9-21-23 Informer Edition

WINNER OF SIX SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS FOR 2022

Norton, Ivey Excited for Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference

Leaders Highlight Local, National Challenges and Achievements

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Longtime legislator Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D- D.C.) and Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md), new to the House of Representatives, are two of many lawmakers excited to greet several thousand Black visionaries, educators, activists, business leaders and students from across the country, at the 52nd Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual

Council Committee Engaging District Agencies on Sexual Harassment Issue, Staffer Says

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

At the D.C. Council’s last legislative meeting before recess, there were allusions to joint committee hearings to be held during the recess to assess the D.C. government's response to sexual harassment complaints.

Those joint hearings, to be con-

ducted by D.C. Council’s Commit tee on Executive Administration and Labor and the Committee on Busi ness and Economic Development, never came to fruition.

However, as a staffer in the Com mittee on Executive Administration and Labor explained to the Informer, D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large), the chair of that com mittee, spent the latter part of the summer circulating a 12-question survey to directors, general counsel, and chiefs of staff at more than 70 District agencies.

HARASSMENT Page 52

5 At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds (D), chair of the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, spent late summer circulating a 12-question survey to 70 District agencies to ascertain understand challenges in order to best respond to sexual harassment issues. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis)

Legislative Conference (ALC) from Sept. 20-24. The conference theme is “Securing Our Democracy. Protecting Our Freedoms. Uplifting Our Culture.”

Norton, the District of Columbia’s representative in Congress, said one of the reasons Washingtonians should be gearing up for the 52nd ALC) is because “this is a real chance to show off our city.” Most events during the

BLACK CAUCUS Page 52

OSSE Prepares for Impending Implementation of New Social Studies Standards

Some D.C. Parents Remain Adamant about Including Black History in School Curricula

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Over the last few years, Pastor Brandon Enoch Bey has augmented the Black history instruction his children receive in D.C. public and public charter schools.

For instance, his curriculum highlights Maroon culture, the achievements of Madame C.J. Walker and Black Wall Street, the Harlem Renaissance, and D.C. history, including U Street. Most recently, he added books written by Nkechi Taifa, native Washingtonian, Pan-African attorney, and

OSSE Page

Whitman-Walker Expansion

5With go-go and bands cranking, people shopping and jamming, and vendors selling their wares all along the H Street Corridor, the H Street Festival on Saturday, Sept. 1 was a moment for more than 150,000 residents to celebrate the beauty of District culture and rich diversity of D.C. residents. (Marckell Williams /The Washington Informer)

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Trump’s Latest Controversial Rally Stokes Concerns for America’s Future

Former President Donald Trump has once again grabbed the national spotlight with a fiery rally in South Dakota, where he unveiled a disturbing vision of America’s future if his fervent supporters catapult him back into the White House. In a dystopian speech that echoed themes of division and fear, Trump accused President Joe Biden of orchestrating a massive indictment against him, labeling it as election interference.

With unmistakable overtones of racial tension, Trump’s rhetoric targeted immigrants, migrants, and people of color, reigniting concerns about the direction of his political ambitions. The former president, indicted four times and impeached twice, has recently faced civil responsibility for sexual assault. His Trump Organization was also found guilty of fraud in New York.

At his latest rally, Trump aimed at Democrats, accusing them of allowing an “invasion” of migrants

at the southern border and attempting to revive COVID-19 “hysteria.” This stark speech painted a grim picture of a potential second Trump presidency that could pose even more significant challenges to the rule of law. “The former president’s tendencies toward authoritarianism could make the 2024 election a profound choice,” CNN’s Stephen Collinson wrote following Trump’s South Dakota speech.

As Collinson noted, Trump railed in his speech that the cases filed against him would “allow” him, if re-elected, to call his attorney general and order an investigation into his political adversaries. “Indict my opponent, he’s doing well,” Trump said, implying that was exactly what Biden had done.

“This is who Donald Trump is,” Cliff Albright, executive director of Black Voters Matter, a voting advocacy group, stated in August. “He’s been this way all his time in public life.” WI

House GOP Tensions Escalate as Government Shutdown Looms

Minority Leader Jeffries Calls it a “Civil War”

Amidst the looming threat of a government shutdown as funding expiration at the end of the month draws ever closer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, has characterized the Republican Party as being “in the middle of a civil war.” The statement comes as both major parties engage in heated negotiations to reach an agreement to prevent the shutdown.

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Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week,” Jeffries stated unequivocally, “Let’s be clear: House Republicans are in the middle of a civil war. The House Republican civil war is hurting hard-working American taxpayers and limiting our ability to solve problems on their behalf. It’s unfortunate, but as House Democrats, we’re going to continue to try to find common ground with the other side of the aisle

to work with Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans and President Biden.”

Jeffries’ comments were made in response to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s decision to initiate an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. That move contradicted his stance that a full chamber vote would be required for such proceedings.

Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina who appeared on the same program, criticized Jeffries for using the term “civil war” to describe the internal tensions within the GOP. According to Mace, Republican use of such language would spark outrage and be considered divisive. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford Honored with 2023 NNPA Leadership Award

Congressional Black Caucus

Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) said his commitment to marginalized communities, Black America, and his Democratic colleagues have always been unwavering. The 2023 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Leadership Award recipient’s leadership and tireless efforts in a divided and near-broken Congress have served as a beacon of hope for countless individuals, particularly people of color.

On Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, Horsford will step front and center at the Marriott Marquis in the heart of the nation’s capital, with other recipients of the Leadership Award as the NNPA, the trade association of the Black Press of America, honor his contributions to the pursuit of so-

cial justice and equity which have garnered recognition and ignited meaningful change across the nation.

“This award speaks to the work of the CBC,” Horsford. “I’m honored as chair to be able to receive the award, but I receive it on behalf of the 58 members and the 80 million Americans, 18 million Black Americans we represent who deserve to have a free press that works for them, and that’s at stake right now with our democracy being under attack.”

In addition to Horsford, the NNPA also bestowed the 2023 NNPA Leadership Award to Jasmine Crocket (D-Texas), Niesha Foster of Pfizer Inc., Jessie Wolley-Wilson, President and CEO of Dreambox Learning, and The People’s Attorney Ben Crump.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

Whitman-Walker Medical Center Welcomes Expansion of New Facility

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Congress Heights residents, District leaders, and the family of the late Max Robinson celebrated a major milestone for the Ward 8 community, officially opening the new Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center. The expansion is an essential piece of St. Elizabeth’s East campus development plan, also slated to open a new hospital in 2025.

The collective of partnerships between the Mayor’s office, District leaders, and the Whitman-Walker team have invested roughly $900 million in the St. Elizabeth’s campus since 2015, ensuring that developments enhance the livelihood of Ward 8 residents, and fill the gaps of health inequities that exist across the East of the River.

During the Monday, Sept. 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shared that the state-of-the-art research and healthcare facility comprises a transformational space intended

to incubate local businesses as it grows to become a mixed-use development.

“We know the critical role that Whitman Walker played in fighting the horrible AIDS epidemic that ravished our communities, and we know that the work continues. For all of us to make sure that we are lowering barriers to healthcare, the Max Robinson Center is a critical part of that work,” said Bowser.

The latest expansion of the Sycamore and Oak complex Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center will provide primary and HIV care to residents, behavioral health services, substance use counsel

Robinson’s family was present for the groundbreaking event, sharing their praise for the longstanding work of the Whitman Walker team and joy in what their brother’s legacy has inspired so many years after his passing.

“I’ve been involved with Whitman Walker and the cause of the Max Robinson Center since its beginning. When Max was infected, we didn’t have medicines and

people didn’t know much. There was such a stigma that we thought it was important to ignore all of these issues about why [he or anyone] had it and to make him the leader [of the cause]. It’s really important that we continue with that,” said Jewell Robinson, Max Robinson’s sister. “The new building is fantastic, it’s hard to believe. It’s so grand but still modest. Still able to reach the people and that’s what’s important. Max would be so proud.”

The continued investment toward the city’s health technology and life science sectors plans to host more than 40 clinical trial labs that will further advancements in HIV treatment and prevention, along with cancer research.

Ward 8 resident and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Deborah Wells was a proud witness to the commemorable work of Whitman Walker over the years, as she has an extensive history of getting her healthcare with the re-

nowned medical team since 2008.

“The Max Robinson Center didn’t just offer me support. The medical assistance that I received from the team was nothing short of a miracle,” Wells said. “They didn’t just treat my illness, they treated me with dignity, compassion, and respect. Today, I stand before you as a living testament to the power of this center. Thanks to the dedicated team at Max Robinson, I’ve been given a second chance at life. WI

5 Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (D) addresses a crowd that included local leaders such as Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser at the official opening of the new Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center in Ward 8. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

SEPT 21 - 27, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK

Nine Black students integrate Little Rock Central , which enforces affirmative action, is signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The Union Navy allows Blacks to enlist for service wins the Australian heavyweight title, becoming the first Black man to is born in Philbecomes first African Ameri, known as "Empress of the Blues," dies in an automobile accident in Clarksdale, Misis born in Saginaw,

SEPT. 21

1872 – John H. Conyers becomes the first African American admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

1891 – Inventor F.W. Leslie is issued a patent for the envelope seal.

1989 – Colin Powell is confirmed by the Senate as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the first African American to hold the position.

SEPT. 22

1828 – Shaka Zulu, monarch of Africa's Zulu Kingdom, is assassinated.

1862 – President Abraham Lincoln issues a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which sets a date for the freedom of more than 3 million Black slaves in the United States. 1950 – Civil rights icon Ralph Bunche becomes the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

SEPT. 23

1863 – NAACP charter member Mary Church Terrell, who was the first African American woman appointed to a school board of a major U.S.city as a member of the D.C. board of education, is born in Memphis.

1926 – Pioneering jazz saxophonist John Coltrane is born in Hamlet, North Carolina.

1930 – Music legend Ray Charles is born in Albany, Georgia.

1998 – President Clinton presents Nelson Mandela with the Congressional Gold Medal for his anti-apartheid efforts.

1827 – Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American U.S. senator, is born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 1912 – W.C. Handy publishes the sheet music to "Memphis Blues," one of the earliest known blues songs. 1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks is awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry "Annie Allen," becoming the first African American to win the honor. WI

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Artists and enthusiasts have celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop all year long, from performances to festivals. In honor of the art form, what artist has affected you most and why?

OCTAVIUS CHATMAN / ATLANTA GA.

KRS-One. I learned a lot coming up as a kid listening to his music.

DONNELL WARREN / DETROIT, MICH.

Tupac! I got to meet and hang out with him for a weekend at Michigan State University. This was in 1993. That weekend was epic!

IRVING STOKES / JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

The very underrated Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest and the ‘Rhyme Animal,’ the great Chuck D.

JAYLAN BRANCH / WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Game, only because I was in middle school when he came out, so I grew up listening to him. But I do know the legends before him. They always got my respect and constantly played and blasted through my speakers and earphones.

SALIESHA ROBINSON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Biggie, Tupac, Roxanne Shante, Eric B. and Rakim, and Lauryn Hill. Oh, so many. I can go on and on.

Prestwood ‘Three-Peats’ as Ward 8 Dems Leader

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

A number of residents traveled to the Anacostia Public Library in Southeast, D.C. on Sept. 16 to cast their ballots, and for the third straight time, Ward 8 Democrats Chairman Troy Donte Prestwood was re-elected to his post with little opposition.

“I am really honored, once again, to serve as the chairman of this organization,” said Prestwood. “My hope is to draw on the talents of the people in Ward 8 and to prepare for the primary next year.”

All re-elected to their positions as well, the other winners were Sheila Bunn as first vice chair; Stuart Anderson as second vice chair; and Daryl Ross as the treasurer. The recording secretary and corresponding secretary positions are vacant.

Prestwood remains in his position as many changes and topics are affecting his constituents: Ward 8 expanded to the Navy Yard neighborhood, west of the Anacostia River, during the redistricting process in 2021, and a spirited contest for the ward’s D.C. Council seat comes into fruition. D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) has publicly declared that he will run for re-election, but has yet to file with the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance. The D.C.

Democratic primary will take place on June 4, 2024.

WARD 8 DEMOCRATS’ IMPACT

The Ward 8 Democrats are considered by local political observers to be a force in District party politics. Seventy-eight percent of the ward’s registered voters are Democrats, comparable to its neighbor, Ward 7, to the north with 80%, according to statistics compiled by the D.C. Board of Elections for August 2023. Overall, 76.48% of all District residents are registered Democrats.

In past mayoral elections, the actions of the Ward 8 Democrats have shaped who will run the city. In 2010, then D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray received such an impressive number of votes in the organization’s straw poll against Mayor Adrian Fenty that it gave Gray the momentum to win the party nomination in September of that year. However, in 2014, Ward 4 Council member Muriel Bowser defeated Gray in a January Ward 8 Democrats straw poll that added steam to her campaign to topple him in the April 1 primary.

Former D.C. Democratic State

Committee Chairwoman Wanda Lockridge is a fixture in the Ward 8 Democrats and serves as a ward committeewoman. Also D.C. Democratic State Committee Chairman Charles Wilson has been a former chair of the organization.

CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS

The Ward 8 Democrats set up near the entrance of the library in the plaza. There were tables for residents to get their ballot, turn in their ballot and pick up a snack if they wished to. They were four rows of chairs facing the snack table for residents who wish to participate in the proceedings of the convention.

Mike J.E. Grier, the chairman of the organization’s Issues & Legislation Committee, presided over the segment dealing with changes in the bylaws. For nearly two hours, members and Grier grappled with such changes as grammatical words and phrases, defining who may vote and hold office in the Ward 8 Democrats based on residency, and making adjustments throughout the document on gen-

5 Troy Donte Prestwood volunteers his time at the 2023 Ward 8 Democrats Biennial Convention at the Anacostia Public Library. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

Washington Gas Wants to Raise District Residents’ Rates By 20 Percent

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Washington Gas Light Company argued its case for raising customers' gas prices by 20% at a public hearing Sept. 13 before the District’s three-person Public Service Commission.

If approved in full, the rate hike would raise residential customer’s monthly bills by $16.48 on average, according to the Office of the People’s Counsel, which opposed the rate change at the hearing. It’s the largest rate increase request Washington Gas has ever asked for in the District, and would bring in about $53 million for the company.

“It's an unconscionable burden to place on D.C. consumers at this time,” People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye said in an interview following the hearing.

The process for getting the rate change request approved has already gone on for more than a year, and it’s unclear when the Public Service Commission might make a final decision.

For many commercial buildings, including some small businesses, gas rates could go up by 30%. In addition to the Office of the People’s Counsel, attorneys representing the Apartment & Office Building Association, the Sierra Club and the District government opposed the rate

hike at last week’s hearing.

“Despite significant capital expenditures over the past five years, WGL’s (the family company of Washington Gas) operational performance in terms of leak rates and pipe replacements has been substandard,” argued Bhaveeta Mody, the lawyer representing the Office of the People’s Counsel. “WGL also failed to meet customer service quality standards for most of 2020 and 2021.”

Washington Gas said that it needs the additional revenue to keep up with “increased costs” to run the gas system and make continued investments in upkeep.

“Washington Gas’s existing rates are insufficient to meet its cost of providing service to its District of Columbia customers and do not provide the Company with an opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return on its investments,” the company said in a statement.

But opponents say that Washington Gas has gone too far when it comes to capital investments, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into pipe replacements that not all stakeholders agree are necessary. Questions about the cost of replacing pipe infrastructure take on particular significance in light of the District’s plans to swap fossil fuels for renewable energy in the coming decades.

WHAT’S CLIMATE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

In a hearing that lasted just under 150 minutes, the Public Service Commissioners and stakeholders’ representatives said the word “climate” more than 140 times.

Burning gas for heating and cooking creates potent greenhouse gasses, which trap heat in the atmosphere. That increases the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters that have dominated local, national and global news in recent months—including heat waves, floods and hurricanes.

Washington Gas’s proposals include a “Climate Progress Adjustment'' and “Climate Action Recovery Tariff.” Both are revenue-generating mechanisms that the company says it needs in order to implement emissions-cutting strategies. But when asked—both by Commissioner

Richard Beverly during the hearing and by the Washington Informer in an emailed request afterward— Washington Gas representatives did not provide concrete numbers demonstrating progress on curbing emissions or plans for future reductions.

Opposing stakeholders pointed out that the city can’t use the same amount of gas indefinitely if it’s going to meet its climate commitments, which include net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The District passed legislation last year that prohibits the use of gas for most purposes in buildings constructed after 2026.

“WGL has consistently failed to align itself with the District's goals,” argued the Office of the Attorney General’s Lauren Cullum, representing the D.C. government. “The com-

pany is not appropriately planning for the District's decarbonized future, which will see a reduction in demand for fossil gas and the gas pipelines.” Gas use in buildings made up about 22% of D.C.’s total emissions in 2020, according to data from the Department of Energy and Environment. Unlike using electricity— which can potentially come from renewable sources that don’t require releasing planet-warming carbon or methane—burning gas will always produce emissions.

Washington Gas has prevented some methane emissions, which are more potent than carbon emissions, by repairing leaking pipes. But the company isn’t solely targeting pipes that are leaking, Sierra Club advocate RATES Page 25

5 Protesters from the Beyond Gas Coalition gathered outside with signs, stickers and buttons before the hearing began. A security employee associated with the building told the group they could not bring the signs inside. (Photo courtesy of the Beyond Gas Coalition)

AROUND THE REGION

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Charles Houston and Darryl W. Sharp, Sr. read the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Rep. John Lewis

“When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."

D.C. Leaders Advise Youth on Work Life at Jobs Not Guns Fair

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Various District community leaders convened at the Martin Luther King Jr, Memorial Library in Northwest on Sept. 15 to encourage 50 young adults to aggressively seek employment opportunities to better their lives at the Jobs Not Guns DC Youth Career Building Workshop: “A Roadmap to a Career.”

“When I was a young person, my fight was not on the streets but for jobs,” said Dottie Wade, who served as the event coordinator. “Decent, well-paying jobs. If you look at all of the problems our communities are having, it gets right back down to jobs. Jobs make you feel human. Jobs make you feel confident. Jobs give you a direction. Jobs help you to build a better life.”

Wade is part of the Jobs Not Guns Initiative, an outgrowth of the DC Business Gun Violence Prevention Coalition. Rosalind Styles, who serves as the president of National Association of Minority Contractors-Washington, D.C. Chapter, also serves as the manager for the Jobs Not Guns Initiative.

