VOL. 53, NO.4 • NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 Capture the Moment Page 42
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Cummings: More Than Her Husband’s Surname
Justin Fairfax Leads Dems Sweep in Virginia
Seeks Historic Feat as Md. Governor
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The state of Maryland has a reputation for being one of the most progressive states in the nation. According to wallethub. com this year, the state has the second-fewest children in foster care, ranks fourth among best teen drivers and fourth per capita with the most dentists. However, voters in the state still haven’t elected a Black or a woman for governor. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings seeks to change both, starting with the June 26 Democratic primary election. Cummings, 46, also wants to educate voters she’s more than just a name as the wife to longtime Rep. Elijah Cummings. The political novice proudly proclaims her HBCU undergraduate education at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. After she received her master’s degree and doctorate at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1996 and 2000, respectively, she worked as a congressional aide and chief of staff for Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.); a senior resident scholar with the National Urban League; and vice president of research and programs with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
CUMMINGS Page 35
programs to cope with stress and anxiety while their parents are recovering or absent. The R&B-flavored tune, written by Jones, chronicles the experience of military children who are often physically and psychologically affected by their parents’ occupations. For four months, a portion of the proceeds of the song will go to Our Military Kids. “I had been look for an organization to support, and when I came across Our Military Kids, it was
He grew up along North Capitol and Evarts in Northwest, D.C., and now Justin Fairfax will be the lieutenant governor of Virginia. The hardworking Democrat defeated Republican Jill Vogel in the hotly-contested race for the second-highest office in Old Dominion. Fairfax’s win capped a banner night for his party as Ralph Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie to win the Governor’s Mansion and Mark Herring beat GOP candidate John Adams in the race for attorney general. The race, in many ways, put President Donald Trump against former President Barack Obama in the first showdown since Trump won the presidency. While Obama campaigned for the Democratic ticket in Virginia, Trump pressed hard for state Republicans, particularly Gillespie who mirrored Trump’s race-baiting tactics. Many experts and pundits said Tuesday’s elections offered the nation a window into how voters viewed Trump’s job performance and how effectively Democrats have corrected the problems that plagued the party in 2016 and mobilized a base desperate for victories. The last few weeks of the Virginia contest turned especially bitter as the race tightened. Gillespie doubled down on a
VETERANS Page 46
VIRGINIA Page 11
Fall Foliage As of Tuesday, Nov. 8, Fall in the District of Columbia has finally made an appearance. The leaves have changed and the temperature is dropping. As is the normal weather pattern for this area, there are about two weeks left before the full-on blast of continually cold air and the leaves will be gone. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter
Artist Writes Song to Support Military Kids By Tatyana Hopkins WI Staff Writer
5 “Heart of Heroes” singer and songwriter Eddie Jones is also a former military child. /Photo by Derrel Todd
Recording artist and former “military kid” Eddie Jones has written a song to help fund a nonprofit organization that supports children of active troops and wounded service members. The song, “Heart of Heroes,” will be released on Veteran’s Day and will support the efforts of Our Military Kids, an organization that provides grants to help children participate in activities such as athletic events, fine arts and tutoring
Celebrating 53 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area
Now Published by Dr. Charles Vincent
Her Legacy Continues.
In memory of Mickey Thompson Vincent, Founder and Publisher.
Dr. Mark Bergel with two of the evening’s inspiring presenters, Earliene Jennings (left) and Nadia Ferretti (right)
Senator Chris Van Hollen
Sean and Cathleen Fromm, Victoria Thompson, and Sierra Cooper-Cutting (photographer: Joe Rosenbaum)
Dr. Charles & “Mickey” Vincent
A Wider Circle presents the Commitment to Change Award to Senator Chris Van Hollen
A Wider Circle’s Community Ball Dane Snowden accepts A Wider Circle’s Distinguished Corporate Service Award on behalf of NCTA - The Internet and Television Association
Fox 5 News Anchor Shawn Yancy was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening
DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett and Dr. Mark Bergel
Senator Chris Van Hollen and friends
A Wider Circle Board Chair, Marty Durbin Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services HyeSook Chung, DC Councilmember Trayon White, and Dr. Mark Bergel (photographer: Meghan Robinson)
Lindsay Monte with her daughter, Elise
A Wider Circle supporters Kevin and Tonya Despertt
On
October 11, supporters of A Wider Circle gathered at the National Building Museum to advance the movement to end poverty. A Wider
Circle presented Senator Chris Van Hollen with the Commitment to Change Award, and NCTA - The Internet and Television Association with the Distinguished Corporate
Service Award. Fox 5 News Anchor Shawn Yancy served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Kevin Kennedy was the event photographer and took all of the photos, unless otherwise noted.
