The Washington Informer - April 21, 2016

I N S I D E

Bill Targets Police Raids at Wrong Addresses Page 5

VOL. 51, NO. 28 APRIL 21 - 27, 2016 MY SCHOOL DC - There are still seats available for school year 2016-17. Apply today at MySchoolDC.org.

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Have We Forgotten Abducted Nigerians?

DC Native Lives Historic 40 Years After Kidney Transplant Page 20

The Truth behind the RNC’s ‘Black Exodus’

Miami Congresswoman Continues the Fight for Girls’ Return

Where Do African Americans Really Fit? Do They Fit at All?

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

It’s been two years, April 14th to be exact, since the world witnessed the abduction of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls from their dormitory rooms at the hands of Boko Haram – a West African terrorist group that has lodged atrocities against its own people including the burning of children alive and sending teenaged girls on suicide bomb missions.

But one member of Congress, a former principal and mother now in her third term in office, said she refuses to rest until the remaining 219 girls still missing have been safely returned to their families.

On Thursday, April 14, she sponsored a press conference and panel discussion in the Cannon House Office Building in Southeast that included experts and advocates who offered their perspectives and solutions for addressing the ongoing crisis in the region. Several girls who escaped their abductors and now live in the U.S. also shared comments and expressed their thanks.

Wilson has visited Nigeria several times along with other members of Congress where they’ve met with some of the victims and their parents.

She remains a staunch supporter of the Bring

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has refuted claims that a number of key African-American employees were either fired or forced to resign with officials pointing to Telly Lovelace, the GOP’s newest liaison to the Black media, as proof that the party remains devoted to diversity.

Lovelace said that the top Black staffers who left did so after being presented with opportunities that could have helped to boost their careers.

“The staff [people] that left were not fired,” he said, countering public comments by Raynard Jackson, a veteran Republican consultant, who recently wrote an op-ed that said, “these staffers deserved to be fired and it should have happened a long time ago. They were in way over their heads and their level of arrogance was just astonishing.”

Lovelace said that Kristal Quarker-Hartsfield, the former national director of African American Initiatives was with the RNC through the 2014 election cycle and that she left to take a position with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.

BOKO HARAM Page 38

5Students from Drew Elementary’s pom-pom team perform during the Emancipation Day Parade on Saturday, April 16 in Northwest. / Photo by Patricia Little

RNC Page 9

Eight Student Journalists Poised to ‘Discover the Unexpected’ in Four Cities

NNPA, Chevrolet Announce Selection of Fellows for New Program

By Freddie Allen NNPA National News Editor

5L-R Victoria Jones, Tatyana Hopkins, Sidney King, Mckenzie Marshall,

Brelaun Douglas, Briahnna Brown announced as the Chevrolet and National Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Fellowship Program recipients on Friday, April 15 at the Howard University School of Communications in Northwest. / Photo by Travis Riddick Little

Sidnee King, a 20 year-old broadcast journalism student at Howard University, admitted that she was nervous about her summer plans the day before the 2016 “Discover the Unexpected” (DTU) journalism fel-

lows were announced.

King said that she missed the DTU program launch on March 23, when officials from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Chevrolet and the School of Communications at Howard University revealed that eight student journalists would be

selected to produce content for four NNPA member publications.

King’s mother reassured her that things would work out, and when they did, King couldn’t wait to share the great news.

DISCOVER Page 11

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DC Republican Advisory Council Host Spring Reception The DC Republican Advisory Council hosted a Spring reception at the home of Michael and Susan Pillsbury in Georgetown. Jose Cunningham, Chairman of the DC GOP, introduced the guest speaker, Bill Kristol, Editor of the Weekly Standard. The current state of national Republican politics afforded a spirited discussion. For further information: www.dcgop.com.

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WI H O T the T OCycle P I Cof S Women Break Domestic Violence One-Year Anniversary of Freddie Gray’s Death COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR

By Tia Carol Jones lawdied enforcement.

Shesustained said theyas Baltimore threat,” she said.transported him to a It’s been a year since Freddie Gray from injuries police WIlocal Staffstation.

Writer

hadafter come together Among the programs Gray, 25, was arrested running fromtothebring policea and was not secured in the Marlow back of the sense of spine uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are police van which led to 80 percent of his being severed.

When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- have domestic andchange stricter restraining order policies, His death and the aftermath alreadyviolence broughtvictims significant to the city’s political landscape. old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families The police commissioner at the time, Anthony Batts, has been fired.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicchose runoffor another bringing a crowded field of candidates to run for the office. The Rev. life, andnot thetolife their child,term, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessJamal Bryant, the popular Baltimore pastor who delivered the eulogy at Gray’s funeral,with said further during an she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled NPROut interview thatfrustration issues like poverty and police reform have moved “very slow, almost at a snail’s pace.” done. of her said about Marlow. training for law enforcement still dealinghandling with joblessness and lack of opportunity and really subpar education. policing with“We’re law enforcement's Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life So Protecimportant are many variables thatbook play awill role intion what for thecounseluprising in ofisthe situation,but shethere decided to different who reads Marlow's Acthappened and mandatory Baltimore a yearPromise ago,” Bryant start the Saving cam- said. “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradi“It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicWhile hundreds of protestors continue to gather on the steps shared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim conservative and the batterer,” Marlow of the Supreme Court, the court’s and liberal justices ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. appear to be split while hearing a challenge to President Obama’s Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see to shield millions of undocumented fromraise deporon May 7 at the District Heights wife plan of John Allen Muhammad, programs immigrants designed to tation and givetothem the right awareness to work legally in the U.S. A 4-to-4 Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced six consecamong children in in place a lowerpublic court’sand decision the president sium was sponsored by the utivetielifewould termsleave without parole privatethat schools.

She exceeded his the directive.

Family and Youth Services by a Maryland jurypowers for his in roleissuing in feels children need to be educatCenter of the city of District the Beltway And while it would be in a significant blow for Obama and his legSniper attacks ed about domestic violence.

Heights and the National Hook- 2002.acy,Mildred is an estimated the real Muhammad losers would be “We have4 million to stop undocumented being pasUp of Black Women. the founder of After Trauma, sive-aggressive with have poorfamily chil- ties immigrants whothe have been in the U.S. since 2010, hascitizens writtenoraothers book,legally an in organization the committed dren about domestic violence,” toMarlow American the countrythat andhelps have not felonies or repeated misde“Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. meanors. story four generations and their children. has Permanent worked to Residents break Theabout immigration program,ofDeferred Action for Parents of Americans Marlow and Lawful domestic violence. The book is lived in for six years. cycleRepublicans of abuse in decided her family, [DAPA] was instituted by executive “Iaction in fear November 2014Six after the House not to inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she act on comprehensive immigration reform.

The justices must decide whether the president correctly and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start thatused the mother substantial of his officeof,” to break through the political impasse or if he ignored constitutional her andpowers her daughter. she said. process. boundaries and time limitsshe to unilaterally impose without congressional approval.

She said every reads Mildredpolicies Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliwon the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.”

Hillary Clinton got her campaign back on track with a Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached Tuesday night in New York’s “I was just 16-years-old when mode”.solid victory over Bernie Sanders at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net primary elections, ending his weeks-long winning streak. Clinmy eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going ton, winning 57.6 to 42.4 percent, said in her victory speech, lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI “there’s no place like home” – a reference to her eight years in Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up New York State where she served as senator. Clinton could knock of Black Women, said there is no out her opponent for good with victories in next week’s elections consistency in the way domestic in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delviolence issues are dealt with by aware. Sanders, who returned home to Vermont quietly after acknowledging his loss, may have been his own worst enemy, attacking Clinton with negative rhetoric and advertising instead of focusing on the issues as he’s done in the past.

Trump performed better than anyone thought in the Empire State, trouncing both John Kasich and Ted Cruz, 60 percent, 25.2 percent and 14.8 percent, respectively. With well over 50 percent of the vote statewide and holding similar margins in the majority of the state’s 27 congressional districts, Trump picked up almost all of New York’s 95 delegates. Trump, who appears to have matured as a candidate and did not hurl insults at his opponents, said during his victory speech, “We don’t have much of a race anymore. Senator Cruz is just about mathematically eliminated. We’re really, really rocking.”

Supreme Court Split Over Obama’s Immigration Plan

Clinton, Trump Take New York By Storm

Wilhelmina J. Rolark In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. PUBLISHER Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is NEWSPAPER THE WASHINGTON INFORMER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published published weekly on each Thursday. weekly on Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Periodicals WashingSTAFF mailingpostage offices. paid Newsat and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. ton, Announcements D.C. and additional of- two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The must mailing be received D. Kevin McNeir, Editor fices.Washington News and Informer. advertising Alldeadline rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressRon Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director is Monday to publication.

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“

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and Jailed Prince George’s County Execthem Seeksto Day in Courtour implore change Jack B. Johnson, the former Prince George’s County executive who pleaded guilty laws.

I will not stop until in a corruption scheme and is now serving 87 months in prison, has asked a Maryland judge to set aside his conviction and sentence.

Johnson, 67, in a recently filed motion, asserts that “newly discovered evidence these policies are passed.

“

In Memoriam

The Washington Informer Dr. Calvin Newspaper W. Rolark, Sr.

uncovers probable law enforcement misconduct” in connection with the federal investigation into his actions that led him to take a plea in 2011 on extortion and witness L.Y. Marlow PHOTOGRAPHERS CIRCULATION and evidence tampering.

Paul Trantham John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, He adds that he and his family even received several notes that were either offensive Roy Lewis, Patricia Little, Corey Parrish, or implied death threats prior to his reporting to prison in 2012.

Travis Riddick, Nancy Shia Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein, whose office prosecuted Johnson, who served as county executive from 2002 until December 2010, and his wife, Leslie, said the motion is without merit. Johnson 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com is scheduled to be released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland in June 2017. His wife received one year and one day in prison and was released in 2013. She had been elected to the County Council just 10 days before her arrest.

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AROUND THE REGION

Bill Targets Police Raids at Wrong Addresses

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer It was a cold January morning in Northeast.

To the Gilmore family, the day meant school for the children and work for single parent Darrell Gilmore.

All sense of normalcy, however, abruptly came to an end when police executed a search warrant on their home, terrorizing the family with guns and handcuffing Gilmore, who was taking a shower.

“They had my father handcuffed. He was butterball naked,” 9-year-old Diamond told reporters.

Further fueling the family’s outrage, the police didn’t immediately realize that they had the wrong family and were looking for someone with an entirely different name who had absolutely no connection to the Gilmore family.

Today Council member AtLarge David Grosso is seeking to strengthen D.C.’s search warrant requirements. His legislation would require the District to pay reasonable expenses to a property owner whose property is damaged or destroyed in a police search when the search is executed on the wrong property.

“While I understand and recognize that officers, when executing a search warrant, may on occasion damage property in order to effectively perform their duties, I cannot turn a blind eye to the fact our residents are negatively impacted when the police carelessly execute search warrants at the wrong address,” Grosso said.

The newly proposed legislation would strengthen the requirements in search warrant applications by basing them on a preponderance of the evidence rather than the current probable cause standard.

The court must also be satisfied that the police have done their due diligence to determine that the suspect owns the premises or is likely to reside there.

The bill would also establish a claims process to compensate eligible property owners to replace or restore property to its condition prior to a search executed on the wrong premises.

In summary, the legislation, which Grosso has dubbed the Search Warrant Execution Ac-

“While I understand and recognize that officers, when executing a search warrant, may on occasion damage property in order to effectively perform their duties, I cannot turn a blind eye to the fact our residents are negatively impacted when the police carelessly execute search warrants at the wrong address.”

David Grosso / Council Member At Large countability Act of 2016, would change the way judges issue warrants.

It would also decrease police searches of homes late at night.

Without a judge granting a special exception, authorities would only be able to execute a search between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Currently, police can search a home as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m.

Grosso’s bill would put the onus, however, on the resident to prove that the search took place at the wrong address and that the individual named in the warrant hadn’t lived there for at least three years. Compensation for damaged property could be available if residents showed that they informed police in writing that the suspect didn’t live there.

Grosso said he understood that the legislation, if passed, would be particularly beneficial to African-Americans and other minorities in the District.

“Many people in minority communities have, for good reason, become afraid of interacting with the police, and when an unassuming resident is subjected to a police raid that was not executed on the appropriate property, it certainly does not instill confidence in police practices and further frightens our residents,” Grosso said.

“As a government, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard, and implementing this legislation will ensure that our residents have a clear course of action when they have faced an injustice.” WI

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5District At-Large Council member David Grosso wants to strengthen search warrant laws. / Courtesy Photo

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 5

AROUND THE REGION WEEK OF APRIL 21-27, 2016

Black Facts APRIL 21

that would grip the nation for the next 30 years.

1898 – The Spanish American War was fought with major representation of Black soldiers from Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois and Kansas.

When the Black troops returned to America, their reception ranged from parades and speeches in some cities to unfortunate assaults and lynching in other cities.

2003 – African-American song stylist Nina Simone dies in Paris. She was 70 years old.

APRIL 22

1919 - S. H. Love, born in 1893 in Colt, Arkansas, served in Europe during World War I where he always claimed later he had passed on to a buddy the idea for a draw theater curtain, as opposed to one that dropped from the ceiling. He did develop an idea to improve military guns, for which he applied and was granted a patent on April 22, 1919.

APRIL 23

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1856 – One of the greatest inventors in American history, Granville T. Woods, is born in Columbus, Ohio. During his life he received 65 patents for electrical, mechanical and communications devices.

Among his inventions was an advanced telephone transmitter, later purchased by Alexander Graham Bell Company.

1872 – Charlotte E. Ray becomes the first Black female lawyer in American history. Born in New York City to a journalist father and a politically active mother, by age 22, Ray had earned a law degree and was admitted to the D.C. bar.

1971 – Liberian President William Tubman dies. Tubman and his strong-man rule had kept the West African nation founded by freed American slaves relatively stable but not necessarily democratic.

His death laid the foundation for the anarchy and civil wars

Buying Vinyl Records from 1950 to 1986, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Disco, Soul, Reggae, Blues, Gospel, and record format 33 1/3, 45s, and some of the older 78s.

Prefer larger collections of at least 100.

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 APRIL 21-27, 2016

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Giancarlo Esposito

APRIL 24

1944 – Legendary Black cowboy Bill Pickett dies at the age of 72 after being kicked while roping a bronco.

A star of the 101 Ranch Wild West Show, Pickett invented the rodeo event bulldogging, an event in which the contestant must wrestle a longhorn steer to the ground with his bare hands.

1950 – On April 24, the United Negro College Fund was founded.

APRIL 25

711 AD – Tarik the Moor invades Spain with force of 7,000 troops, routs the Visigoths and establishes Moor domination of Spain. While there remains some dispute over Tarik’s race, the weight of the evidence is strong that he was a Black man. He was described in accounts of the time as having “brown skin and wooly hair.” His full name was Tarik al Gibral. The famed Rock of Gibraltar is named in his honor.

1828 – Shaka, the great Zulu king and military leader, is killed. His innovative military strategies kept European imperialism at bay for years as he established Zulu dominance in large parts of Southern Africa. The Zulu nation grew to at least 250,000, with an army of over 40,000.

1943 – Tuskegee Institute President Frederick Patterson writes his famous letter (published in the Pittsburgh Courier) urging the presidents of the nation’s predominantly Black colleges and universities to “pool their small resources and make an appeal to the national conscience” in order to produce more scholarship funds for the education of Black students. One year later, on April 25, 1944, the United Negro College Fund is incorporated with 27 member colleges.

APRIL 26

1886 – The “mother of the Blues” Gertrude “Ma” Rainey is born Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia. She began her career touring with the Rabbit Foot Minstrels. She was the first person to sing the blues in minstrel shows. Rainey died Dec. 22, 1939.

1958 – Actor Giancarlo Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Esposito would go on to become a celebrated American actor, appearing in a series of Spike Lee films including “Do The Right Thing” as Buggin’ Out and most recently in the two breakout series “Breaking Bad” and “Revolution.”

1994 – The first all-race elections take place in Whiteruled South Africa. The elections would bring an end to 300 years of White minority rule known as apartheid.

APRIL 27

1903 – Maggie Lena Walker becomes the first Black woman to head a bank in America. In fact, she was the first woman of any color to head a bank when she was named president of the St. Luke Bank and Trust Company in Richmond, Virginia. Walker was an outstanding business woman who took over Richmond’s Order of St. Luke when it was nearly broke and rapidly losing membership. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Interviews and Photos by Rachel Sudduth

ANITA HILL SPOKE TO STUDENTS RECENTLY AT AMERICÅAN UNIVERSITY, AND HBO HAS PREMIERED A FILM ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT CONFIRMATION HEARINGS FOR CLARENCE THOMAS IN WHICH SHE TESTIFIED HE HAD SEXUALLY HARASSED HER. ARE SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL ASSAULT STILL SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN THE U.S.?

KYRIE BROWN

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Yes, I believe sexual assault is still a problem because you have some crazy people out here. People act and pretend to be a certain way when you meet them, and you eventually find out they are somebody completely different. The people that assault happens to, they don’t speak up because they feel it is their fault.

SAMANTHA HENRY SAINT LOUIS

Yes, I think that sexual assault in the world is definitely a major problem, especially in other countries. People are being raped at alarming rates, and child molestation is as well. I personally over the last past years have encountered many people who have been diluted sexually in the past by people they thought loved them.

AROUND THE REGION

FINAL PITCH

The Reality PITCH Competition

By Inez Kelley CEO; Kelley Media Marketing, Inc. www.finalpitchtv.com

Changing Roles; The Local Church The paralysis suffered from fear of modernization within the local church is seen in a continued decline of church members. While mega churches continue to grow by leaps and bounds neighborhood sanctuaries are experiencing the financial effects of a diminishing congregation. At the center of much conflict is deciding between the familiarities of a traditional church vs. the embracing of a more contemporary one.

Survival depends on new membership but to gain new members, the local church must be willing to make an accurate assessment of their value and be prepared to incorporate significant change that will encourage growth. Giving a fair assessment ‘The local church used to be the cornerstone of a neighborhood’, says Reverend Gregory King; Pastor of Russell Temple CME in Alexandria. ‘There was a built in support from the people who resided within a certain demographic. Pastor King further states; ‘Through the process of gentrification what we are seeing are churches that sit in neighborhoods which are no longer supported or attended by those who reside’.

Another area once left to the secular set is the introduction of financial literacy. The local church is slowly waking up to the impact of global modernization and is beginning to understand the leadership role it must take in the individual lives of its members. ‘The plan is to provide real solutions’ says Bishop James Walker; Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the CME Church; ‘Our belief system is deeply rooted in the church, as African Americans whether we have a church home or not, each of us are touched in some way by a church affiliate. Pastor Walker whose district encompasses congregations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and North Carolina, knows all too well of the difference a financially astute congregation makes in the life of the local church, to his point… ‘It’s for that reason it must start with us; the church family’.

The local church has long been considered an essential staple whether directly in the community, across the street or across town. By confronting the changing demographics or by providing members with opportunities that improve their lives, both Bishop and Pastor agree, meeting the changing needs may just help stem the tide of local church flight.

Learn more @ FINAL PITCH Inter Active Workshop For More Information Email: vaumediagroup@gmail.com

MORGAN BRADLEY SAINT LOUIS

Yes, I think it’s because our society is oversexualized and people have more access to harass their victims due to social media. It’s more looked over because people act like it’s something from the past like racism.

ALEXIS PORTER WASHINGTON, D.C.

Yes, sexual assault is not just a problem on campus but in cities and neighborhoods all across the country.

ALICIA ALEXANDER WASHINGTON, D.C.

Yes, I think it’s a major problem. Innocent women are having their bodies abused by some nasty men, and it’s sad. It’s scary because they carry around that burden for the rest of their lives.

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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

APRIL 21-27, 2016 7

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In light of the recent homicides at Deanwood Metro station and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 11-16), the city has launched a victim hot line.

The National Center for Victims of Crime announced a partnership with the D.C. Mayor’s Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants on Wednesday, April 13.

“We’re hoping the hot line will serve as a single point of access for all victims,” Michelle Garcia, director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, said.

(301) 864-6070 “This hot line is intended to facilitate the needs of victims of crimes.”

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residents.”

“Our role is to find how we can best support victims,” she said. “We don’t make decisions for people, but we help them develop a customizable plan best for them.”

The hot line will have 200 languages available, and victims will be able to receive referrals for housing, case management, legal services, support groups and identity theft among many others.

William Kellibrew, violence expert, advocate and survivor, told his story as a child where his mother and brother died from gun violence in front of him. A few years after the tragedy, Kellibrew wanted to take his life at 13, but thanks to intervention he didn’t.

“Nobody knew of the pain I was in. I couldn’t live with the pain,” he said. “My assistant principal helped me, and I got sent to a children’s hospital for 30 days.

“I met my therapist Christine Pierre, and it was the first time that someone would hear my story, and here we are 31 years later,” he said.

“Crime victims’ compensation, we didn’t receive that,” he said. “My grandmother tried to access it in 1984, and she was

rejected because she wasn’t the biological parent.”

“We need to be able to access services immediately on a multitude of crimes,” he said.

“Just this week I got a call from a woman that needed help, and I gave her the number for the hot line. Today she has faster access than I did when I was a kid.”

Council member Kenyan McDuffie, chair of the judiciary, attended to show his support.

“Every year in April, communities across the country observe Victims’ Rights Week,” McDuffie said. “As chair of the judiciary, the launch of this hotline helps all victims of crime get services.”

According to statistics from the Metropolitan Police Department, in 2015, there were over 6,300 violent crimes in D.C. and over 30,000 property crimes, like theft, burglary and arson.