The Initiative is designed to show young adults a better way of life through employment instead of the streets. There have been other Jobs Not Guns fairs, with one held at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Ward 8.

The fairs feature employers, educational institutions, social service organizations and government agencies for the participants to interact and network with. There are also panel discussions on life skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

ADVICE TO YOUNG ADULTS

Many of the young adults attending the job fair were Potomac Job Corps Center participants. They distinguished themselves by wearing blue t-shirts with white emblems on the front and back. Job Corps students participate in a two-year program that teaches trades and life skills.

“In order to qualify for Job Corps, a person must be 16-24 and must be a high school graduate or have a GED,” said Marilyn Toran, the center’s Business Community Liaison & Workplace Development Coordinator. “We encourage students to pick one of our offered trades. We are a workbased learning program. After they finish the trade program, we help them find a job.”

Toran noted that students are paid while being educated. She noted that a student’s housing, employment while training and benefits such as health and dental are provided. Toran said students go straight into the workforce or the military after completing the Job Corps program.

Among the panelists offering advice to the participants was Andy Shallal, the president and CEO of Busboys & Poets, a chain of restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Shallal said he makes it a point to hire people from challenging backgrounds, but they must prove their worth.

“The easy part is getting the job, the hardest part is keeping the job,” said Shallal, 68, said. “You will go a long way in keeping a job by showing up to work on time, having a good attitude and smiling.”

Andre Wright is an assistant police chief in the District’s Metropolitan Police Department leading the Youth and Family Engagement Bureau. Wright pitched a career in law enforcement to the participants.

“It is important that someone looks like us in those squad cars,” Wright said. “People who join our cadet program make $35,000 a year and get a free education of up to 60 hours in college. You should choose this honorable profession and be excited about your next step.”

Roach Brown, a commentator for WPFW and a consultant on incarceration strategies, said earlier in life he graduated from the “UDC.”

“I came out of the University of the Department of Corrections,” said Brown, who served years for convicted murder before being pardoned by President Gerald Ford. “Young people, follow your inner voice. It’s never wrong and you will be strong.”

Jewel Henley is a participant in the Job Corps program. She said the employment fair was beneficial.

“I liked being here,” Henley, 21, said. “The speakers were talking about things that were important. The program made me want to know more about the workforce.”

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 WPFW commentator Roach Brown makes a point at the Jobs Not Guns Employment Fair held on Sept. 15. (Markell Williams/ The Washington Informer.)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Gov. Moore Hosts President Biden In Largo

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Governor Wes Moore (D) hosted President Joe Biden (D), Maryland Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D- Md.) at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) on Sept. 14 to announce $17.4 million in investments to bolster the state’s economy and educational systems.

“Hello, Prince George’s County!

Hello, Maryland! Welcome to Biden Country,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer while kicking off the event.“We invested in America and Americans. We’ve added 13.5 million jobs during President Biden’s two-and-a-half years. That’s two-and-a-half times what any President has ever done before in four years.”

Maryland will direct $9.5 million in support from the U.S. Department of Education and $7.9 million from the Maryland Department of Labor to

Prince George’s

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

At this year’s Kennedy-King Dinner, hosted at Bowie’s Party HQ on Sept. 9, the Prince George’s County Young Democrats (PGCYD) filled up the Exhale Lounge with a sizable group of candidates and staffers to present awards for community service and prepare for the year’s remaining activities.

The event also featured appearances from competing candidates.

23 adult education providers who will expand access to basic and secondary education for adults, English language acquisition, civics education, integrated education and training, and family

literacy. All 16 Maryland community colleges, two local K-12 school systems, three community-based organizations, one public library system and the state correctional education system will re-

Young Dems Host Kennedy-King Dinner

Congressman David Trone (D), Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando (D) and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) all attended to compete for supporters in the race towards Sen. Ben Cardin’s soon-to-bevacant Senate seat.

Trone’s speech centered on his life story starting in Western Maryland, while Jawando spoke about his progressive stances, and County Executive Alsobrooks acknowledged the historic nature of her candidacy and the past support shown for her by Prince Georgians.

Councilman Jawando, PG Changemakers Deputy Executive Director Janna Parker, CASA organizer Jorge Benitez-Perez, District Heights Commissioner Anthony Tilghman, County Executive Alsobrooks, Delegate Nick Charles and Prince Ham of Making a Difference were also given awards by PGCYD for their work in improving the community.

“I stopped by tonight to tell you something different: while you are the future, you are desperately needed now,” said Alsobrooks to begin her speech. “We saw our heroes like John Lewis and John Kennedy, who were young. Lewis fought for the rest of his life. You are so important to us today and thank you for your dedication and commitment to this fight.”

She received particularly strong applause when referring to the several schools recently built under her administration and reflected on the fact that Maryland has had no women in the congressional delegation for nearly a decade.

Central Committee Chairman Dr. Antwan Brown noted he was a proud Prince Georgian when opening the ceremony.

“I am honored and proud to serve,” said Brown. “Civics is what I love.”

Being at the event brought back memories for Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis.

“I was a teacher, I’m a mentor to those who run for office, and I have been deeply involved with the Young Democrats. Being invited to this brought me back to my first term as Chair,” said Lewis.

“I think this event takes us back to our grassroots efforts where we have open and transparent dialogue so the people are inspired and wish to turn out in the democratic process,”said Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee Second Vice Chair Sylvia Johnson.

When asked why he chose to attend the dinner, Congressman Trone said he is excited to see young people involved in politics.

“It’s fantastic to have young people interested in politics. We must continue to put people over politics. That’s something the Young Democrats understand,” said Trone. “People are hurting because of addiction, and because of the racist impact of the criminal justice system.”

Honoree Anthony Tilghman is a photographer with the Washington Informer.

WI

ceive the funding.

“Together, we will grow an economy that works for everyone, from the bottom up and the middle out,” said Gov. Moore. “President Biden has been very clear about his vision to empower and educate workers to grow the middle class. It’s a vision I stand by because it’s good for Maryland, good for our people, and good for our economy. Together, we are going to work in partnership to follow the president’s lead, build out our workforce, grow the economy, and win this decade.”

This is not the first time that PGCC has rolled out the red carpet for occupants of the Oval Office. Former President Obama spoke at PGCC in 2012 and former First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school in 2021.

“Hello, hello, hello,” opened President Biden to great applause as he looked around the room.

“I didn’t see a whole lot trickle down onto my Dad’s kitchen table when I was young. Everyone deserves a shot to build a life for their families,” the president said before discussing his economic plan to rebuild families.

“It’s beginning to work for working families. The new economic vision, labeled by the more conservative press, didn't mean it as a compliment at first,” he said. “But now they’re getting it! What is Bidenomics? Bidenomics is about investing in America, and Americans. Building from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down.”

The list of grant awardees and more information about Maryland’s adult education provider network is available at labor.maryland.gov. WI

5 In this file photo: President Joe Biden (right) speaks during a Democratic Party rally at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland, on Aug. 25 as Gov. Wes Moore (left), then the state's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, looks on. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer/ WI File Photo)

5 Prince George’s County Delegation Chair Del. Nick Charles (holding microphone) receives a community service award from the Young Democrats. The Executive Board stands behind Delegate Charles. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer )

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

proval to start demolition.

College Park Business Closures, PGCC Golf Tournament

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

COLLEGE PARK BUSINESS CLOSURES

College Park shoppers are saddened to know that the Campus Village Shoppes, located at 8147 Baltimore Avenue, will have all retailers relocate as the shopping center is being converted to student housing.

Sixty-day vacate notices were given to each tenant on Aug. 1. While some merchants are planning to move to other retail locations in College Park, others want their leases to remain through the end of the year.

Taqueria Habanero Director of Operations Yicela Alvarado said their business will operate out of a food truck until they find a new location.

“We are actively working with the new project developer and City of College Park to operate under modified conditions, this includes obtaining a designated space for Taqueria Habaneros food truck and a possible future location so that we can continue building community through food,” she said.

Mr. Fries Man, one of only 13 locations in the country, opened in the shopping center last year. EB, the owner, said he would be given six months notice for redevelopment in a news interview.

While they do have a food truck to take their food on the move, he is considering a new location earlier than he had expected. He emphasized that prospective entrepreneurs should be attentive to their lease details.

Other tenants that will have to adjust their plans include Hanami Japanese restaurant, Pupuseria La Familiar Salvadoran restaurant, Box’d Kitchen, Jodeem African cuisine, Jidong Tea, Paris Beauty Bar, UM Nail Spa, Pandora’s Cube, Vape Exchange and College Park Liquors. College Park Liquors, in operation for over a decade in Campus Village Shoppes, has started a GoFundMe to pay for the cost of relocating.

“Desiring to be good partners, we had a personal conversation one year ago with every tenant at the Campus Village Shoppes and notified them of our intent to redevelop. Nearly all tenants have agreed to compensation and LV is actively negotiating with the remaining few,” said the shopping center’s owner LV Collective in a statement.

“We have partnered with some tenants to come back to the new development once completed,” the statement continued. “We have worked with each tenant individually and are committed to our partnership with the community. We look forward to continuing to support these businesses.”

According to LV Collective, they have made an agreement with 17 of the 19 businesses in Campus Village Shoppes. The company has not submitted its Detailed Site Plan (DSP) for the new design to Prince George’s County or to College Park, according to a development update from the city. The project is estimated to cost $150 million and construction is slated to begin in early 2024, but LV Collective is waiting on local ap-

The Best Buy in the Market Place Shopping Center has also closed. Search for a new tenant is underway. For further information on the Campus Village Shoppes closing, please contact Michael Williams at economicdevelopment@collegeparkmd.gov. WI

PGCC GOLF TOURNAMENT AND SPECIAL CEREMONY

Prince George’s Community College hosted the 34th Biennial PGCC Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament with over 150 attendees, including Prince George’s County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) and County Council Vice President Wala Blegay (D– District 6) during the event on Sept. 6 at Oak Creek Golf Course.

The Scholarship Golf Tournament provides resources for the College to remove barriers to enhance and expand its efforts to address need-based aid for students and promote equitable outcomes for all learners, including

those from underrepresented groups. The fundraising goal was $155,000.

“We raised over $200,000 during the Prince George's Community College Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament,” said Executive Director of Office of Institutional Advancement and Foundation Dena Wilson in an email to the Informer. “These funds will be utilized to support the

College's efforts to remove barriers for students and enhance need-based aid programs as well as scholarships for workforce development.

Opportunities for individual and group registrations, as well as sponsorships, are available. To learn more, register, and donate, click here. For more information, contact foundation@pgcc.edu. WI

5 Event Co-Chairs Angela A. McCullough, Lissa Ross, Ardania Williams (center) were joined by Jeff A. McFarland, Tina Long (left), Dena Wilson, Dr. Sherrie Johnson and Montez Anderson (right) at the 34th Annual PGCC Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament. (Courtesy Photo/ Prince George’s Community College)

THE THEATER AT MGM NATIONAL HARBOR

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY WEEKLY UPDATES

5 Catherine Ellog, holding her newborn child, was given her degree alongside her family by Prince George’s Community College President Dr. Falecia D. Williams and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tyson Beal.(Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

briefs

Hunger Solutions,” said Luis Guardia, president of the Food Research & Action Center, the parent organization of D.C. Hunger Solutions.

“This is a tremendous step forward for our organization and furthers our commitment to addressing food insecurity in D.C. Her knowledge of federal nutrition programs and passion for people will greatly benefit this role.”

LAMONIKA JONES SET TO LEAD D.C. HUNGER SOLUTIONS

LaMonika N. Jones has been named the new director at D.C. Hunger Solutions.

D.C. Hunger Solutions’ mission is to end hunger in the District. Jones joined the nonprofit in 2021 as an anti-hunger program analyst focusing on child nutrition programs.

“We are thrilled to welcome LaMonika as the new director of D.C.

“I am elated to take the helm of D.C. Hunger Solutions and continue working with local officials, advocates, organizational partners, and the community to continue striving to end hunger in Washington, D.C.,” said Jones. “I look forward to serving in this role and continue championing initiatives to ensure residents with low incomes in Washington, D.C. have access to healthy and affordable food.”

Jones holds a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Oakland University and a M. Ed in Urban Teacher Leadership from Georgia State University. Before joining D.C. Hunger Solutions, Jones worked as the procurement and purchasing officer with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. She also served as a steering committee member of the

PUBLIC NOTICEIS THIS VEHICLE YOURS?

There is a Red 2015 Nissan Altima S Vin# 1N4AL3APXFC285831, that has been repaired and standing at SA Auto Repair since October 25th, 2019. If this is your vehicle, please claim it by providing proof of ownership and you will have to pay for the repair that was done, as well as storage, and bill fees.

Please reach out to us within 2 weeks of this posting, otherwise the car will be auctioned.

Call at 202-320-5030 for additional information or claim details. SA Auto Repair

3011 Martin Luther King Jr, AVE, SE Washington DC, 20032"

Georgia Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition, focusing on the use of local food systems in early child-care and K-12. WI

DANIELLE NOEL TAPPED AS AFL-CIO ACTING DEPARTMENT HEAD

The leaders of the AFL-CIO, President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, recently announced the appointment of Danielle Noel as the new acting director of the Department of Civil, Human and Women’s Rights.

In her new role, Noel—who joined the AFL-CIO in 2021 and serves as the national press secretary-- will be tasked with driving the union’s strategy and activities to secure civil and human rights for all; strengthen the longstanding partnerships; and identify key opportunities for collaboration between the labor movement and civil rights community. Her job is to advance and implement programming in support of racial, gender and economic justice.

Noel assumed the position on Sept. 18.

“I am honored to continue working to advance the AFL-CIO’s efforts to ensure the rights of all working people in this new capacity,” Noel said. “President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond have made civil, human, and women’s rights top priorities for their administration, and I am eager to work with them toward a more just and

equal society for all workers.”

Before joining the union, Noel served as deputy communications director at Emerge America, an organization whose mission is to recruit and train Democratic women to run for office, and as account executive in the Public Affairs Department at Finns Partners. WI

FICO ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM AT TWO HBCUS

Global analytics firm FICO announced on Sept. 14 the launch of its new FICO Educational Analytics Challenge program created for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Alabama

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS –COPY EDITOR AND ANNUAL REPORT

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (Agency) is seeking the services of a contractor to provide copy editing services and the production of the Agency’s annual report.

The detailed RFP can be found at www.DCHFA.org/business-opportunities. Deadline for submission of proposals is October 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

A&M University and Bowie State University for the fall semester.

The semester-long program features remote mentoring from FICO data scientists and in-person lectures by the firm’s Chief Analytics Officer Dr. Scott Zoldi. The program was created to help promote diversity, equity and inclusion in data science, engineering, and technology fields.

“We are thrilled to partner with FICO in the classroom to help sharpen our students’ analytical skills and improve access to career opportunities in data science, engineering and technology,” said Dr. Velma Latson, technology and security department professor at Bowie State. “

We pride ourselves on equipping our students to be innovators and future industry leaders,” Latson continued. “Thank you to FICO for providing an opportunity for students to learn and think critically about how technology and AI impacts critical decisions made by organizations; this will be a valuable tool for our participating students as they enter the workforce.”

Eight Bowie students are presently in the course dedicated to a project focused on data bias, identification, and mitigation. Plus, four students had a summer internship designed to prepare them to be team leaders in the fall.

The program also provides financial support to enhance analytics study for each participating HBCU and create potential career opportunities for students for employment after graduation. WI

SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC

The DC Bar Pro Bono Center Small Business Legal Advice Clinic will be in operation on Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m.-noon to receive consultation and brief legal information to small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs who operate in disadvantaged areas or who have limited financial resources.

Business owners will be able to personally speak with an attorney. Attorney volunteers help review legal documents and answer questions about starting a business, taxation, commercial leases, employment law, intellectual property, and other legal issues common to small business owners.

For more information, visit dcbar. org. WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 LaMonika Jones is the new director for D.C. Hunger Solutions. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Danielle Noel has been appointed the new acting director of the Department of Civil, Human and Women’s Rights. (Courtesy Photo)

H Street Festival Filled with Black Businesses

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

With sunny weather, go-go music cranking, people shopping and jamming, and vendors filling the H Street corridor, the 2023 H Street Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16, was a huge celebration of the beauty of D.C. culture. While the event highlighted the rich diversity of District residents, the 11-block annual festival that brings out more than 150,000 residents, also showcased the many local Black entrepreneurs who are working to empower their community with their wares.

In her first year participating in the festival, entrepreneur Taryn Laster Whitehead took to the H Street Festival to share her immune booster, On the Vine Elderberry Syrup, an all-natural, organic product, made in a commercial kitchen in Springfield, Virginia.

“We thought it was super important that people think about their health and wellness,” said Laster Whited. We’re here to provide a product that really helps to boost your immune system.”

Veto Premier and Charles Gussom of Black Pawn Game, also took to H Street Festival to not only sell a product, but empower.

“The idea was inspired by a mediocre chess player on a mission to try to master the game of chess,” Premier, who founded Black Pawn Game, told the Informer.

The pawn is the only piece that can elevate to become any piece of the board. So we are the Black Pawn Game.”

The local clothing company has a message in its branding.

“What’s unique about our pawn, is that our pawn already has the crown on its head, signifying that he or she is already self-identified and has been crowned. ,’” Premier continued. “We’re educating our community that we’re actually the true kings and queens through luxury garments.”

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Unlock Financial Assistance for Farmers, Ranchers, and Forest Landowners

Are you a farmer, rancher, or forest landowner who has faced discrimination in USDA farm lending prior to January 2021? You may be eligible for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP).

What is DFAP?

$2.2 Billion in Financial Assistance: Thanks to Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA is allocating $2.2 billion in financial assistance to eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs.

Eligibility: Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination by USDA in its farm loan programs prior to January 1, 2021, and/or are currently debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred prior to January 1, 2021, are eligible for this program.

How Does it Work?

Multiple Ways to Apply: Producers have the option to apply via the e-filing portal at 22007apply.gov or by submitting paper-based forms via mail or in-person delivery to the program’s local offices.

Free Technical Assistance: Technical assistance is available for potential applicants through four regional hubs working closely with community-based organizations.

Local Resources: Local brick-and-mortar offices are being opened across the country to ensure easy access and personalized assistance. In-person and virtual events are also being held weekly, with state-bystate information on the website.

Important Deadline: Don't miss out! The deadline for eligible farmers, ranchers, or forest landowners to complete their application is October 31, 2023.