Social Sightings - THE MAGAZINE Subscribe www.SocialSightings.com Kendra Handy/Editor Dr. Charles Vincent/Photographer Brian Young/Graphic Designer l
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Social Sightings-The Column is published in the Hill Rag, DC Mid-City, East of the River Journals, The Washington Informer Newspaper and in the Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlingnton, Loudoun Woman Magazines 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com
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Around the Region................ 4-11 PG County............................. 12-13 Business..................................14-15 National...................................16-17 International................................18 Health ..................................20-24 Education ............................ 26-27 OpEd.......................................29-31 Lifestyle................................32-4o Capture the Moment..............42 Sports...................................44-45
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W I HBreak O T the T OCycle P I C of S Women Domestic Violence
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY
COMPILED BY WI EDITOR D. KEVIN MCNEIR AND STAFF WRITER WILLIAM FORD
Baker Endorsed bylaw Van HollenShefor enforcement. saidMD they Governor threat,” she said.
By Tia Carol Jones
www.washingtoninformer.com
WI Staff Writer
Visit our updated Web site and give us your comments for a chance to win a gift from The Washington Informer Email comments to: rburke@ washingtoninformer.com
had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow of uniformity in the way wants to see are enPrince sense George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III implemented received a major When L.Y. Marlow's 23-yearviolence victims stricter during restraining order Democratic policies, dorsementdomestic Friday, Nov. 3 from an ally and he supported last year’s old daughter told her the primary father for survivors treated. moreVan rights for victim's families Senate:are Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). Hollen spoke on behalf of of her daughter threatened her at the“She's her own personal to intervene of a avicBaker Princeusing George’s Sports and Learning Complexoninbehalf Landover, center life, and the life of their that child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence Baker’s mentor, the late Wayne K. Curry helped secure near FedExassessField. she knew something had to“Seven be push Davis-Nickens unit coupled years forward,” ago, he took over a county ment in political turmoilwith andfurther economic done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. lawin enforcement distress,” Van Hollen said. “Crime is down totraining the lowestfor levels 30 years and the with law enforcement's handling anyone agencies, Child's Life Proteccounty nowDavis-Nickens has some of the said toughest ethics laws in theastate. Maryland would be of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselin great hands with Rushern Baker at the helm.” Baker has received endorsements start the Saving Promise from cam-several “getmunicipal it.” She said she that “putsinclude the Hyattsville ing for batterers. officials Mayor Candace Holling5 Van Hollen paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradisworth, who will seek the District 2 seat on County Council. /Courtesy photo “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow Three University studentsAlso and present a friendatfaced a brutal, ence at Howard the District Heights the event was said. Domestic Violence SymposiumNov.Mildred random attack last Thursday, 2 that required an emergency Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see on Mayvisit 7 atfor theone District room victimHeights and hospitalization for another. The youth wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise Municipal Center. Thetalking symposay they were casually outside Banneker Community Cenwho was sentenced to six consecawareness among children in sium was the sponsored the when ter, across street frombycampus an estimated utive the lifeattack termsbywithout parole public and private schools. She Family Services by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educat10 youngand adultsYouth occurred. Center of thehave citybeen of District the police Beltway attacks No arrests made by D.C. whoSniper say their inves-in ed about domestic violence. Heights the National Hook- 2002. Mildred University Muhammad “We have to stop being pastigationand is ongoing. A spokesperson for Howard saidis Up Black isWomen. the founder of AfterBecause the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chiltheofschool also conducting its own investigation. the Marlow hashave written a book, the dren about domestic violence,” perpetrators not been caught,antheorganization identities ofthat the helps students “Color Mehas Butterfly,” is to a thesurvivors of domestic violence Marlow said. attacked not been which released public. However, one student story about tofour generationsPost of reporter and their Marlow has worked to break who spoke a Washington andchildren. who says he suffered domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, a concussion, has retained the services of an attorney. inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to The National of Black Journalists [NABJ], largest journalists excerpts from herAssociation book, she still people who want to the help a organization Congress andforimplore themof tocolor in the established in the District in 1975, says it’s appalled at the insensitive and hateful social media can notU.S believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. postsher. recently leveled trafficbereporter Obilor WFAA-TV in Dallas. Obilor, a broadcast from “Color Me toward Butterfly” carefulDemetria of how they go ofinto “I will not stop until these polijournalism graduate from “Best the University of Kansas andunderstand recent hire atcies theare station, has been the target of won the 2007 