To date in 2016, there have been over 1,300 violent crimes and nearly 6,000 property crimes.

“Victims across all eight wards will be empowered to find that there is a pathway to recovery,” he said. “You have my continued support and commitment. Funding is a high priority.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime, call 1-844-4HELPDC. WI

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AROUND THE REGION RNC from Page 1 Orlando Watson, the communications director for Black media, resigned at the beginning of March.

BuzzFeed News reported that Tara Wall, the senior strategist for media and engagement for the RNC, departed sometime in November and NBCBLK reported that Raffi Williams, the former RNC Deputy Press Secretary, left last year to pursue a job in the media.

“I was not fired, I left and there’s no problems,” Watson said, declining to further elaborate.

Lovelace said staffers left because of opportunities they simply couldn’t or didn’t want to pass up, but Jackson remains incredulous about the timing of their exits.

“This time of the year is like the Super Bowl of politics,” Jackson said. “You want to be on a presidential campaign or in the RNC during an election year because this gives you a close-up view of all these things that are going on. If you are a true political junkie, this is what you live and breathe for.”

Jackson compared the RNC staff departures to a player in the NBA asking to be traded away from the Golden State Warriors to the Los Angeles Lakers, right before the start of the playoffs.

“If you’re on staff now you’re probably going to be a part of history that probably hasn’t happened in a lifetime, in a generation,” said Jackson, referring to the potential of a contested nomination process set to take place this summer at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Jackson, who is the founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future [BABF], a Super PAC established to get more Blacks involved in the Republican Party, also wrote that the former RNC officials were illequipped to discuss real solutions to the challenges facing the Black community and that “many in the GOP felt the need to hire Blacks, not because they really wanted to diversify the party, but in some of the party’s thinking, they can’t be called racist because they hired a few Blacks.”

“Instead of making false and unfortunate accusations, he [Jackson] should be working with us,” Lovelace said. “He hasn’t contacted anyone at the RNC since I’ve been here and, from what I understand, he hasn’t contacted anyone here since at least the beginning of the year.”

When contacted by telephone, Jackson said that he stood by his column, adding that the idea that he’s not in touch with RNC offi-

cials is preposterous.

Jackson said he definitely considers himself part of the Republican team and that he’s loyal to the party.

Watson was hired in 2013 amid much fanfare and proclaimed that it was imperative that the Republican party articulate its message in a “language that’s relatable to the people we’re speaking with and to recruit candidates that look like the people we want to engage with.”

Today, Watson and his vision are gone replaced by Lovelace who now finds himself trying to explain and mitigate the so-called mass exodus of African-American staffers from the RNC. Lovelace said the RNC has more African Americans now than it did during the disastrous election year of 2012 when presidential nominee Mitt Romney received just four percent of the Black vote. He noted the success of the Republican Leadership Initiative [RLI] that Priebus designed which trains minorities on how to engage with their communities as leaders and allows them to learn the ins and outs of field organizing using the latest digital and data-driven tools.

The RLI now has a total of 160 fellows.

With a significant drop of those who identify as Democrats, a growing number of Black voters (10 percent) who turned out to support Republicans in the midterms and an historic slate of new Black Republican leadership in Congress, Lovelace said now’s the time for Blacks to vote their interests.

“They are on the ground continuing to build relationships in the communities and they are continuing to strengthen the relationships that were already built,” Lovelace said.

Benjamin Chavis, the president and the CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association [NNPA], a trade group that represents over 200 Black-owned media companies, said the NNPA recognized that the RNC had retained the “good services” of Lovelace.

“The African-American community across the nation will be turning out the vote in record numbers this year, yet no political party should take the African-American vote for granted,” Chavis said.

“The NNPA will be closely monitoring both the RNC and the [Democratic National Committee] to discern whether or not their stated commitments will actually be implemented.” WI

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• Water Rates • Clean Rivers • Drinking Water

• Billing Issues • Infrastructure • Job Opportunities

For more information, visit dcwater.com/rates or call the DC Water Office of External Affairs at (202) 787-2200.

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 9

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Science Festival on Saturday, April 16 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. / Photo by Roy Lewis

Who’s Reading the Informer?

4Ralph B. Everett

former president and CEO of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies reads the Washington Informer during an event in Northwest. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

WORDS TO LIVE BY Shirley Chisholm

“My God, what do we want? What does any human being want? Take away an accident of pigmentation, of a thin layer of our outer skin, and there is no difference between me and anyone else. All we want is for that trivial difference to make no difference.”

10 APRIL 21-27, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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5Students chosen to receive the National Newspaper Publishers Association and Chevrolet fellowship check out the features of the Malibu at the Howard University School of Communications on Friday, April 15. / Photo by Travis Riddick

DISCOVER from Page 1 “So I just called her and told her that I figured out what I’m doing this summer and it includes an internship and a scholarship and all this good stuff, so she was really excited for me,” said King, a native of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Gracie Lawson-Borders, the dean of the School of Communications at Howard University, said that she hoped that people see the young journalists as the future storytellers of the Black community.

The dean said that the NNPA, Howard University and Chevrolet were confident that they got the best students for the program.

The 2016 “Discover the Unexpected” journalism fellows are: Brandi Montgomery, Brelaun Douglas, Briahnna Brown, McKenzie Marshall, Tatyana Hopkins, Sidnee King, Victoria Jones and Rushawn Walters. The students come from the Media Journalism and Film department at the School of Communications with concentrations in print, online and broadcast journalism.

The Michigan Chronicle in Detroit, The Chicago Defender, The Atlanta Voice and The Washington Informer in Washington, D.C., are the first group of publishers to participate in the program. The students’ stories and video packages will run in Black newspapers and on news websites across the

country.

Lawson-Borders surprised the student fellows last Friday with a special guest appearance by hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte, who also serves as the national spokesperson for the DTU program. MC Lyte revealed that the fellows will have access to a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu to use as a pool car during their internships.

“Just to see the fellows getting inside the [Malibu] and shooting video and snapping photographs and talking…it was all truly amazing,” said Michelle Matthews-Alexander, Chevrolet’s Diversity Marketing Manager. “We’re thrilled and we can’t wait to see the content that the students will create.”

Benjamin Chavis, the president and CEO of the NNPA, said that not only will the journalism fellows get a good learning experience, but the NNPA publishers will also gain from the perspective that the millennials will bring to their newsrooms, “so, this is going to be a mutually beneficial program this summer.”

Victoria Jones said that having access to the Chevrolet Malibu to use as a pool car adds a level of professionalism to the whole experience.

Jones worked for the AFRO in Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D.C. from 2014-2015.

“When I found out that there was another opportunity to work with the Black Press, I was really excited about it,”

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Jones said.

Jones said that unlike the content that she created at the AFRO, when she interned at mainstream media outlets the stories were often tailored for a general audience.

“I missed that aspect of reporting on things that I’m personally interested in and that people I talk to are personally interested in,” Jones said. “I missed that connection and targeting issues that affect the [Black community].”

While Jones said that she’s looking forward to reporting about the D.C. statehood issue and voting rights at The Washington Informer, King said that she wants to write about education reform in Detroit and the Flint water crisis.

Matthews-Alexander said that she enjoyed having face time with the journalism fellows and the opportunity for Chevrolet to showcase its commitment to the program.

“What’s most exciting about this phase of the program, from a Chevrolet perspective, is that [students] are going to go out and really uncover these unexpected stories and find those men and women in these communities that are doing amazing things that we might not hear about,” said Matthews-Alexander. “So for [Chevrolet], a brand that is focused on the positive and being optimistic and ingenious, at the end of the day, we feel like this is perfect.”

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 11

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Black Women Show Support for Van Hollen

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

As the polls opened Thursday morning for early voting in the primary election in Maryland, at least two dozen Black women enthusiastically showed their support for Rep. Chris Van Hollen.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder behind a podium outside the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover, the women delivered a simple message: Van Hollen will help all Marylanders.

“I want the people of Prince George’s County to know the reason why I’m supporting him because he gets things done,” said state Sen. Joanne Benson (D-District 24) of Landover.

“Let know one tell you he’s not here for women. We’re not here for any foolishness. He under-

stands the issues.”

The Senate race has become tight between Van Hollen and Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Maryland), with both launching attack ads on TV in one of the most watched Democratic primaries.

The winner in the April 26 primary seeks to replace the retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski.

Besides last week’s public endorsement, Van Hollen announced Saturday, April 16, that a Black contingent from Howard County supports his candidacy.

Edwards received an endorsement Monday, April 18, from three elected officials that included state Delegate Alonzo Washington (D-District 22) of Hyattsville. Edwards’ campaign declared another supporter Tuesday, April 19, from Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby at an event in Baltimore.

Both campaigns criticized each other for using ads with President Barack Obama.

Working for Us, a political action committee that supports Edwards, released a TV ad last week that used an image and words of the president and criticized Van Hollen for making a deal with the National Rifle Association in 2010. The legislation known as the DISCLOSE Act sought campaign finance reform, but offered an exemption to the NRA so that the bill could bring in more support from moderate Democrats and Republicans. The president and Van Hollen also supported it, but Edwards voted against it.

According to Politico, White House political director David Simas reached out to Working for Us to have the ad removed from the airways.

a commuter Thursday, April 14, at the Largo Town Center Metro station. Early voting in Maryland ends April 21 / Photo by William J. Ford

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gives her support for Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) in the Senate race during a rally Thursday, April 14. Early voting in Maryland ends April 21. / Photo by William J. Ford

5Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Maryland), who’s running for Senate, chats with

JADEN SURVIVED! Born almost 3 months early and spent 2 months in the hospital.

Prince George’s County Saturday, April 30, 2016 Watkins Regional Park

5State Del. Diana Fennell (D-District 47A) of Colmar Manor, at podium,

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

“Simas reached out to the Working For Us PAC and asked them to immediately take down the ad and stop using it going forward,” White House deputy press secretary Jennifer Friedman said in a statement to Politico.

“He made clear that the use of the president’s image and statement in this context were misleading.”

Van Hollen released a commercial that criticized Edwards and used the president’s image.

The narrator ended with this question: “Will (Edwards) say anything to win an election?”

“It’s always bad to mislead voters,” Van Hollen said after the event in Landover.

Edwards released a statement about the super PAC ad and Van Hollen’s newest TV advertisement.

“I agree with the White House that no one should use the president’s image in an ad without his permission. I’m glad the independent organization that did so

is fixing its mistake,” she said. “I am disappointed that my opponent is now using the president’s image in his own ad, putting words in the president’s mouth that he did not say, with misleading language that attacks my character about a mistake that was not made by my campaign.”

Although Edwards has mentioned the historical significance of becoming the second Black woman to the Senate, some voters such as the Rev. Joanne Ward of Fort Washington simply believe in Edwards’ work.

“I followed Donna Edwards through her career, and I think she is out there for the people,” Ward said after voting at the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex in Fort Washington. “She’s always preaching social reform and (increasing) the minimum wage.

I want Donna Edwards to do well.”

Early voting ends Thursday, April 21. WI

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Judge Allows Jacai Colson Case to Proceed cipitated was a tragedy involving some of the very finest police officers on the Prince George’s County Police Department,” he said. “We lost not only a tremendously talented detective with a bright future in Jacai Colson, but this negatively impacts Officer Krauss.”

Stawinski said April 13 marked the last day officers wore black bands around their badges to mourn Colson and for residents to place cards, flowers and sympathy notes on the police cruiser parked in front of police headquarters next to the District III station.

The department will receive

5Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks and Police Chief Hank Stawinski discuss the case against the three

brothers charged with ambushing a police station, causing the death of Officer Jacai Colson. A preliminary hearing took place April 13 at the county courthouse in Upper Marlboro, where a judge allowed the case to proceed. / Photo by William J. Ford

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill A Prince George’s County judge ruled there’s probable cause to charge three brothers with second-degree murder after they were charged with recording an attack at a police station that left an officer dead.

The ruling during a preliminary hearing also means the investigation can continue against Elijah, Malik and Michael Ford, who face possible indictment. All three have been charged with a total of nearly six dozen offenses that include attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault.

“We are prepared in the very near future to present the case to a grand jury,” said State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks after the hearing April 13.

Police said Michael Ford, 22, fired at the District III Landover station on March 13 to provoke officers into a gun battle because he wanted to die. According to police, Michael Ford gave “his last will and testament” just minutes before Malik Ford, 21, drove them to the station. Elijah Ford, 18, and Malik Ford used cellphones to record their oldest brother shooting at police and randomly at vehicles passing by.

The Ford’s attorneys said Michael Ford didn’t come seeking to shoot an officer and he didn’t kill Detective Jacai Colson, 28.

Colson, who served as an undercover narcotics officer, came to meet another officer at the police station and didn’t have on a uniform when he arrived there during the shootout.

Alsobrooks explained anyone who assists or participates in a crime can be held liable and charged with that offense “even if

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

they are not the individuals who fired the fatal shot.”

Police Chief Hank Stawinski said Officer Taylor Krauss, the officer who shot Colson during the gun battle, said the incident continues to affect the department. Krauss remains on administrative leave.

“What the Ford brothers pre-

about 150 new recruits this year, and each will receive training at the new training and education facility in Upper Marlboro.

Assistant Police Chief Hector Velez admits it can be difficult teaching recruits how to handle intense situations, especially after an officer has been killed in the line of duty. For example, standing a certain way can be interpreted as being defensive by someone in the community.

“There is a fine balance that we have to instill in them,” he said.

“Our officers go out every day (and) know what the risks are.

That’s what they do.”

WI

The Tide is Changing The Washington Region is experiencing unprecedented growth. Housing is climbing, offices are constantly expanding, neighborhoods are changing, retail is elevating, and overall, this region is the place to do business. However, there are other trends that will impact business expansion: 15 dollars per hour minimum wage and earned sick leave movements.

Already, the nation’s capital has a $15 per hour referendum and Montgomery County is pondering legislation that would take on the same measure. In the waning hour of the Maryland General Assembly, the sick leave bill was being hotly discussed; but missed the conclusion of the Assembly’s work.

The proponents, see these initiatives are long overdue remedies for reducing poverty and living conditions. These are laudable objectives for building a sustainable workforce and for advancing live near work conditions.

For the sake of balance, what impact do these have on small business? Small business, the mom-and-pop shops, the dream of ownership are not only the basis of free enterprise; but small business serves as the point of entry for workforce development. According to Forbes magazine, small business accounts for 65% of net new jobs, 52% of small businesses are home based and 50% of the working population works in a small business. In short, small businesses and their growth are crucial to the economy.

As debate lingers, it’s vital to take into account the effect on small businesses. Indeed, there must be an examination on how these will provide the climate for small business growth.

David C. Harrington President & CEO Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce www.pgcoc.org

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

APRIL 21-27, 2016 13

BUSINESS

Business Exchange

Jeffrey Thompson: The Black Kingmaker

with William Reed

Jeffrey E. Thompson has pleaded guilty to funneling millions of dollars in illegal contributions in District campaigns. A Black Jamaican, Thompson fits the mold of “political kingmaker” and the Washington’s area’s largest campaign contributor. Federal prosecutors say, “Thompson’s series of underground, off-the-books schemes have corrupted election after election, year after year.” There’s evidence of Thompson illegally funneling more than $3 million to dozens of political candidates over past decades.

Thompson has poured a ton of money into local campaigns and managed to maintain and win Dis-

trict contracts worth huge amounts at the same time. Thompson’s accounting firm, Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio and Associates, was one of the largest minority-owned firms in the country. The firm has won 136 federal contracts worth more than $16 million since 2001. But the real money maker for Thompson is his health care companies.

His Medicaid managed care organization, D.C. Chartered Health Plan Inc., has one of the District’s biggest single contracts, worth more than $300 million a year.

The health care plan, serving low-income residents eligible for Medicaid and other government health programs, is the key to

The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) Opportunities

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS –HOUSING COUNSELORS

The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), located at 815 Florida Ave, NW, Wash., DC, ”) intends to expand its slate of qualified Housing Counselors for intake services related to its HomeSaver Program, including eligibility determination, initial loan underwriting, loan application processing and continuing eligibility through the loan term. The Agency invites entities to submit qualifications (“Qualifications” or “Qualifications Statements”) to serve as a Housing Counselor for the Agency’s HomeSaver Program. Preference given to CBE’s and companies located in the District of Columbia. For the detailed RFQ visit our website at www.dchfa.org or contact Jackie Reid at (202) 777-1600. Deadline for submission of responses is Friday, May 6, 2016 at 4:00pm (ET).

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS –TITLE COMPANIES

The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), located at 815 Florida Ave, NW, Wash., DC, intends to expand its slate of qualified Title Companies for residential title services (title searches, title insurance, settlement services, and post-closing services) in conjunction with the Agency’s HomeSaver Program.

The Agency invites entities to submit qualifications (“Qualifications” or “Qualifications Statements”) to serve as a Title company for the Agency’s HomeSaver Program. Preference given to CBE’s and companies located in the District of Columbia. For the detailed RFQ visit our website at www.dchfa.org or contact Jackie Reid at (202) 777-1600. Deadline for submission of responses is Friday, May 6, 2016 at 4:00pm (ET).

14 APRIL 21-27, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Thompson’s wealth and political focus: D.C. Chartered Health Plan Inc., which has become the nation’s capital’s oldest and largest Medicaid Managed Care Organization. The Chartered brand was established in the 1990s, then brought to prominence and to later dominance by Thompson.

Thompson’s companies, political prowess and influence are based on his managed health company.

In 1987, the Chartered company pioneered the development of managed health care for D.C. Medicaid beneficiaries receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The Charter brand currently serves over 100,000 Medicaid eligible and uninsured residents in the District of Columbia.

D.C. Chartered Health Plan Inc. was started in the District in 1986 by business and health care industry professional Robert Bowles.

Bowles is a man who should be recognized for contributions to city residents’ health. As a Bowles company in 1996, D.C. Chartered Health Plan, Inc. was named Business of the Year by the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce. An astute African-American Army retiree, Bowles possessed comprehensive knowledge of contemporary management theory and practice, health care operations and health care policy.

Bowles led the company’s growth and influence in the industry. In 2000 Thompson paid Bowles $4 million for Chartered and built it into a $300-million-a-year enterprise. The scandal Thompson has wrought shouldn’t overshadow the pioneering work of Bowles.

D.C. Chartered Health Plan Inc. was operated as a Medicaid managed care organization. The company’s services include primary care, specialist, laboratory and X-ray, hospital, pharmacy, emergency, family planning, podiatry, rehabilitation, prosthetic devices,

vision care, home health, personal care, nursing home care, hospice care, transportation, adult and child wellness, dental and hearing benefits, mental health, alcohol and drug abuse treatment, and durable medical equipment and disposable medical supplies. It serves members and uninsured residents.

The accounting and health care empire Thompson built was used as a political “cash cow.” Thompson played a key role in the rise of Anthony A. Williams and his own infirmity after that. Not long after Williams became D.C. mayor in 1999, Thompson moved to take advantage of changes in the city’s health care system, and the buying out of bankruptcy of a small insurance company, D.C. Chartered Health Plan. Over the next decade, Chartered became the city’s dominant Medicaid contractor. By 2012, it managed the health care of more than 100,000 low-income city residents and collected more than $300 million in government funds.

Business always trumps politics, and Thompson shows the truth of that: Uncle Jeff Thompson has poured a ton of money into local campaigns. He was involved in scores of guilty pleas in connection to the 2010 mayoral election mayoral “shadow campaign.” Thompson was a “shot caller” who in 2008 spent more than $100,000 with getout-the-vote efforts to elect Michael Brown to the D.C. Council. Thompson’s contributed $100,000 to Council member Vincent Orange’s political campaigns and is linked to $730,000 in the last decade that included $80,000 to Maryland Gov. Martin O’ Malley. Thompson had a hand in funding $600,000 of unreported campaign work on behalf of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign.

WI

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BUSINESS

Congress Heights Joins DC Main Streets

now Tenleytown, Van Ness and Congress Heights.

These initiatives intend to revitalize communities by retaining and recruiting businesses, improving commercial properties and streetscapes and attracting consumers.

“We are thrilled to welcome these corridors to our D.C. Main Streets family,” Ana Harvey, DSLBD director, said. “The con-

Program Aids Economic Revitalization in Neighbor hoods and the creation of 1,200 new jobs.

They also completed 30 rehabilitation projects, 18 public improvement projects and 15 new construction projects.

The program falls under the Department of Small and Local Busi-

ness Development, which operates Barracks Row Main Street, Ward 7 Business Partnership, Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, H Street Main Street, North Capitol Main Street, Shaw Main Street, Rhode Island Avenue Main Street and

tributions Main Streets programs make to the continued economic growth and prosperity of our city is invaluable.”

D.C. Main Streets, a nationally recognized organization, had two of its programs, Barracks Row and H Street Northeast, receive the distinguished Great American Main Street Award. Shaw Main Street, a 2016 finalist, is expected to receive this year’s honor. WI

HERE’S

OUR STORY

5Mayor Muriel Bowser congratulates Kevin Vaughan, Destination Congress Heights executive director on receiving a citation awarding the DC Main Street to Congress Heights on April 11 in Northwest. / Photo by Roy Lewis

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By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The Congress Heights community will join the D.C. Main Streets program that revitalizes neighborhoods.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Monday, April 11, that three destinations, including Tenleytown Main Streets and Van Ness Main Streets, will receive support for new businesses and job creation.

“Main Streets helps local business corridors reach their full potential, by fostering smart growth and attracting new customers.”

Bowser said. “These three communities are prime for future success.”

