class or grab a book from the library to expand your knowledge on something.
SAGITTARIUS
(November 22 to December 21)
Affirmation:“My circumstances don’t define who I am or where I’m headed..”
The more you work through what’s weighing on your heart, the higher you can soar as you explore new adventures! Letting yourself be vulnerable is an admirable and impressive skill. it could prompt some wonderfully deep and meaningful conversations in relationships. The people close to you can offer some interesting perspectives.
CAPRICORN
(December 22 to January 19)
Affirm:“I attract love because I am worthy of it.” Relationships are a big part of your horoscope for July 2024, and you’re exploring every facet of them including the relationship you have to your own reflection! If you’re single, the middle of the month is an exciting time to break out of your comfort zone and take action on your passions. Loosen up, try something new, and let people be surprised.
AQUARIUS
(January 20 to February 18)
Affirm: “I live every single day as though it is my last.” There’s lots of intensity on the menu this month , so buckle up! It’s a fabulous time for kicking off some healthy habits and incorporating more selfcare into your daily groove. You may find yourself digging into suspicions or just having some deep conversations that bring the truth to the surface.
PISCES
(February 19 to March 20)
Affirmation:“I speak to myself the same way I deserved to be spoken to as a child.”
The truth is, life is never perfect. There’s always something that can go wrong, even when you do everything to prevent it. You can’t keep postponing your happiness until you break some imaginary record, because life is here right now. It’s happening right before your very eyes, and all you can do is persist. All you can do is remain resilient, knowing a better day is always on the horizon, but there will be worse days too. Even if you feel fatigued this month, know that you’re this close to a breakthrough. Giving up now would only make it harder to get back up. Accept that it’s not perfect, but at least you didn’t quit.
ARIES
(March 21 to April 19)
Affirmation:“Home is where I feel protected from negative energy.”
Cancer season tend to bring out your softer side. it’s a great time to connect with family or focus on taking care of your emotions. avoid making any high-risk moves when it comes to money, even if it sounds like a good idea at the moment. Socializing and taking action on your creative ideas. It’s time to bring a big project to fruition!
TAURUS
(April 20 to May 20)
Affirm:“When I speak, other people listen with fascination.” it’s a great time to start a conversation about something you’ve been yearning to talk about. Unpredictable vibes really pop off mid-month. as it’s pushing you to embrace your higher aspirations and shake yourself out of old paradigms that may have held you back. All that adventure might tire you out by the end of the month, though. Tackle some chores, call up your family members, and carve out some quality time to chill during these dog days of summer
GEMINI
(May 21 to June 20)
Affirm:“I am building the type of wealth that never runs out.” July 2024 promises lots of opportunities to connect with the people around you (and your inner self, too!) Make a summer budget so you can allot a little more cash to spend on the things you care about. Look forward to a big boost in physical energy and motivation come July 20. The next month and a half is a fabulous time for pursuing your goals and taking decisive action on things. Let go of grudges or emotional bonds that are bogging you down!
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