National the victim's life, and passed.” Books” negativeAward. social media posts that criticize her hair, attire. One viewer, expressing that she may looks be inand“survival Tia Carol Jones canher bedispleasure, reached “I was justfor 16-years-old even called a boycott ofwhen the station. mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my“The eye first blackened and my negative comments lodged at“Before Demetria are very disturbing. The rhetoric is classic cyberyouObilor get to 'I'm going lips bled,”and Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as asaid verbal bullying the undertones are hurtful and demeaning,” NABJ President Sarah Glover. “We hope WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, that employers abhor thispresikind of harassment and online hate when they see it, support their employees, dent of the National and cultivate diversityHook-Up and inclusiveness.” Calling attention to the work of NABJ member Michelle Ferrier ofand TrollBusters, Black Women, said theresaid is no Glover women are frequently the target of people who seek to embarrass and someconsistency in the way domestic times cause emotional or bodily harm. Through TrollBusters, online harassers are being dealt with and violence issues like are dealt organizations NABJwith joinby Ferrier in speaking out in support of journalists. “According to the International Women’s Media Foundation and the International News Safety Institute, 88 percent of journalists worldwide feel their work is more dangerous now because of the use of social media to connect with audiences, and distribute news and information around the globe,” said Ferrier. “These same social media channels are used to stalk, discredit and threaten women journalists with online harassment even crossing professional boundaries and affecting the personal lives of these women.”
Three Howard Students Brutalized at Campus Hangout Spot
NABJ Denounces Cyberbullying, Body Shaming Journalists Face
The Washington Informer Newspaper THE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Denise RolarkSr. Barnes published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at Washington, THE D.C.WASHINGTON and additional mailing ofSTAFF INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published fices.weekly News on andThursday. advertising deadline postage Periodicals paid atMcNeir, Washington, D.C. and additional D. Kevin Editor is Monday to News publication. Anmailing prior offices. and advertising Monday prior to publication. Rondeadline Burke,isAdvertising/ Marketing Director nouncements must be received two two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Announcements must be received Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressBarnes, Assistant Photo Editor by es The Washington Informer. to The Washington Informer,All3117Lafayette Martin Luther King, IV, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, rightsD.C. reserved. John E.be De Freitas, Sports Editor 20032.POSTMASTER: No part of thisSend publication may reproduced withoutPhoto written permischange addresses to TheThe Washsionoffrom the publisher. Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee Dorothy Rowley, Online Editorthe return of ington Informer, 3117 Martin rates Luther photographs. Subscription are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers be received ZebraDesigns.net, Design & will Layout King,notJr.more Ave.,than S.E.a Washington, D.C. week after publication. Make checks payable to: Mable Neville, Bookkeeper 20032. No part of this publication may Dr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist be reproduced without written permisTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER sion from the3117 publisher. The Informer Social Media Martin Luther King, Jr.Tatiana Ave., S.E.Moten, • Washington, D.C. Specialist 20032 Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Phone: 202 561-4100 202 574-3785 Angie• Fax: Johnson, Circulation of photographs. Subscription rates are E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will www.washingtoninformer.com REPORTERS be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, PUBLISHER Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s Timothy THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes County Writer), Eve M. Ferguson, Hamil 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E STAFF REPORTERS Harris, Tatyana Hopkins, Jade James-Gist, Washington, D.C. 20032 Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia D. C. Jones, Laiscell, Lauren Poteat, Edwin Lake, KevinEdMcNeir, Phone: 202 561-4100 Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, Fax: 202 574-3785 Martell Pegues, Dorothy Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, JosephRowley, Young Brenda Siler, news@washingtoninformer.com Sarafina Wright (General Assignment Writer) Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper www.washingtoninformer.com LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. De Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, PHOTOGRAPHERS Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic John DesignE. DeFreitas, Joanne Jackson, RoyLassiter, Lewis, Robert Shevry Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt
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We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these Donna Brazile Takes on Critics of New Book ‘Hacks’ policies to Congress and Former Democratic National Committee [DNC] chair, Donna Brazile, says critics of her book, “Hacks” [released Tuesday, Nov. 7], which criticizes Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign can “goimplore to hell.” Meanwhile,them Tom Pe- to change our rez, the current DNC chair, said one of the book’s most controversial claims is “without merit.” laws. I assertion will not stop until Brazile, in a recent interview on ABC’s “This Week,” defends her that she once considered using her powers to remove Clinton from the ticket after the former presidential candidate fainted in New York City, despite supthese policies are passed.