“My administration will continue to invest in our neighborhood businesses because they, in turn, invest in our people,” she said.

Created in 2002 through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, D.C. Main Streets serves as the citywide coordinating program that provides services and funding for the eight main streets found in the District of Columbia.

Their mission is to lead sustainable, community-driven revitalization programs that promote economic development, strengthen neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents.

Each D.C. Main Streets program is organized and led by volunteers and community development professionals.

For neighborhoods such as Congress Heights, this kind of economic attention is much needed.

Last year, the seven existing D.C. Main Streets programs celebrated the opening of 30 new businesses

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 15

NATIONAL

Anti-Foreclosure Activist is Man on a Mission

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Paul Randall, a self-proclaimed foreclosure specialist, has been on a crusade for several years to help people escape a practice he describes as “criminal.”

Randall, who worked more than eight years in the mortgage industry and five years in the financial arena, said there’s plenty of blame to spread for the 30 million people nationwide facing foreclosure. To put financial institutions on public display, he started a petition this year to seek 1 million signatures to sue the top 25 banks in the nation.

Although he has an office in Northwest, he mainly runs a mobile operation because he visits his clients.

“I have seen what these banks and mortgage companies have done to people,” said Randall, CEO and founder of Foreclosure Survival Today. “We want a million names to show the solidarity and the strength of this foreclosure problem. It is affecting African Americans more

than anybody and it’s criminal.”

He highlights many examples of “foreclosure injustice” that he says can be extremely complicated, but one of the most common stems from first-time homeowners ready to close, or sign documents to obtain a house with a realtor.

Prospective homeowners also sign their names to receive a loan from a bank. One problem: A bank representative usually isn’t present.

‘LET GOD HANDLE IT’

Randall has two clients who not only have signed his petition but have also experienced foreclosure nightmares.

Lisa Walker-Griffith and her husband fell slightly behind on their mortgage in October 2011, but became informed by a loan specialist from Bank of America that since they were behind for at least 90 days, they were able to submit paperwork to receive a loan modification. Randall informed her that banks use the three-month period because on the 91st day, they get money from the insurance company.

She said the couple received a rejection letter for a loan modification in December 2012.

Afterward, she requested to see the original deed from Bank of America, the mortgage servicer on their 30-year-old home.

So for more than three years, the couple went through several loan officers at Bank of America to see the original deed. During that time, she found out the bank sold her loan to Nationstar Mortgage of Dallas. She filed documents in Prince George’s County Circuit Court to go through a mediation process with Nationstar to obtain the deed but later received notice that the property had been sold at auction.

Walker-Griffith said she hasn’t made a mortgage payment in more than four years.

“We could get kicked out of our home at any time. It is a very stressful thing because we can’t really do what we want,” she said. “If you can’t get due process in the courts, what can anyone do in America? I just give it to God and let him handle it.”

5Paul Randall has helped hundreds of homeowners nationwide fight foreclosure cases. / Photo courtesy of Paul Randall Randall’s other client, James Epperson, Jr. of Fort Washington, has dealt with six financial institutions since he purchased his home in 2009. About three years later, when he refinanced his home, he requested several documents including the original deed.

Since then the single father of

twins has had to make additional request for paperwork to show proof of his loan and has gone through mediation in the courts who he claims has bungled his documentation three times.

Representatives from the county circuit court didn’t respond to

FORECLOSURE Page 45

An honest leader with the courage to take on powerful interests and fight for justice Bernie: A Lifetime Leader Bernie has fought for civil rights his whole life. He has one of the strongest civil rights voting records in Congress.

From marching with Dr. King to proclaiming that Black Lives Matter, Bernie has a long history of standing with the community. He fights for what is right and has the courage to stand up to injustices—then and now. He is against the death penalty, and has fought his whole life to uplift struggling families and communities. Bernie is a leader who will continue to fight for equality, opportunity, and the protection of our rights.

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VOTE FOR BERNIE SANDERS

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Fight to increase opportunities for minority owned businesses Fight to reform our police departments.

Fight to end mass incarcerations.

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NATIONAL

Vice President Joe Biden Honors Youth Leaders ‘Champions of Change’ Recognized at The White House

By Rachel Sudduth WI Contributing Writer @rvsjournalist Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama have worked with the White House’s Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault since 2014. “It’s On Us” is a campaign launched by Vice President Biden to encourage and engage college students to not be afraid to speak up about sexual assault.

There’s a debate whether men can be feminist, and I believe we found our answer in our vice president,” said an honoree belonging to the group awarded for being Champions of Change.

Over two-dozen youth leaders were individually brought on stage and awarded by Vice President Joe Biden as Champions of Change, commended for their stance against dating violence and sexual assault on Wednesday, April 13.

Both men and women from universities across the United States have created projects such as the Cadets Against Sexual Harassment Program

and Take Back the Night week.

Howard University senior and audience member Alexis Porter says she enjoyed seeing students working to make others feel safe.

“Students deserve a safe learning environment. It was great seeing students who are stepping up to stop sexual violence on campus,” said Porter.

Included in the dozen of Champions was Meghan Yap, a senior at the University of California San Diego. Yap is an emergency medical technician who witnessed sexual and domestic violence victims firsthand during her job, making it a mission to improve her campus’s policies and procedures for dealing with assault cases.

Referring to the way rape and assault are discussed in America, Biden suggested that instead of questioning a victim about why she attended a bar or her attire, people should console the survivor.

Biden recalled that wives were the property of their husbands during the period of English Common Law. Married White women during this

5On Thursday, April 14, in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Champion of Change Lisa Napper, a student leader at Howard University where she co-produced a documentary on the experiences of African American women who are survivors of sexual assault and the challenges they deal with on campus. Lisa also hosted Howard’s first Take Back the Night event where the documentary was screened and she facilitated a discussion on the issue of sexual assault on campus and around the world. Napper introduced Vice President Joe Biden who delivered remarks at the “It’s On Us White House Champions of Change” conference. / Photo by Cheriss May, Ndemay Media Group time lost autonomy once they were legally married, dependent on their husbands for economic gain.

“Husbands were allowed to chastise their wives because they were property; they were chattel. No different than the dog in the front yard,” said Biden.

Biden continued to discuss how many women were dying from the abuse of their husbands. According to the Domestic Abuse Shelter, over 4,000 women are killed each year due to domestic violence. Nearly 75

percent of these deaths result after women express desires to end the relationships.

Biden wrote the Violence Against Women Act. Since the bill was passed, domestic violence has decreased. The law has changed the way the criminal justice system views abuse toward women, stiffening stalking sentences and cracking down on repeat offenders.

“When I wrote the law, one out of four women were being rape or assaulted on college campuses,”

said Biden. Nearly a decade after the Violence Against Women Act was established, the number remained the same, especially among 14- to 24-year-old women.

After nearly 18 years of working toward decreasing this number, Biden’s campaign “It’s On Us” has partnered with over 200 student body leaders with the goal to stop sexual abuse and violent crimes.

“We have to change the culture,” said Biden.

WI

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 17

HEALTH

Southeast-Based Hospital Marks 50th Year of Service

United Medical Center’s Interim CEO Speaks Frankly about Future

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor There have been several name changes, some high notes and some troubling low points, but 50 years later, the only acute-care hospital providing professional healthcare services to residents in Southeast and southern Prince George’s County communities, continues to offer sorely needed medical services to those who would otherwise go without.

United Medical Center [UMC] marked its 50th anniversary on April 12th. And according to Interim CEO Andrew Davis, partnering with other local hospitals and carrying out a recently announced restructuring plan will ensure

an even brighter future for the 354-bed, acute-care hospital.

“We’re making some tough decisions as it pertains to moving UMC forward but nothing equates to having to tell employees that they no longer have jobs,” said Davis, a Fayetteville, North Carolina native who has been on the job for eight months and brings an impressive set of credentials in healthcare management.

“My job is to continue to work with management and the board and to stay focused on getting the hospital back to a more stable environment,” he said. “We want to be around for another 50 years but that means we had to make some significant and necessary changes.”

The hospital’s restructuring

plan requires UMC to reduce its workforce by 10 percent and to modify existing agreements with service providers in order to reduce expenses by $10 million. The changes have been made so that the hospital can become more financial stable. An operator has been hired to provide healthcare management expertise.

“Many of the individuals that have been released have worked at the hospital for a number of years,” Davis said. “They all need to know how much we appreciate the professionalism they exhibited over the years and the contributions they made in helping UMC to maintain its reputation as a hospital that puts patients first.”

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5 Andrew Davis, interim CEO at United Medical Center. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

ployees took the brunt of the reduction in the hospital’s workforce while the remaining 37 employees were members of several unions. All of the employees received severance packages based upon their tenure of service at the hospital.

The layoffs began in March 2016.

The hospital continues with an ongoing plan for facility improvements and the installation of new technologies that are used to diagnose and treat illnesses. Most notably, UMC’s Mobile Health Clinics continue to circulate throughout the underserved communities east of the Anacostia River, offering testing and screening, as well as diagnosis and treatment services.

Davis noted that without the Mobile Health Clinics, many residents, particularly those without healthcare plans, would wait until illness forced them to go to the emergency room.

Davis said he hopes that the hospital’s new motto, “Working for a Healthier Community,” will ring true with District and county residents.

The hospital’s origins can be traced back to 1952 when Providence Hospital, then the only hospital east of the Anacostia River, announced plans to move to Northeast. Residents sought ways to address the inevitable void and in 1955 they established the Greater Southeast

Community Hospital Foundation. The Foundation broke ground for the Morris Cafritz Memorial Hospital on September 29, 1963 and opened its doors on April 12, 1966.

Renamed the Greater Southeast Community Hospital in 1974, its original founding name, and filing bankruptcy in 1999 and being acquired first by Doctors Community Healthcare Corporation (Scottsdale, Arizona) and later by Special Hospitals of America, LLC in 2007, the hospital experienced a turbulent history.

After millions of dollars in capital renovations and technology updates, the new owner gave the hospital a new name: United Medical Center. In 2010, with more financial difficulties threatening the hospital, the District Government foreclosed on the owners of the hospital and statutorily created the Not-for-Profit Hospital Corporation to sustain the continued operation of the hospital. That corporation continues today as the operator of UMC with the support and oversight of the District Government.

Davis shared other plans that he said will soon be put into motion including healthcare education seminars, more sustained outreach efforts to the community, particularly leaders from the faith community and securing the services of more primary care physicians.

WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Zika Measure Passes Congress Bill Will Add the Disease to FDA Program

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Rep. G. K. Butterfield’s (DNC) legislation to speed up the development of vaccines and treatments against the Zika virus is expected to be signed into law

by President Barack Obama.

The bill co-introduced by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) passed in the Senate last month and in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 12.

“The Zika virus is a global public health emergency. With no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat the Zika virus, hundreds of millions of people across the world are susceptible to this dangerous virus,” Rep. Butterfield said.

“This legislation is an important step in incentivizing the creation of treatments for Zika.

The bill supports research and development at home and will help protect millions of people

around the world,” he said.

Earlier this month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention characterized Zika as “scarier than we initially thought” after deploying to Brazil to investigate if the disease was indeed the cause for birth defects.

The bill will encourage the development of vaccines and treatments against the Zika virus by adding it to the Food and Drug Administration’s Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher Program.

In the last several months, the mosquito-borne virus has spread rapidly throughout South and Central America and is now reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and in at least 30 states.

“The Zika virus is spreading rapidly, and to fight back, we need to make sure we have the necessary tools to prevent and

ZIKA Page 21

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To register contact Linda Irizarry: 202-535-1442 or linda.irizarry@dc.gov.

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HEALTH

Inspiring the Next Generation of Physicians Partnership Helps Aspiring Students Reach for the Stars

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor The health care profession continues to be one of The health care profession continues to be one of the most profitable and exciting career paths for bright, educated youth in America. But for Blacks and other children of color, one caveat remains – finding role models who can direct and guide them as they attempt to navigate the road from the classroom and laboratory to various venues in the health care arena.

And because of the critical shortage of minority Mentoring in Medicine, Inc and the American Medical Assophysicians and other healthcare leaders in the U.S., ciation recently dispatched 30 physicians to Charles Herbert some professionals have joined forces with the goal Flowers High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland. of exposing underrepresented students to careers in / photo by Patricia Little healthcare – therefore helping to diversify the workforce and bring added opportunities for Black and Latino youth.

Two such nonprofit groups, “Mentoring in Medicine, Inc” and “the American Medical Association” recently dispatched 30 physicians to Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where they shared stories about their individual journeys and offered practical advice to navigate the path to become health care professionals.

And their message remained a simple one: children of all ages, especially those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, can succeed in the medical field.

Lynne Holden, M.D., president and co-founder of Mentoring in Medicine, Inc., believes that children can discover the joy of learning science, have fun and realize that with a strong academic foundation a career in the medical field can be an attainable goal.

“We’ve had an afterschool program for four years at Flowers High but this year we were offered the opportunity to partner with the American Medical Association’s Doctors Back to School Program combining their doctors with our students, combining their doctors with combining their doctors with the student body to reach a larger group of interested youth,” said Holden, a 25-year veteran of the medical community who has practiced emergency medicine in the Bronx for 20 years and is a proud alum of Howard University where she earned her undergraduate degree.

“We work We work with students from middle school through career and have made significant achievements – 91 percent of our students in college get accepted to medical school on the first try —all were discouraged from pursuing their dream of becoming a health professional ,” she said. “We have about 200 of our program participants either in medical school or in residency programs. It all begins by making ourselves available and pointing them towards resources available to help them to succeed in college and beyond.

During the visit to Flowers High, Holden said she was impressed by the kinds of questions that students asked.

“We’re talking about sophomores, juniors and seniors who wanted to know how they could be more competitive applicants for medical school, how they could combine several majors in dual degree programs and how they could secure summer internships,” she said. “These children brought insightful questions to the table. We were able to show them that there are people who look like them who are succeeding in the health care industry. It’s all about exposure, education, encouragement, and empowerment.”

Niva Lubin-Johnson, M.D., chair, AMA Minority Affairs Section, said her group participated in the 2016 National “Doctors Back to School” Program because “as African-American and Latino physicians, we want high school students to know that we care about their future and that a career in medicine is attainable.”

Flowers High School Principal Gorman Brown said such opportunities early in a child’s life can make a profound impact on their future.

“These relevant learning experiences inspire students to pursue their dreams and provide a pathway for them into a field that many may have [once] seen as unattainable,” he said.

Mentoring in Medicine (www.MedicalMentor.org) offers students hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare occupations through their educational and mentoring programs. In the seven years since its conception, it has developed programs and events that have reached almost 50,000 students, parents and professionals, helping youth become a health or science professional while at the same time encouraging a healthier way of life.

Holden said it’s hard to express the satisfaction she and colleagues glean from sharing time with youth.

“It feels great knowing that you have been able to Help to change a young person’s life for the better because they can change entire communities—and even the world. . This exposure often helps youth see that their dreams can be reached and that nothing’s impossible. Many of them just need a bit of encouragement. Mentoring in Medicine is reaching out to youth in 28 schools across the US-- – from D.C. and New York City to Florida and Detroit – just to name a few,” she said.

During the daylong event at Flowers High School, 210 students, 30 physicians and four medical students participated in a host of workshops and small counseling sessions.

Physicians representing fields that include obstetrics and gynecology, family practice, surgery, psychiatry and emergency and internal medicine, as well as those who work as clinical researchers or have earned advanced degrees in public health, shared their experiences with the eager youth.

The American Medicine Association is sponsoring National Doctor’s Back to School on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Find out more at www.ama-assn.org.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

APRIL 21-27, 2016 19

HEALTH

D.C. Native Lives Historic 40 Years After Kidney Transplant

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer George Franklin knows what it’s like to overcome trials and rise up when even death seems imminent.

The Washington, D.C., native and longtime Maryland resident is the longest surviving African-American transplant recipient in the state, and he’s also the country’s second longest-surviving Black transplant recipient from a deceased donor.

Franklin’s ability to survive as well as his courage and tenacity was honored by the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland on the 40th anniversary of his kidney transplant.

“I was so happy when those at the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland decided to move forward to honor my having reached 40 years with my Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant,” said Franklin, 61.

“In my mind, they were honoring my unknown deceased donor,

which is something I try to every day, by living as healthy as I can.

They were also honoring the doctors that have cared for me for over 40 years, from my three years on Hemo-Dialysis till now.

“One of those doctors was in attendance, and two others were scheduled to attend, but hospital duties called. Even my transplant surgeon wanted to attend, but had to be overseas,” he said.

About 40 years ago, Franklin was in his final years of junior high school when he suddenly became ill. His illness continued throughout his high school years, and shortly after he graduated from high school, his condition worsened and he slipped into a coma.

According to journalist Ursula V. Battle of the Baltimore Times, doctors would eventually give Franklin’s family devastating news: He had been diagnosed with end state renal disease.

The physicians had done all that they could, and it was a foregone conclusion that Franklin would die.

“In my mind, they were honoring my unknown deceased donor, which is something I try to every day, by living as healthy as I can.”

“I got my first transplant in April of 1975, but it didn’t work,” Franklin said.

5 George Franklin, a D.C. native, is the longest-surviving Black transplant recipient in Maryland. / Courtesy Photo

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“But then I got a call for a second kidney. I was nervous and apprehensive about going through another transplant, so I nearly turned the kidney down. However, my surgeon convinced me to take the kidney. I did, and the rest is history.”

The District native attributes his longevity to healthy eating, properly taking his medication, exercise and faith. He competes in the International Transplant Games and has won 11 medals in swimming and bowling.

“I have a very strong faith in Christ,” Franklin said. “I can do everything I can to lead a healthy life, but it still takes a higher power to sustain me and keep me going.”

Franklin is one of 12 Transplant Games of America Athlete Advisory Council Members and also serves as chair of the Minority Athletes Council.

The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland is the region’s only voluntary health agency dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of patients and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidneys filter 200 liters of blood a day, help regulate

blood pressure and direct red blood cell production.

The foundation notes that one in three Americans is at risk for kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney failure.

There are more than 26 million Americans who already have kidney disease, and most don’t know because there are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed.

“I didn’t have a family history of kidney disease,” Franklin said. “But as people of color, we tend to have more illnesses than other groups.

We have to do a better job of taking care of ourselves. More people of color also need to become organ donors.”

Franklin said his kidney came from a woman who died in a car accident.

“I’ve never met her family, but would like to meet them one day,” he said.

“I’m hoping also that more people will get preventive care for their high blood pressure and diabetes, the two main causes of people ending up on dialysis or needing a kidney transplant. Donate to the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland. They are truly trying to get the word out.”

WI

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HEALTH

If Your Ad Were Here Someone Would Be Reading It! Contact me, Ron Burke, at 202-561-4100 or rburke@washingtoninformer.com

ZIKA from Page 19 treat the disease,” Franken, member of the Senate Health Committee, said. “Our bipartisan bill will encourage innovators to help stop the virus in its tracks, and I’m very pleased that we got the measure across the finish line.”

“This is an important step to combat Zika, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law,” he said.

The CDC estimates that there are already hundreds of thousands of cases in the United States and that number is expected to grow as we approach the summer.

Women who are or may become pregnant are especially at risk because the Zika virus is linked to devastating birth defects in newborns.

“Every day we are learning more about the Zika virus and its impact on humans,” Butterfield said. “The link between the Zika virus and other life-threatening complications is deeply troubling. By adding Zika virus to the FDA’s Tropical Disease Priority Voucher Program, we are one step closer to the development of much-needed vaccines and treatments.”

WI

Want to “Get Paid” Debts Owed You ?

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And get answers to: What are Black reparations?

Who is eligible for Reparations?

How can contemporary Blacks gain reparations?

How much money are you currently due in reparations?

RSVP (202) 547-4125 The Southeast Library is located on Capitol Hill across from the Eastern Market subway stop.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 21

EDUCATION

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School officials invite students, families, and community members to attend one of three community meetings to learn more about the FY-2017 Educational Facilities Master Plan.

The EFMP is used to develop the annual and six-year Capital Improvement Plans. The PGCPS Department of Capital Programs will host a series of meetings during which representatives will review the school-by-school schedule for renovating and replacing more than 133 schools, constructing new schools, reorganizing sixthgrade to middle schools, boundary changes and planning studies to consider consolidations and other programs.

The meetings are as follows, with interpreting services for Spanish-speaking families provided at the Northwestern and Oxon Hill meetings: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 27 Northwestern High School Media Center in Hyattsville Northern Planning Area– Bladensburg High, DuVal, Eleanor Roosevelt, High Point, Laurel, Northwestern, and Parkdale high schools 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 3 Oxon Hill High School Media Center in Oxon Hill Southern Planning Area – Crossland, Frederick Douglass, Gwynn Park, Oxon Hill, Potomac, Suitland, and Surrattsville high schools 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 5 Charles H. Flowers High School Media Center in Springdale Central Planning Area – Bowie, Central, Charles H. Flowers, Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr., Fairmont Heights, Forestville, and Largo high schools Meanwhile, the Prince George’s County Board of Education is scheduled to vote May 12 on the FY-2017 EFMP.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

SAFE SCHOOLS

Schools CEO Kevin Maxwell has created a new Student Safety Task Force to review everything in the PGCPS system related to child safety.

“The establishment of the [independent review board] is a vital and critical step in evaluating our processes and procedures in the wake of the horrible tragedy committed against some of our students at Judge Sylvania Woods Elementary School,” Maxwell said in a statement. “As the FBI and police lead the investigation to find out exactly what happened, we are fully cooperating with their efforts.

At the same time, we are meeting with our staff and faculty to share our expectations regarding child safety and to review our training and procedures.”