Learn More:

Website: For detailed information about DFAP, please visit our official website at 22007apply.gov. Our website provides comprehensive information on obtaining in-person or virtual technical assistance, supplementary program resources, and detailed program guidelines.

Call Center: Our call center, available at 1-800-721-0970, operates from 8 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. PT, seven days a week, except for Federal holidays. English- and Spanish-speaking agents are available, ensuring you get the assistance you need, when you need it.

Newsletter: Information about the program, resources, recent office openings, and local events across the country is also available through a weekly e-newsletter, which you can sign up for on the program site.

DFAP is all about giving you the support you deserve. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Apply now to secure this financial assistance.

5 Taryn Laster Whitehead, co-owner of On the Vine Elderberry Syrup chats about her product at the H Street Festival. (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

Remembering the Four Little Girls 60 Years Later

66 Year Old Man Shares Witnessing Bombing at 16th Street Baptist Church

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

The smoke and shrapnel from the fatal bombing 60 years ago at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama is long gone, but the memories of the tragedy still linger heavily in the air–just ask Jesse Strong.

“In 1963 that was a two-story apartment building, where the in-

stitute is. We lived upstairs on the very far end,” said Strong, 66, pointing to what is now the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. “September 15...that Sunday morning, myself and my siblings were on the porch, when all of a sudden, ‘BOOM! Bum, bum, bum,” he explained, imitating the noise of an explosion.

“[There was a] big ‘ole hole in the side of the church, shotgun haze as far as you can see,” Strong

said, explaining the fateful day, when members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) set a bomb that killed four girls: Adddie Mae Collins, 14;

The Annual Legislative Conference Awaits You

3 A monument outside of the Sixteenth Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where four little girls were murdered after the Ku Klux Klan set a bomb in September 1963. This plaque lists the victims names and birthdays. (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

Carol Denise McNair, 11; Carole Rosamond Robertson, 14; and Cynthia Diane Wesley, 14. Sarah Jean Collins, Addie Mae’s 12-yearold sister, was also severely injured in the bombing, but survived.

“When all was said and done,” Strong continued, “the firemen, and the bomb squad, and so forth, they made two blocks of people get out of their house and go to the park, because they expected it may be another bomb.”

Bombings had become commonplace by September 1963.

“There was also a hotel right behind here, called A.G. Gaston that they bombed. There were over 40-something bombings. They started calling Birmingham, ‘bombingham,’” Strong told the Informer, before considering the other racist realities of that time, such as Jim Crow laws, which made segregation legal.

“Back then, you could get arrested for going into a white folks bathroom, using the same water faucet,” he emphasized.

On a sunny Saturday in early August, the 65-year-old Birmingham native didn’t talk long before growing emotional thinking about the bombing that shook that intersection– and the world– back in 1963. The sights, smells and feelings from 60 years ago, remain etched into his memory.

MONUMENTS HIGHLIGHT TRIALS

AND TRIUMPHS OF BIRMINGHAM’S FREEDOM FIGHT

When walking near Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, emotions weigh heavy. A despondency looms when considering the young lives robbed by the KKK; and at the same time, there is an air of activism.

Originally a site for organizing and action, then a tragic reminder of injustice in America, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church stands, not just as a place of worship, but as a symbol of the strength and resilience of Civil Rights leaders and the African American community as whole. The big brick building, with its stained glass windows, grand staircase, and blue cross-shaped marquee, is a reminder to continue combating racism and stand tall even in the face of despair.

All along Sixth Avenue N and 16th Street are monuments remembering the four little girls who were tragically killed on September 15, 1963, when the members of the KKK set a bomb at the church.

“This property possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States,” reads the National Historic Landmark sign on the church building, which was dedicated by the National Park Service in 2006. “In 1963 it was the staging ground for the Birmingham Campaign Civil Rights Youth Marches and the place where a bomb killed four young girls, ‘mar-

5 The Sixteenth Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where four little girls were murdered after the Ku Klux Klan set a bomb in September 1963. (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

Pew Research Reveals Overwhelming Discontent with U.S. Politics Among Americans

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a comprehensive study conducted by the Pew Research Center from July 10 to July 16, and released on Sept. 13, responses from a sizable sample of U.S. adults revealed a profound disillusionment among Americans towards the nation’s political landscape. Researchers concluded that citizens were mostly exhausted and disillusioned with politics with many grappling to find viable alternatives to Democrats and Republicans.

The in-depth research by the Pew Center discovered that 65% of respondents admitted feeling persistently drained and exhausted when contemplating politics. The researchers concluded that this widespread exhaustion indicates a broader sentiment of disillusionment with the political sphere. “Yet it is telling that a majority of Americans are unable or unwilling to identify the strong points of the nation’s political system,” Pew researchers wrote.

The study, which highlighted an ever-dwindling faith in the political system, revealed that only 4% of U.S. adults believe the political system is functioning well or very well, while another 23% hold that it operates somewhat adequately. A striking 63% express little to no confidence in the future of the U.S. political system.

The study authors also found what they called a “trust deficit in governmental institutions.” They noted that favorable views of governmental and political institutions have plummeted to historic lows. A mere 16% of respondents claimed to trust the federal government consistently or most of the time. The authors revealed that this level of trust has remained depressingly low for almost two decades, reaching one of the lowest points in nearly 70 years.

“As a society, we’ve lost faith in the very institutions meant to represent us,” one survey respondent asserted.

Also, a growing discontent towards both political parties is evident from the research, with 28% expressing

unfavorable views of both, the highest percentage in three decades. An equivalent share of adults, 25%, feel inadequately represented by either party.

For most of the more than 8,400 respondents in the survey, recent candidate choices have been underwhelming. As the 2024 presidential campaign gains momentum, 63% of Americans express dissatisfaction with the candidates who have emerged thus far. The discontent is mirrored in the broader assessment of political candidates, with only 26% rating their quality as very or somewhat good.

“Where are the candidates who truly represent our interests?” questioned another participant.

Reflecting the public’s frustration, significant portions of Americans advocate for changes in the political system. Proposals such as age and term limits, along with eliminating the Electoral College, draw substantial support.

“It’s time for a system that truly represents the people, not just the

powerful,” declared another survey respondent, who also highlighted the divide and discontent in American politics.

Republicans and Democrats were found to agree on one thing in an era of ferocious partisanship: 86% think that the parties prioritize infighting over problem-solving.

“Nearly half of those who identify as politically independent or with something other than the Democratic or Republican Party view both parties negatively,” researchers found. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

FIRST SOURCE CONFERENCE

To Developers, General Contractors, and Subcontractors.

The Department of Employment Services (DOES), Office of First Source Compliance, is hosting our Fourth Annual First Source Conference, where we will provide information on the District’s First Source requirements for non-construction and construction and DOES resources, strategies and partnerships that can help businesses strengthen First Source compliance.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 | 8:30AM -12:30PM GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY

The Kellogg Conference Hotel 800 Florida Avenue, NE | Washington, DC 20002

If you are interested in attending the conference, type the link below in your internet browser and register. If you have any questions, contact the Office of First Source Compliance by emailing firstsource@dc.gov. RSVP

5 Only 4% of U.S. adults believe the political system is functioning well or very well, while another 23% hold that it operates somewhat adequately. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia commons)

Youth Activist Tiana Day Picks Up the Torch of Racial Justice and Healing

By Joseph Williams Word in Black

Tiana Day is a young woman in a hurry.

She was 17 when she organized and led her first protest march after the murder of George Floyd — one of the largest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not long afterward, she founded her own nonprofit and raised $10,000 in college scholarships. A University of Southern California (USC) undergrad herself, Day is CEO of her own diversity consulting firm and works with the USC Race and Equity Center.

It’s a turbocharged transformation for a young woman who, not long ago, was a frustrated Black cheerleader at a mostly-white, suburban high school. For Day, however, her meteoric rise to award-winning activist nonprofit executive and budding philanthropist is simply about the future. And the future is now.

“I think that my biggest fear when it comes to this work is that I don’t necessarily have a choice,” says Day, 20, mindful of her siblings and the kids she might parent someday.

Growing up in the affluent Bay Area suburbs, the daughter of a Black man and Filipina woman, Day didn’t know much about her heritage, and struggled with identity issues. Microaggressions at mostly-white schools, from teachers as well as classmates, were routine.

“My lived experiences have, at times, made me hate my Blackness,” she explains.

That changed when Floyd died, pinned beneath the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. Angry and frustrated, Day signed up for a protest march across the Golden Gate Bridge — until one of the organizers revealed a big problem: 24 hours ahead of the march, they had permits but no leader. Acting on impulse, Day agreed to do

it, even though she had no organizing experience.

Against all odds, and with a little help from her father, a former protest organizer, the march was a success, drawing thousands of people. Day had unlocked her purpose.

“for me, really, this work is so generationally healing. My father was organizing during the Rodney King (protests). My grandfather was a founding member of the Black Panther Party in Oakland.”

The success of the Golden Gate Bridge protest motivated Day to dive full-speed into advocacy and activism, starting with founding Youth Advocates for Change.

“Our mission is to amplify youth voices and their intersectional social justice issues through creative arts,” Day says. “We use creative arts as a healing modality to reach young people.

Youth Advocating For Change

holds workshops and assemblies at high schools around the area, using a “critical consciousness” framework, Day says. The framework educates young people on systemic problems around race, gender, and sexuality, then encourages them to take action through advocacy, self-expression, or

both, with support from the organization.

“If I can pull people in, help them realize their power, and how they can use their power for good in the world, and also projected out in a creative way,” she says, “I feel like I’ve achieved my mission.” WI

5Tiana Day (Courtesy Photo/ Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier, Tiana Day Instagram)

your personal connection to real-time updates and instructions from DC Government to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighborhood. Sign up today!

Mortgage Rates Are Up - Now What?

Mortgage Interest Rates are at their highest level in the last 20+ years. This has had a chilling effect on the housing market. But despite the higher rates, the market remains strong and more favorable to sellers than buyers. Why?

LOW INVENTORY

Homeowners who took advantage of the previous years’ lower interest rates are very reluctant to sell and buy in this higher interest rate environment. Those lower rates are known as the Golden Handcuffs. There are very few resales. New home developers are not building as many homes. They are in no rush to add inventory.

A STRONG LOCAL AND NATIONAL ECONOMY

The jobs report from September 1, 2023, states that unemployment is less than 4% for the 19th month in a row.1

What should a buyer do? If you are just beginning your home buying journey or considering coming back in after a break, here are the steps and what to expect:

a. Determine your budget and how much you can afford to pay each month. Factor in any expected income changes in the near future. Be willing to stretch slightly but ask yourself how you would meet your obligations if your income changed dramatically.

b. Check your credit and improve it if necessary. Buyers can see a complete report at www.annualcreditreport.com but without a score. Work on removing incorrect or erroneous info. Also look at what debts you can eliminate or reduce.

c. Save for and strategize how to cover the down payment, closing costs and other home buying expenses like inspections, moving, and decorating. Downpayment assistance programs (also referred to as “DAPs”), gifts and seller credits can help with these costs. A recent study by Redfin estimates

Stephen A. Morris

SVP, Director Community Lending |

NMLS ID: 459546

O: (240) 268-1864

M: (202) 494-3284

F: (703) 653-8103

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samorris@gmmllc.com

www.gmmllc.com/stephen-morris

that 40% of homebuyers under 30 are getting a financial gift to help purchase from family members.2 Do not be afraid to ask for help. You might be pleasantly surprised by the answer.

d. Research neighborhoods and areas where you want to live. Attend open houses. Drive around areas at various times of the day. Check out the shops, restaurants and services close by.

e. Decide on the type of property (cooperative units (also called “housing cooperatives” or ”coops”), condominiums, townhome, single-family home) and your musthave features. Condominiums were once the starter home of choice but given the rise in monthly Condo/ HOA Fees more clients are choosing townhomes and single-family homes.

f. Talk with a Mortgage professional to determine how much financing you are eligible for and if the company/bank offers any special programs to assist. Make sure you align what you can afford with the purchase price. Request a pre-qualification letter and cost estimate of what to expect.

g. Find a Real Estate agent who can assist you in finding homes that meet your criteria. Talk with several

agents and choose the one who works for you. Key attributes are experience, negotiations skills, neighborhood knowledge, professionalism, and tenacity. A good agent could save you thousands of dollars and a bad one can do the opposite. This is not the time to give a friend or cousin a chance that is new to the business. They can represent you on the next purchase after you both have some seasoning.

h. Create a list of potential properties to see with your agent and tour them. Ask your agent if they are aware of any upcoming off market properties that meet your criteria. Use online tools to also find properties. There are several great websites to use like www.Redfin.com and www.realtor.com.

i. Submit an offer on your dream home and negotiate the terms with the help of your agent. This is where a good agent can have a significant impact.

Once you have come to terms

the financing. Contracts are generally good for 30 days. It is crucial that you follow your lenders instructions and document requests to meet the contract timelines.

k. Go to Closing and Get your Keys.

Even though the market is challenging for buyers, there is some good news. Sellers are much more willing to negotiate than in the COVID market of 2020-2021. Buyers also do not need to waive all contingencies to compete. Seller closing cost help is also available. The seller flexibility combined with the abundance of downpayment assistance programs offered by banks and local governments is making a difference. At George Mason Mortgage, we have provided almost $8 million in downpayment assistance grants to help 800 families in the DC Region become homeowners over the last 18 months.

The bottom line is buyers should

be more competitive when interest rates drop. For questions contact me at 202-494-3284 or samorris@ gmmllc.com.

1.Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/cea/ written-materials/2023/09/01/the-employment-situation-in-august-3/#:~:text=The%20unemployment%20rate%20 rose%20from,jobless%20rate%20 below%204%20percent.

2.Source: https://www.redfin.com/news/ nepo-homebuyers-under-30s-received-family-money/

This article is based on the personal opinion and experience of the author and the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of George Mason Mortgage, LLC. The information is intended solely for the personal non-commercial use of the user who accepts full responsibility for its use; it is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness and without any warranties of any kind whatsoever, express or implied. This article is general in nature and should

months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Reply by 10/15/2021.

General: Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only.

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Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Sign Mutual Defence Pact

Editor’s Note: Spelling of defense as “defence” follows the usage of the word in accordance with the pact signed by leaders in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. This story is sourced from Rédaction Africanews.

5 Ministerial delegations from the three Sahel countries in Mali's capital Bamako. (Courtesy Photo)

Ministerial delegations from the three Sahel countries announced in Mali's capital Bamako that military leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defence pact on Saturday, Sept. 16.The Liptako-Gourma Charter establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita posted on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter.

Its aim is to "establish an architecture of collective defence and mutual assistance for the benefit of our populations," he wrote.

The Liptako-Gourma region -- where the Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger borders meet -- has been ravaged by jihadism in recent years.

"This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries," Mali's Defence Minister Abdoulaye Diop told journalists. "Our priority is the fight against terrorism in the three countries."

A jihadist insurgency that erupted in northern Mali in 2012 spread to Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015.

All three countries have undergone coups since 2020, most recently Niger, where soldiers in July overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened to intervene militarily in Niger over the coup.

Mali and Burkina Faso quickly responded by saying that any such operation would be deemed a "declaration of war" against them.

The charter signed on Saturday binds the signatories to assist one another -- including militarily -- in the event of an attack on any one of them.

"Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracting parties shall be considered as an aggression against the other parties and shall give rise to a duty of assistance... including the use of armed force to restore and ensure security", it states. WI

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

Bahamas and Botswana Sign MOU on Mutual Development

Hailing the two-day official state visit by Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi to The Bahamas as a success, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis said that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the two countries to foster economic development and ensure mutual progress.

5 Pictured from left to right at a reception hosted by Governor General Cynthia A. Pratt are: Bahamas First Lady Ann Marie Davis, Prime Minister Philip E. Davis, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi. (Courtesy Photo)

“This administration is actively strengthening its foreign policy, and the visit of the President of Botswana stands as clear evidence of this commitment,” Davis said during a joint press conference with Masisi on Thursday, Sept. 15.

“This MOU, comprehensive in its scope, touches upon areas including but not limited to economic development, cultural relations, tourism, environment, agriculture, health, education, and financial services,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Through this agreement, we aim to foster deeper collaboration, leverage our unique strengths, and jointly address challenges to ensure mutual progress.”

President Masisi, who arrived in Nassau on Tuesday, Sept. 12, was accompanied by First Lady Neo Maisi, several members of his Cabinet and the Governor of Botswana’s Central Bank.

On Thursday, Sept. 14, President Masisi and his delegation visited The Exumas, a favorite tourist destination for many visitors to The Bahamas, along with Prime Minister Davis and former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

The Botswana President had high praise for The Bahamas’ tourism product, describing it as being “among the best in the world,” adding that everybody in The Bahamas welcomes you with a “radiant smile.”

Botswana and The Bahamas share an historical symbiotic relationship, as both are former colonies of Great Britain and are both current members of the British Commonwealth.

With a population of 2.3 million, Botswana is a land-locked country that is bounded by Namibia to the west and north, Zambia and Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the southeast and south. WI

HEALTH

Local Physicians Push Innovative Developments to Progress Sickle Cell Management

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited blood disorder affecting nearly 100,000 people across the country, is a rare but crippling disease that patients recount make day-to-day living

almost impossible to manage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births” with one out of 13 Black or African American babies born with the Sickle Cell trait.

Dr. James Taylor, director of the

FOR EVERY GENERATION. THIS

the doctor will withdraw blood out with a machine and transfuse new blood into the body, considerably playing as a temporary cure.

“So much has focused on symptomatic treatment with opioids that many patients have given up, and many doctors just think sickle cell opioids. So, now I’m emphasizing to patients that these are five different treatments that can prevent episodes from happening and hopefully put you in a position where you don’t, or just occasionally need opioids for painful episodes,” explained Dr. Taylor.

Howard University Center for Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, shared that roughly 600 adults are suffering from the disease within the District of Columbia.

Furthermore, on a per capita basis, Washington, D.C., has the highest prevalence of sickle cell anywhere in the country at the state level, with Prince George’s County housing the highest

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prevalence of the disease in the state of Maryland. But despite the numbers, there are no hematologists in Prince George’s County for adult SCD patients.

The disparity creates major accessto-care issues for those affected unlike those suffering from other chronic diseases where there is a greater infrastructure to provide patients with the care they need.