porting Clinton. In the book, the author alleges that before Clinton became the Democratic nominee, her campaign signed a joint agreement with the DNC and Hillary Victory Fund in which her campaign would finance the DNC in Paul Trantham exchange for oversight from the Clinton campaign. But normally, the nominee doesn’t take over fundraising until after the nomination has been accepted. The Washington Informer hopes to secure an interview with Brazile soon and awaits a response from her. 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com Roy Lewis, Demetrious Kinney, Mark
Mahonny, CIRCULATION Lateef Mangum, Travis Riddick
4 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark
L.Y. Marlow
5 Donna Brazile /Courtesy photo
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AROUND THE REGION
Veritas Ousted as UMC Operator
5 United Medical Center /Courtesy photo
By Tatyana Hopkins WI Staff Reporter The D.C. Council moved to disapprove a contract extension for the consulting firm managing the city’s only public hospital, Tuesday Nov. 7. Despite steady lobbying attempts on part of Veritas of Washington and Bowser administration officials to keep the contract alive, District legislators severed ties with the managing company of United Medical Center in a 7-6 vote that blocked its one-year, $4 million contract extension. “There’s an expression: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Shame on us if we vote to approve giving another $4.2 million to Vertias,” Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) said before voting to disapprove the contract. Veritas began managing UMC operations in 2016 with the charge of stabilize its troubled financial dealings. The measure to disapprove Veritas’ contract extension came amid questions about the company’s performance after the D.C. Department of Health ordered the sudden closure of the hospital’s obstetrics ward for 90-days in August due to critical lapses in patient safety procedures. The Council has called held three hearings regarding the hospital’s operations and the contract since the closing of the obstetric ward. “Nothing from those hearings has led me to believe we have the right team in place at the hospital to improve the quality of patient care,” said Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-W7) who introduced the resolution to disapprove the Veritas contract. “If Veritas is truly the best we can get for the money we are
paying then we need to invest more dollars in a better provider.” Opponents of the disapproval noted that the hospital has been in financial disarray for more than a decade and argued that abruptly ending the contract could cause more instability at UMC. Though the testimony of hospital officials did not convince a number of councilmembers that the firm had fulfilled its duties, the director of the Department of Health Care Finance Wayne Turnage said he had “complete confidence” in Veritas and their performance. In the days leading up to the vote, a number of high ranking current and former UMC officials including the chief medical office, a former chief operating officer and former quality director spoke out against Veritas alleging the company undermined efforts to improve the quality of patient care. But, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Turnage said UMC’s board had an independent evaluation done to review the allegations and found nothing to substantiate the claims, though neither of them has seen the review. The hospital board will have less than a month to make arrangements for its operations. The current Veritas contract expires on Nov. 30. Bowser said she is confident the board will be able to make be able to make decision that will keep UMC in operation beyond the end of the current contract and ensured that the city would provide needed resources. “There can’t be a gap, otherwise the hospital will close,” Bowser said. “The bottom line is the Council has the prerogative to cancel a contract, and that’s what it’s done. It is a short time period for the board to react to ensure that we have continued operation at the hospital.” WI
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AROUND THE REGION
WEEK OF NOV 9 - 15, 2017
Source: Black America Web
NOV. 9
1731 – Benjamin Banneker, inventor, mathematician and one of the planners of what is now Washington, D.C., is born in Baltimore County, Maryland. 1868 – The first classes begin at the Howard University College of Medicine. 1922 – Dorothy Dandridge, famed actress, singer and dancer, is born in Cleveland.
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1891 – Inventor Granville T. Woods patents electric railway system. 1957 – Black golfer Charlie Sifford wins the Long Beach Open, becoming the first African-American to win a major professional golf tournament. 1960 – Journalist Andrew Hatcher is named associate press secretary to President John F. Kennedy, becoming the first black press secretary.