FATHERHOOD FORUM AWARDS

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 4 Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Auditorium) in Greenbelt, Maryland Sponsored by Board of Education Member Curtis Valentine

The Soaring Eagle “Grans” were treated to a doughnut reception, interactive activities with their grandchild and a rousing performance by the Soaring Eagle Concert Choir.

COLLEGE AND CAREER DAY

Faculty and staff at Carole Highlands Elementary School in Takoma Park recently held their fourth annual Reach for the Stars College and Career Day. During the event, 48 presenters shared their career highlights and personal childhood stories about college choice with more than 435 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

Students also participated in mock trials, explored science, technology, engineering and mathematics and medical careers, and learned about business careers and entrepreneurship, as well as culinary and managerial opportunities.

SCHOLAR OF THE WEEK

PRE-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

The PGCPS system offers several early-childhood learning opportunities for children 2-5 years old.

Families can now register for preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten initiatives that include a free and inclusive program that provides 2- and 3- years-old with a developmentally appropriate curriculum involving math and science, art, writing, and more.

Children who reach age 2 or 3 old by Sept. 1 are eligible for the preschool program.

To register, parents/guardians must submit a completed application and the following documents to the Early Childhood Center located in their boundary area: • Birth certificate • Signed current deed/lease or notarized shared housing documentation • Two current pieces of mail showing name and address • Immunization record

GRANDPARENTS HONORED

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School Community Engagement Committee, in partnership with the DDEMS AVID Program, was delighted to welcome the grandparents of nearly two dozen students to celebrate the vital role that seniors play in the lives of the students.

5Scholar of the Week Jasmin Caballero, a senior at Duval High School, has been accepted to several colleges and universities. / Photo courtesy PGCPS

Jasmin Caballero, a senior at DuVal High School in Lanham is among the school system’s latest scholastic standouts.

Jasmin, who has a 3.9 grade point average, excels in Advanced Placement courses that include English, history, computer science, Spanish and calculus. Her extracurricular activities include membership in the National Honor Society and University of Maryland Upward Bound Math and Science Pre-College Program.

Jasmin has been accepted and received scholarships to Marymount University, St. Joseph University, Mt. St. Mary’s University and Washington College.

Her plans are to major in accounting and minor in actuarial science, with hopes of someday operating her own business. WI

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EDUCATION

DCPS

BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

• Kelly Miller Middle School (Ward 7) • King Elementary School (Ward 8) • Randle Highlands Elementary School (Ward 7) • Raymond Education Campus (Ward 4) • Thomas Elementary School (Ward 7) • Turner Elementary School (Ward 8)

CELEBRATING DCPS LIBRARIES

SCHOOL CALENDAR ADJUSTMENT

DC PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS:

School officials have provided an update on how they will adjust the remainder of the 2015-16 calendar due to snow closures this winter.

They also shared school calendars for 2016-17 academic year.

School Year 2015-16 Calendar: Snow-Day Changes This year, DCPS had 2.5 snow days on Jan. 22, 25 and 26. As a result, the “two-day” plan that was originally shared in a letter we sent home to families on Jan. 13 will be followed. This results in the following changes to the calendar: • June 16 will become a full instructional day. The professional development day previously scheduled for this day will be canceled.

• June 17 will become a halfday for students with dismissal at 12:15 p.m. This will be the last day of the school year.

EXTENDED-YEAR MODEL

Eleven schools will have an extended-year model in the upcoming academic year.

The extended year includes an additional month of instruction, bringing the school year to 200 academic days, with an additional two weeks provided for a subset of students to get targeted support, as well as breaks in October and June to accompany the normal winter and spring breaks.

The 11 extended-year schools are: • Garfield Elementary School (Ward 8) • H.D. Cooke Elementary School (Ward 1) • Hart Middle School (Ward 8) • Hendley Elementary School (Ward 8) • Johnson Middle School (Ward 8)

postsecondary preparation project in which students with disabilities engage in authentic experiences to help them reach their career and postsecondary training goals.

Jameon, a 12th-grader at Anacostia High School in Northeast, is an intern in the program and has been working with head chef Kevin Long at Equinox Restaurant.

He will continue to work with Equinox during the summer as a paid intern, which he says will “give me some of the skills I need to become a full-time paid chef one day.”

SCHOOL PROPOSALS

The DC Public Charter School Board’s Parent and Alumni Leadership Council held a panel discussion on April 11 regarding the current charter school landscape, the application process and two

5DCPS libraries are creative spaces

where students can explore, experiment and create. / Photo courtesy DCPS

Libraries in the DCPS system play an important role in each child’s academic journey, and throughout April, in celebration of National Library Week and School Library Month, DCPS highlights its amazing library spaces, book collections, librarians, technology, and partnerships.

To that end, officials are proud that their school libraries are creative spaces where students can explore, experiment, and create.

The schools also have skilled librarians who support our students’ learning across all content areas.

CEO INTERN

new charter school proposals.

School officials received the new charter school proposals from applicant groups seeking to open schools in D.C. during the 2017-18 academic year.

As part of the process, DC PCSB staff reviews each application, conducts a capacity interview, and, if applicable, visits existing schools run by the applicant group.

Officials will accept written comments on the proposals until April 21.

BUDGET STATEMENT

Public Charter School Board member Rick Cruz said in an April 12 Budget Oversight Hearing that as more families choose to send their child to a quality public charter school, officials are continuing to hold schools to ever higher standards.

“Our performance management framework has become more rigorous, as has our fiscal oversight,” said Cruz, who also

serves as chair of the schools’ finance committee.

“You will notice that our FY17 budget reflects our priority to increase our capacity to be responsive to families and the community,” he said. “We expand investment in our website to enhance the user experience, simplifying the way public charter school data is presented and the ways which we make all data publicly available.”

Cruz added that the biggest step taken to improve their goals surrounding (community) responsiveness is the hiring of the charters’ first-ever community engagement specialist.

“This staff member’s charge is to engage with families, ANC’s, advocacy organizations, religious groups, education partners and other community stakeholders to ensure that we’re hearing from the community before and when issues arise,” said Cruz.

WI

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD IN SCHOOL YEAR 2016-17?

There are still open seats.

Apply today at MySchoolDC.org.

5One of the interns in DCPS’ CEO Program has been working with head chef Kevin Long at Equinox Restaurant. / Photo courtesy DCPS

DCPS recently featured students in its “CEO Program,” a

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Call (202) 888-6336 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

APRIL 21-27, 2016 23

Boxing Showdown Set for DC Armory District’s Undefeated Hernandez-Harrison vs. Mike Dallas, Jr.

5 DC native Dusty Hernandez-Harrison is looking forward to fighting in front of the hometown fans/ Photo courtesy of Roc Nation Sports

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor Roc Nation Sports will once again electrify boxing fans when they bring Washington D.C.’s undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (29-0, 16 KOs), to the ring for a 10-round welterweight bout against Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. (21-3-1, 10 KOs) at the DC Armory. The Friday, May 13 fight will headline an evening of throne boxing that will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET. Hernandez-Harrison said he can’t wait to put on his gloves and return to the ring in his hometown in what many have called his toughest test to date.

“I am really excited that my 30th fight will take place in Southeast D.C., where I was born and raised,” he said. “It will be great to be back in D.C. where I haven’t fought since 2014 and I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans in attendance and watching across the nation on BET.” His opponent said he’s ready too.

“I’ve heard Dusty is pretty good, but I will be the biggest step up for him by far,” said Dallas, Jr. “At 147 pounds, I feel very strong. I’m more mature and more focused. I’m back.”

Roc Nation Sports COO of Boxing, David Itskowitch, commented positively on how D.C. residents have recently embraced boxing.

“We look forward to bringing Dusty Hernandez-Harrison back to fight in front of his hometown

24 APRIL 21-27, 2016

fans against Mike Dallas, Jr. in the midst of the professional boxing resurgence that is taking place in Washington, D.C.,” said David Itskowitch. “We’re proud to bring one of D.C.’s own to the District amidst this resurgence. Fans in attendance at the DC Armory and those watching across the country on BET have a great night of throne boxing and entertainment in store for them.”

A BET Networks executive shared similar views.

“Roc Nation Sports has proven to be an innovator in the entertainment space and as we continue to grow and expand our partnership, BET is thrilled to offer content as diverse as our audience,” said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks.

Local business leader Events DC agreed that bringing boxing to the DC Armory has been a win-win for fans and promoters.

“We are thrilled to welcome Roc Nation Sports and BET to the historic DC Armory” said Erik A. Moses, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Events DC. “It is certainly another capital moment in D.C., considering the rich history of professional boxing. We’re still a fight town and to have the opportunity to showcase that again in the DC Armory is a prodigious honor.”

The May 13 event will also feature the professional debut of highly-touted Philadelphia heavyweight prospect Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock against an opponent to be determined.

D.C.’s Hernandez-Harrison, who has been touted as the city’s “best boxing prospect since Sugar Ray Leonard” by Washingtonian Magazine, began fighting when he was just six and became a sanctioned amateur at the age of eight.

On June 11, 2011, Hernandez-Harrison made his pro debut defeating Alphonso Alexander by unanimous decision at the Desoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. He signed with Roc Nation Sports in January 2015.

His opponent, Mike Dallas, Jr., was born into a boxing family and tabbed by experts during his teen years as a future professional star. At age 29, he’s in the midst of a comeback that lands him in a fight which experts describe as the most important fight of his life.

Roc Nation Sports’ Darmani Rock, 19, is already drawing comparisons to former heavyweight

greats of the past. Rock has received high praise for his powerful jab and ambidexterity. Standing at 6’4”, he moves with an unparalleled lightness and speed for a fighter his size.

He ended his amateur career as the number one rated super heavyweight in the United States and the number five rated super heavyweight in the world.

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the May 13 edition of throne boxing on BET will feature several notable Roc Nation Sports touches that offer a unique fan experience, including a live musical performance as well as a host and a name DJ to keep the energy at a high level throughout the event.

Tickets priced at $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. WI

PRESENTS

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2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT IN HONOR OF EARTH DAY

Trees for the Planet

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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday.

Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016

by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Kia Croom, Joya Patel, Rachel Sudduth, Sarafina Wright (General Assignment Writer) PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Patricia Little, Corey Parrish,

Trees: Nature’s Way of Sustaining our Lives You may not realize it, but trees are essential to combating climate change and providing humans with cleaner air to breath.

That’s why Earth Day 2016, celebrated on Friday, April 22, has adopted the theme of “Trees for the Earth – Let’s get Planting.”

Sure, we enjoy sitting under a tree on a hot, sunny day where we can enjoy the shade and take a few moments for a nap, a picnic or engage in a bit of relaxing communication via our handheld devices. But did you realize that trees actually make a significant and have a measurable impact on the Earth, serving as the foundation for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all?

Trees help communities.

Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone.

Trees filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability and provide food, energy and income.

In other words, trees are our friends.

In five years, Earth Day will mark its 50th anniversary. And as the planet prepares for this momentous occasion, supporters of the movement have embarked upon the goal of planting 7.8 billion trees. That’s a lot of young trees and a lot of digging. But it’s something that must be done.

We have but one planet and for decades we have been abusing it. We have polluted our waters and our lands. We have destroyed the places where insects, birds and other animals live – even causing their extinction or near extinction because they have few places to live or raise their young.

Kathleen Rogers, president of the Earth Day Network, calls Earth Day “the largest and more recognizable face of the environmental movement” on the planet.

We must agree.

In truth, Earth Day, a movement supported by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide, benefits us all – especially our children who represent the future. Earth Day forces us to focus on the urgent need to stabilize and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, fight climate change, act locally, become climate advocates and as was said before, protect our children’s future.

What have you done to protect our vulnerable and essential eco-system? Why not plant a tree or volunteer the next time a group decides to clean our local rivers and parks.

In almost every country on Earth, citizens will be urging their governments to take action and address the climate crisis, beginning with the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement on April 22nd. That’s just one of many things that need to happen.

But we’re all in this together. There’s no better time to get involved than right now.

Travis Riddick, Nancy Shia

D. Kevin McNeir Editor The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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Planting Trees for a Secure Future plans to host a tree display.

“Schlafly Beer’s commitment to sustainability efforts extend Trees are nature’s answer to beyond St. Louis and Earth diminishing air pollution, as Day celebrations. They have exwell as reducing respiratory tensive compost and recycling problems for the human popu- projects,” said Caiti Carrow, the lation, according to U.S. Forest executive director of the public Service scientists and collabora- relations firm, Wagstaff Worldwide, and a spokesperson for tors.

And, trees are the focal point Schlafly Beer.

As a fair trade retailer, Ten of this year’s Earth Day, which has the theme, “Trees for the Thousand Villages in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is committed Earth. Let’s get planting.”

The slogan has motivated to sourcing products made with many to action, some even po- sustainable materials and methods, company officials said. etically.

The company plans a nation“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, I speak for the trees, for wide campaign to plant 10,000 the trees have no tongues,” said trees in national forests through Chris Young, an expert gardener the Arbor Day Foundation and the author of the Children’s from April 21 through May 1.

“The majority of the prode-book, “Is That a Fairy?” Obviously, Young was quoting from ucts customers will find at Ten Thousand Villages are produced his favorite Dr. Seuss book.

“I relate so much to the Lorax in the most environmentalcharacter who loves and pro- ly friendly way possible – by tects his Truffula trees,” Young hand,” said Melissa Kaliner, a said. “I have spent all of my spokeswoman for Ten ThouEarth Day 2016 Focuses on Trees. /Courtesy photo life loving trees. When I think sand Villages.

“Many artisans recycle maabout who my dearest friends are, I’m inclined to include a terials such as newspaper, she said. just by improving air quality post-consumer magazines and few trees on the list,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Forest Ser- less than one percent.

Companies have also been glass to create innovative and vice’s broad-scale estimates conThey also help to save $7 bilmoved to action for Earth Day. functional products. Ten Thou- cluded two years ago that trees lion a year in health costs by Schlafly Beer, a large brewery sand Villages product line in- are saving more than 850 hu- reducing respiratory illness, aclocated in St. Louis, Missouri, cludes a wide range of items man lives a year and preventing cording to a study published in has donated 0,000 Colorado made with natural materials, 670,000 incidents of acute re- the journal Environmental PolBlue Spruce Tree seedlings and from bamboo to water weeds, spiratory symptoms – and that’s lution that was conducted by the U.S Forest Service’s Northern Research Station [NRS].

The study was the first to directly link air pollution to improved health effects, according to Nature World News.

TREES ARE NATURE’S Researchers came to those conclusions by investigating ANSWER TO four pollutants in particular: nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur DIMINISHING AIR dioxide and particulate matter POLLUTION, AS WELL less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter. The EnviAS REDUCING ronmental Protection Agency has air quality standards estabRESPIRATORY PROBlished for these four pollutants.

The NRS team found that LEMS FOR THE HUMAN pollution removal is substantially higher in rural areas comPOPULATION, pared to urban areas, however the effects on human health are ACCORDING TO U.S. considerably greater in urban FOREST SERVICE areas than rural areas.

“With more than 80 percent SCIENTISTS AND of Americans living in urban areas, this research underscores COLLABORATORS. how truly essential urban forests are to people across the nation,” Michael Rains, the director of the Forest Service’s Northern Research Station,

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

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said in a release.

Health effects related to air pollution include impacts on pulmonary, cardiac, vascular and neurological systems, the study revealed.

Officials hope that more individuals and organizations will become more environmentally conscience.

For some, that awareness has already been there, particularly when it comes to trees.

“In Indianapolis where I grew up, there is an ancient old Oak tree called the Kile Oak. This tree is estimated to be about 400 years old and I purposely walked by it on my way to and from elementary school,” said Young, the author. “The tree was comforting to me, I felt reassured by its great size and age and trees give a sense of place and the Kile Oak always made me feel a special pride in my neighborhood.”

Further, Oak trees are one of the most important trees for wildlife and it’s a beautiful way to help the environment, he said.

“I have an Oak tree in my yard that I planted from an acorn when we first bought our house many years ago. The little tree is about 12 feet tall now and is a wonderful way to mark the passing of time. To plant a tree is to believe in the future,” Young said. SS

www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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OPC’s Guide to Going Solar, A Renewable & Clean Energy Option money on electricity bills and generate clean energy. Here’s a “Guide to Go Solar.” n Before going solar, be sure to get a home energy audit to determine if you need any energy efficiency improvements.

A home energy audit is the most important step to take to obtain information to manage your energy usage and reduce utility expenses. To arrange a home energy audit, visit the DC Sustainable Energy Utility’s website at www.dcseu.com.

By Sandra Mattavous-Frye on the District’s energy environment. At this time, OPC People’s Counsel for the is carefully reviewing the ComDistrict of Columbia mission’s order to determine I am pleased to join this what Pepco ratepayers will face Earth Day Supplement to in the near future and how we highlight sustainability, will respond. Irrespective of our the environment and clean next steps, OPC will continue energy. Although the re- to rigorously advocate on behalf cent Pepco-Exelon merger of District consumers for affordhas dominated the debate able, reliable and environmenover electric service in the tally sustainable utility service.

With regard to renewable enDistrict of Columbia, the issues below have been fre- ergy options, OPC has been a quent topics in the conver- strong and long-time supporter sation and are equally im- of affordable solar energy for all District residents. We have acportant.

The merger which the tively supported legislation that Public Service Commis- removes barriers to affordable sion approved on March solar for low-and-limited-in23, 2016 will have an im- come consumers.

Installing solar panels on mediate and lasting impact your home is a great way to save

n Making any necessary home improvements like installing new windows, attic insulation or roof repairs ensures that you get the maximum benefit from the renewable energy your panels generate. The DCSEU offers rebates for improvements. n Think of solar panel installation as a home improvement project. Like any other improvement project, it’s a good idea to get different proposals and quotes from a few solar installers to compare and select the best installer for your needs. n The solar installer will visit your home to assess how much roof space is available, square footage of your home and your average monthly electricity usage, based on past bills. This information helps installers recommend a proper size for your solar panel system. They also will assess whether your roof is in good condition and properly oriented towards the sun to maximize solar energy generation.

n Solar Lease Contract: You pay a fixed monthly fee to the solar company for use of their panels regardless of the power generated, and usually pay no money down. The company retains ownership of the solar panels. n Ownership: You pay for the solar panel installation from the start and own both the panels and the power they generate. With ownership, you would benefit from federal tax credits and solar renewable energy credits. n Once you have decided the best payment plan for you, sign a contract to complete the installation process. Usually, solar companies will handle the permitting and interconnection application process with DC Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs and Pepco. Depending on the size of the panels, installation does not take very long. Pepco should install a smart net meter when your system is installed or soon afterwards. n Finally, await Pepco’s approval of your interconnection application prior to turning

on your panels. The installer will show you how to turn on your panels. Interconnection ensures that your solar panel system is connected to the electric distribution grid, and Pepco can track how much solar energy your panels generate and your electricity usage.

This tracking of solar electricity generated against how much electricity is used is the basis for the monthly credits on your electricity bills.

OPC, by law, is the people’s advocate for all matters affecting public utility service, including solar power. During my tenure as People’s Counsel, energy efficiency and sustainability, along with affordable rates, reliable service and consumer empowerment, have been the cornerstones of OPC. My goal is to make the new technologies available to all DC consumers, regardless of income or neighborhood.

Clean and efficient energy is the wave of the future and we are dedicated to ensuring that all residents of the District of Columbia share in the benefits.

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n Next, the installer will provide a proposal for solar panel installation. However, before you consider any proposal, be sure to think about your method of payment.

Here are financing options to consider: n Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): In a lowor-no-money-down contract, you pay the solar installer for power based on the amount of kilowatt hours your solar panels produce each month. The solar company retains ownership of the solar panels.

www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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Short Films Shine Light on Preserving Nature Earth Week Brings Global Issues to Forefront

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The Department of Energy and Environment [DOEE] and the National Geographic Society kicked off Earth Week 2016 with short environmental films illustrating that humans cannot survive without nature.

Artists, scientists and advocates convened on Monday, April 18 at National Geographic in Northwest to discuss how to bring awareness to global issues affecting the bio-ecological system.

“Many people are unaware of the great nature diversity we have here in the District,” Tommy Wells, director, Department of Energy and Environment said. “For us to be a sustainable city it takes taking a closer look at what we can do and finding unique ways to preserve the environment.”

The theme of the evening included “The Birds & The Bees: Celebrating Nature In Film.”

“The District has been designated an official Bee City,” Wells said. “We’re the second city in America to receive this designation.”

Bee City USA, a grassroots organization, urges municipalities, individuals, organizations, corporations and communities to promote and establish pollinator–friendly landscapes that are free of pesticides.

“If a lot of individuals and communities begin planting native, pesticide-free flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, it will create large-scale change for thousands of species of pollinators at risk – including bees that we all depend on for our food production,” Phyllis Stiles, founder and director, Bee City USA said.

“How each city celebrates pollinators is up to them but we especially encourage educational programs for children, like school gardens,” she said.

“When a child falls in love with pollinators, they are friends for

life.”

DOEE released the Sustainable DC 2016 Progress Report to all attendees along with a complimentary reusable “Explore the Anacostia” swag bag, BioBlitz info and a packet of pollinator plant seeds.

The short films included: “A Ghost in the Making: Searching for the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee,” “Nature is Speaking,” “Rules for the Black Birdwatcher,” “Think Like a Scientist: Boundaries” and “The Anacostia River: Making Connections.”

The recurring theme dealt with the importance of bees and how their pollination greatly affects the human population.