“I think the country across the board has not made this a priority, but there are always reasons for this. I think the reasons for this are all economic. Patients are underinsured, and if you are underinsured, [often] doctors aren’t looking to see [those] patients,” said Taylor. “While it is rare, it’s a very expensive disease, which is unfortunate. So, you have this terrible disease, you are underinsured, and the hospitals [find themselves] losing money when they do care for these patients.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FOR SCD TREATMENT

Since 2017, the FDA has approved three medications to help patients manage SCD, including; L-glutamine approved in 2017, and two during the latter of 2019 called Voxelotor, and Crizanlizumab. Voxelotor binds the sickle hemoglobin and prevents it from forming the long strands that prevent the formation of sickle cells. While it does not affect pain, it is a great treatment for anemia. Crizanlizumab is a monoclonal antibody that doctors distribute to sickle cell patients once a month, as it prevents painful crises by roughly 60%.

Outside of medications, physicians have additionally found transfusion therapy helpful in maintaining a patient's health. Typically, once a month

American singer and international star, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, has made huge efforts bringing national attention to the degenerative disease that she was diagnosed with at 28 years old. She details the crippling experience of a sickle cell crisis in her second book, “A Sick Life,” published in 2017.

“You’d think I’d have it all figured out by now, but if I’m telling the truth, it’s incredibly hard to live with this disease. With sickle cell, you don’t always know when a crisis is coming. One can arise at any time, in any place, totally debilitating you, Watkins explains in the book.

“Some days I wake up consumed by pain which seems to manifest itself slightly differently each time. It’s like knives stabbing me over and over again in my joints. The invisible knives leave no place except my fingers and toes. It’s impossible to function like that. Usually, when I’m in a lot of pain, I can’t walk. Every breath I take throbs, and each gasp of air comes in with a sharp twinge.”

MANAGING THE PAIN

Taylor recommends a group of holistic practices of monitoring one’s mental health, controlling anxiety and stress in your life, and participating in activities that help ease your senses similar to yoga or even acupuncture to help control this element of chronic disease.

“Depression and anxiety can trigger a pain crisis, so, it’s very important to control those elements, and if I could work even closer with other groups of doctors, a psychiatrist would be the number one doctor that I would pick. Not because I think that patients have major mental health issues, but it’s dealing with anxiety and depression,” Taylor said.

“These are symptoms of a chronic disease and it doesn’t matter what [disease] it is,” Taylor continued. “But, the difference is in sickle cell, just the anticipation of a pain crisis can give you pain.”

(Courtesy photo)

March on Washington 60th Anniversary Unity 2024 “Power of the Ballot” National Intergenerational Leadership Strategy Meeting Joint Communiqué

Over 60 national leaders and organizers from civil rights, economic, faith, labor, education, environmental, youth and social justice movements convened ahead of the 60th Anniversary of The March on Washington to strategize on building black voting power, mobilizing and protecting the black vote and countering the surge in hate, racial & systemic assaults to our rights, freedoms and democracy.

Date: September 12, 2023

Location: National Education Association Headquarters, Washington, DC

We, the undersigned organizations and leaders who participated in the March on Washington 60th Anniversary Unity 2024 “Power of the Ballot” National Leadership Strategy Meeting on August 25, 2023, hereby issue the following joint communique’ outlining our collective commitments and actions that have emerged from our historic gathering.

Recognizing the critical juncture at which our nation stands, and fully understanding the implications of not only the 2024 election cycle, but the impact of the current 2023 cycle, our organizations unite under the shared purpose of fostering a more just and equitable future for the Black community and the entire nation. We recognize this pre-March strategy session as the first step in our collective work, standing together in agreement that more must be accomplished in the months ahead as part of a sustained effort to organize and mobilize Black voting power to its fullest potential to ultimately achieve Black liberation.

In a show of unity, our organizations commit to:

• Convene on a monthly basis to collaborate, coordinate non-partisan organizing efforts, develop strategic plans, and share partnership opportunities now and through the 2024 Presidential Election Cycle.

• Align messaging, resources, and collective wisdom to confront challenges and realize our shared vision to maximize the power and impact of the Black vote.

• Embrace a multigenerational and multi-issues approach to sharing data and tactical insights.

• Embark on Black voting power mapping to strategically address critical issues, challenges and opportunities to maximize integrated voter engagement impact.

• Engage the tech industry and advocate for social media platforms to mitigate the dangers of generative AI, misinformation, and disinformation targeting Black voters.

• Share research, polling and make resources available among one another, fostering collaboration, partnerships and mutual support.

• Collaborate on mass Black voter mobilization and educational efforts, transcending boundaries of geography, gender, income, and organizations.

• Address escalating assaults on our rights, freedoms, democracy, Black history, public education, diversity, equity & inclusion, labor and environmental justice in Black communities, and the rise of racism, hate crimes and white supremacy.

We march forward united, with a shared determination to bring about meaningful change. Our commitment to these principles and actions is unwavering, and our collective strength will fuel our progress. The path ahead may be challenging, but we stand steadfast in our conviction that by working together, we can overcome any obstacle and realize the vision of a just and equitable society for all.

In Solidarity,

Melanie L. Campbell

President & CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable

Becky Pringle

President, National Education Association

Reverend Shavon L. Arline-Bradley

President & CEO, National Council of Negro Women

Clayola Brown

National President, A. Philip Randolph Institute

Dominique Calhoun

National President, National Bar Association

Abdul Dosunmu

Founder & Chief Strategist, Young Black Lawyers’ Organizing Coalition

Rev. Dr. Freddy D. Haynes, III

President & CEO, Rainbow Push Coalition

Holli Holliday, Esq.

President, Sisters Lead, Sisters Vote

Derrick Johnson

President & CEO, NAACP

Terry Melvin

President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner

Co-Chair, National African American Clergy Network

Marc H. Morial

President & CEO, National Urban League Chairman of the Board, NCBCP

Cliff Albright

Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter

Latosha Brown

Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter

Bishop Leah Daughtry

Co-Founder, Power Rising

Jotaka Eaddy

Founder, #WinWithBlackWomen

Damon Hewitt

President & Executive Director, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

David Johns, PhD

Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition

Carol Joyner

Executive Director, Family Values Action

Minyon Moore

Co-Founder, Power Rising

Maya Wiley

President & CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights

EARTH OUR

Choose Your Own Adventure: Upcoming Environmental Events

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

September 2023 is a busy month for Earth-related events in the DMV! Celebrate the pleasant weather in our region with a few of these upcoming opportunities:

WARD 5 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

TOWN HALL

When: Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.

Where: Trinity Baptist Church (1814 Central Place NE)

Who: Hosted by Empower DC and Namati

What: Discussion about the National Engineering Products (NEP) chemical plant and its adverse health and environmental impacts on the Ivy City community.

Why go: For more than half a century, NEP has operated a facility in Ivy City that manufactures industrial-grade sealants for the military using chemicals such as cresol,

which has a burning-tar odor, and formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. The goal of the town hall is to come up with solutions to this problem.

ALL HANDS ON DECK CLIMATE ACTION & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ENGAGEMENT

FAIR

When: Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: SW Farmers Market (4th & M Street SW)

Who: More than 30 environmental & disaster management organizations

What: Speakers and workshops will help people understand environmental justice and climate issues as well as get prepared for natural disasters before they strike. Why go: “A lot of people might be overwhelmed by the information, especially about climate,” said Ben Curran, the event’s main organizer and chair of SW Strong!, Southwest Neighborhood Assembly’s emergency preparedness task force. “We’re making these 35 groups available to share what they’re doing, and trying to get the public to have the opportunity to learn more and get more involved.”

ANACOSTIA RIVER SPLASH

When: Saturday, Sept. 23 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Kingman Island Park

Who: Hosted by Anacostia Riverkeeper

What: While slots are filled for swimmers, spectators can watch the historic moment as folks jump into the Anacostia legally for the first time in 50 years. Swimming in the Anacostia is still only allowed during specially-sanctioned swim events like this one, which receive a permit after doing water testing beforehand.

Why go: Pollution in the Anacostia has been a source of environmental injustice in the District for decades, and a lot of activism and engineering work has gone into addressing the problem. DC Water’s Northeast Boundary Tunnel went online Sept. 15 and will prevent 98% of overflows into the river. “This is two decades of work that we're seeing the benefits of now,” said River Keeper Trey Sherard.

WI

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

The Informer's Our Earth page turns 1 year old this fall. We want to know what you think and what we can do better in year 2! Please let us know with this 3-minute survey.

5 An Empower DC rally against National Engineering Products, a chemical plant in a residential Ivy City neighborhood, in July. The organization is hosting a town hall to discuss the same issue on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

RATES from Page 9

Mark Rodeffer said. Spending millions of ratepayer dollars—and possibly up to $4.5 billion over the next 30 years—on gas infrastructure will make it harder for the city to move away from fossil fuels.

Washington Gas does have a Climate Business Plan, which includes, among other things, investing in hydrogen gas and certain forms of methane that have somewhat lower emissions footprints; cutting down on pipe leaks; and working to improve energy efficiency. In January of last year, the company submitted an updated Climate Change Action Roadmap to the Public Service Commission.

However, opponents note that many of Washington Gas’s proposed technological solutions do not yet have proven emissions-cutting results. Comments on the company’s Climate Business Plan from DOEE in 2020 said that it was “riddled with significant technical deficiencies,” and “fails to include an actual business plan.” Washington Gas’s plans also “ignores'' the District’s policy goals around switching away from fossil fuels, the DOEE commentary said.

“Ratepayers overall should not be on the hook for the risks a utility creates for itself by failing to respond to policy changes,” Cullum, the lawyer from the D.C. Attorney General’s Office, said. WI

5 Washington Gas attorney Cathy Thurston-Seignious defends the utility’s request to raise consumer gas rates by 20% following arguments from four opposing stakeholders at a Public Service Commission hearing on Sept. 13. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

These reflections, which elicited light chuckles, culminated in Vinson's reinforcement of a vision that connects the HU community with the African diaspora in the global human rights struggle.

President Vinson Opens Up to Campus Community HU Freshmen Express Excitement about New Experiences

By Sam P.K. Collins and Asha Taylor WI Staff Writer and WI Intern

Nearly two weeks into his tenure as Howard University’s (HU) 18th president, Dr. Ben Vinson III has set out to show HU community members more

of his personal side.

During Howard’s 186th convocation, he did just that, telling the hundreds who filled Cramton Auditorium on Friday, Sept. 15 about his upbringing in Italy, a chance encounter with an HU student early on in his life, and his children's excitement about HU gear.

“Part of being of service at Howard is leaning on our connections to… the African continent, the Caribbean, Latin America, Black America and elsewhere to become partners in elevating the totality of the African experience,” Vinson said.

As this year's HU Convocation keynote speaker, Vinson followed in the footsteps of then-Senator Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, HU President Mordecai Wyatt Johnson and several others who've performed similar duties throughout most of HU’s history.

Before Vinson came to the podium, trustee board chair Dr. Laurence C. Morse and HU Student Association President Nia Naylor delivered remarks in support of their

new university president.

Naylor encouraged freshmen, and other students, to work with Vinson in taking HU to the next level.

“I’m brimming with enthusiasm [at] the chance to collaborate with our president. We’re going to chart a course to a more impactful future," Naylor said in her message to freshmen.

"You bring a unique passion [and] perspective to our university," she continued. "We together create a tapestry of excellence. As we dive into this year, let’s do so with open hearts and minds and a desire to make a change. We stand on the shoulders of giants and it’s our responsibility to continue their legacy of excellence."

Vinson, who officially started at HU on Sept. 5, has served senior leadership roles at George Washington University and Case Western Reserve University. He has amassed a research catalog focused on the experiences of Black people throughout the Diaspora, including Venezuela and Mexico.

As provost and executive vice president at Case Western Reserve University, Vinson oversaw academic and university research. He also led the university's "Think Big" strategic planning initiative aimed at boosting representation of historically marginalized student populations.

STARTING THE YEAR OFF RIGHT

Food, music and games, provided by the university, filled the campus’ infamous “Yard,” for a cookout, hosted in collaboration with WHUTV and WHUR 96.3.

While enjoying post-convocation festivities freshman Modupe Ajinaku,

from Atlanta, Georgia, said he has already found a home at Howard.

“I have felt really welcomed and I feel like I am still getting acclimated, but everyone is really trying to make sure that our class, as freshmen, is just comfortable with the campus and comfortable with everything that we have going on that’s new here,” said Ajinaku.

“I am looking forward to all of the connections, the good people,” the freshman from Atlanta, who plans on majoring in African American studies, said. “I am looking forward to the quality of the Afro-American studies department education here, making friends, bonding with the professors, and working towards my future.”

Amaya Shannon, an HU freshman from Tampa, Florida, said she sees the campus as the ideal environment to pursue a film career. Since coming to D.C., she has taken daily treks through the Yard to meet other students and organizations, and get connected to opportunities.

"I've noticed all the things happening on the Yard [to help you] make something of yourself," Shannon said. "I haven't experienced that anywhere else where corporations and leaders are coming through."

Freshman Anthony Vaughn expressed similar feelings about his future at The Mecca.

Vaughn, a finance major from Flint, Michigan, came to HU Convocation in a black suit, as required of first-year students in HU School of Business. He later joined his friends on The Yard where they enjoyed music, food and each other’s company.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

5 Dr. Ben Vinson III, Howard University’s 18th president, presented the keynote address at the institution’s 186th convocation. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

Alarming Surge in Student Loan ScamsTargets Americans Biden’s SAVE Plan and Disproportionate Impact on Black Borrowers

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Amidst the impending resumption of student loan payments in October, scammers are intensifying their efforts to exploit borrowers, with more than 350,000 student-loan-related robocalls reported in the last two weeks alone, according to Transaction Network Services (TNS), a leading authority on identifying robocall scams across various carrier networks.

The surge in scams coincides with the conclusion of a pandemic-induced hiatus on loan repayments, implemented in 2020 to provide financial relief to borrowers amidst the public health crisis. The renewal of student loan debt payments also comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s rejection of President Joe Biden’s proposal to forgive up to $20,000 per borrower, leaving many uncertain about their financial futures.

“Scammers seize on chaos and confusion,” John Haraburda, a robocall data expert at TNS, told CBS News.

For example, one recorded robocall falsely declared: “This is United Services Student Loan Department with an urgent call to our clients regarding the new federal program, which now qualifies for complete dismissal and full discharge of all your federal student loans, as well as a refund of monies paid and removal from credit history,” according to a TNS transcription, and reported by CBS News.

Scammers may also request upfront payments under the guise of facilitating debt relief or charge fees for otherwise free services. As TNS warns, they might also seek private information like Social Security numbers. IdentityIQ, an identity theft protection company, further warns that some fraudsters pose as new student loan servicers, taking advantage of borrowers’ unfamiliarity with recent changes in servicing companies.

Authorities are urging borrowers to confirm their student loan servicer to help safeguard against potential scams.

Borrowers can log into StudentAid. gov or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center. They should also remain vigilant for spelling and grammatical errors, which can serve as red flags for fraudulent communication.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reiterated that borrowers should never pay for assistance managing their student loans. In a recent warning, the FTC emphasized, “If someone tries to charge you upfront, before they’ve done anything, that’s your first clue that this is a scam,” and emphasized that legitimate sources will never offer instant loan forgiveness.

Recent data from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System underscores the disproportionate impact of student debt within different communities, with Black borrowers shouldering the largest share of federal student loan debt in 2019, a stark reminder of the unique challenges they face in the current landscape.

Biden administration introduced the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. The new provisions include reducing income-driven repayment plans from 10% to 5% of discretionary income and forgiving loan balances after 10 years of payments for borrowers with original balances of $12,000 or less. The plan, which took effect on August 22, 2023, to provide some relief amidst the ongoing student loan crisis, already has reached more than 4 million in enrollment.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 The surge in scams coincides with the conclusion of a pandemic-induced hiatus on loan repayments, implemented in 2020 to provide financial relief to borrowers amidst the public health crisis.

(Courtesy Photo/ Wikimedia Commons)

Remember to Encourage Those Around You to Register to Vote

I learned Tuesday, Sept. 19 marked National Voter Registration Day, and while you’re likely reading this past that date, if you’re like me with most holidays, you’ll lean into celebrating far beyond the actual day of observance.

The ability to vote is one of the most important American rights, for which many groups– from African Americans to women– fought.

First, voting allows for people to participate in working to resolve issues in their communities. From local to national elections, voting for a candidate that you believe is looking out for the best interests of the communities you care about is important. Voting can offer your views a platform to thrive and be shared with others. Even if you’re not the one making laws, or speaking to lawmakers for that matter, or even if your candidate doesn’t win, voting shows an investment in the future of your community, the nation, and the world. Moreover, consider all those that made voting a possibility for you. While the original Constitution only permitted white males over the age of 21 to vote, activists — from Frederick Douglass, to Susan B. Anthony and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--- have made it so that U.S. citizens over the age of 18 “cannot be denied the right to vote on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation.”

“The path to full voting rights for all American citizens was long and often challenging. The franchise was first extended to African Americans under the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution, passed during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. These amendments provided that all male citizens, regardless of their race, must receive equal treatment under the law and not be deprived of their rights without due process,” the White House said in a statement. “The Fifteenth Amendment is specifically dedicated to protecting the right of all citizens to vote, regardless of race.”

In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote.

Despite all the progress, there are still groups, such as people with prior justice system involvement, who still are fighting for voting rights. Some states even criminalize people who have been involved with the justice system, for attempting to register to vote.

While the District of Columbia is leading in rights for those currently or formerly involved in the justice system– allowing incarcerated residents to vote– there’s still work to be done in nearby states such as Virginia.

Considering the battles fought to obtain the vote, and the progress still necessary, it’s important that we remind the people around us the importance of not only registering to vote, but actually participating in our civic duty when the time comes.

Ensure that you and eligible friends and family are registered in the correct jurisdiction, now, that way, there are no surprises when showing up to place a ballot. Also, remind your loved ones they’re not allowed to complain about how their town, city, state or federal government is run if they don’t vote, or don’t even care to register to do so.

The right to vote is a special one, and we should celebrate and be thankful for that ability, if we have it. Further, we must be mindful of and valiantly fight for those whose voices can’t be heard through the vote, and fight until they too, have the right. WI

Let’s Celebrate Letting Go of the Things Not for Us this Fall Season

Although many mark Labor Day as the unofficial end of summer, the fall season officially starts on Saturday, Sept. 23, in the Northern Hemisphere.

For those pumpkin spice and sweater lovers, fall is welcomed with joy. However, I have to admit, I’m not at all looking forward to the falling temperatures. Nonetheless, the changing season is always a moment to celebrate shifts.

With the leaves turning colors and falling to the ground, your challenge this season is, like the trees, to appreciate the opportunity to let things go.