“One-third of the bites of our food are made possible by the pollinators in nature,” Dr. Will Turner, Conservation International said. “When we started thinking about campaigns we thought what would happen if we gave nature a voice?”

Turner’s film, “Nature is Speaking,” narrated by actress

Lupita Nyong’o, gives flowers a voice that expresses their perspective.

“What would the flowers, the sky or the bees say if they could tell us how they feel?”

Turner asked. “Nature must be preserved – human lives depend on it.”

“If we humans don’t change our relationship with nature we’ll be the first to go.” SS

Bees perform invaluable services as pollinators that benefit humans and the planet. /Courtesy photo

POWER

ISN’T EVERYTHING. it’s

HOW USE IT. YOU

Last year, District residents and businesses saved enough energy to power

6,800 homes for an entire year.

Find out how at www.dcseu.com #REPRESENTDC

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Pepco Initiatives on Solar and Other Sustainability Projects Are Creating Exciting New Possibilities

By Donna Cooper President Pepco Region The District of Columbia has implemented a sustainability plan that embraces the use of renewable energy sources. If we look across the District and the region, it will not be uncommon to see an increasing number of rooftops with solar panels.

Homeowners and businesses alike have an interest in reducing their carbon footprint and solar panels are an important tool in achieving this. Pepco is committed to environmental sustainability and it shows through our practices and programs. The interconnection of solar panels is an important function that we have as the electric utility and we have been identifying new ways to actively support its implementation.

We are committed to making it easier for consumers to both generate their own electricity and to sell some of it back to the power grid.

HERE’S WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Recently we enhanced our process for approving requests to connect customers’ small renewable generation systems, including solar panels, to our electric distribution system. This process covers the installation of “net energy meters,” which enable customers to sell any excess electricity those solar panels generate.

We have a new online net energy metering application portal and have trained 200 solar contractors on how to submit applications through it. This replaced the previous manual, paper-based process. We also have added staff to process applications as we face exponential growth in the number of applications we receiving every year.

But it doesn’t stop there.

As part of the promises made in our recent merger with Exelon, our companies will further expand solar and other renewables, such as the development of seven megawatts of new solar in the District of Columbia and the purchase of 100 megawatts of wind energy.

Both Exelon and Pepco have deep commitments to a clean and sustainable environment.

And we will maintain this commitment as we move forward. In fact, many of the merger benefits expand and accelerate the companies’ sustainability efforts.

Here are some other specifics: Pepco will provide tens of millions of dollars in Maryland and the District of Columbia for energy efficiency programs. This includes programs for low and limited income customers.

Pepco Providing 1,500 Free Trees to Maryland and D.C. Customers

We’ll provide $14.4 million in Pepco Maryland’s service territory for a Green Sustainability Fund. This loan program, which includes $8.4 million for Montgomery County and $6 million for Prince George’s, will stimulate public and private investment in solar energy, storage and other behind-the-meter initiatives such as distributed generation, wholehome solutions and a variety of other activities tied to the environment and technology.

Exelon will develop, or assist in developing, 10 megawatts of solar power generation in its Pepco Maryland service territory, five megawatts each in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Pepco will file a proposal to pilot public-purpose micro-grid projects in Maryland -- one each in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. These are intended to provide service in certain areas during emergencies and the proposals will include elements such as distributed-generation sources, solar photovoltaics and fuel cells.

We’re also going to take a look at the big picture and how we can move the grid into the future.

Pepco will file with the Maryland Public Service Commission to begin a collaborative stakeholder

process to examine opportunities to transform the electric distribution grid to incorporate smartgrid technology, micro-grids, renewable resources and distributed generation.

In the District of Columbia, we’ll be providing $21.55 million in escrow for an energy efficiency pilot project and another $5 million in capital for creditworthy governmental entities at market

rates to develop renewable energy projects.

As you can see, these are major transformative efforts to move the power grid, our business, and our service to customers into the future. We intend to continue finding innovative ways of increasing sustainability everywhere Pepco operates for our valued customers.

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Pepco is providing 1,500 free trees to customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia through the Energy-Saving Trees program. It’s the fifth year of the Pepco-Arbor Day Foundation partnership that provides two trees per household while supplies last. This year, the free trees are more developed as they’re lightly branched and 2 to 4 feet in height. The Energy-Saving Trees program helps customers conserve energy and reduces household electricity bills through strategic tree planting. Pepco customers can reserve up to two free trees by visiting www.arborday.org/pepco. The types of trees offered are Eastern redbud, Crapemyrtle, Northern red oak, red maple and river birch, which will be delivered directly to the customer at an ideal time for planting.

“Our Energy-Saving Trees program is another way that Pepco is committed to helping our customers continue to conserve energy as well as improve the environment,” said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. “By strategically planting the right trees in the right places, we help maintain a balance between the aesthetics of the tree canopy and the reliability of the electric distribution system while also offering our customers energy reductions.”

An online tool can help Pepco customers find the most strategic location for planting and estimate the annual savings that will result from the tree. The Energy-Saving Trees online tool was created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Davey Institute, a division of the Davey Tree Expert Co., and uses peer-reviewed scientific research from the USDA Forest Service’s i-Tree Software to calculate estimated benefits. This tool requires an up-to-date internet browser. SS

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Pepco and Exelon: Enhanced Sustainability for the District

By Melissa Sherrod Vice President Corporate Affairs, Exelon Pepco has a long history of advancing sustainability in the District – through innovative customer offerings, environmental stewardship and investments in green initiatives.

Now that the District’s hometown utility has merged with Exelon, creating the leading Mid-Atlantic electric and gas utility company, our contributions to the sustainability of the District will only multiply.

Pepco customers will benefit from the greater resources, ideas and efficiencies that come with being part of a larger company – not to mention the many, specific benefits our companies have committed to the District.

Pepco and Exelon share the belief that clean energy is essential to a brighter, more sustainable future for the District. Among the commitments we’ve made as part of

the merger, we will develop at least seven megawatts of new solar energy in the city and purchase 100 megawatts of wind energy. These investments in renewable energy will further reduce the carbon footprint of the District and surrounding regions. In addition, we will make it easier than ever for Pepco customers to “go solar” by improving processes for connecting solar panels on homes or businesses to the power grid. We’ve also set aside millions in funding for energy efficiency and conservation programs, with particular focus on low-income households.

This is not new territory for Exelon, which is the nation’s leading producer of carbon-free energy. We are the twelfth-largest U.S. wind energy producer, with 47 wind projects in 10 states and nearly 1,500 megawatts of wind power (and growing). We’re also America’s seventh-largest solar producer based on our rapidly expanding number of projects.

Exelon and Pepco are providing these clean energy benefits at no cost to customers.

Furthermore, we are providing additional benefits that will make energy more affordable.

For instance, all Pepco residential customers in the District will receive a more than $50 credit on their bills this month or next. In addition, we are forgiving all unpaid residential accounts in the District that are more than two years old.

Now that we’ve merged our companies, we look forward to delivering on the promise of cleaner, greener and more affordable energy for Pepco customers and communities in the District. SS

MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL OF CLEAN ENERGY. Pepco and Exelon share the belief that clean energy is essential to a brighter, more sustainable future for the District of Columbia. Now that we’ve merged our companies, we look forward to delivering on this promise for the District and its residents. That means more renewable energy like solar and wind power. Enhanced processes that will make it easier for customers to install solar panels. And more innovation to bring clean energy solutions to

PEPCO AND EXELON SHARE THE BELIEF THAT CLEAN ENERGY IS ESSENTIAL TO A BRIGHTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE DISTRICT.

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our customers.

Pepco has powered the District of Columbia’s past and, alongside Exelon, will continue to power its sustainable future.

www.PHITomorrow.com

D.C. Business: Converting Waste into Usable Energy Bedrock Energy Management Has a Plan that Could Benefit U.S. Cities

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor There are 3,091 active landfills and over 10,000 old municipal landfills, based on recent estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, at one point almost every town and many businesses and factories had their own dump, many of which have since become abandoned.

However, because all landfills will eventually fail and leak leachate (water) into ground and surface water along with hazardous air emissions and because a growing number contain hazardous waste, monitoring landfills and identifying new methods to deal with that waste has become a priority in the U.S. and across the globe.

This need and the potential for businesses that employ new forms of technology were what motivated one D.C. resident with a background in engineering and information technology to form his own company, Bedrock Energy Management, LLC in 2012, along with his business partner, Terrence V. Lancaster. Today they’ve been joined by a third partner, Baron Jamal Bell.

Theirs is a Black-owned company that offers an important service: taking solid waste and converting it into electric power.

“This is a brand new industry here in the U.S., with only two percent market penetration – as compared to 95 percent penetration in Japan and 45 percent in Europe,” said Moussa Aquil, 53, who lives in Northwest and studied economics and industrial engineering at the New York Institute of Technology.

“If you get a few more minority players in the field, we could assume a leadership position and not be behind the 8-ball like we tend to be in everything else.”

Aquil said forming a business in waste management isn’t something that a lot of entrepreneurs consider because it’s not sexy. But he says it has offers tremendous financial opportunities.

“Gone are the days when almost every county in the U.S. had a landfill. And no one is getting permission to open new landfills.

That means municipalities have to find ways to manage the old landfills which are filling up quickly,” he said.

He noted that New York City has already reached the limit for its landfills and must ship its waste by barge to North Carolina.

Aquil and his partners hope to build and manage a plant in Southeast adjacent to the Anacostia River and they say that D.C. serves as a prime candidate.

“Some plants do exist in the U.S.

No Matter Where You Live

An overcrowded landfill illustrates the challenges facing many U.S. cities. Anacostia-based Bedrock Energy Management wants to use new technology to convert toxic waste into usable energy. /Courtesy photo

but they’re not conversion plants,” he said. “They harvest organic gases from landfills and then burn them in a turbine in order to produce electric power. They then put it into the national grid where the power is sold to local utility companies who pass that service on to their customers. Our model proposes to sell the converted electric power directly to municipalities like Washington,

D.C. That’s where we differ. That means the municipality, or city, would be able to use the power themselves.”

Aquil noted that while we often don’t see landfills, their presence can be keenly felt by those who live near them.

“In cities like Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles, toxins are already leaking into the soil and water ta-

ConnectNotoMatter Nature, Where You Live (StatePoint) In this age of smartphones and streaming video, it is easy to forget about the world beyond our little screens. And for the 80 percent of Americans living in urban areas, the natural world can seem even more remote. But experts say it’s important to find the time to disconnect, unplug, and appreciate what nature does for you.

Surprisingly, you don’t have to travel outside your town to enjoy nature or benefit from it.

“Your very own neighborhood is likely home to a wide variety of trees,” says Lisa Allen, Missouri State Forester and chair of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) urban and community forestry committee. “From your backyard to the park, trees offer residents improved quality of life and a healthier local environment.”

But trees are at risk from a number of threats, such as invasive pests. So a healthy community forest doesn’t exist without proper planning, management and community investment. Fortunately for urban dwellers, thousands of communities nationwide understand the need for green infrastructure, and are actively working with their state forestry agency to manage these landscapes.

Beyond enjoying the trees around you, you can get involved by helping to raise awareness about the many benefits trees offer. Start a local eco-appreciation society, get involved in local street cleanups, or ask your children’s school to incorporate environmental education into the curriculum. Lastly, stay current on community forestry issues.

To learn more about urban and community forestry, visit www.mytreeourforest.org.

You can also consider ordering “My Tree—Our Forest” tree tags. Each recyclable, weatherproof tag informs people on the ways that trees make oxygen, keep drinking water clean, save money, make city life fun and keep streets safe. Along with your school or community group, hang the tags on local trees (be sure to check local ordinances for permission!) to remind your neighbors to take care of the environment. Then spread the word on social media using the hashtag #MyTreeOurForest.

Remember, you don’t have to leave your beaten path to enjoy the benefits of trees. Thanks to efforts happening at the local level, trees are a vital component of many densely populated communities across the country. SS

ble,” he said. “The organic matter is leaking into the air and at some of these plants, clouds of toxins have already formed above them. It’s just a matter of time before the winds shift and these toxins are spread to other communities. At some point, we’re going to reach a point of no return. The impact on the public’s health is enormous.”

Bedrock Energy Management, LLC is housed at a business incubator located in the HIVE in Anacostia on Good Hope Road. Locally, they mirror businesses located in incubators supported by the University of Maryland, College Park campus, George Washington University and Georgetown University.

Aquil said their business plan offers a long term proposition, around 25-35 years out. That means that today’s youth have a real opportunity to enter the field while it’s still in its infantile stages.

“The backgrounds needed to join this industry vary, from business and information technology to all forms of engineering – even public relations and human resources,” he said. “We’re talking to several potential clients now and estimate that we would not only create 300 permanent jobs, but they would be positions with a real living wage.

In addition, not only would we be removing toxins from the river but we’d be cleaning the river. Businesses like ours are going to continue to spring up. Blacks have to get involved now as the potential is tremendous.”

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pepco.com

A COMMITMENT THAT

GROWS EVERY DAY. Our commitment to conservation, renewable energy and environmental stewardship touches everything we do – on Earth Day and every day.

© Pepco, 2016

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Rep. Barbara Lee: An Environmental Advocate

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee has a long and proven history of standing up to those who consciously chip away at the rights of citizens to have clean air and water.

Lee, 69, has also been a lifelong advocate for the minority community and, as a college student, she volunteered at the Oakland chapter of the Black Panther Party’s Community Learning Center working with Panther co-founder Bobby Seale during his mayoral campaign in 1973.

As Earth Day 2016 ap-

proached, Lee was again front and center on environmental issues, including those that affect African Americans and other minorities.

“When corporations and special interests pollute our environment, all too often it is low-income families and communities of color that bear the highest burden,” said Lee, who’s a member of the Safe Climate Caucus & Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.

“From sky-high childhood asthma rates to lead poisoning, these communities feel the real impact of pollution, climate change and systemic injustice,” she said.

Now, in its 46th year, Earth Day is focusing on the importance of trees this year and has put out the call to plant 7.8 billion trees over the next five years.

Officials said trees will be the first of five major goals they’re undertaking in honor of the fiveyear countdown to Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.

On their own and together, these initiatives will make a significant and measurable impact on the Earth and will serve as the foundation of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all, officials said.

For Lee, environmental activism is like tying her shoes.

The dedicated congresswoman has regularly opposed attempts to cut spending on environmental and health protections and has supported maintaining and strengthening current environmental protection standards.

“Helping to address climate change and protect our nation’s

clean air, water and natural environment are priorities,” Lee said.

The congresswoman also believes that efforts must be made to protect the environment here at home with the work of the international community, she said.

To that end, the U.S. should be a leader in advocating for positive change, rather than an obstacle in addressing climate change, pollution, over-fishing and other environmental challenges, Lee said.

With asthma diagnoses among the urban poor reaching alarming rates, African-American and Latino children are more likely to live in urban communities that do not meet EPA air quality standards, Lee said, adding that she’s committed to fighting for public health and the environment in these communities.

Three years ago, Lee joined Congressman Henry Waxman and 21 other members in co-founding the Safe Climate Caucus – dedicated to spreading the word about the disastrous effects of climate change and advocating for legislation that will protect our environment for future generations.

THE DEDICATED CONGRESSWOMAN HAS REGULARLY OPPOSED ATTEMPTS TO CUT SPENDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH PROTECTIONS AND HAS SUPPORTED MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STANDARDS.

Later, she introduced a concurrent resolution recognizing the disproportionate impact that climate change has on women and praising the unique contributions of women in addressing this serious problem all around the world. The legislation also highlights the need to engage women as stakeholders in the fight to address climate change In addition, she hosted the briefing “Less Carbon, More Jobs: How Tackling Climate Change Can Create Jobs and Expand Economic Opportunity,” which focused on expanding opportunities for communities of color in the green economy.

She then co-signed a letter to the president urging him to include environmental justice issues in his Climate Action Plan.

“For generations, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and low-income communities have been disproportionately hurt by pollution,” Lee said. “You can clearly see these disparities in the childhood asthma rates for these communities.”

Lee helped to introduce the Low-Income Solar Access Act [H.R. 3041] that would expand solar energy access to low-income communities and enable them to build sustainable, community-based energy generation

that doesn’t further pollute their communities.

“Enough is enough,” she said.

“We can no longer wait for environmental justice; we must demand it. We must raise our voices, bring the ‘street heat’ and demand real reforms from our leaders. There is simply too much at stake to do nothing.

“We are talking about our children’s health and their futures. As policymakers, parents and grandparents, and community members, we must turn up the ‘street heat’ and push back against the special interests that reject science and are willing to risk our children’s health.” SS

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Advancing a cleaner future.

At Exelon, we are committed to a more sustainable future. By working together to reduce our impact on the environment, we foster communities that thrive.

We are investing in today to deliver a better tomorrow. exeloncorp.com

Š Exelon Corporation, 2016

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4 Ways to Make Everyday Earth Day (BPT) - On Friday, April 22, millions across the globe celebrate Earth Day by participating in eco-friendly activities in order to make a positive impact on the world we live in. This special day is also the perfect opportunity to start thinking about how you can add small, environmentally-based actions to your everyday lifestyle. This can be achieved through small efforts at home, work and in your community.

In our fast-paced culture, it’s easy to take the world around us for granted. Many aren’t aware how environmental concerns from climate change and pollution to the rise of e-waste are impacted by our daily activities. It’s never too late or too soon to become an environmental steward by committing to be more kind to the planet. Take action by creating more eco-conscious traditions with your family. Here are four green initiatives you can adopt this Earth Day and every day:

HAVE A PAPERLESS TRAIL.

Paper waste takes up more than one-third of space in local landfills, which can generate methane gas that is harmful to the environment. Luckily, today’s technological advances make it easy to go paperless.

There are many apps and services that can help you cut back on how much paper you use. You can start by requesting items such as bills, statements and newsletters be sent electronically. The paper items you do wish to receive, like newspapers, cardboard boxes, magazines and phone books, can easily be recycled when you finish using them.

GET UNPLUGGED.

Did you know vampires really do exist? Well, energy vampires that is. This term is used to describe how many types of electronics and office equipment - including computers, phone chargers, clocks, TVs and printers - continue to use electricity when they’re off but still plugged into an outlet. In households across the U.S., wasted energy not only costs consumers more than $5.8 billion annually, it also sends more than 87 billion pounds

MANY AREN’T AWARE HOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE AND POLLUTION TO THE RISE OF E-WASTE ARE IMPACTED

BY OUR DAILY ACTIVITIES. of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

Make a pact to reduce the amount of energy your family uses. This can be as simple as turning off lights or the TV when you’re not in the room.

Unplugging electronics when they aren’t being used is also a great way to save your family

money and conserve energy.

DEVELOP A GREEN THUMB.

While many people choose to plant trees for Earth Day, take it a step further by starting a garden in your yard. You can plant anything from flowers, herbs or vegetables. This

is a great way to get the entire family involved in an activity you can do together throughout the year that is fun and healthy for everyone!

BECOME A BATTERY RECYCLING SUPERHERO.

Some items that can be re-

cycled are thrown away mostly because people do not know what can be recycled and where to recycle them. Many household electronics and popular tech gadgets use rechargeable batteries that contain materials that are potentially harmful to the environment and should never be thrown into the trash.

You can help by educating your friends and family about how they can reduce waste by choosing to recycle.

Organizations like Call2Recycle Inc. strive to minimize the environmental impact of products through responsible disposal by offering an easy and no-cost recycling solution for rechargeable batteries.

Call2Recycle has a network of more than 30,000 drop-off locations, including retail stores in your own community that you may already visit regularly. Their collection sites accept cellphones and rechargeable batteries (weighing up to 11 pounds), including those you find in laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, MP3 players or iPods, tablets and cordless phones.

Get started by organizing a local recycling drive to encourage others to gather up their batteries to be recycled.

Through recycling, you can make your community more sustainable and keep potentially hazardous materials from entering local landfills. Visit www.call2recycle.org/locator and use the location finder to find the nearest collection site.

Being a responsible member of any community means making choices and taking action to take care of the world we live in. These eco-friendly activities may sound simple and easy to get started, but the real challenge is creating new habits that will ultimately lead to a greener lifestyle. By starting small and making your goals realistic, there is a greater chance you will continue implementing them throughout the year. Your efforts can inspire your family and friends to join you in incorporating environmentally-friendly behavior into their every day lives. These changes - big and small - can make a positive impact and create a better world for ourselves and for future generations. SS

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MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL OF CLEAN ENERGY. Pepco and Exelon share the belief that clean energy is essential to a brighter, more sustainable future for the District of Columbia. Now that we’ve merged our companies, we look forward to delivering on this promise for the District and its residents. That means more renewable energy like solar and wind power. Enhanced processes that will make it easier for customers to install solar panels. And more innovation to bring clean energy solutions to our customers.

Pepco has powered the District of Columbia’s past and, alongside Exelon, will continue to power its sustainable future.

www.PHITomorrow.com

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS EDITORIAL

We Can Learn from Anita Hill’s Message

Anita Hill says she had no idea that speaking out about being sexually harassed by her former supervisor Clarence Thomas 25 years ago during his Supreme Court confirmation process would thrust her into the public’s eye – and help give greater attention to the often untold or unbelieved stories of millions of women, girls, boys and men who experience harassment or sexual assault during their lives.

As Hill shared during a recent visit to the District and American University, living in the U.S. and often being made to feel like a second class citizen simply because of her gender was something she never believed she’d have to experience.

But during the confirmation hearings, she said she quickly realized that even with changes in the law, she still faced the “double negative” of being both Black and a woman, despite being a citizen in a country that has long professed to be a place where everyone is equal.

Of course, we know that such a notion has been more a statement on paper than one that is actually the law and philosophy of the land.