Whether it's an old pair of shoes that are simply collecting dust, a relationship that isn’t serving you, or an old grudge, it’s time to do like Elsa sings in “Frozen,” and “let it go.”

First, think why you’ve been holding onto these things so long, then consider why they are no longer of any use to you. If you can’t use them, it’s time to, like the trees, let the old leaves fall.

While you might miss that pair of shoes or relationship (you shouldn’t miss the grudge), and letting go of them might even cause a sense of emptiness, the bareness makes room for new leaves– shoes or people– to come into your life as you grow and mature. WI

Return to Form

Is it just me, or does it feel like the Washington football team is back? Winning the season opener and a big game on the road in Denver has me excited and pumped for a hopeful season after all the turmoil the franchise has gone through. I’m excited! P.S. I thoroughly enjoy the sports photos every week.

Darryl Hill Washington, D.C.

TO THE EDITOR

Time for Curfews

I’m hopeful that the curfew program for the District’s youth will be impactful and curb the violence. To the critics, I say let the results speak for themselves. During this pilot process, we will see if it is worth the hassle and resources of our local government or not. That is it. That is all.

Blake James Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to news@washingtoninformer.com. or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

There Has Always Been Class Warfare

The United Auto Workers and the Big Three automobile manufacturers — Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis haven't been able to agree on worker compensation, and no wonder. The UAW leader, Shawn Fein, is fiercely committed that workers should be better compensated and should recoup some of the concessions they made to manufacturers

when the automobile industry was in trouble in 2009. On the other side, the CEOs of the Big Three are touting their "generous" offer to the union, claiming they'd be bankrupt if they met union demands, and using terms like "class warfare" to describe the current stalemate.

CNBC anchor Jim Cramer was among the first to mention class warfare when the UAW offered a set of reasonable demands. He fails to understand that when CEOs make hundreds of times more than the average

Guest Columnist

worker, there is some kind of warfare. Predatory capitalists extract surplus value from workers and direct it to shareholders and themselves. Thus, Ford GM Mary Barras earns more than $30 million a year, 362 times the average worker's earnings. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares earns more than $24.8 million, 365 times the average worker. And Ford's James Farley earns $21 million, 281 times as much as the average worker. Mary Barras defended her high salary by indicating that her pay is "performance-based." She would not have performance were

it not for worker productivity, but there is a gap between worker pay and productivity. Predatory capitalists are capturing the benefits of both worker productivity and worker concessions, resulting in record profits among auto manufacturers. President Joe Biden was spot on when he said that record profits should mean record contracts. In other words, pay the people whose labor contributed to the record profits.

While the Big Three CEOs saw their compensation rise by at least 40 percent in the last four years, they'd

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Republicans Again Defending Extremism in Defense of Their Views

The inmates have taken over the asylum in the Republican Party. In the party that once prided itself on being pro-military, one wingnut senator is blocking the confirmation of hundreds of senior military officials, including the secretaries of the Navy, Army and Air Force. The party that preaches law and order now in Alabama openly defies a federal court order, refusing to redraw a racially discriminatory elec-

tion map. In Wisconsin, Republicans seek to impeach a recently elected state Supreme Court justice before she even takes her seat on the bench — this time to protect a jerry-rigged election map that allows them to have a governing majority in the state legislature, despite representing only a minority of the votes. Donald Trump and his co-conspirators dominate the headlines, but the zaniness now pervades the party.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) — who never served a day in the military — has blocked the confirmation of 260 high officers of the military — a

Guest Columnist

New Generation of Leaders

with 15 points in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

number that will rise to 650 by the end of the year if Republicans don't put an end to his nonsense. Tuberville, part of the Republican minority in the Senate, abuses his senatorial privilege by blocking all defense confirmations to extort a Senate vote on the Defense Department's abortion policy. He won't draw up legislation for that vote himself. He demands that Democrats introduce the bill and hold the vote.

The Pentagon's policy — implemented after the Supreme Court's egregious decision overturning Roe v. Wade — allows soldiers and their dependents

David W. Marshall

to take time off and use official travel to get to states that offer reproductive care — this includes not only abortions, but in vitro fertilizations. The Pentagon policy forbids the funding of abortions, except in the rare cases of rape and incest or if the life of the mother is at risk. The policy mirrors the opinions of the vast majority of the American people.

To take up each confirmation separately and hold the votes necessary to overcome his objections would consume virtually all of the time of the Senate. Appointees who are not confirmed can't move into their official quarters

deny similar pay increases to their workers. Indeed, the average auto worker earns $28 an hour, just a dollar, or less than four percent, more than last year. Those hired before 2007 earn $33 an hour, but those employed after 2007 make only $17 an hour, the two-tier compensation the UAW is fighting to eliminate. How fair is it that two workers, standing side by side, have such a pay differential, one earning about half of what the other is making? That's called worker exploitation. The UAW agreed to

MALVEAUX Page 53

and have limited authority.

In a joint op-ed, the secretaries of the Navy, Army and Air Force warned that Tuberville was "putting national security at risk." Rep. Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that Tuberville was "paralyzing the Department of Defense." The effect on recruitment and retention and on the morale of career officials will be brutal. Senior Republican leaders in the Senate have publicly called on Tuberville to stand

Michael Jordan is arguably one of the best professional basketball players in the history of the NBA. Among his many accomplishments during his illustrious career, Jordan was Rookie of the Year, five-time NBA MVP, six-time NBA champion, six-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA Hall of Fame inductee. Jordan's final game as a player was on April 16, 2003, where he finished

"Now I guess it hits me that I'm not going to be in a uniform anymore — and that's not a terrible feeling," Jordan said afterward. "It's something that I've come to grips with, and it's time. This is the final retirement."

Jordan was a phenomenal athlete with a thrilling combination of grace, speed, power, artistry and competitive desire. Yet Father Time was the only opponent the then-40-year-old Jordan could never overcome. There are current players, like Jordan, who are com-

petitive past their basketball prime, but physical skills will eventually decline, and all players will suffer the same fate: retirement. While a 40-year-old Jordan is considered old by professional sports standards, he would be regarded as relatively young as an elected politician. But Father Time respects no one, and he ultimately catches up with all of us. Just as Jordan concluded it was time to hang it up, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney made the same decision as he recently announced that he will not seek a second term. Romney emphasized the need for a new generation of leadership.

"At the end of another term, I'd be in my mid-80s," Romney, 76, said in an interview. "Frankly, it's time for a new generation of leaders. They're the ones that need to make the decisions that will shape the world they will be living in."

A true leader understands they cannot be held captive by their pride, ego, fame and thirst for power when an influential and productive career has run its natural course, and it becomes time to pass the baton to the next generation. In a rare move, former Justice Ste-

phen Breyer retired from the Supreme Court, allowing President Biden to appoint a successor who could serve for decades.

There was not a major ideological shift when the 51-year-old Ketanji Brown Jackson replaced the 83-yearold Breyer, but rather a critical generational and cultural shift that gives a fresh voice speaking on behalf of a diverse nation. It is the generational and cultural shift that causes Republicans to feel threatened. Young people can be

Guest Columnist

Kamala Scores a Big One!

any reason.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

So many things of interest happened this past week that it's hard to know where to begin. We've had the Hunter Biden case of lying on a gun application and not a word from the gun owners who defend any and every kind of gun ownership. They never care about how people got them or how they use them. Well, Hunter owned his gun for just 11 days and never used it for

We had formalities for the Sidney Powell/Kenneth Chesebro trial. Trump wants all the trials involving him pushed off until after the 2024 elections so he can pardon himself!

Judge Scott McAfee in the Fulton County, Georgia, case ran a great hearing and continued to do so when counsel for his client really went there in trying to discredit a Black woman lawyer for the state. He claimed attorney Daysha Young lied to the court about existing law. The judge asked him to stop the conversation. When he didn't, the

Guest Columnist

judge just shut him down by telling him in no uncertain terms his conversation was over!

Three of the Memphis police officers accused of beating Tyree Nichols to death and indicted were in court this week for this horrible crime.

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faced a small rebellion in Congress by some of his members, and they went home without a resolution — but not before Kevin had to stoop to using the F-word. (I wonder if DeSantis is going to ban that word!

Marc H. Morial

Well, amid all that negative stuff, something good happened. Vice President Kamala Harris took a trip down to Hampton University in Virginia, and did she get a serious welcome from the students! It reminded us of the Barack Obamatype welcomes. Students were so excited to have her there. The lines to get in were impressive. Some students were so excited by her presence that they wasted no time in getting registered for the first time to vote! I think her presence and her message serve as encouragement for other students at other colleges to

hold the same kind of events. If so, that is great news for the Democratic Party. From the news this week, it may also be time for Republican young people who are concerned about what young Democrats are concerned and many older Republicans seem not to care, to join forces: Climate Change, Environmental Issues, and Preservation of Democracy. That, too, sounds good for the Democrats.

Vice President Harris was at Hampton to kick off her "Fight

WILLIAMS Page 54

Threats Against Fani Willis are Terroristic Acts in Pursuit of Authoritarian Trump Regime

"I keep the promise of my oath to the United States and Georgia Constitutions and do not allow myself to be bullied and threatened by Members of Congress, local elected officials, or others who believe lady justice should not be blind and that America has different laws for different citizens." —

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis

The FBI this week confirmed that it is investigating new threats against Fulton County officials in connection to the indictment of Donald Trump and others on charges of election interference in Georgia. While the FBI did not share details of the threat, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said earlier this month that the threats and harassment she has received ever since opening her investigation of Trump are "very grotesque."

The FBI and other law enforce-

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

had hidden under the church steps exploded. The bomb was attached to a timer that had been deliberately set to go off during worship services. Fourteen-year-olds Addie

ment agencies already are investigating an earlier spate of threats against Willis and the grand jurors who issued the indictments.

The chilling pattern of Trump's most dangerous supporters attempting, or committing violence against anyone who defies Trump's will or holds him accountable emerged even before his election and reached a peak on Jan. 6, 2021.

But threats and acts of violence aren't the only method Trump and his supporters are using to intimi-

date Willis. He and allies in Congress and the Georgia state legislature have targeted her with lies and baseless insinuations, threats to withhold federal funds to deprive her of the means to carry out her authority, and an unjustified campaign to sanction her or to oust her from her duly elected position, simply for holding Trump accountable for the law.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has denounced his colleague's efforts, dismissing them as political theater. But they are far more sinister

than that. They are deliberate and direct assaults on the foundations of democracy and the rule of law. Trump has made no secret of his desire for the authoritarian power of a tyrant. He emulates Joseph Stalin by denouncing his critics as "enemies of the people." He openly covets the oppressive control that brutal dictator Kim Jong Un holds over the people of North Korea. He called the extrajudicial execution of thousands of

MORIAL Page 54

Sixty years ago, on September 15, 1963, four little girls were changing into choir robes and chatting in a church restroom as they prepared for the Youth Sunday services being held that morning at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Instead, at 10:22 a.m., a bundle of dynamite that white supremacists

Mae Collins, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley and 11-yearold Denise McNair were all killed.

Carole was a straight-A student, a member of the science club and the Girl Scouts, and played clarinet in the school band. Cynthia played clarinet too, along with piano, and dreamed of being a teacher. Denise, the youngest,

was excited about singing in the youth chorus; future Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a childhood friend, remembered that they performed in musical skits and played dolls together. Addie was one of seven siblings and loved softball and drawing. Her 12-yearold sister Sarah was with her in the church restroom, and remembered that Denise had just asked Addie to help her tie the sash on the back of her dress when the bomb went off.

Two more Black teenagers were

killed in the racial violence that swept through Birmingham in the hours after the bombings: 16-yearold Johnny Robinson was shot and killed by a police officer, and 13-year-old Virgil Ware was shot and killed by a white teenager carrying a Confederate flag. Addie's sister Sarah, now Sarah Collins Rudolph, lost her right eye following the explosion and was among the child survivors at the church who lived with the trauma of the day for decades. Their older sister Junie remembered that she and

Addie had gotten into an argument that morning because she'd lost one of Addie's rings, and the next time she saw Addie was when she was asked to identify her sister in the morgue. Her face was so unrecognizable Junie only knew her by a single shoe. Barbara Cross, whose father was the church's pastor, was hit in the head with a light fixture and suffered tremors and fear of loud noises for years afterwards. During remembrances

EDELMAN Page 54

Marian Wright Edelman

LIFESTYLE

Some of D.C.’s and the Country’s Best

Concerts

Take Place at a ‘Tiny Desk’

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Like most people, I have a bucket list. A few months ago, one item on my list became a reality: I attended a Tiny Desk concert taping at the headquarters of National Public Radio (NPR) on North Capitol Street NE in D.C.

An honor to be invited, as it was the first time NPR allowed outsiders to attend a Tiny Desk since the pandemic, I was sworn

to secrecy until the concert premiered recently on YouTube.

Being at a Tiny Desk concert is comparable to being backstage at a concert hall for a live performance. It’s a live concert in an office space inside NPR, thus the name Tiny Desk.

As I was escorted to the performance setting on June 21, I felt I was on hallowed ground. I was to see bassist Christian McBride and his group New Jawn.

BUILDING A TINY DESK

There are three phases to producing these unique concerts.

Some are taped and aired within a few days, while others air a few months later, like the one I attended, explained Suraya Mohamed, who oversees an NPR team of 13 colleagues for the concerts.

Interestingly, Mohamed was also project manager for “Jazz Night in America,” hosted by McBride. This was McBride’s first time as a Tiny Desk performer produced in the same building as his national jazz show.

“It’s a lot divided into three sections,” said Mohamed about the process. “There’s pre-production, the day of production, then the post-production. The biggest thing is that artists obey our rules.”

Rules include: “no covers” of music by other artists, because NPR cannot license what is not music composed by the performing Tiny Desk artist; and no monitors can be brought in, which artists use to hear themselves.

The taping with New Jawn was considered easy for the quartet because very little sound level management was required for the amplifiers. Mohamed said if a vocalist was a part of the group, that person may encounter a challenge singing over the instruments.

“So, the producer is responsible for communicating all of that. I never want my bands to come in and be shocked. I also require

a setlist from artists to include with the YouTube overview of the session,” said Mohamed, a threetime Peabody Award-winning producer, sound designer and editor.

CREATING A NEW CONCEPT TO ENJOY MUSIC

Tiny Desk was born on April 14, 2008. In September 2022, world music singer Angelique Kidjo performed the 1,000th Tiny Desk concert. NPR Creative Director and Tiny Desk co-creator Bob Boilen designed a new form of delivering music with colleague Stephen Thompson.

What you see on your computer or smart TV is exactly what it is. The “stage” for the concerts at NPR is within an open-office concept without cubicles and where desks are obviously in use. The camera is faced in one direction, so there is no need for staff to clear their work area.

McBride and New Jawn played a hard-driving 20-minute set. Their energy was better than if you had sat in a confined space by yourself and blasted the speakers. The difference was we heard pure, smooth sounds of instruments given to us with tons of creativity.

New Jawn included McBride

5 Christian McBride and New Jawn appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert at the end of August. Group members are (L-R) Josh Evans on trumpet, Marcus Strickland on tenor sax and bass clarinet, McBride on bass, and Nasheet Waits on drums. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

Lawrence Lacks Dies Weeks After Historic Settlement Over Mother’s ‘HeLa’ Cells

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Long before there was a settlement with the family of Henrietta Lacks, her only living son was talking to anybody about how medical scientists stole his mother’s cancer cells and netted millions.

Even though a New York author wrote a best-selling book and Oprah made a movie, Lawrence Lacks and his son Ron Lacks still didn’t feel whole as they talked to a group of high school students online at Howard and Morgan State Universities six years ago.

“I was about 15 years old and I felt that most every time I went to John Hopkins, they did certain things with her cells and her body and I always said ‘No’ to them,” said Lawrence Lacks in an interview with me and the students for a summer health program in 2017. “NIH, they were in on it, and they wouldn’t listen to anything we had to say.”

Lawrence Lacks continued to tell his mother’s and family’s story until his passing, just weeks after his family reached a settlement with a biomedical firm brokered by lawyer Ben Crump.

On Aug. 27, Crump tweeted: “Lawrence Lacks Sr. — Henrietta

PRINCIPAL from Page 5

on bass, Josh Evans on trumpet, Marcus Strickland on tenor sax and bass clarinet, and Nasheet Waits on drums. The group performed "Head Bedlam," "Prime," and "Walkin' Funny."

MUSIC JOY WITH LESS TECHNOLOGY

More than likely, several of your favorite musicians have performed a Tiny Desk concert. From newbies to well-established performers like Lizzo, Usher, Tye Tribbett, The Isley Brothers, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber. Con-

Lacks’ last living child — has died at 86. We are so grateful he lived to see his mother’s life-changing contributions to modern medicine finally be recognized. We'll continue on our journey of fighting for FULL justice for his family in his honor.”

“Every child, every man should look at him and say that that’s what we should be like,” Sharpton said briefly to news media in the lobby as the service continued. “He fought not only for his family, not only for his grandchildren and his loved ones, he fought for all of us.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

certs are now booked into 2024.

“We set a high bar. We consider it a privilege to share music's joy and healing power,” said Mohamed.

Boilen recently announced that he will leave NPR on Oct. 2. His legacy is well intact for what he has created.

After my up-close-and-personal Tiny Desk concert experience, I am convinced this format is designed to make music lovers appreciate the work artists put into their craft.

Get your fill of NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts at http://n.pr/music-youtuberg WI

5 Ron L. Lacks and Lawrence Lacks with a family portrait of Henrietta Lacks. (Courtesy photo)

Raymond James Funds Opportunity for 16 Outstanding MBA Scholars

In the city of brotherly love, over 8,000 Black professionals attended the 45th Annual National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Conference under the theme of moving Forward toward new greatness. Among the many attendees, there were sixteen exceptional individuals known as the Sweet Sixteen, winners of the DC Black MBA/Raymond James Conference Scholarship. The conference scholarship program provided recipients with a complimentary standard registration, accommodations at one of the host hotels, and round-trip transportation. The scholarship was designed to provide the opportunity to students, recent graduates, and young professionals who otherwise would miss the chance to engage with corporations and organizations offering internships and career opportunities. Their experiences at the conference exemplified the transformative power of education, mentorship, and networking.

Three scholars shared their experiences: Hawa Kamal, a Global MBA student from George Washington University; Denise Morris, a part-time MBA student at Georgetown University; and Ty Cocroft, a 2nd year MBA student at the University of Maryland – College Park – Robert Smith School of Business.

DESCRIBE THE OPPORTUNITY.

Hawa: This opportunity to attend the conference was enlightening. To see visionaries who look like me discuss their triumphs and failures fueled my desire to get involved and provide others with similar experiences.

Ty: To see all the visionaries in the room who look like me and also were able to discuss their triumphs and failures was more than what I needed in this moment as I navigate the corporate world pivoting my career.

WHAT DID YOU GAIN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE?

Hawa: The conference made me reconsider my career choices. It's not just about making money; it's also about having a passion for the work you do.

Denise: I aimed to make connections with firms and find training and intern opportunities to strengthen my resume, and I'm pleased to say this goal was accomplished.

WHY ARE SCHOLARSHIPS LIKE THIS IMPORTANT?

Denise: The Raymond James Scholarship plays a crucial role in creating more inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups, increasing diversity, and bridging the gap between talented minority students and top-tier careers.

Ty: Scholarships like this give students a chance to step out on faith and showcase their potential by simply being in the right place at the right time.

The DC Black MBA/Raymond James Conference Scholars participation in the 45th Annual NBMBAA Conference illustrate the transformative impact of education, mentorship, and networking. These scholarships are instrumental in opening doors for young Black aspiring professionals, fostering diversity, and empowering the leaders of tomorrow. The experiences of the Sweet Sixteen demonstrate that, with the right opportunities and support, remarkable achievements and meaningful connections are created. It also reminds us that when doors are opened through education and opportunity, the potential for growth and positive change is limitless.

Urban Roast Rejoices in Collaboration with District’s Dine All Night

By Milaka Saddler WI Contributing Writer

Urban Roast, a local family-owned Mediterranean style cafe and cocktail bar, located across from Capital One Arena, will officially be featured in this year’s Dine All Night from Sept. 21 through Oct. 1.

The Dine All Night experience provides an opportunity for District foodies to explore and tap into a variety of the local restaurant scene’s offerings. Participating restaurants have been encouraged to come up with unique twists on each of their special limited time menus, allowing attendees the taste bud experience of a lifetime.

“[Dine All Night] is giving us the opportunity to really showcase ourselves to the local community,” said Kamal Azzouz, owner of Urban Roast in Northwest, D.C.

The Mediterranean restaurant opened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, June 1, 2020.

“It gave us the opportunity to figure out who we wanted to become,” Azzouz shared, adding that

although it was a struggle, he got a lot of support from the community.

Dine All Night was born after the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept was created to generate more opportunities for restaurants to enhance revenue post-pandemic and to bring them new customers.

Grateful for the opportunity to participate, Azzouz shared that he looks forward to sharing all that his restaurant has to offer. He welcomes District residents and out of towners to try a new, different and vibrant city taste.

As a Palestinian American, he wants to share many of the Mediterranean dishes sacred to his heart.

“We are going to have a few different three course menus that you can choose from,” Azzouz shared with the Informer. “For example,one of the options is a wood grilled chicken dish, served with our red velvet cake, and our crab and artichoke dip.”

As a winner of the best brunch

5 Urban Roast celebrates each season and holiday by changing their decor. This fall season, the restaurant incorporates hay stacks, pumpkins and scarecrows to bring in the holiday spirit. (Courtesy Photo/ Urban Roast)

Chela

Mitchell Gallery Debuts Siena Smith's ‘Where Have You Been Hiding?’

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Hot off of her standout booth at PhotoFairs, during Armory Week in New York, gallerist, Chela Mitchell, is back at home in the nation’s capital delivering magic! The much-anticipated opening of Siena Smith’s solo presentation, "Where Have You Been Hiding?," is another boon for Mitchell’s program. The show, housed at the Chela Mitchell Gallery on 300 Morse Street N.E., Suite 8 in Washington, D.C., runs from now until Oct. 28.

A NOD TO LARRY WILLIAMS' PHOTOFAIRS PRESENTATION

Before diving into the intricacies of Siena Smith's exhibition, it's worth noting the acclaim Mitchell received for presenting Larry Williams’ solo booth at PhotoFairs.

Williams' work delved into the complexities of go-go culture, merging photography with nuanced storytelling. This well-received presentation set the stage for Mitchell to bring equally compelling artistic narratives from Washington, D.C. beyond the Beltway.

AN ODE TO TEXTILE ART: SIENA SMITH'S

TAPESTRY WORKS

Smith's show centers around her intricate tapestry works, which explore hidden emotions and undisclosed narratives.

One of her larger-scale tapestries was recently acquired by a museum, an impressive feat given the modest price tag of under $20,000.

"It's a testament to Siena being a rising star in the art world," said one DC-based curator.

INCLUSIVITY THROUGH ACCESSIBILITY: "BABYGIRLS" AND MORE

Aside from her tapestries, Smith also showcased a series of works called "Babygirls"—which were jacquard woven cotton and rayon, polyfill, cotton stitching, embroidery thread, and Pony Collection jumbo hair bead fabricated throw pillows, priced at only $200!

Gallery owner Chela Mitchell emphasized the importance of the price points.

"Everyone can afford something from the show—it’s very accessible."

If you find yourself in Union Market, between now and Oct. 28, this is one destination that you won't want to miss. WI

5 Siena Smith’s “Talk to Me,” 2023– jacquard woven cotton and rayon 47 x 34.75 in. (Courtesy Photo)

DINE from Page 36 to offer and naturally choose what they like.”

Azzouz also emphasized he is thankful for the support he’s received in the past three years of being in business.

“Having that support and belief from the community is what’s kept us around,” he said, adding he is excited to participate in Dine All Night, in order to continue building connections with the local community. WI

0SSE from Page 1

staunch proponent of reparations, to his home library.

Even with recent updates to the District’s social studies standards, Bey expressed concerns about the District’s ability to preserve its unique Black culture. He told the Informer that, with the influx of transients and changes to the names of neighborhoods, Black people’s contributions to the nation’s capital are being pushed farther into the margins.

That’s why, for Bey, curtailing youth delinquency requires the comprehensive protection of D.C.’s cultural heritage. He also touted the benefits of instilling pride in District children about their culture, and the ancestors who engaged in commerce and cultivated traditions, starting from Africa.

“If we don’t push for Black history to be highlighted, then we’re just existing and not thriving,” said Bey, a Northeast resident, as he mentioned the Kush empire and Moors, what he called reflections of Black people’s social impact across the globe.

“Our history should be at the fore-

front,” Bey continued. “There are areas [of historical knowledge] that are vital for children to know their self-worth. The schools won’t touch on them and are even removing them from the curriculum, so it’s the parents’ job to invest in the next generation.”

PREPARING TEACHERS FOR THE ROAD AHEAD

The social studies standards that the State Board of Education (SBOE) approved earlier this year will be implemented during the 2024-2025 academic year. For three years, the D.C. SBOE, community members, teachers, and social studies experts weighed in on the components of the standards.

The standards focus on time periods throughout American and world history. In elementary school, students will learn about ancient civilizations, the First Nations preceding the United States’ founding, and the foundations of modern society.

Middle school students will explore OSSE Page 44

Terri, Resident of Todd A. Lee Senior Residence Marquida, Senior Director of Community Management

review wi book

"Hush Harbor"

By Anise Vance

c.2023, Hanover Square

$30

288 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Press

In the past few years, you've carried your share of cardboard on sticks.

You've chanted, marched, and showed displeasure for something you're passionate about, and you've walked miles to display your support for what's good and decent. You have the absolute right to protest, but in the new book, "Hush Harbor" by Anise Vance, beware the signs.

Malik's grandfather didn't want him to go.

Why, he wondered, would Malik travel from Durham to New Jersey, to the tip of an island he'd never seen, to take a stand for a teenager he didn't know?

But how could he not? When a boy named Kemba was killed by a cop with white supremacist ties and nothing real was done about it, wasn't it natural that anger might spill over? Who could blame activists for seizing an abandoned old bunch of government housing to create their own society? Who'd blame them for any of this?

Not Malik. In his core, he knew that going to what was now called Hush Harbor was the right thing to do. He could make a difference. And once there, he was happy to help Jeremiah Prince to lead the revolution.

When Jeremiah looked at his desk and saw a sea of paperwork, he was glad his sister, Nova, had brought Malik to his office. Jeremiah needed help to tame the documents, to ensure the activists were safe and fed, and to gather information about what was outside the perimeters. Malik was intelligent and watchful; he brought a lot to the cause — so did Nova, for that matter — although Jeremiah and Nova had very different ideas about how to move forward.

Jeremiah didn't want to say why, but he was willing to take outside help. Nova wanted the revolutionists to be sustainably independent, without white influence or money. Both wanted to find the killer, the leader of the white supremacists, who was rumored to be hiding very near Hush Harbor's barricades.

For Jeremiah, it was personal …

Right from the start, from its very first pages, "Hush Harbor" has a delicious, ice-down-your-spine foreboding that you can't shake, as long as you have the book open. Nearly everything happens in the dark, in a storm, or underground, and that dystopian-Armageddon feel is on point.

As for the story, well, that could be another matter.

This novel is taut, like walking a tightrope over flames, but it's also very, very confusing. The characters are many, explanations for their presences are sometimes easy to miss, and ongoing dialogue is hard to determine when the word "said" is missing as much as it is here. There are some good twists in the tale, but they're often lost in the complications. And just as you're about to cheer for a revolution, the story dives into a dual romance. Heavy sigh.

Readers who are eager for a perfectly, finely-set apocalyptic novel and who can patiently tease out its nuances will probably enjoy "Hush Harbor." Readers who aren't prepared for a complex tale might have trouble sticking with it.

horoscopes

ARIES The support and assistance you need on Monday? You're going to get it, because a friend who can be of help is ready and waiting. On Tuesday and Wednesday, luck is slightly less on your side. Try not to let frustration get the best of you, and remember that not everything can go your way all the time. Things will be going your way again by Thursday. It's one of those up-and-down weeks. Lucky Numbers: 6, 28, 49

TAURUS It's almost as if you woke up in a cartoonist's rendering of your life on Monday. Everything seems basically familiar but skewed. Don't read too much into this or you'll drive yourself nuts. On Tuesday and Wednesday, if you're feeling like a lone pilot on a rocket ship to Mars, nudge a friend and get them to bring you back to Earth. Lucky Numbers: 16, 17, 18

GEMINI Rather than be solid in your opinions, why not be fluid, transparent, and adaptable? What's the use of stubbornness? You find yourself radically influenced by someone else at the start of the week, and inspired, you spend the middle of the week considering radical changes to your life. By Thursday and Friday, you're an advice-collecting machine, leaving no stone unturned and exhausting your friends. Lucky Numbers: 3, 17, 33

CANCER You exert emotional influence on the people around you, but don't go for emotions on Monday, go for ideas. Rationality is your terrain right now. Tuesday and Wednesday leave you more time for letting your mind wander, and you may decide to wander literally too, through a park, through a mall, or maybe even go for a drive. On Thursday and Friday, everyday concerns return you to a more practical mindset (again, don't react emotionally). Lucky Numbers: 15, 26, 53

LEO Your pride is a wise thing to swallow on Monday. Who needs it? At the present time, it's only getting in the way. You don't need to pretend like you have answers you don't have. You'll enjoy learning something new on Thursday and having your opinion about something challenged (and changed) on Friday. As clear as everything once seemed to you, the weekend brings the news that nothing is black and white, a crucial point, and a good thing to be reminded of. Lucky Numbers: 4, 38, 56

VIRGO You're still heading in the same direction; you're just taking a different road. That's the way you see yourself on Monday. You are optimistic and happy to be so organized. Others around you may be less so (why are you always the organized one?), but they're no less directed. Rather than criticize their methods, revel in what you have in common. Lucky Numbers: 7, 47, 48

LIBRA The start of the week sets the stage to explore uncharted terrain in your relationships, likely in the form of discussing subjects you've put on the back burner. Speaking your truth is extra empowering now and can bolster understanding and harmony in your bond. Lucky Numbers: 9, 10, 15

SCORPIO Recent tension around the house may explode in the form of an emotional outburst on Monday, but take it lightly. At least all the issues are on the table, and that is better than them being kept in secret cabinets. Besides, Tuesday and Wednesday will be so full of activity completely outside the home realm that you may forget about everything, else at least for a short while. Lucky Numbers: 31, 37, 40

SAGITTARIUS Nothing is more thrilling to you on Monday than the simple exchange of ideas. It hardly matters with whom the ideas are exchanged. Everyone brings aspects of their own life into a conversation, and everyone's life is different. Listening to someone else reminisce about their past in the middle of the week might lead you to thoughts of your own past, but the romantic events of Thursday and Friday ground you firmly once again in the present. Lucky Numbers: 1, 30, 48

CAPRICORN You know what they say about the best-laid plans? No matter how much you try to make Monday go your way, it's just going to be a crazy day. At a certain point, it's wiser to opt for a more passive role. On Tuesday and Wednesday, your fun comes from creative pursuits like art, music, or poetry, but toward the end of the week, you take your fun wherever you can find it. Worry is more the order of the moment. Lucky Numbers: 8, 9, 23

AQUARIUS As the week begins, you'll spend a day opening up about how you feel to your significant other or another loved one. Words and language matter more than ever now, and they have a direct line to your heart, so you can use the power of language (of which you have an innate grasp) to bolster bonds that are central to your life and emotional well-being. Lucky Numbers: 2, 16, 29

PISCES What with everything running through your head on Monday, it's hard to see straight, so focus on one thing and do it well. Tuesday and Wednesday are more conducive to experimentation, and transformation and rediscovery (especially on a personal level) figure strongly. Lucky Numbers: 3, 21, 32

Hampton University Wins in “Real HU” Battle on the Gridiron

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The annual “Real HU" battle between Hampton University and Howard University again lived up to its expectations this past Saturday in being a well-attended event, drawing almost 17,000 people to Audi Field in Southwest, D.C., and another 5,000 outside the stadium. The event, the “”Truth and Service Classic,” is billed as a battle on the gridiron between the two prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). But there is much, much more to this rivalry than

blocking, tackling or who has more points on the scoreboard.

It affords an opportunity for fans, students and alumni to gather in "friendly" competition.

The game was the usual come down the wire finish, with the Hampton Pirates coming away with a 35-34 comefrom behind win over the disappointed Howard Bison.

We will get to the game later.

The two schools are about four hours away, but Hampton has a large contingent of students and alumni from the DMV, who look forward to the game each year. It does not matter

whether they play in Chicago, New York, Hampton, Va. or D.C., they come out and support.

The atmosphere is like most classics or rivalries, the band competition, the trash talking, the vending, tailgating and general excitement associated with an HBCU event.

"I had never been to this event, but I heard about it," said Tee Webster, a freelance photographer. "You can tell that it is not just a football game. When I was outside getting my credentials, there were old and young who came together for this. There was a strong sense of love and pride that you could hear in the conversations."

Amelia Watson is a senior at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who came down for a campus visit to Howard and took in the Classic. It was her first time at the event.

"From my perspective, I heard a lot about the rivalry when I was on campus on Friday so I thought it would be like the rivalries we have in high school," said Watson. "It was a rivalry, but it was friendly. Everybody was together for something special whether you were for Hampton or Howard. I left there with the feeling that this is where

I want to be for my college experience."

The camaraderie stems from a collective pride in Black culture and HBCU identity that was felt throughout the stadium. Fans were seen wearing shirts that said “Black is Love” and

“HBCUs are Black History.” Singer Étienne Lashley performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” referred to as the Black national anthem, shortly before kickoff. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Hampton University defeated Howard University 35-34 in the “Truth and Service Classic,” on Sept. 16. (Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE

the moment

With go-go and bands cranking, people shopping and jamming, and vendors selling their wares all along the H Street Corridor, the H Street Festival on Saturday, Sept. 1 was a moment for more than 150,000 residents to celebrate the beauty of District culture and rich diversity of D.C. residents.

5 6 (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

4 (Cleveland Nelson/ The Washington Informer)

5 (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

5 (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

35 (Cleveland Nelson/ The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Acting MPD Chief Speaks Passionately About Slain Teen

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Acting Chief of Police Pamela Smith spoke passionately to faith leaders about her plans to decrease crime and homicides in the District on Saturday, Sept. 16.

“I hope that some of you are feeling a difference in your community from a positive perspective,” said Smith, who was nominated by Mayor Muriel Bowser to be the D.C. police chief in July.

Addressing a crowd filled with people and emotions, Smith was one of several speakers at the monthly meeting of faith leaders from Ward 7 and Ward 8 that took place at the Skyland Shopping Center in South-

0SSE from Page 38

world geography and American history up until the Reconstruction Era. In the eighth grade, students will be able to participate in activities intended to increase their civic engagement.

Meanwhile, high school students will have more opportunities for historical and social science-based analysis through the exploration of global history, U.S. history, and D.C. history, the aspects of which focus on the self-determination of marginalized groups.

In preparation for this crucial milestone, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has been helping public and public charter school teachers develop expertise in teaching their students media literacy and the inquiry-based model of social studies. The agency has also been developing curricular material intended to encourage students to ask questions about informational and historical texts -- specifically how people’s biases shape what they know about the world and

east.

Since becoming chief of police, Smith has had several major operations to decrease crime and carjacking, and said more things are planned. However, she explained one of her biggest challenges is bringing down the number of homicides in the city.

On Sept. 12, a teenage boy was killed, and a man was injured in a shooting on the 2300 block of Washington Place Northeast around 4:30 p.m.

“On his way to work, someone attempts to rob him and he is killed. That thing broke me this week because I am human. It hurt me to no end,” Smith said. “I even went to the hospital to be with his parents… I can't imagine what it must feel like to

their interpretation of major historical events.

This summer, OSSE conducted professional development sessions for a dozen teachers that centered on elementary-level historical inquiry and online information media literacy for students. Participants came out of those sessions with some understanding about how to help students think critically about the past and evaluate the credibility of information they find online.

OSSE will expand these efforts over the years. In the spirit of building capacity, the agency will also provide individualized professional development sessions at District public and public charter schools.

“In a society where young people have access to vast sources of information at the tips of their fingers, it is more vital than ever that they can sort fact from fiction online and understand how to search for and evaluate information,” State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant said. “The new social studies

be a parent who is sending their child out to do the right thing and someone comes along and kills them.”

The Rev. Kendrick Curry, pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Southeast, said that “it is really important to see that the solutions to our community problems come from our community.”

“My hope is that the community and people can come together to help resolve the problems in our community,” Curry told the Informer.