Women face an uphill battle – but it’s one that men must also join.

Recent statistics show that 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime; 17.7 million American women have been victims of attempted or completed rape. Children don’t fare much better – 15 percent of sexual assault and rape victims are under age 12. As for women 18 to 24 years old, those enrolled in college are 3 times more likely than women in general to suffer from sexual violence. Females of the same age who are not enrolled in college are 4 times more likely.

One has to wonder why such criminal actions continue at such alarming rates and why we haven’t declared a national emergency because of it, particularly given the long term effects of rape which include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol or drug abuse and the contemplation of suicide.

Hill’s suffering did a lot to put this problem in the forefront. When will we be willing to tackle this crisis in earnest? How many more of our sisters, daughters, wives, mothers and friends have to suffer?

The time for change is now! WI

Fundamental Question for GOP: What Can You Do for Us? Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump says he wants to make America great again. To African Americans, many whom have grown accustomed to coded language used to deceive generations from slavery to Civil Rights and even today, Trump’s statement might be considered racist.

The New York businessman has vehemently denied that his campaign slogan has any racial overtones, that it’s simply Trump’s mission to turn the fortunes of American citizens around.

On his website, Trump lists several positions including “Pay for the Wall,” which he plans to build to keep out illegal aliens. He also lists a desire to “protect our Second Amendment rights,” which Trump said would also help make America great again.

Protecting the right to bear arms is imperative Trump said, before adding a reminder of why it’s important.

“We need to get serious about prosecuting violent criminals. The Obama administration’s record on that is abysmal,” he said. “Violent crime in cities like [predominately black] Baltimore, Chicago and many others is out of control. Drug dealers and gang members are given a slap on the wrist and turned loose on the street.”

Obama’s mission has been to reduce the sentences of nonviolent drug offenders and rid the system of mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, which overwhelmingly affected minorities.

Questioning Trump is legitimate, but the same can be said for Ted Cruz and Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

After all, the winner will replace the nation’s first Black president.

With each of the candidates avoiding these issues, it’s fair for voters to dig deep before deciding for whom they will cast their vote. With the lack of transparency about what they’d do for minorities, it could be an election that Blacks and Latinos decide to sit out. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Spelling Bee Exemplifies Service Dear Editor, I would like to thank the Washington Informer for its continued support of our students in its sponsoring of the Spelling Bee. The supplement inside of the April 14, 2016 edition is topnotch.

The commitment to put together the event and then showcase it in your newspaper is a wonderful expression of service to our community by you and your staff. As a parent I am so appreciative of all of the hard work done by everyone involved in the Spelling Bee: parents, students, teachers and administrators. The hard work put in by our students is something for all to be proud of, and we are. I can only imagine how the students feel knowing that their effort and hard work is recognized throughout the DC area. Thanks again Washington Informer!

Emma Wright Washington, D.C.

The Rift Between Blacks and Republicans Dear Editor, It was fascinating to read both of your stories on the front-page of the April 14th edition of the Informer, “Ben Carson Backs Donald Trump,”

by Freddie Allen and “Anita Hill: In Her Own Words – 25 years Later,” by D. Kevin McNeir.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

I say fascinating because I am a third generation black Republican, and most of the time, very proud of it, but these two stories are prime reasons why I say most of the time instead of all of the time. Before the 1960’s the Republican Party and the African American community had a good working partnership. It was the party of Abraham Lincoln and everyone should know that story.

I’m highlighting your two stories because they are prime examples of what has gone wrong between today’s Republican Party and the African American community. First, Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas, who was nominated by Republican President George H.W. Bush to replace Justice Thurgood Marshall is a disgrace. I don’t know if he was guilty of the accusations made by Anita Hill or not, but that doesn’t give him the right to waste his seat on the court, yes, waste his seat. For him to sit there and not write any briefs, not say anything, and just vote the way the late Anthony Scalia voted for twenty-five years is a disgrace. As far as Dr. Ben Carson and his backing of Donald Trump, that doesn’t surprise me at all. I believe Dr. Carson is so far out of touch with what is really going on, it’s shameful, or maybe it is because he is in the wrong arena, politics instead of medicine. For him to endorse Trump, the one who is bringing out the ugly American for the whole world to see, is just crazy. In light of all of this I am still a Republican and I still believe the Republican Party can be the best political party for Blacks, but we have a whole lot of work to do.

Roland McNeil Washington, D.C.

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

Black Women Won’t Celebrate Equal Pay Until Aug. 1 The Sewall-Belmont House is located at the National Women’s Party in Washington, D.C. It is one of the oldest houses near the United States Capitol and was the house where Alice Paul wrote the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote. On April 12, Equal Pay Day, President Barack Obama designated the house the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. The National Park System will manage the site, and a philanthropist has donated a million dollars to support the site

and to provide some restorations to the house.

According to the American Association of University Women, a group that promotes equity and education for women and girls, “Equal Pay Day is the symbolic day when women’s earnings “catch up” to men’s earnings from the previous year.”

But African-American women earn a scant 63 cents to the average dollar a White man earns. A Black woman would have to work until around August 1 to earn as much as a man did in the previous year!

Alarming as that fact is, it is equally alarming that few mention Equal

Guest Columnist

Pay Day in a racial context. Ain’t I a woman?

It would have meant a lot to some African-American women had Obama mentioned other inequality in passing. It would not have distracted from the important points he made when he designated the new monument. After all, the news release from the White House talked about “America’s diverse history.” The disparate treatment of African-American women is certainly part of that history.

To be sure, Obama has done a good job in addressing the issue of equal pay and fair treatment of women in the workplace. His first

piece of legislation, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, gave women a longer time to sue for workplace discrimination. He has also created a National Equal Pay Task Force and, through executive order, prohibited federal contractors from discriminating against workers who discuss their pay. In the nonfederal workplace, employees can be disciplined or even fired if they discuss their pay. Indeed, the reason there are such gaping pay gaps is because there is so little transparency about pay. From legislation he has supported and discretionary acts he has taken, Obama would likely do more to close the gender pay

gap were there a more cooperative Congress. Clearly, pay equity is not a priority for this Congress.

Obama has been an aggressively pro-family president. From his support of an increased minimum wage to his advocacy for paid sick leave (including an executive order for federal contractors) to his support for better overtime regulations, the president has strongly supported workplace fairness. It takes nothing from his strong commitment to women, though, to acknowledge that African-American women earn less and that Equal Pay Day comes

MALVEAUX Page 45

By Marc Morial

Defending Democracy: The Fight Against Voter Suppression “No right is more precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the election of those who make the laws under which, as good citizens, we must live. Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined.” — The Supreme Court of the United States, Wesberry v. Sanders, 1964 In 2013, the Supreme Court stripped the Voting Rights Act of its power to stop states from creating and enforcing laws that would prevent eligible voters from exer-

cising their constitutional right to vote. Under the dark shadow of the newly crippled law, our nation celebrated the 50th year anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 2015. In 2016, our nation will observe its first presidential election since the court effectively paved the way for states to usher in new, legal obstacles to the polls that would largely affect low-income people, the elderly, people with disabilities, students and communities of color.

Preclearance—which laid at the very heart of the VRA—required states with a history of discrimina-

Guest Columnist

tory, race-based voter suppression to have any amendments in their voting laws “precleared” by the Justice Department. The Supreme Court, in all its wisdom, decided the preclearance provision was the stuff of a bygone era of racial injustice in American history. The court could not have been more flawed in its thinking. Since then, states have been hard at work introducing and passing countless laws that do what the VRA was created to stop: the calculated denial of the vote to targeted classes of Americans.

In our first election since

Barack Obama became the first African-American to be elected this nation’s president, 17 new states—from Texas to Rhode Island — will have new voting restrictions in place. While it is true that the days of poll taxes, literacy tests and grandfather clauses exist in the pages of our history books.

The old strategy of voter suppression is not sitting somewhere collecting dust on a shelf. Voter suppression is alive and well and dressed in a new suit of modern tactics, with states passing laws strict voter ID laws, cutting back on early voting, denying ex-felons

the right to vote and even closing polling places in communities of color.

In all, 22 states have new restrictive voting requirements in effect since the 2010 midterm election, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. That sobering number represents nearly half our nation’s states. It also represents hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions, of eligible voters being denied their protected right to a vote. We should not accept this current state of affairs as the last word on voting rights in our democracy. WI

By Karen Ocamb (Black AIDS Institute)

Phill Wilson: Still Answering the Black AIDS Call at 60 The first cases of what became HIV/AIDS hit the news on June 5, 1981. Soon, Phill Wilson, then just 25, and his new boyfriend, Chris Brownlie, were both diagnosed with swollen lymph nodes, which their doctor suggested could be related to the mysterious disease. But they were not afraid: The media widely reported that “GRID” (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency) was a White gay disease on the East and West coasts or was contracted through

26 APRIL 21-27, 2016

poppers or by contact with “sexual athletes”—none of which they thought pertained to their lives in Chicago.

“Our doctor didn’t know much.

No one had any information,” says Wilson. But then members of their gay softball team got sick and died in a matter of weeks. “That’s when it became real.”

The epidemic that has killed more than 25 million people worldwide ended up engulfing Wilson’s life.

He founded the gutsy and powerful Black AIDS Institute and became one of America’s foremost AIDS and

gay-rights activists, featured in the new CNN docu-series, “The Eighties.” As he comes up to his 60th birthday, his experience shows how a person with humble beginnings can stand up to almost anything, even a global plague.

Wilson and Brownlie moved to Los Angeles in the spring of 1982, started a Black giftware company and got involved in the gay and civil rights organization Black and White Men Together. “That’s when it got scary,” he says. “We had four or five friends sick at a time; most of them were Black. They didn’t look like

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any of them the media was talking about. We realized that nobody gave a damn. Either we were going to die, or we were going to have to fight, and still we might die. Die or fight or both. I had just met Chris. I had just found myself. I wasn’t ready to let either go. So, we fought and did whatever we could to not die — and to help our friends not die.”

It was a jarring epiphany — but Wilson was spiritually prepared for the fight. “When you are a poor Black kid in the 1950s living in a housing project on the south side of Chicago, there is a lot your parents

can not do or provide,” Wilson says.

“But what they can do is to make sure you know that you are loved and you matter. That is what my parents did for me, my brothers and my sister. They knew they could not shield us from a racist world forever.

Eventually we would hear messages that we were not OK — that we were the wrong color, our hair was wrong, or our noses were too broad.

So they made sure we had some internalized protection — kind of like ‘PrEP for racism.’” He chuckled.

OCAMB Page 45

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By James Clingman

Coalition-Building Key to Black Relevance Coalition-building is the best way for Black people to make the kind of progress we need to make in this country, especially when it comes to economic empowerment.

Some have posited that Black people are swiftly becoming obsolete.

From the agricultural economy to the industrial and mass production economy Black folks, in some cases, had it going on. Many individual Blacks did quite well with jobs and businesses in those areas. As we moved through the technology/in-

formation economy and now into the knowledge-based economy, the rules for survival have changed.

Are Black people as a group becoming obsolete? Someone said, “All the shoes have been shined and all the cotton has been picked,” which suggests that Black people are no longer needed by white folks, therefore, if we do not change our ways when it comes to business and job development we will indeed become obsolete.

Frederick Douglass, Booker T., and Garvey spoke of a time when we would have to consider the question of Black obsolescence if

Guest Columnist

we did not awaken from our deep sleep and refuse to be dependent upon the largess of others for our sustenance.

The strength we gain from coalescence will bring about this much-needed change, and one major step is to reach out and connect with other likeminded people of African descent. This should be done on a national and an international level, the closest area being just south of our country—the Caribbean.

One of the greatest Africans in modern history was born in Jamaica. Of course, that would be Mar-

cus Mosiah Garvey, who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Look across the Caribbean, and you will find other Blacks who knew and followed through on solutions; they took action rather than merely talk about their problems. They stood up against aggression, ignorance and oppression. They understood and followed through on the value of educating their people, and they subscribed to the lessons their elders left behind.

Haitian history shows us strength and refusal to submit to enslavement; it also shows us

resolve and a willingness to help others, as in the case of Haitian soldiers going to Savannah, Georgia to fight against the British in the Siege of Savannah on Oct. 9, 1779, during the U.S. Revolutionary War. We also remember the irrepressible Toussaint L’Overture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe, Haitians who led the only successful slave revolt in the western hemisphere.

Many Black people came to the United States from the Caribbean and brought with them the same

CLINGMAN Page 46

By Rev. Jesse Jackson

Revive the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights This country has made remarkable progress on civil rights over our history. We’ve moved from slavery to segregation to equal rights under the law. African-Americans have gained the right to vote, the right to equal employment opportunity. Open racism has become increasingly unacceptable. Gays and lesbians have progressed toward equal rights. Same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in law and in practice.

Yet in the past years we’ve been

presented with inescapable evidence of continuing systemic discrimination. Ferguson and many other abuses sparked the Black Lives Matter movement that exposed the systemic and too often deadly bias of our criminal justice system.

Liberals and conservatives alike have criticized mass incarceration of nonviolent offenders, disproportionately people of color.

The wealth gap between the races has increased dramatically, as African-Americans and Latinos were disproportionately targeted and victimized by the systemic fraud that led to the financial collapse.

Askia-At-Large

Muslim communities have come under brutal assault from political candidates looking to scare up votes. As we’ve already seen in Arizona and Wisconsin, voting rights have come under the worst attack since the days of Jim Crow.

Governors across the country have refused to expand Medicaid, passing up on billions in federal money, with people of color disproportionately the victims.

We need to revive a powerful, independent Civil Rights Commission to act as an independent watchdog, not partisan, to report on these and other fundamental

civil rights concerns and make recommendations to the Congress and the president.

The U.S. Civil Rights Commission was created in 1957 under Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower to provide a powerful, independent monitor of civil rights.

Ike’s committee that recommended its formation concluded: “In a democratic society, the systematic, critical review of social needs and public policy is a fundamental necessity.

This is especially true of a field like civil rights, where the problems are enduring and range widely (and where) … a temporary, sporadic ap-

proach can never finally solve these problems.”

The Civil Rights Commission’s early reports on voting rights and school integration had powerful effect. It played a major role in helping to define what became the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. In 2000, it released a powerful report on police practices and civil rights in America.

The commission still exists but it has been weakened dramatically.

Under Ronald Reagan, its budget was cut. Under George W. Bush,

JACKSON Page 46

By Askia Muhammad

Beware of electoral ‘October surprise’ Secrets.

What can the public possibly learn from the 28 pages of secrets that have been hidden since 9/11 concerning the Saudi Arabian royal family’s involvement and even possible support for the attackers?

So what if Prince Bandar was a close friend of the family of then-President George W. Bush?

So what if he often spent holidays with the family and was even nicknamed “Bandar Bush?”

So what if her secret emails, kept on her own personal server rather than a more secure government server, reveal that in 2011 when she spurred the U.S. campaign to overthrow Libyan leader Muamar Qaddafi, so what if we learn now that she was in negotiations with Qaddafi’s government to greatly improve 40 years of strained relations?

I’ll tell you. That kind of duplicitous behavior in Libya undermines trust in this country and reveals a leader/a

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government, willing to negotiate favorable diplomatic arrangements with another government on one hand while striking blows to destroy that government with the other. Secrets maybe better kept hidden.

Of course, there’s a need for some secrecy. Competitors don’t want their strategies revealed. Surprise birthday parties! Sometimes events are potentially so popular that their details must be kept from the public because of safety concerns, for example.

But these diplomatic secrets — like the fact that the U.S. government was spying on the mobile phone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel for example — these kinds of secrets are humiliating, when revealed.

Now, I would not be surprised if at this very moment, somewhere, someone in this country — someone we otherwise trust — some someone, driven by political fervor alone, is plotting a dreadful event in order to shock voters in this country.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Of course, there are anti-American zealots among us scheming against their homeland, but I’m wondering if there are any “pro-American zealots” who might feel that in order to influence the electorate to choose for example Donald Trump or Ted Cruz —xenophobic, war mongering zealots — there must be a catastrophic “terrorist event” to frighten voters. The secret may be that it was a “false flag” operation by U.S. operatives made to appear to have

MUHAMMAD Page 46

APRIL 21-27, 2016 27

LIFESTYLE

Students Get Help for Prom Gifts Include Dresses, Suits

5(Left-

5Students benefit benevolence. / Photo courtesy Howard University

By Taj Brayboy and Diandra Bolton Howard University News Service Masada Johnson gazed at the excited teenagers busily probing the colorful explosion of floor-length dresses that had been gathered just for them in preparation of their big day – prom. Watching them reminded Johnson why she was there.

The high school girls perused racks and racks of pastel blues and purples, sequined silvers, shoes, small handbags and other accessories – all free to girls who so desperately wanted to look just right on their special night.

“This opportunity is something my family and I would have definitely participated in if it was around when it was my time to go to the prom,” said Johnson, who manages the program that made this day possible.

Johnson didn’t go to her prom.

Her family simply couldn’t afford it, an event that Visa estimates costs the average American household $916. Now she volunteers with the Family Matters of Washington to provide boys and girls the opportunity she didn’t have.

The organization’s Dresses4Dreams and Suited4Dreams this year offered over 200 free new and used prom dresses as well as suits and tuxedos in a business center conference room last week in Southwest for District students.

Family Matters, which provides various services to families throughout D.C., has held its boutique event for five years. It donates prom dresses and suits to underprivileged District youth 14 years and older.

Jazmine Harris, 17, of McKinley Technology High School, showed up on Wednesday, the beginning

28 APRIL 21-27, 2016

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of the two-day event.

“When we got here, I was completely overwhelmed at the colors and options,” Jazmine gushed.

“There were so many colors and textures. I couldn’t wait to touch them.”

If the girls struggled to find the right dress, there were professional stylists and local designers available to ensure they left with the right dress.

Stylist Brandy Sims helped Harris find her dress, a strapless red garment with ruffles at the bottom.

“The dress fit her perfectly,” Sims said. “It doesn’t need any alterations, just some simple accessories. The red color speaks for itself.

It also compliments her blonde hair perfectly.”

Kia Thomas, the mother of two high school students, also attended.

“My daughter found a beautiful red dress with feathers on the end that fits her like a glove,” Thomas said. “I will also be back for the Suited4Dreams event for my son tomorrow to pick out a tux.”

Liza Rahman, 17, said she heard about the event through her academic advisor at Woodrow Wilson High School. She did everything to make sure she cleared her schedule so as to not miss this opportunity, she said.

“I am working two jobs right now,” she said. “I am going to two proms this year. So, this helped me out a whole lot. Now I only have to worry about one more dress, or I can wear this one to both.”

Jamari Jackson was one of about 20 boys who came Thursday for Suited4Dreams. Jamari, 17, said he had only owned one suit until he picked out one last week. He’s a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School and said he hopes to go to

PROM Page 46

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LIFESTYLE

Local Non-profit Revives Baseball in Southeast MLB Gives Youth a Helping Hand

family,” she said.

“I truly believe that the success of my program is in part due to the partnership that the Grays have built with Sousa’s baseball team,” she said.

“Our partnership with the Sousa Middle School team started when I was at a meeting at the Nationals Academy and was able to observe a practice and be introduced to Coach Whitmire,” Christopher Spera, board member said.

“I saw some really devoted coaches and players working hard to get better, but I also saw kids sharing gloves because they didn’t have their own and kids practicing in shorts because they didn’t have baseball pants.”

“We are thrilled to have helped out the Sousa team and Coach Whitmire,” Spera said. “The D.C. Grays stand for reviving baseball in DC.” WI

5D.C. Grays president and founder Michael Barbera announced the “Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities” program and gift of apparel to the John Philip Sousa Middle School baseball program on Thursday, April 14 in Southeast. / Photo courtesy of D.C. Grays.

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Major League Baseball will partner with a local non-profit with the hopes of getting inner city youth invested in baseball.

D.C. Grays Baseball announced they will join in with the MLB to bring the program “Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities” [RBI] to the District on Thursday, April 14 in Southeast.

“When D.C. Grays Baseball was founded in 2012, our goal was to make the great game of baseball available and accessible to every kid in our community, regardless of ability to pay,” Michael Barbera, president and founder said.

“Now that we have revitalized the RBI program for D.C. and are helping the ballplayers at John Philip Sousa Middle School, we are fulfilling our mission to be ‘ambassadors for baseball’ in Washington, D.C.” The non-profit also announced the donation of baseball equipment and apparel to John Philip

Sousa Middle School in Southeast, which sits across the street from the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy.

The organization will operate seven teams in the RBI program for 2016 – five baseball teams and two softball teams.

One baseball team and one softball team will represent Washington in the 2016 Major League Baseball RBI East Regional Tournament in Bowie, Md. in August.

There will be no cost for families in the D.C. Grays RBI program.

D.C. Grays board member and co-founder Brad Burris, a former Howard University baseball player, will manage the 13 - 15 year old baseball team.

“I look forward to the opportunity to build a top-flight program that the residents of D.C. would be proud to be affiliated with,” Burris said. “The RBI program and purpose is meaningful and impactful to me.”

“I would like to see the members of the inaugural Grays RBI team be accountable to each other as team-

mates, for accountability and commitment are a recipe for success,” he said. “If you love the game, the game will love you back.”

The Grays has committed to helping District schools baseball programs, they will sponsor a summer reading program for all kids in the RBI program and they will offer a college access seminar for the youth and their families – to encourage college preparation.

Baseball Coach Brie Whitmire at John Philip Sousa Middle School thanked the organization for their support.

“The Grays generosity went far beyond providing us with material possessions,” Whitmire said. “They opened doors and empowered us to be the best team we could be.