The Rev. Karen Curry, assistant pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church and co-chair of the Ward 7 and Ward 8 group, said: “This is an

standards include a focus on media literacy for all students in grades K-12, so we can build capacity in our young people to navigate this new information-rich era.”

An upcoming professional development session for teachers this school year that’s scheduled for Sept. 27 will focus more on the inquiry-based model of social studies instruction for high school students.

Madison Kantzer, OSSE’s social studies instructional systems specialist, said that participants will acquire the tools to help students further examine what she described as the limitations of understanding the history of marginalized groups when it’s told from the perspectives of colonizers.

“Professional development is part of a multilayered approach,” Kantzer said. “We’re supporting teachers with pedological support and curricular development opportunities to shift classroom instruction to historical inquiry. The feedback we get is positive. Teachers are excited to do these skills with

opportunity to have what we call ‘the gathering of the doers.’ The Bible says ‘faith without works is dead,’ that's like preaching to the choir to this crowd.”

Other speakers included the Rev. Donald Isaacs, head of East of the River Clergy Collaborative as well as the Rev. George Gilbert, pastor of Holy Trinity United Baptist Church.

“It is important at this time for church leaders in the African-American community to come together,” Gilbert said. “We are not serving a community where many young people have never experienced a connection with a church, mosque or faith center.”

WI

students, and they see the urgency.”

THE GREATER BATTLE TO UPHOLD BLACK HISTORY

In the latest juncture of the fight to preserve the integrity of social studies instruction, the Tennessee Teachers Association has filed a lawsuit against a two-year-old law that imposes restrictions on classroom instruction about race, gender and bias. Meanwhile, at least six schools in Arkansas opted to offer local credit for Advanced Placement African-American studies in the aftermath of the Arkansas Department of Education dropping the course.

In Florida, hundreds of Black churches have stepped up to teach Black history amid Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to dilute the history curriculum in deference to Floridians with racist, conversative sentiments. Elders in the District have taken similar steps, entering the classroom as substitute teachers to tell students stories

about their life during the Civil Rights Era.

As District resident Tenika Mceachin's two children continue to matriculate through middle school, she remains adamant about ensuring that Black history counts as a significant portion of what they learn.

That's why Mceachin expressed satisfaction with D.C. Prep, a public charter network where she said her children could learn about Black history yearround, not only in February. She said it has become a matter of boosting her children's self-esteem and helping them understand the totality of Black people's contributions to the United States.

"I want my children to know that Black people are more superior than what people might think," Mceachin told The Informer. "Some people think Black people aren't relevant when in fact we are the most relevant. Black history would help us stand together [so] we would stop killing each other."

WI @SamPKCollins

WARD 7 AND WARD 8 FAITH LEADERS MEET

5 The Metropolitan Police Department’s Acting Chief of Police Pamela Smith addressed Ward 7 and Ward 8 faith leaders about her plans to decrease crime and homicides in the District on Saturday, Sept. 16. (Hamil Harris/ The Washington Informer)

“I hope that some of you are feeling a difference in your community from a positive perspective,” said Smith, who was nominated by Mayor Muriel Bowser to be the D.C. police chief in July.

Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. — Philippians 4:8

This Scripture is one of my favorites — in fact, God gave me this Scripture for the title of my radio show. As each year goes by, I can understand this Scripture more and more! This thought is biblical. I did not really see what it was saying until I read Napoleon Hill's book about 15 times or more. Hill repeated over and over, "Thoughts are things." The principle is easily seen in so many ways, as we see daily the happenings in our world today. You sure can tell who is watching what they say by carefully orchestrating their words with a positive spin!

These positive people choose, with their own free will, to stay focused on those things that are right, noble, pure and lovely. They do their thinking much more on the positive side of this life rather than always thinking those dark and negative thoughts. For example, when someone makes a mistake, those negative think-

religion corner

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Think On These Things!

ers will automatically declare that this happened on purpose rather than giving them the benefit of the doubt. There is quite possibly another reason why something happens.

Pessimistic and depressed folk tend to have negative attitudes towards anybody and anything, and they're always choosing to think and dwell on the negative side, the way Jeremiah did. That's why they called him "Weeping Jeremiah," always crying about something!

Jesus did warn us that we would go through many trials and tribulations. Job 14 NIV says, "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble."

However, there is a flip side to this coin. On the one side of the coin is the darker side of this life, but on the other side of this coin is the good, positive and brighter side. It is not all death, doom and destruction. Even in the worstcase scenario, there is always hope and a light at the end of that storm cloud tunnel. However, those with constant negative thoughts think quite the opposite.

The difference between these two types of people is in their thought. The people who are always happy, upbeat and positive have chosen to look on the brighter side of things, even when times are awful! Bad thoughts bring down your spirit, bring down your health, and definitely bring down your productivity. You will walk around with a defeated attitude. Therefore, you will indeed get de-

feated in everything you put your hands to do!

The Scripture in Philippians is very clearly telling us in the above verse that we can all choose what to think about and dwell on. We do not have to become slaves to negative and pessimistic thinking. In other words, we can choose to think about what we want to think about! Our thinking and thought process does not control us — we control it! Negative-type thinking habits can be broken by becoming more aware of the thoughts you're thinking. Then make the switch, on purpose and be sincere about it. When you're feeling sorry for yourself because of something you do not have, begin to count your blessings. That negative thinking will turn and go in the opposite direction, because you will be filled with joy, thanking God for all He's doing for you and your family! Don't allow negative thinking to take a stronghold on you! You can change the way you think, and you can do it the way the Bible tells us to in Philippians 4:8 where it tells us to "Think on These Things!" However, as you will see in some of the Scripture verses I will list below, the Bible tells us that we can take "captive" what we think about. The verse that will give us this revelation says we have to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Jesus. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, "As someone thinks within himself, so he is."

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

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 & 11:00 AM

Sundays: 9:30 AM

Blessed Word

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson

Pastors

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

(202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032

(202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555 Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday:  12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday:  7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study

Baptism 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

“We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net

www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors

Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM

“A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

http://isleofpatmosbc.org

Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday

John

“Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org

mtolivedc@gmail.com

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

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

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland

Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:15 am

Sunday Church School 11:00 am

Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday

Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047#

Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm

“A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

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: 7:00 PM

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE Washington, DC 20020

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011

Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday

Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.)

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor 5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262

Service and Times

Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom

Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wednesday Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Web: shiloh7thday.org

Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com

"A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Florida Avenue Baptist Church Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent

Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday

Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

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

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

10:15 a.m. – Worship Service

Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study

Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47)

Israel Baptist Church

Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

and People are Loved”

Rev. Aubrey

Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton

Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

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

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org

Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Damion M. Briggs Pastor 8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240 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

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Meeting: 7:45 PM

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM

Prayer Service Bible Study

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

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.

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Rev.

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

Hosted by Denise Rolark Barnes

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 938

Ronald Beverly Grimes aka Ronald B. Grimes Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lisa Monica Napper and Robin Diane Jones whose addresses are 503 Capitol Heights, Blvd, Capitol Heights, MD 20743 and 6906 Briarcliff Dr., Clinton, MD 20735, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Ronald Beverly Grimes aka Ronald B. Grimes who died on March 16, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/7/2023

Lisa Monica Napper 503 Capitol Heights Blvd. Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Robin Diane Jones 6906 Briarcliff Drive Clinton, MD 20735

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1010

Lucile Myers Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Evelyn Johnson, whose address is 13213 Davenport Drive, Brandywine MD 20613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lucile Myers who died on March 14, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/7/2023

Evelyn Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000990

James Daniel Moore Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC

4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jermaine Moore, whose address is 2003 Ruby Turn, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Daniel Moore who died on February 28, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/7/2023

Jermaine Moore

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000993

Edris L. Service

Decedent

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jousett Service, whose address is 1230 Euclid Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edris L. Service who died on July 3, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/7/2023

Jousett Service

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 989

Mavis Outlaw Mueller aka Mavis O. Mueller

Decedent

Cecilia R. Jones, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite #440 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Albert L. Mueller, Jr. and Elizabeth F. Mueller Dionne, whose addresses are 208 Stepping Stone Rd., Somerset, PA 15501, 1096 River Bay Rd., Annapolis, MD 21409, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Mavis Outlaw Mueller aka Mavis O. Mueller who died on 7/17/2022 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 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/7/2023

Albert L. Mueller, Jr. Elizabeth F. Mueller Dionne

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 982

Mary Young aka Mary Young Fuller

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Selina Fuller, whose address is 1025 44th Street NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Young aka Mary Young Fuller who died on June 2, 2020 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 (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 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/7/2023

Selina Fuller Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001007

Bessye Ann Peterson aka Bessye Anne Peterson aka Bessye A. Peterson aka Bessye Peterson aka Ann Peterson aka B. Ann Peterson Decedent

Law Office Of Robert P. Newman

Robert P. Newman, Esq. 8001 Wayne Ave., Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

David Melvin Peterson, Sr., whose address is 13512 Gordon Drive, Manassas, VA 20112, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bessye Ann Peterson aka Bessye Anne Peterson aka Bessye A. Peterson aka Bessye Peterson aka Ann Peterson aka B. Ann Peterson who died on 6/9/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment

(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 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

David Melvin Peterson

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001032

Tracy Rochelle Stubblefield Decedent

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew & Associates, PC 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, MD 20770 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Claire Stubblefield, whose address is 830 Franklin Dr., Ardmore, OK 73401, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tracy Rochelle Stubblefield who died on May 15, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/7/2023

Claire Stubblefield Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001020

Charles Lee White Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Brenda C. White and Bertha Lacey White, whose addresses are 1622 Lyric St. Pritchard, AL 36610/ 403 S Wilson Ave. Prichard, AL 36610, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Charles Lee White who died on June 5, 2022 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 (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 3/7/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/7/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/7/2023

Brenda C. White Bertha Lacey White Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001055

Marva Louise Greene

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Barbra J. Postell, whose address is 3718 Hill Park Drive, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marva Louise Greene who died on 7/14/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/14/2023

Barbra J. Postell

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000994

Virginia Ruth Griffin

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jason Jibri Griffin, whose address is 2115 Sudbury Place NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virginia Ruth Griffin who died on July 14, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/14/2023

Jason Jibri Griffin

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1045

Natasha Lewis Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Xois Blowe, whose address is 5527 C Street SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Natasha Lewis who died on April 21, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred.

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

Date of first publication: 9/14/2023

Xois

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1013

Jerome Barbour Decedent

Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales St., NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ronald Barbour, whose address is 9240 Edmondston Rd., Greenbelt, MD 20770, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerome Barbour who died on August 5, 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 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001024

John H. Porter, Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lorna A. Kelly, whose address is 36992 Sandpiper Lane, Selbyville, DE 19975, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John H. Porter, Sr. who died on May 18, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/14/2023

Lorna A. Kelly Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001046

Antoine K. Springer Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC

4201 Northview Drive Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jacqueline Y. Jones, whose address is 2635 12th Street, NE, Apt. 3B, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Antoine K. Springer who died on December 16, 2020 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 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/14/2023

Jacqueline Y. Jones

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001054

Delores Pauetta Lewis-Beason

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Johnny Palmer Beason, whose address is 1311 Delaware Ave. SW S-747, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Delores Pauetta Lewis-Beason who died on July 23, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/14/2023

Johnny Palmer Beason

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001036

Arvetta Snead aka Arvetta Rivers

Decedent

Robert P. Newman, Esq. Law Office of Robert P. Newman 801 Wayne Avenue Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Patricia Arvetta Snead, whose address is 2 M Street, NE, Apt. 828, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arvetta Snead aka Arvetta Rivers who died on 5/18/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/14/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/14/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

9/14/2023

Patricia Arvetta Snead

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

AFFIDAVIT Of ‘Notice Of HERITAGE’ 1

“Indeed, no more than (Affidavit) is necessary to make the prima facie case.” United States v. Kis, 658 F.2nd 526, 536 (7 th Cir. 1981); Cert Denied 50 U.S. L.W. 2169 S.CT. March 22, 1982.”

COMES NOW, One, :gary-villand::harris:, the living man and Biblical assignee, to affirm the following as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me Almighty God.

Certified Notice, of One, :gary-villand: :harris:, authorized by Constitutional law, and Biblical birthright; Deuteronomy 21: 15-17, as of September 4, 2020, did accept and claim One’s federally-protected heritage from one’s mother, :ruby-jewel: :smith: I.e., including two (2) automobiles; Forty-five (45) pieces assorted jewelry, clothing (13 mink fur coats), furniture, three (3’) foot floor safe, bank accounts, land patents issued December 27, 1883, by Southern Pacific Railroad Company; stocks dividends, financial bonds and all other earthly valuables and possessions held and maintained at the 8510 Bella Vista Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California, held in possession of the decedent, :ruby-jewel: :smith’s: first-born, biological son; passing on, September 4th, 2020, as above stated; Physical possession of the above passed, in full witness by colleagues, in the immediate presence, without prejudice to any rights thereto. All such equitable and interest claim(s) to the said Federal Patent Land is included in this inheritance noticed and recorded in the said General Land Office of California Republic.

One’s secured interest is recorded and published regarding described land above identified as Parcel No.#1, plus both adjoining lands identified as Parcel No. #1A and Parcel No. #1B, property for posterity purposes. The said land with assessors’ number is includes in the 36,726.51 acres issued December 27, 1883 issued by Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Should any man or woman wish to rebut this affidavit, she or he must do so via certified affidavit within three (3) calendar days from the posting of this notice, or as soon within thirty days of the final day of posting hereof. Any failure to do so is default and failure of response to notice of claims of facts, herein and above, he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

By: :gary-villand: :harris:,1308

Name: Date

August 21, 2023

Land Also Known As: 8510 Bella Vista Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County California, is embodied in the original land patent in Section, Township, Range, Metes and Bounds

AFFIDAVIT Of ‘Notice Of HERITAGE’ 2

“Indeed, no more than (Affidavit) is necessary to make the prima facie case.” United States v. Kis, 658 F.2nd 526, 536 (7th Cir. 1981); Cert Denied, 50 U.S. L.W. 2169 S. CT. March 22, 1982.”

COMES NOW, (this present moment and always), One, :gary-villand::harris:, 1308, the living breathing man, affirms the following as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me Almighty Creator God. The following truths are ‘notice’ to the world, that One, :gary-villand: :harris:, by authority of constitutional law and God given/ordained birth right (Deuteronomy 21: 15-17), as of September 4, 2020, did and do and always claim and perfect my Federal protected right to the Cars, Jewelry, Clothes, Furniture, three and one half (3 ½’) feet floor Safe, Bank accounts, Land, Stocks, Bonds and All other earthly property and values of :ruby-jewel: :smith: that is the lawful and biblical entitlement to her first born biological son, One, :gary-villand::harris:, on the above underlined date of her earthly death and spiritual passing. Ones’, claim of heritance and lawful right to secure interest in land is backed and supported by Ones’ right to own and possess the Land granted in the Federal Land Patent and recorded in the General Land Office of California Republic and signed by the then governor.

The certified Land Patent so ‘noticed’, that bears One secured interest, is evidenced and mis- identified in the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office under color of law with assessors’ and Lot numbers in the 15,515.92 acres issued November 24, 1871. Should any man or woman wish to dispute or rebut this affidavit, claims and facts, herein above, he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

By: :gary-villand:

:harris:,1308

August 21, 2023

Land Constitutionally Granted Also Known As: 10518 7th Avenue, Inglewood, Los Angeles County, yet is embodies in the original land patent in Section, Township, Range, and or Metes and Bounds

AFFIDAVIT Of ‘Notice Of HERITAGE’ 3

“Indeed, no more than (Affidavit) is necessary to make the prima facie case.” United States v. Kis, 658 F.2nd 526, 536 (7th Cir. 1981); Cert Denied, 50 U.S. L.W. 2169 S. CT. March 22, 1982.”

COMES NOW, (this present moment and always), One, :gary-villand::harris:, 1308, the living breathing man, affirms the following as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me Almighty Creator God. The following truths are ‘notice’ to the world, that One, :gary-villand: :harris:, by authority of constitutional law and God given/ordained birth right (Deuteronomy 21: 15-17), as of September 4, 2020, did and do and always claim and perfect my Federal protected right to the Cars, Jewelry, Clothes, Furniture, three and one half (3 ½’) feet floor Safe, Bank accounts, Land, Stocks, Bonds and All other earthly property and values of :ruby-jewel: :smith: that is the lawful and biblical entitlement to her first born biological son, One, :gary-villand::harris:, on the above underlined date of her earthly death and spiritual passing. Ones’, claim of heritance and lawful right to secure interest in land is backed and supported by Ones’ right to own and possess the Land granted in the Federal Land Patent and recorded in the General Land Office of California Republic and signed by the then governor.

The certified Land Patent so ‘noticed’, that bears One secured interest, is evidenced and mis- identified in the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office under color of law with assessors’ and Lot numbers in the 15,515.92 acres issued November 24, 1871. Should any man or woman wish to dispute or rebut this affidavit, claims and facts, herein above, he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

Also Known As: 1065 W. 110th Street Los Angeles, Los Angeles County California, yet is embodies in the original land patent in Section, Township, Range, and or Metes and Bounds

The certified Land Patent so ‘noticed’, that bears One secured interest, is evidenced and mis identified in the County Recorder’s Office under color of law with assessors’ and Lot numbers. The 15,515.92 acres issued November 24, 1871. Should any man or woman wish to dispute or rebut this affidavit, claims and facts, herein above he/she/they must do so on their unlimited liability under penalty of perjury.

By: :gary-villand: :harris:,1308

August 21, 2023

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001022

Emma Mae Robinson

Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown Law Offices of Tabitha R. Brown

1200 G Street SE, Suite A Washington, DC 20003

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Vernon M. Robinson, whose address is 4536 Kinmount Road, Lanham, MD 20706, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma Mae Robinson who died on 6/8/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Vernon M. Robinson

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001065

Jayden Antoine Johnson

Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC

4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Laveta Sequita Johnson, whose address is 3493 Stanton Road, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jayden Antoine Johnson who died on June 5, 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 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Laveta Sequita Johnson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001068

Ervan Cordell Pearson Jr. Decedent

Stacy R. Pace, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Cordell Pearson, whose address is 2200 Columbia Pike, Apt. 713, Arlington, VA 22204, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ervan Cordell Pearson Jr. who died on 8/31/2015 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 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 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Cordell Pearson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001061

Nathan Anthony Campbell Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Nathan Anthony Campbell Jr., whose address is 45789 Bethfield Way, California MD 20619, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nathan Anthony Campbell Sr who died on 5/27/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/24/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Nathan Anthony Campbell Jr Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001082

George L. Wilson, Jr. Decedent

Bruce A. Marshall, Esq. 1200 G Street, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Margie A. Wilson, whose address is 4869 Queens Chapel Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George L. Wilson, Jr. who died on June 27, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Margie A. Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001060

Cynthia Ann Frost Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Louise Delynda Gross, whose address is 1120 45th Place SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Ann Frost who died on June 29, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Louise Delynda Gross Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 001064

Maria Cristina Vilche

Decedent

Julie A. Simantiras, Esq. The Geller Law Group PLLC 4000 Legato Road, Suite 1100 Fairfax, VA 22033

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Anabel Del Carmen Vilche, whose address is 5313 Riverdale Road, Apartment #323, Riverdale, Maryland 20737, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maria Cristina Vilche who died on October 15, 2021 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 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Anabel Del Carmen Vilche

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

der references.

Though the debate was spirited at times, Grier, 34, said he thought the process was fruitful.

“Any organization that doesn’t look at its bylaws periodically is dead, I think,” Grier said. “I liked the participation and the input from people.”

D.C. Shadow Representative Oye Owolewa, a Ward 8 resident, came by to cast his vote.

“It means a lot to me to come here and vote for our party leaders,” Owolewa, 33, said. “It shows commitment to our community.”

Prestwood said his goals during his next two-year term is to continue to register and turnout voters and partner with Divine 9 BlackGreek organizations and female Democratic clubs to accomplish that. Plus, he said he will stress the importance of voting in the primary and in the general election.

“We need to re-elect Joe Biden,” he said.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

1996 ADM 002009

Nathaniel Lindsey Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Ste. 300 Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Annie B. Lindsey, whose address is 1020 Flat Rock Road, Tignall, GA 30668, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nathaniel Lindsey who died on 9/18/1996 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 3/21/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/21/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/21/2023

Annie B. Lindsey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

PRESTWOOD from Page 8

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CHURCH from Page 16

tyred heroines of a holy crusade for freedom and human dignity.’”

Another monument on Sixth Ave N features an illustration of four little girls whose arms are wrapped around each other– their backs turned to the onlooker. A plaque below the image reads: “Killed September 15, 1963,” with the names and birthdays of the fallen youth.

A marker with the young girls’ names also sits at the site where the bomb was laid and includes the Bible verse Genesis 50:20: "ye though evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass as it is this day to save much people alive."

The remembrances don’t end with the church building or the sidewalks near the church.

Across the street from the church is not only the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, but Kelly Ingram Park, where peaceful protestors–many adolescents– were violently met with police brutality, such as authorities releasing police dogs and spraying powerful water cannons.

Now filled with monuments paying homage to the protestors and people like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Kelly Ingram Park, like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the markers along Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, shows how the area has been working to commemorate those who courageously fought for justice and acknowledge the horrors of the racist past.

The City of Birmingham has formed partnerships with churches, arts organizations, businesses, nonprofits, activists and local leaders, to use the entire year to pay homage to the trials and triumphs of the 1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, which, in many ways, due to media coverage served as a wake-up call about America’s racist realities, for the whole world.

“The eyes of the world were on Birmingham in 1963 while a battle was waged for the equal rights of all of its residents,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin in a statement. “We plan to spend 2023 remembering and reflecting on the people and events that helped to break down segregation not only in Birmingham, but in our country.”

WI

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with some of our Supreme Court Justices. Justices Thomas and Alito have accepted extravagant gifts and have benefited from favors and donations worth millions of dollars,” Norton said in a statement. They have attended lavish vacations, flown on private jets, and received expensive gifts from billionaires, all while failing to disclose any of it to the American people. This, in part, is enabled by the Supreme Court's refusal to abide by a binding code of ethics.”

Norton also has introduced the “No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act,” which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the Capitol complex.

time in challenging Republican lawmakers who he said are fixated on reversing decades of gains by people of color.

“It is critical that we put people over politics because on the other side of the aisle, they are focused on shutting down the government and trying to impeach President Biden but they have come up with nothing in three committees,” said Ivey, who began serving in the House of Representatives this year.

and franchise opportunities. Further, there will be a vendor spotlight fashion show, artists and poetry showcases, hair and make- up makeovers, massage and spa services, health screenings, a professional job fair, author book signings, culinary cooking demonstrations and more.

BLACK CAUCUS from Page 1 forum about the inability of residents in the District to legally sell marijuana, an issue, she said, surrounds home rule.

conference take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with a host of receptions, panels and other CBCF ALC-adjacent events all throughout the District.

As part of efforts to highlight the nation’s capital, Norton is also discussing the city’s challenges.

The D.C. politician is hosting a

HARASSMENT from Page 1

Bonds also met privately with some general counsel, the staffer added.

The staffer said that the survey data, which ascertains how each agency has responded to sexual harassment allegations since 2017, will be collected before the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor conducts a government witness-only public roundtable, tentatively scheduled for October.

The information collected from the roundtable and surveys will inform legislation that Bonds hopes to introduce before the end of the year, the staffer added.

“Once we started looking at [the issue] and not seeing a set way that agencies could address complaints, Councilmember Bonds thought it would be best to get specific information from each agency to get context, as opposed to holding a hearing without background,” said the staffer, who requested anonymity.

When asked about D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s part in this endeavor, the staffer said that Bonds moved forward to directly engage higher level officials within District agencies. The staffer, however, hinted at the Committee on Exec-

“This is about local control of the government,” Norton said.

She said the attacks against the District are part of a larger battle.

“Sadly, the reality is that some of the wealthiest people in the country have apparently bought an audience

utive Administration and Labor and the Committee on Business and Economic Development, which McDuffie chairs, eventually collaborating on this matter.

The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to gather comment from McDuffie’s office.

As of now, the legislation in question will most likely include elements of an order that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) issued in 2017 to address sexual harassment in D.C. government agencies, specifically sexual harassment training for employees and the installment of sexual harassment officers (SHOs) in each agency.

In regard to SHOs, the committee staffer said that Bonds will likely explore the creation of a team of highly trained SHOs to be housed within the D.C. Office of Human Resources or deputy mayor clusters.

Right now, SHOs who are appointed in each agency often volunteer for the position or lack the experience necessary to facilitate an investigation, the staffer said.

“The SHOs would hear cases that pass that first level of scrutiny,” the staffer said. “When someone files a complaint and the agency sees that something may have happened, one of these specialists can look at this case and give an unbiased look to see if it warrants further action.”

"We cannot allow security protocols to proliferate without informed civilian oversight and a thorough analysis of alternatives that might better safeguard freedom and commerce,” Norton said.

IVEY EMPHASIZES PUTTING ‘PEOPLE OVER POLITICS’

Even though he is a freshman in the United States Congress, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) is wasting no

“Once we started looking at [the issue] and not seeing a set way that agencies could address complaints, Councilmember Bonds thought it would be best to get specific information from each agency to get context, as opposed to holding a hearing without background,” said the staffer, who requested anonymity.

On Monday, Sept. 18, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) said he spoke with Bonds about her process, which he said aligns with similar actions the D.C. Office of Inspector General has taken over the last few months.

In July, the D.C. Council ap-

A member of the House Judiciary Committee, Ivey said in the wake of Supreme Court Rulings that have reversed decades of Civil Rights and Affirmative Action programs, he is hosting a panel on what is happening in terms of contracting for minority owned businesses during the ALC.

A FEW THINGS TO CHECK OUT DURING THE ALC

The exhibit hall is a popular hot spot during the annual legislative conference, and will feature networking opportunities, empowerment sessions, celebrity panels, professional photos, golf lessons, career coaching,

proved emergency legislation requiring the District’s inspector general to hire independent counsel to review a report that the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC) released about the allegations of sexual harassment brought against John Falccichio, the former deputy mayor for planning and economic development.

Earlier this year, Falccichio resigned from his position in response to the allegations. In the weeks and months following, the Bowser administration has received criticism for what’s been described as the lack of transparency around the allegations and its investigation.

On Tuesday, Sept. 19, the D.C. Council was scheduled to conduct a second reading of the Sexual Harassment Investigation Review Temporary Act. The legislation picks up where the aforementioned emergency legislation leaves off, extending the time for the independent review of the Falcicchio investigation.

D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), who championed both bills, told the Informer that an independent contractor hasn't been chosen as of yet, as communicated to her by the D.C. inspector general's office.

Sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual violence, have become more prominent topics of dis-

In addition to workshops and sessions the conference will include signature events such as the Thursday’s National Town Hall, Friday’s “Black Party,” and Saturday’s Day of Healing in the morning– featuring Karen Clarke Sheard and the Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart–and the Phoenix Awards at night.

“We are honored to welcome Karen Clarke Sheard and the Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart to the Day of Healing at the 52nd Annual Legislative Conference," said Rep. Terri A. Sewell, CBCF board chair. “Their presence reinforces our commitment to promoting holistic well-being and fostering open discussions about the challenges faced by our communities.”

“Karen Clarke Sheard and Reverend Dr. Gina Stewart bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to this event, making it an opportunity for reflection, growth, and unity.” WI

cussion in the "Me Too" era as survivors feel more supported in exposing alleged attackers.

Salim Adofo, an advisory neighborhood commissioner and candidate for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat, has made tackling domestic violence part of his campaign platform. He said that D.C. residents must have the institutional support needed to bring perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.

In recent weeks, Adofo has espoused support for the Sexual Assault Survivors Amendment Act, which standardizes the handling of rape kits and other physical evidence pertaining to sexual assault cases.

Adofo told the Informer that the D.C. Council must apply a similar level of care to not only investigating sexual harassment in D.C. government, but speaking candidly about the phenomenon in public spaces.

"We're in a society where, as it pertains to survivors of assault, they've had to prove that it happened and folks didn't take them seriously," Adofo said.

"The 'Me Too' movement has empowered sisters, but we need to create a network of support so it's not a onetime thing. We should talk about it in the workplace, our government agencies and our schools."

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5 Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) is excited to welcome thousands to the District of Columbia for the 52nd Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis)

it under challenging circumstances, and those circumstances don't exist anymore. By the way, the lower-paid workers also get fewer health and pension benefits, and the union proposal is partly about equalizing some of these benefits. The quest for fairness is something that CNBC's Cramer describes as "frightening."

What is frightening is the increasing poverty in our nation. It's frightening that predatory capitalists are getting away with extreme exploitation. It is frightening that CEOs make so much compared to labor and find nothing wrong with this. And it is empowering to see UAW President Shawn Fein

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down. Instead, he vows to persist.

In Wisconsin, Republicans display their utter contempt for voters. They gerrymandered the election districts to give them a controlling majority of the legislature with the minority of the votes. In a partisan 4-3 vote, the state Supreme Court refused to overturn the injustice. In response, voters in Wisconsin threw out a conservative justice and elected a reformer who campaigned on upholding the rights of women and workers and ensuring that elections expressed the will of the majority. So now Republicans in the state legislature are threatening to impeach the new justice before she takes her seat on the bench. Following Donald Trump's example, they scorn the verdict of the voters.

In Alabama, Republican defiance of the order of a federal court evokes

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a formidable voting bloc in elections if they mobilize across racial and party lines. Unsurprisingly, young conservatives feel abandoned by the Republican Party when evidence shows they are targets of the same voter suppression tactics used against minority voters. In Texas, Republicans introduced a bill that would ban all college voting centers and drop boxes. In Florida, the governor approved a bill making it more difficult for third-party voter registration organizations to conduct outreach to young people. And in Idaho, Republicans passed a bill to ban student IDs from being used to register to vote.

We no longer live in times where each generation will do better than the previous one. As our nation moves from one era to the next, the idea of the infamous American dream is seen only

fight fearlessly for workers in the face of CEOs who whine about a bankruptcy that won't happen unless they figure out how to cut a deal with labor.

If they disagree, the consequences can be dire. If the 150,000 workers in the UAW all strike simultaneously, the union has enough in the strike fund to keep them out for three months. Meanwhile, the auto industry may lose over $5 billion, and a strike may push the economy toward a recession. Auto workers aren't the only ones at risk. Those who supply auto manufacturers with parts will probably have to lay workers off if auto manufacturing slows. There may be fewer automobiles available, and the fourth quarter is often a time when car sales go up.

the ugly Southern history of invoking states' rights to discriminate against African Americans. In June, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court ruling that Alabama's redistricting violated the Voting Rights Act and ordered the state to redraw the lines. (In a state where over one in four voters are African American, only one of seven districts was majority-Black.) The legislature simply ignored the court order. Now a three-judge federal court panel has appointed its own master to redraw the lines. State Republicans are counting on an appeal to the Supreme Court in the hope that its conservative majority will give them free rein.

On abortion, on racial discrimination, on redistricting, Republican views are opposed by most Americans. So, they seek various ways to enforce their views — even if that requires perversely weakening the Pentagon, or overturn-

as a pipe dream by many millennials and members of Generation Z. They have a right to feel cynical about their future with the current generational divide and the baby boomers who maintain political and economic power while holding little interest in the future quality of life for younger generations. The skyrocketing cost of college tuition and houses make future homeownership and higher education unattainable for many Gen Zers.

The future safety of our schools is no longer treated as a national tragedy and is often addressed by prescribing guns in the hands of teachers. Our communities are facing more intense flooding, extreme heat, and vanishing mountain forests and wildlife due to decades of ignoring climate change warnings out of allegiance to the fossil fuel industry. Millennials and Gen Zers are likely stuck with climate change's effects becoming

Fewer cars may also mean inflationary increases in automobile prices. If all auto workers go out at the same time, it will be catastrophic for the economy. Even if fractions go out, as 12,000 did on Friday, Sept. 15, it will disrupt the economy.

The auto strike encourages other workers to stand up for themselves. Kaiser employees will strike by the end of this month if they can't agree with management about the terms and conditions of work. Others are considering strikes, and labor unrest is at an all-time high. Workers want to be paid fairly. That's not class warfare, that's survival. To the extent that predatory capitalists resist paying fairly, there has always been class warfare. WI

ing the results of an election, or ignoring the orders of a court.

In 1964, Sen. Barry Goldwater, the Republican candidate for president, proclaimed that "extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." This echoed the rhetoric of plantation owners, arguing that their liberty included the right to enslave others. Goldwater suffered one of the worst election defeats in history. Now Republicans are once more defending extremism in defense of their views that they have the right to strip women of control of their bodies, to revoke the voting rights of African Americans, to subvert the will of a majority of the voters. Once more they will only be stopped if they are repudiated again and again by voters at the ballot box and by judges loyal to the laws and the Constitution.

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a natural way of life in the future. The fight for affordable healthcare and decent wage growth are reasons we are seeing a comeback of the labor movement, as evidenced by the United Auto Workers having gone on strike. Even with the increase in corporate profits, corporate greed will always force future generations of workers to fight for inflation-adjusted wage growth.

As baby boomer lawmakers like Mitt Romney continue to age out, will members of Gen Z commit to public service and be trusted defenders of their generation? Will they have enough political opportunities to serve effectively when older elected officials on the state and federal levels don't know when it is time to pass the baton? With the election of Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida as the first Gen Z member of Congress, he became an example for others to follow. WI

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for Our Freedoms" college tour that she plans to take across the nation. If she gets the same response as she received at Hampton, that's good news for her party. At many universities, the issues she supports are issues students support — diversity, equity and inclusion — and they will certainly be a part of her remarks.

She's also been seen hosting a hip-hop event recently where she called hip-hop "the ultimate American art form" at the 50th anniversary event. The party was held at the vice president's residence. Common was there and we saw the vice president celebrate the anniversary by dancing to the music!

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Filipinos, including at least 122 children, "the right way" to enforce drug laws. He's vowed to pardon the violent insurrectionists who attacked Congress. He wants to purge the federal government of nonpartisan civil servants and replace them with loyalist accomplices and lackeys. He would use

A lot of people are beginning to understand the value of the vote of young people. After all, young people should be very concerned about voting when they see how far down some politicians have sunk on issues that certainly have a great impact on the young. It is a blessing to see the work of young Congressman Max-

the Department of Justice to prosecute and imprison his adversaries.

In challenging the authority of Willis — or any prosecutor — to hold Trump accountable to the law, Trump's henchmen are working to make Trump's nightmarish vision a reality.

House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan is hardly seeking to uphold the law with his un-

well Alejandro Frost and of David Hogg, a gun-control activist who survived the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida. I believe 2024 will bring a lot of young people into prominence who will not only vote but will run for office. We need them! WI

constitutional demand that Willis turn over all documents related the case. On the contrary, as Willis observed in her scathing response, "Its obvious purpose is to obstruct a Georgia criminal proceeding and to advance outrageous partisan misrepresentations." Rep. Eric Swalwell, who serves on the committee, suggested Jordan and his cohorts have no intention of pursuing the documents, lest they dispel the "innuendo and allegation" Jordan is trying to create.

The National Urban League commends Willis' grace under fire and her commitment to apply justice equitably. We pray for her safety and the safety of all the officials and grand jurors who face these obscene threats. And we call on every elected official to uphold their sworn duty to uphold the Constitution and defend the rule of law. WI

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10 years ago she said, "I still cry sometimes. … We didn't know we were victims of terrorism back then. For years, we tucked it away, and tried to be strong."

Collins Rudolph, who wrote a book called "The Fifth Little Girl," still has glass in her body from the explosion 60 years later and suffers painful ongoing medical needs and bills, but continues to speak out and share her story. The theme for the Sunday School lessons and the sermon that was planned but never preached that morning was "A Love That Forgives," and she has said that though it took her

years, she ultimately embraced that message: "I was angry for a long time, and I knew I had to forgive these people that hurt me. … I had to forgive them, because I didn't want to carry this hate in my heart." She recently said this is the lesson she still wants to share with young people today: "Those girls—they didn't live their lives because of the color of our skin. … It's time for us to all love one another."

Four little rocking chairs on the front porch of the lodge at the Children's Defense Fund's Alex Haley Farm honor Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley

and help young people who are movement leaders today learn about the extraordinary sacrifices children made to help change America as frontline soldiers and transforming catalysts during the civil rights movement. Children were the shock troops who parted threatening crowds to attend newly desegregated schools. Children attended marches and faced police dogs and fire hoses and filled jails alongside adults. And children were killed by the same hate-filled violence. On this anniversary and every day, our nation owes all of them an enormous debt of gratitude.

In challenging the authority of Willis — or any prosecutor — to hold Trump accountable to the law, Trump's henchmen are working to make Trump's nightmarish vision a reality.

After all, young people should be very concerned about voting when they see how far down some politicians have sunk on issues that certainly have a great impact on the young.