They truly took my boys under their proverbial wings.”

“From dedicating mentoring time to spend with the boys to offering free clinics and letting my guys throw out ceremonial first pitches, the Grays went above and beyond to show my boys and me that we are all a part of the same

The Concert To Conquer Cancer Join the Howard University Cancer Center for an evening of gospel and inspirational music for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and cancer health care professionals.

Thursday, April 28, 2016, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm in the Walter Lester Henry Towers Auditorium.

Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Reserve tickets by calling 202-806-7697 or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-concert-to-conquer-cancertickets-22750959733.

Donations will be accepted.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre Saturday, April 30, 2pm & 8pm Sunday, May 1, 4pm $30 / $25 Short Matinees for Seniors 60+ Thursday April 28 & Friday April 29 11am / $10 / $8 Tickets and info: 301-277-1710 (TTY301-699-2544) Publick Playhouse 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly, MD 20784 Free, on-site parking arts.pgparks.com

All proceeds to benefit cancer survivorship services, training and research at Howard University Cancer Center.

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 29

LIFESTYLE

Twenty Years after Tiger, Where are Young, Black Golfers?

By Timothy Cox Special to the Informer Eldrick “Tiger” Woods is in the city of Augusta, but unfortunately for his lingering and dedicated fan base, he’s not participating in this, the 80th annual 2016 Masters Tournament.

Readers may recall watching a young Tiger teeing-off on long practice shots at the Augusta National Golf Club in April 1995. This was Tiger’s first visit to golf ’s hallowed grounds, a few years before he would set records and become one of golf ’s brightest stars ever.

Now several decades later,

young Black golfers are noticeably missing not only on the PGA Tour, but even on the high school and collegiate ranks.

In Augusta, home of the prestigious Masters Tournament, members of the Masters City Golf Association, an organization comprised of adult Black golfers, including longtime golfers like Ricardo “Ricky” Daggett commented on the supposed “Tiger Effect.”

“When Tiger was having all of his success in the late 1990s, I too thought by now, we’d see an abundance of young talented Black golfers on the tour. The problem is that golf can be a

very expensive game or hobby.

Many young Blacks just don’t have the economic background to develop their games at such a high level,” said Daggett, himself a star high school running back at Augusta’s iconic Lucy C. Laney High School, years before taking up golf as an older man.

Charles Moye, president of the 32-year old Masters City Golf Association, said he didn’t start golfing until after accepting a job at the John Deere plant in Grovetown, Georgia.

“I started off hitting a few balls with some of my co-workers. It’s absolutely true, very often business deals are made on the golf course. Mainly, business relationships can develop and can lead from the greens to the office,” Moye said.

But why the void when it comes to Tiger’s protégés?

Moye, 48, like Daggett, says there are not only economic reasons but cultural effects too.

“We (Blacks) hop on the fads, but financially playing golf can be a major challenge. Often it’s a lot easier to wear saggy pants and try to be a rapper and play basketball or football. By contrast, it takes so much time, money and lessons to succeed in the golf game,” he said.

At Augusta University, golf coach Jack O’Keefe, 45, said he also expected a spike in the number of Black golfers following the success of Tiger.

“I played on the PGA Tour in 1997, the same year Tiger won

5Mariah Stackhouse could become tomorrow’s star. / Courtesy photo the Masters,” said O’Keefe, who is white and an Arkansas native.

“With Tiger’s success and with the formation of [supportive programs] one would’ve thought we would’ve noticed a significant number of young minority golfers on the tour by now,” he said.

He did note that a young Black woman golfer named Mariah Stackhouse has garnered major success while playing for the 2015 Women’s NCAA National Championship Stanford Cardinal golf team, ironically Tiger’s alma mater. Stackhouse,

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who hails from the Atlanta suburb of Riverdale, Georgia, is one of the team’s premier players and is only a junior.

“Perhaps, she’ll be the next one to step into Tiger’s shoes,” O’Keefe said. “I would like to see someone step into the shadows of people like Calvin Peete and Charlie Sifford and compete on a major level,” he said. “Golf is a tough game. It’s a lot more expensive than the other major sports,” O’Keefe said.

“Tiger was the greatest gift ever for the PGA Tour,” said Orin Starn, who heads the cultural anthropology program at Duke University. “With him as its face, the PGA Tour didn’t have to deal with issues of diversity, or worry about the tour looking like the rest of America.

They could say, ‘See, the problem is fixed. We have an African American who is No. 1 in the world.’”

“But the problem still exists.

If anything, it’s gotten worse,” Starn notes. “There were eight Black players on tour in 1975, the year Lee Elder was the first Black golfer in the Masters and the year Woods was born. Now there is only Tiger.

Even Woods acknowledges that there are issues in attracting young Black players.

“Our sport is becoming more global,” Woods said. “It’s only going to become more difficult for African Americans now, because golf has opened up around the world.”

WI

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LIFESTYLE

Famed Tuskegee Airman Encouraging a New Generation “The legacy I feel we leave is that our young people, regardless of their circumstances ... that they can achieve if they believe it,” he said.

“Today, it’s hard to reach young ones because they have their heads down and their fingers pushing buttons on their phones and devices. But I try to tell them that they are the future of this country. Right now, people are planning to go to Mars, and I tell the young ones that the planners aren’t the ones going. It’s going to be the young ones because the plans won’t be completed in time for those who

5Retired Col. Charles McGee is still encouraging the young at 96. / Courtesy Photo

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The National World War II Museum in New Orleans plans a dedication ceremony for the newly restored P-51 Mustang, the first American built fighter plane to push its nose over Europe after the fall of France, on Thursday, April 21.

The Mustangs met and conquered every German plane, according to the Boeing Center.

Perhaps just as significant during the war, the P-51 was used by the Tuskegee Airman, America’s first Black fighter pilots, who earned their military stripes as the iconic Red Tails.

“We began operations on Feb. 14, 1944, patrolling Naples Harbor to the Isle of Capri, and we also did coastal patrol. My first patrol was on Feb. 28, and we moved up to Capodichino on March 4 and did the rest of our tactical patrolling from there,” said Retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee, a longtime Prince George’s County resident and one of the fewer than 200 Tuskegee Airmen to fight in World War II who are still alive today.

McGee, 96, will be on hand when the P-51 Mustang is dedicated in New Orleans.

He vividly recalled the action he experienced more than seven decades ago, including the various aircrafts involved in his series of combat missions.

“The P-51 Mustangs help us to

win the war,” he said.

During his decorated 30-year Air Force career, McGee flew more than 400 missions in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. In January 1973, McGee retired at the age of 54, and he lays claims as a charter board member and two-time national president of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Known as the “Red Tails” because of the markings on their airplanes, McGee and the Tuskegee Airmen’s 332nd Fighter Group became such respected pilots that allWhite bomber squadrons requested them as escorts over Nazi Germany.

Having graduated from flight school in 1943, McGee began flying missions the following year out of bases in Italy, and he shot down a German fighter plane.

The Tuskegee Airmen’s success helped lay the groundwork for the civil rights movement and influenced President Harry Truman’s decision to desegregate the armed forces in 1948.

“That was a good feeling, certainly, one that we still are proud of – that we were able to overcome the circumstances that were part of policy and help bring about a new day,” he said.

In 2007, McGee and other Tuskegee Airman received the highest civilian award given by Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, which was president by President George W. Bush.

McGee said he has continued to use his past to try to help young ones, who are the nation’s future.

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are the planners, but they will be completed for those who are growing up today,” he said.

It is his concern for the next generation that excites McGee about the upcoming dedication in New Orleans, he said.

“The event is special because it’s doing something that everybody needs to know about. A lot of things we don’t need to repeat, but we certainly need to know what was done and how we got to be here today,” McGee said. “The value of those lessons still are good for young folks today simply because

they are America’s tomorrow.”

Also, it is vital that excellence becomes the goal of young ones who should be determined not to let circumstances be an excuse for not achieving, he said.

“Kids are bombarded with all the wrong stuff today, but I try to pass on as much knowledge as I can,” McGee said. “Fortunately, in my younger years, I learned to treat people the way I wanted to be treated. You have to become a servant to all, look out for others, take care of each other and help others as well as help yourself.” WI

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202.678.3195 TAKING CARE OF THEIR COMMUNITY Black Philanthropists and Grant makers spotlighted Baltimore one year after the riots during a series of conversations that engaged national and community leaders and their use of political engagement in the Black community on April 10. Over 330 leaders and professionals in philanthropy including presidents, trustees, program officers and donors attended ABFE’s 45th annual conference on April 7-9 in Baltimore with the theme “Empower Philanthropy.” Speakers included Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and former MSNBC host Melissa Harris Perry. / Photos by Khalid Naji-Allah

32 APRIL 21-27, 2016

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LIFESTYLE

WI Book Review A

Horoscopes

APRIL 21-27, 2016

ARIES Obstacles give you something to work around. They give you something to do. At least that’s your viewpoint. Absolute force may not be the best way forward; sheer charm may be a lot more potent. You have no time to celebrate with your family’s demands on your time, but the weekend is all yours.

“The Blackbirds”

by Eric Jerome Dickey c.2016, Dutton $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 519 page

TAURUS You wake up feeling like a character in a romance novel. Your entire life seems oriented toward the prospect of love. Flattery and sex appeal figure strongly.

You’re too busy thinking about your wallet to spend much time thinking about your heart, and some days find you crippled with indecision about your work life.

GEMINI You have more strength than you realize, and you’re a lot further ahead than you think. If a spreadsheet has you cross-eyed, don’t panic, just ask a math-minded friend for help. You will soon be seeing things more clearly than you have in a while.

The tide is finally going your way – if only some cash would float by.

CANCER There was a time when most people thought Columbus was nuts. The

lesson: The wildest notions are sometimes also the wisest. You may be overwhelmed and irritable, but you don’t have to let anyone else know that. It’s all about how you come across. Put your best foot forward. Be alert and communicate clearly. Emotions are running high at the end of the week, but so is your energy.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

LEO You are a success. You are almost a legend among your co-workers. But enough

You and your girls are birds of a feather.

You flock together, preen together, share your nest when needed and, while you happily sing one another’s praises, you would never open your beak to spill their secrets. Then again, as in the new book “The Blackbirds” by Eric Jerome Dickey, you would never crow about all the details of your own life, either.

A mere birthday wasn’t good enough for Indigo Abdulrahaman. Oh, no - she got a birth month.

She decreed it, planned it, and made her friends 5Eric Jerome Dickey / Photo by follow along with her wishes. A strong-willed womJoseph Jones Photography an born to Nigerian parents, Indigo was the tallest of the four women, dark-skinned, with a hunger for the finer things – including men, of which she had two. And when a woman caught Indigo’s eye, she wasn’t above giving that a go, too.

Kwanzaa Browne spent the weeks before her birthday crying over a man: she caught her fiancé cheating with a Brazilian woman, which was the last straw for Kwanzaa. It would take a lot for her to forget her ex. A lot – including, perhaps, a romance with a handsome man she had been watching for months.

Kwanzaa snagged him three weeks before Destiny Jones’ birthday, which didn’t matter to Destiny; she had nothing to celebrate. The man she loved didn’t know an important truth about her, and she didn’t know how to tell him - but before she could figure it out, he learned of her fame-not-fame, and it threatened to ruin everything.

As for Ericka Stockwell, some things were already in ruins by the time her birthday arrived: her once-abusive mother was around again, as was cancer for the second time. Even so, grateful for life, Ericka’s bucket list was full that anniversary of her birth, and it included finding the Love of Her Life. Unfortunately, once she found him, she knew she could never share the good news with her friends.

Aside from the gorgeous cover, size is likely the first thing you’ll notice about “The Blackbirds.” At just over 500 pages, it’s a brick – and I daresay it’s an unnecessary one, at that.

Don’t get me wrong: there’s a decent plot here; Oh-My-Goodness twists; and characters that are gorgeous, loyal, and cheated-upon every few pages. Since I love a good scandal, wow, that was fun - until those characters launched into mattress gymnastics and cutesy raunch-code, both of which become tiresome in short order.

Cut half the ubiquitous (and rather humdrum) bedroom scenes and most of the silly faux sex-words, and I’d have been just fine. Even so, I would have missed the action usually found in more recent Eric Jerome Dickey novels. Sigh.

Much as I gleefully anticipate author Dickey’s novels, I didn’t think this wordy one was his best – but it’s not the worst, either. It’s not as good as his thrillers, not as good as “One Night,” but better than his more-erotic novels. So cautiously, I guess I’d say don’t discount “The Blackbirds.”

It has issues, yes, but diehard fans may still crow about it.

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about what they think: How do you feel about what you’re doing? That’s the big question. When someone asks casually about your life goals, don’t be shy. Modesty and pride are major themes as personal qualities go, they are not as contradictory as they seem. Get out your diary, because you’ll have a day you’ll want to remember.

VIRGO It’s healthy to have the jitters before traveling; the prospect of unfamiliar territory provokes that response in many people. An open, philosophical approach – rather than a strictly practical approach – is the way to go. You are the master of your destiny.

If your energy is waning, ask your friends to rile you up (they’ll be happy to oblige).

LIBRA A diplomatic tete-a-tete may be necessary to smooth things over between you and an important (if volatile) ally early this week. If you two have been at each other’s throats lately, it may be because you have so much in common; find something to laugh about. Mid-week, you and your friends are laughing about an inside joke, but by week’s end there’s really just work.

SCORPIO The push and pull at the start of the week isn’t a fight per se, it’s just several people trying to establish interpersonal boundaries. Take a stand and be upfront, but if a compromise here or there will make things easier, you can handle that. You’ll need as many people on your side as possible when stressful money matters require immediate attention. You’ll get what you want without even having to ask for it.

SAGITTARIUS Think small. Don’t be so concerned with how you’re going to

harvest apples from a tree you haven’t planted yet. Get the tree planted and worry about how to make apple pie after. You already won’t have enough time to get done all the things you need to do. You like to rely on the help of your friends but your energies are mismatched. You may have to go this one alone.

CAPRICORN Spending some time in nature would be a swell idea if you have nothing else to do. Indulge in several hours of doing nothing at all. Soon you won’t have a spare – friends are talking your ear off, strangers are introducing themselves to you. If you feel like throwing a blanket over your head and turning off the phone, everyone will understand.

AQUARIUS An unexpected phone call gets you thinking about someone you haven’t thought of in years. The start of the week is defined by strange discoveries made in strange places, and the middle of the week is defined by – lucky you – love. A sizzling affair: strawberries, whipped cream, the works. The last few days of the week will be something of a letdown.

PISCES It’s a cold, hard world sometimes. Thankfully, there are blankets. You’ll have a few cozy days – hot dinners, soft music, maybe some poetry – and a fairly dreamy day, too. Try your hand at being creative, but don’t be too specific about what you do.

Clarity of thought isn’t as important as fullness of feeling.

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 33

SPORTS

Bridgeport Wallops UDC Women 16 – 4 4 Bridgeport attacker Amanda Fitzpatrick takes on three UDC players in the first half of NCAA Division 11 Eastern Conference Women’s Lacrosse on Saturday, April 16, at Woodrow Wilson High School in Northwest. Bridgeport defeated UDC, 16-4. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

6 Bridgeport midfielder Rebecca Rieg takes on two

opponents in the first half of NCAA Division 11 Women’s Lacrosse on Saturday, April 16, at Woodrow Wilson High School in Northwest. Bridgeport defeated UDC, 16-4. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

5 UDC midfielder Yara Oudat takes on Bridgeport midfielder Kerry

4UDC midfielder

Mackinnon in the first half of NCAA Division 11 Eastern Conference Women’s Lacrosse on Saturday, April 16, at Woodrow Wilson High School in Northwest. Bridgeport defeated UDC, 16-4. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

Amber Walls takes on Bridgeport defender Lauren Mengel in the first half of NCAA Division 11 Eastern Conference Women’s Lacrosse on Saturday, April 16, at Woodrow Wilson High School in Northwest. Bridgeport defeated UDC, 16-4. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

34 APRIL 21-27, 2016

3 UDC defender

Muriel Hamilton and her opponent fight of ball control in the first half of NCAA Division 11 Eastern Conference Women’s Lacrosse on Saturday, April 16, at Woodrow Wilson High School in Northwest. Bridgeport defeated UDC, 16-4. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

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SPORTS

D.C. United Falls to Toronto 1-0 For more game photos, please visit www.informerphotos.com

3 Toronto forward Sebastian Giovinco takes on

D.C. United defender Bobby Boswell in the first half of Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday April 16, at Robert Fitzgerald Memorial Stadium in Southeast Giovinco scored the lone goal in the first minute of play. Toronto defeated D.C. United, 1-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

5 Toronto forward

Jozy Altidor (USA National team player) takes on D.C. United Bobby Boswell (D.C. United captain) in the first half of MLS action on Saturday, April 16, at RFK Stadium in Southeast.

Toronto defeated D.C. United, 1-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

4 Action photo of two

players in the first half of MLS action on Saturday, April 16, at RFK Stadium in Southeast. Toronto defeated D.C. United, 1-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

3 D.C. United defender

Taylor Kemp and Toronto midfielder Marky Delgado fight for ball control during MLS action on Saturday, April 16, at RFK Stadium in Southeast. Toronto defeated D.C. United, 1-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

5 Toronto goalkeeper Clint Irwin is attacked by D.C. United forward Fabian Espindola

during a corner kick play in the first half of MLS action on Saturday, April 16, at RFK Stadium in Southeast. Toronto defeated D.C. United, 1-0. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 35

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

CELEBRATING DISTRICT’S EMANCIPATION IN GLORIOUS FASHION Thousands of District residents and others from around the area enjoyed the sights and sounds of the D.C. Emancipation Concert on Saturday, April 16. The daylong event concluded with an impressive array of fireworks. It was a family-focused afternoon where the beauty and history of the District were celebrated. / Photos by Khalid Naji-Allah

36 APRIL 21-27, 2016

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CAPTURE THE MOMENT

3 DC native, Raheem

DeVaughn, sings with the Washington Wizard dancer during the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Northwest on Saturday, April 16. / Photo

by Roy Lewis

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5 The Washington Performing Arts Men and Women of the Gospel Choir sing for guests during the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade at the reviewing stand in front of the National Archives in Northwest on Saturday, April 16. /Photo by Roy Lewis The Washington Performing Arts Men and Women of the Gospel Choir sing for guests during the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade at the reviewing stand in front of the National Archives in Northwest on Saturday, April 16. / Photo by Roy Lewis

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5 Students from Eastern Senior High School marching band perform in the

Emancipation Day Parade on Saturday, April 16 in Northwest. / Photo by Patricia Little

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 37

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5Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, (D-Florida), is joined by Linda Thomas-Greenfield and several Chibok girls as

she receives a $2000 donation towards the Embrace organization from Senator Lenny Kivuti, Thursday, April 14 at the Canon Building in Southeast. / Photo by Patricia Little

BOKO HARAM from Page 1 Back Our Girls movement.

“I was shocked and deeply saddened when I first learned that Boko Haram had abducted the Chibok girls to punish them for seeking to learn and better their lives,” she said. “My concern began with the girls but has since expanded because of the near-daily atrocities that Boko Haram commits, which has escalated since the girls were kidnapped. They’re trafficking girls and women as sex slaves and slaughtering boys.”

“They have no conscience and they must be stopped. Even though Boko Haram has been ranked as the world’s deadliest terrorist group, it’s actually a group of cowards, which is why they send girls out, some as young as seven, to do their dirty work.”

Panelist participants included: John Yearwood, moderator and executive board chairman, International Press Institute; Malcolm Nance, executive director, The Terror Asymmetrics Project on Strategy, Tactics and Radical Ideology; Jana Mason, senior advisor for government relations, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Tunde Odunlade, a Nigerian artist and activist; Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, senior fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Emmanuel Ogebe, international director, Education Must Continue Initiative; and Ernst Jan Hogendoorn, Africa deputy program director, International Crisis Group.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, also gave an update on actions initiated by the U.S. government.

Wilson said building support among her colleagues has sometimes been a challenge.

“Several congressional law-

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makers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers have introduced legislation and support my efforts like Wear Something Red Wednesday, the daily Twitter campaign and events like the forum and press conference that I recently hosted. But we’ve got to hold Nigeria’s government more accountable, keep the pressure on those lawmakers and let them know that if they don’t increase their efforts to find the girls and defeat Boko Haram, that they can be voted out of office.”

Ogebe said U.S. officials and leaders from other countries initially failed to take Boko Haram seriously.

“World leaders allowed Boko Haram to spread like a cancer.

What’s needed is greater intelligence on the ground and the assistance of the U.S. with technology that can pinpoint where the terrorists are hiding. What’s happening in Nigeria should be deemed as an act of genocide,” he said.

Hogendoorn believes the U.S. could do more but that Nigerian officials must take the lead.

“Ultimately it’s a Nigerian problem -- they’re a country that remains in crisis,” he said. “Their military, police and elected officials are all going through major reform and that process cannot be forced.”

Odunlade said he won’t give up, even though Boko Haram continues to grow more powerful and dangerous.

“These terrorists have to be fought on all fronts,” he said. “I just hope that Nigeria’s neighboring countries will provide more assistance. And the country’s youth must be supported. They’re talented and many are hungry for more education. They could be the real answer to the problem of terrorism.”

Thomas-Greenfield said she remains optimistic but noted that

defeating groups like Boko Haram requires long term determination.

“The truth is Boko Haram only represents a minority of people among Muslims and Africans,” she said. “Many of the foot soldiers in their organization are young boys and girls who have been forced to participate. Those who want to leave must be supported and not ostracized. Nigeria also has to be willing to use more of its assets.

They have had recent success fighting Boko Haram with the help of countries like Cameroon and that’s encouraging. Ultimately, the U.S. needs Congress to vote to give more financial assistance and America needs other countries to commit themselves to this fight.”

“The bottom line – if I weren’t optimistic I would have given up long ago. We’re making progress but it’s going to be a long process.

The question is whether world leaders, along with Nigeria, are willing to take on this fight for the long haul. That’s what it’s going to take,” she added.

Editor’s Note: On Wednesday, April 20, Wilson led a candlelight vigil in front of the U.S. State Department in an effort to keep the world focused on the plight of the still missing girls. Last week, CNN released a “proof of life” video, obtained from a source “close to the negotiations,” in which several of the missing girls appeared to be in good health but anxious to return home.

Wilson believes they’re likely being treated better than the majority of Boko Haram’s abductees because they can be used by the terrorists as bargaining chips.

“We’re fighting to keep this in the news and keep it in the hearts and minds of people so it won’t fade away because we’ve got to bring those girls back,” Wilson said.

WI

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RELIGION THE RELIGION CORNER

The Griffin Firm, PLLC

A Battle to Halt the Diabetes Epidemic

Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.

• • • • •

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6 This is a five-part article taken from an online publication written by me back in 2003. Since its publication, this article has made its way around the world.

It is posted in Africa, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Europe and Asia, it is translated into different languages, and it appears all across America.

Last time this series was published, many people anxiously awaited the next issue. It is story of the life and suffering of my mother in order to help somebody so her living would not be in vain. This week, the Lord told me to share this article with my readers again. Those of you who have read this column faithfully will be able to witness the devastation faced by my family and me, as my mother suffered for 12 years with diabetes and all of the other implications it brings to the human body. Here is my story: It is my pleasure to run this series for the second time. My own Diabetes Prevention Education, Public Relations Campaign, established under the name Fannie Estelle Hill Grant, started after the loss of my mother, who succumbed to Type 2 Diabetes on Christmas Day in 2000.

I noticed a fire burning in the diabetes health arena, in the African-American community in particular, and it is still burning out of control. Hopefully, this campaign will stop “Fanning the Turning Hearts Church

Flames” and put out the fire.

Mother was a 73-year-old wife and mother of nine, a homemaker who loved her family very much, and she believed in preparing wonderful home-cooked meals for the family and desserts any day of the week. Mama enjoyed cooking, cleaning and washing clothes, and although she raised nine children of her own, she always had room for other needy children.

In our early years, the 1960s, Mother was the wife of our sharecropper father in North Carolina, but they moved the family to Washington, D.C., in 1965. For more than 30 years the Washington metropolitan area was home.

The family learned of Mother’s Type 2 diabetes after a major stroke she had back in 1989.

She lived only 12 years after the diagnosis. Lyndia and her sisters pledged to begin the educational prevention campaign while they visited with or cared for their mother during her last year of life.

Mother and father moved back to North Carolina, where she enjoyed her later years in a very peaceful way. We purchased her a new home and took over the entire mortgage payment, and she was happy. Mother Grant enjoyed living on the 226-acre farm, near Kinston; she was one of the heirs to farm left to her family by their father, and my grandfather, Floyd Hill. She enjoyed walking around the farm, following my father as

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with Lyndia Grant he worked.

Mother suffered many additional strokes; during one of them, she lost the use of her tongue and couldn’t speak. Her kidneys failed, she had kidney dialysis for the last two years of her life, she had high blood pressure for many years, and both of her legs were amputated above her knees.

We wanted to know more about the disease that took our mother in such a brutal fashion.

There was so much pain and suffering prior to her death. Mother Grant was a Christian, she was an evangelist who preached the gospel in churches throughout the Washington area, and everyone loved her and called her “Ma.” As her oldest daughter, I promised to educate millions of people regarding the causes and preventions of Type 2 diabetes. In sharing with the general public, I feel a lot better now, because my mother’s living shall not be in vain; read Part 2, ‘The Problem’ next week of this five-part series. WI

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Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher

Service and Times Sunday School 8 – 9 AM Worship Service 9 – 11 AM Tuesday Night Bible Study 6:30 – 8:00 PM Wednesday Daytime Bible Study 11 AM – 12:30 PM

Estate planning and probate Medicaid planning Elder law Business and succession planning/ coaching Workshops and seminars on legacy creation for economic strength

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 39

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 a.m. 7 10:00 a.m.

Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor 700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00am 5th Sundays: 9:30am 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30pm

Crusader Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30am 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00am Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30pm Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00am “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

www.livingwatersmd.org

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org “God is Love”

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

Drs. Dennis W. & Christine Y. Wiley Pastors

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office 202-638-1803 fax

610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00am Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30pm

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30pm (dinner @ 5:30pm) Sunday School: 9:00am – Hour of Power

Blessed Word of Life Church

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am Sunday Church School: 8:45 am Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 pm Thursday: 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org

Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30pm

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

www.thirdstreet.org

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45am Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45am; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45am; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6am & 6:30pm Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m.

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00am Worship Service: 10:00am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45pm Thur. Bible Study: 7:15pm

Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Communion every Sunday: 11:00 am Sunday School: 10:00 am Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 pm Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Rev. John W. Davis Pastor

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor

5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School: 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7:00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30pm Communion Service: First Sunday

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am themcbc.org

gsccm.administration@verizon.net

40 APRIL 21-27, 2016

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church

All Nations Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730

Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.”

Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15AM Sunday School: 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:15 a.m.

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office - (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family”

623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

“Where Jesus is the King”

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lpumconthegrow@gmail.com www.lpumcdc.org

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10: am Holy Communion: First Sunday 10: am Sunday School: 9: am Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged.

The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am & 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Rehoboth Baptist Church

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

Salem Baptist Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 am Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 pm

Emmanuel Baptist Church

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m.

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m.

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 7:30a.m Worship Service: 10:45a.m.

New Members Class: 9:30a.m.

Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School: 9:30a.m.

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m.

Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship Service: 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service: 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible: 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Service and Times 9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service: 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr. Interim Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074

621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

917 N St. NW - Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm

Service and Times Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m.

Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m.

Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Service and Times Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m.

Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m.

Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m.

Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday 12 Noon

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

The Church Where GOD Is Working....

And We Are Working With GOD

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday) Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday School For All Ages: 9:30am Prayer Services: Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute: Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

APRIL 21-27, 2016 41

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2016 ADM 315

Administration No. 2016 ADM 284

Administration No. 2016 ADM 309

Administration No. 2016 ADM 294

Melvin C. Riddick aka Melvin Cornelious Riddick Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Clyde J. Allen, whose address is 1833 Hamlin St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Melvin C. Riddick aka Melvin Cornelious Riddick who died on February 7, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 7, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 7, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 7, 2016

Leona Ogunade Decedent

Adrian Thompson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Eva Marie Fisher, whose address is 8302 Ashford Blvd., Laurel, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leona Ogunade who died on August 16, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 7, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 7, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Anthony M. Thompson, whose address is 1107 Buchanan Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Adrian Thompson who died on July 29, 2013 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 7, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 7, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 7, 2016

Date of first publication: April 7, 2016

Anthony M. Thompson Personal Representative

Lottie M. Flood Decedent Donald L. Isaac, Sr. 3333 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20019 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Donald L. Isaac, Sr., whose address is 3333 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lottie M. Ford who died on January 3, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 7, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 7, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 7, 2016

Clyde J. Allen Personal Representative

Eva Marie Fisher Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2015 ADM 1380

Administration No. 2016 ADM 330

Administration No. 2016 ADM 345

Administration No. 2016 ADM 344 Esther Lena Henry Allen Decedent Michelle L. Lockard 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Delores Rhodes, whose address is 11911 Ivanhoe Street, Silver Spring, MD 20902, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Esther Lena Henry Allen who died on April 9, 2015 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 14, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 14, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 14, 2016 Delores Rhodes Personal Representative

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

James Emory McBride Decedent

James O. Schoonover Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Catherine Donna Schoonover, whose address is 3 East Nelson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James O. Schoonover who died on October 28, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 14, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 14, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 14, 2016 Catherine Donna Schoonover Personal Representative

William Atkinson 1232 Seventeenth St., NW Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Beverly McBride, whose address is 324 Oglethorpe St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Emory McBride who died on October 1, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 14, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 14, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 14, 2016 Beverly McBride Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

42 APRIL 21-27, 2016

TRUE TEST COPY

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2016 ADM 352 Estate of LeRoy J. Brown Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Denise Thomas for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the copy of the will dated May 13, 2005 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses or otherwise order any interested person to show cause why the provisions of the lost or destroyed will dated May 13, 2005 should not be admitted to probate as expressed in the petition in the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative.

Date of first publication: April 7, 2016 Denise Thomas Personal Representative: TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Donald L. Isaac, Sr. Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

James Ronald Washington Decedent

Administration Number 2016 ADM 411

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate of

Darlene Marie Washington, whose address is 1225 42nd Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Ronald Washington who died on November 13, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 14, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 14, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 14, 2016

Shirley J. Thompson Deceased

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by James E. Logan, Jr. for

standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless

a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is

filed in this Court within 30 days from the date

of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the will dated April 8,

2010 exhibited with the petition upon proof

satisfactory to the Court of due execution by

affidavit of witnesses appoint an unsupervised personal representative.

Darlene Marie Washington Personal Representative

Date of first publication:

TRUE TEST COPY

Personal Representative:

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2015 ADM 1380 James O. Schoonover Decedent

April 14, 2016

James E. Logan, Jr.

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister

Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2016 ADM 376

Administration No. 2016 ADM 383

Administration No. 2016 ADM 388

Richard Tyrone Clark Decedent

Miguel Angel Sanjuan Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Donald JuWan Clark, whose address is 4504 6th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard Tyrone Clark who died on February 11, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 21, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 21, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 21, 2016 Donald JuWan Clark Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 393 Shirley R. Banks Decedent James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS John C. Banks, whose address is 2161 Barnes Avenue, Apt. 6H, Bronx, NY 10462, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley R. Banks who died on November 16, 2015 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 21, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 21, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 21, 2016

Rogella Francisca Sanjuan, whose address is 1460 Columbia Rd., NW, Unit D, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Miguel Angel Sanjuan who died on October 11, 2011 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 21, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 21, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 21, 2016 Rogella Francisca Sanjuan Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Francine Boykin, whose address is 1425 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jeremy Boykin who died on June 30, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 21, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 21, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 21, 2016 Francine Boykin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 16 ADM 377

Administration No. 2016 ADM 346

Ophelia W. Stephens Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Conrad Stephens, whose address is 2345 Wood Bank Lane, Suitland, MD 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ophelia W. Stephens who died on January 17, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 21, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 21, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 21, 2016

John C. Banks Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Bradley A. Thomas 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006-1631 Attorney

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Conrad Stephens Personal Representative

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Jeremy Boykin Decedent

Washington Informer

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Martha Kittrell Decedent Donald Isaac 3333 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20019 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Donald L. Isaac, Sr., whose address is 3333 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martha Kittrell who died on December 29, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 14, 2016. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 14, 2016, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: April 14, 2016 Donald L. Isaac, Sr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

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MALVEAUX from Page 26 much later for them (and for Latina women, who would have to work until November 1 to earn the same amount a man earned last year) than it does for other women.

Surrounded by three intelligent and beautiful African-American women – Michelle, Sasha and Malia – it would be impossible for our president to be unaware of the challenges that African-American

OCAMB from Page 26 “They wanted us to know our lives were worth fighting for.”

But even more importantly, Wilson says, his parents gave him a sense of responsibility for helping and understanding others and an appreciation of his own privilege. When Wilson and his neighbor started kindergarten together, Wilson already knew how to read, tie his shoes do some of the other things you learn in kindergarten. His friend, the middle child of eight kids, a girl and dark, was not as prepared and was ignored by teachers while Wilson was perceived to be “cute” and was favored. “My friend couldn’t do a lot of things the teachers were supposed to teach her to do. So I took it upon myself to help her,” Wilson says. But the teachers disapproved and separated them. Wilson told his parents how upset he was. “It was the first time I realized that people could be treated differently because of who they were, what they knew, or how they looked.” She eventually dropped out of school and became a teenage mother. “I blamed that kindergarten teacher. To this day, I believe I should have helped her more.

I try to avoid that feeling.”

Survival and mutual responsibility are at the heart of the message Wilson conveys in his fight against AIDS. In 1986, Wilson volun-

FORCLOSURE from Page 16 emails and phone calls for comment.

In February he learned that Ocwen Financial Corp. of West Palm Beach, Florida, had sold his home. One month later, Freedom Mortgage of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, bought the property.

Randall stepped in, filing a new set of documents. Epperson received a letter on April 4 from Freedom Mortgage saying that the house belongs to him. He’s still waiting on the original deed and title of the house.

“I fell down to my knees and thanked God,” Epperson said. “I just can’t let somebody take what I’m trying to provide for my family.”

women face. While I am aware that this president prefers not to deal with race matters, in this last year of his presidency, he ought to consider doing so. There are few consequences for this action.

Obama does not mind using Black women as a throwaway line in a speech. At his University of Chicago Law School conversation, he defended his nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. He rather vapidly said that some people expected him to pick

a “Black lesbian from Skokie,” a comment I found offensive and condescending. If Black women can be fodder for a silly off-thecuff remark, surely we ought to get enough serious policy consideration for our pay equity issues to be addressed.

August 1 is Equal Pay Day for African-American women. We work harder, longer, and for less remuneration than other women do. What are we going to do about it?

WI

teered to fight against the horrific Proposition 64 AIDS quarantine initiative sponsored by right-wing anti-gay activist Lyndon LaRouche — an initiative many feared would lead to branding, rounding up and putting people with AIDS into concentration camps. After the initiative’s defeat, Wilson and Brownlie worked with Michael Weinstein, Albert Ruiz, Mary Adair and others to found the AIDS Hospice Foundation—later to become the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, launching Wilson’s spectacular thirty-year national career fighting for LGBT and Black civil rights and for people with HIV/AIDS. He served as the director of Stop AIDS Los Angeles, director of public policy and planning for AIDS Project Los Angeles, co-founder of the Black Gay & Lesbian Leadership Forum, AIDS Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles, member of the President’s AIDS Advisory Council, and the nation’s conscience as the founder of the Black AIDS Institute.

Few actually know how hard Wilson has personally fought to stay alive, taking every HIV drug as it became available (AZT, 3TC, D4T, and others), as did Brownlie. But science didn’t advance quickly enough to save Brownlie, who succumbed to AIDS in 1989. In 1997, Wilson landed on death’s door but refused to believe it was his time to die. The miracle

of combination drug therapy saved his life, as it did for countless others, leading some to believe that the AIDS epidemic was over. But AIDS is still a crisis, especially in Black and Latino communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2014, 44 percent of estimated new HIV diagnoses were among Blacks, who comprise 12 percent of the U.S. population.1 in 2 or 50 percent of Black gay and bisexual men in the United States are likely to develop HIV in the course of their life time.

“Our house is on fire,” Wilson trumpets at every opportunity, hoping the community will hear and fight back.

The Black AIDS Institute is holding a fundraiser in celebration of Phill Wilson’s 60th birthday on Saturday, April 23. There will be great entertainment, surprise celebrity guests, and a roast. When asked what he wanted for his birthday, the birthday boy said, “I want to raise a lot of money for the Black AIDS Institute. I would like for all of my friends, family, and anyone who I’ve ever touched in anyway over the last 60 years to help the Black AIDS Institute finally end the AIDS epidemic in our community. The best way to start is by donating today!”

Go to http://60.eventbrite.com for tickets, or Phillwilson60.com to see photos of Wilson through the decades and make a donation. WI

COUNTY AND STATE ASSISTANCE

Since the 2008 financial crisis, thousands of homeowners have been affected by foreclosures.

Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has a separate tab on foreclosures that explains the process and provides housing counselors, legal services and other information.

Maureen O’Connor, a spokesman with the department, said in homeowners can call a HOPE hot line to reach nonprofit agencies throughout the state to assist in the foreclosure process.

Representatives from Lydia’s House of Southwest and United Communities Against Poverty in Capitol Heights could not be

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

reached for comment.

On a local level, the county still has the most affordable housing in the D.C. region, with homes averaging $233,000.

Eric C. Brown, the county’s housing director, said things have improved for homeowners.

“Foreclosures are not a crisis in the county. There are approximately 230,000 residential properties in the county. The number of properties facing foreclosure challenges is a fraction of the total number,” Brown said. “Foreclosures occur for a number of reasons – loss of a job, health issues, subprime loans and high-interest loans and so forth. The county does not want any family to experience a foreclosure of their home.” WI

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CLINGMAN from Page 27 spirit, the same dedication and drive, and the same resolute character that causes men and women to seek for themselves, as Richard Allen taught back in 1767. Our Caribbean brothers and sisters have come with the determination to do for self, to rely on self, to cooperate with one another and build an economic system within their own ranks. This article is written in an effort to celebrate our people and establish relationships that will engender cooperation among our people.

Marcus Garvey instructed us to do one thing prior to taking on economic empowerment initiatives. He told us to “Organize!”

He shared with us the truth about economic empowerment over political empowerment and how we should seek economics first. He said, “The most important area for

JACKSON from Page 27 it became a partisan battleground, with conservatives seeking to turn it into a vehicle against affirmative action. It was stunningly absent from the debate on reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act in 2006.

Now it is a shell of its former self.

Its recent reports — on police relations, school bullying and immigration detention — have received little attention. Its staff has been cut by more than half from its 1996

ASKIA from Page 27 been committed by terrorists.

The maximum electoral impact of such a catastrophe would be felt if it happens anytime after Labor Day until late October — an “October surprise.”

In the 1980 presidential election, operatives from the campaign of Republican Ronald Reagan successfully negotiated with Iranian revolutionaries who were then holding

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia.

You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more!

And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

PROM from Page 28

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46 APRIL 21-27, 2016

Morehouse College to study economics. The suit, he added, will be a valuable asset.

“This definitely helped me,” he said. “I can use this suit again for internships, interviews and going out.”

In addition to the suits for keeps, several local companies donated five free tuxedo rentals ensuring five young men won free rentals.

All of the boys who attended also received a coupon for a 40 percent discount on a tuxedo rental from

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the exercise of independent effort is economic. After a people have established successfully a firm industrial foundation they naturally turn to politics and society, but not first to society and politics, because the two latter cannot exist without the former.”

Lessons from Garvey and others have led a precious few of us to implement strategies that, in fact, will lead to economic empowerment; we need many more.

One such effort is the One Million Conscious Black Voters and Contributors, which was established on Garvey’s words, “The greatest weapon used against the Black man is disorganization.”

The OMCBV&C movement is underway, actively recruiting that critical mass of Black people who will take action rather than merely talk about problems. The One Million will leverage dollars and votes to obtain reciprocity in

the marketplace as well as in the public policy arena.

In the tradition of Marcus Garvey, the One Million is organized, cooperative, and supportive of one another. It is entrepreneurial in its philosophy regarding ownership and control of income producing assets. The One Million is molded in the very practical notion of using our own resources to help ourselves and our children. We are committed, dedicated, sacrificial in our giving, and unapologetically Black as we pursue our ultimate goals of economic and political strength—in that order.

Black people, no matter where we were born or where we live, must appreciate the fact that we started out in the same place and our differences emanate from our experiences in the nations where our ships docked in the western hemisphere. WI

level. Its authorization has expired; it exists on annual appropriations that have slowly starved it of funds.

Progress on civil rights has always been contested. But leaders of both parties even in the 1950s and 1960s realized that a powerful, respected, objective monitor on civil rights could make a significant contribution in helping the country’s leaders and its people understand the challenges we faced and recommend reforms to address them.

Now we are deprived of that

powerful voice. Everything seems reduced to partisan argument. Even where there is consensus, there is no authoritative, independent voice able to challenge both Congress and the president when needed. America is a remarkably diverse nation. Diversity can be our strength. Handled badly, it can rip nations apart, as we’ve seen in the impoverished, isolated and resentful immigrant communities in France and Belgium. It is time to revive an authoritative Civil Rights Commission. WI

hundreds of U.S. diplomatic personnel hostage in Tehran, negotiated with the Iranians TO NOT release the hostages to the U.S. government of incumbent President Jimmy Carter until after Reagan’s election in November, not until January 1981, his Inauguration Day! They made sure there would be no “October Surprise” that would save Carter’s presidency at the polls. Reagan won by a landslide.

Are there operators hovering

around the 2016 U.S. presidential campaigns who would unleash a false flag attack in order to jolt fearful American voters to choose an inexperienced, dangerous, trigger-happy Republican president?

Is pig foot pork?

Of course, there are dangerous political operatives capable of dastardly deeds in the name of their “patriotism!”

Beware of the October Surprise 2016. WI

Men’s Warehouse.

In 2015, about nine young men came compared to 17 this year, all of whom left with at least a new suit jacket. While the Suited4Dreams event focuses on providing attire for proms, many of the young men end op reusing their suits for a variety of formal events.

Attendees of the workshops were eligible to win to free professional hairstyling and grooming services along with an opportunity to enter their name in a raffle to win a special prize for the girls – a custom-made dress and accessories

by local designer William Henry Rawls.

Kelly Lee, 17, won the raffle.

A student at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School, she said she couldn’t believe her name was called because she never wins anything.

“The crazy part is I’ve had this cut out of my dream design from a magazine since I was a very little girl,” Kelly said. “This is great because I knew my family couldn’t afford to get me a custom-made dress. It was just a dream, and now it’s a reality.” WI

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APRIL 21-27, 2016 47

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48 APRIL 21-27, 2016

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