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1831 – Nat Turner, an enslaved African-American who led a deadly rebellion of slaves and free blacks in Southampton County, Virginia, is executed by hanging. 1890 – Inventor Daniel McCree patents the portable re escape.
1951 – Famed ballerina Janet Collins becomes the first black dancer to appear with the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York. 1985 – Major League Baseball pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden unanimously wins the Cy Young Award, becoming at 20 the youngest-ever winner of the award.
NOV. 14
1915 – Booker T. Washington, a former slave who became a celebrated educator, author, orator and civil rights leader, dies in Tuskegee, Alabama, of hypertension at 59.
NOV. 15
1881 – Inventor Payton Johnson patents swinging chair. 1898 – Hairdresser and inventor Lyda Newman patents an improved hairbrush, which was easier to clean. 1950 – Hockey player Arthur Dorrington becomes the first black to sign an NHL contract, joining the New York Rangers organization. WI
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1770 – York, an African-American slave best known for his participation with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is born in Caroline County, Virginia. 1941 – Opera singer Mary Cardwell founds the National Negro Opera Company, the first African-American opera company in the United States. 1977 – Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial becomes the first black mayor of New Orleans.
1894 – Inventor Albert C. Richardson patents the casket-lowering device. 1913 – Daniel Hale Williams becomes the first black to be made a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
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VIEW P INT By Sarafina Wright
Devin Kelley, a 26-year-old white man who fatally shot 26 people at a Texas church Sunday, was deemed by officials as “mentally ill,” as opposed to being a domestic terrorist. What are your thoughts? LISA BURKE / WASHINGTON, D.C.
All white killers [supposedly] have mental illness. They are never called what they really are. This really isn’t news. We heard it before. His dog died when he was 12, and he could never get over the pain. So sick of this double standard.
WANDA PENDLETON / KANSAS CITY, MISSOURII
He’s a terrorist just like Dylan Roof and the one in Vegas, but as soon as the New York guy ran over people, he’s labeled a terrorist — but wait, he had brown skin. I will be so glad when Black and brown unite and see we are equally hated.
DIANE GREAUX / WASHINGTON, D.C.
Trump reversed Obama’s rule in February banning guns to people with mental health issues. Trump and Republicans’ mantra is if you’re a white shooter, you have mental problems; if you’re Black, you’re a thug; Muslim, you’re a terrorist. If you’re KKK and white supremacists, you’re very nice people. … Hypocrites.
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AROUND THE REGION
By D. Kevin McNeir / WI Editor/@dkevinmcneir
The World According to Dominic
“I Know the Pain of Lung Cancer So Why Do I Still Smoke? The Great American Smokeout is coming soon for its annual observance and accompanying activities in the U.S. – this year on Thursday, Nov. 16. It’s a serious moment when smokers nationwide join with the sponsoring organization, the American Cancer Society, in efforts to help those addicted to nicotine to form a plan to quit and to learn more about the impact of tobacco use. It’s estimated that 36.5 million Americans smoke cigarettes which makes smoking the number one preventable cause of death in the US. In fact, lung cancer, the most severe side effect of smoking, causes more deaths in the U.S. than any other type of cancer – killing more men and women than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. So, why do people smoke? Why do so many young people become addicted at such young ages? What’s the hype behind this habit? Because I can tell you from experience that there’s nothing glamorous about the suffering that comes during the later stages of lung cancer. I lost my father, two uncles, one aunt, a grandfather and my father-in-law to the disease. As a little boy, I couldn’t stand cigarette smoke and remember feigning like I was choking whenever my father
would light up in the car. He just ignored me. I was, however, successful in getting my mother to stop. It wasn’t hard either. I just refused to let her kiss me. I told her I couldn’t stand the smell. During high school and college, I was very active in sports, playing basketball and tennis as if I had plans to turn pro, so smoking was definitely a “no-no.” I guess you could label me a “late smoke” because it wasn’t until I began working in corporate America in my mid-20s that I first picked up a cigarette. I attributed it to the boredom of 9-to-5 and too many after five soirees where liquor flowed with abundance. Still, I managed to quit at least three or four times, the longest period being almost a year. But somehow, that dratted “coffin nail” would inevitably find its way back into my life, inserting itself into my daily routine as I logged long hours writing at my computer while chugging down cups of mostly-black coffee to stay awake. I always chuckle when someone walks up to me – sometimes a teen, other times a Black man or woman – and asks with all seriousness, “Hey Brother, you got a Port?” [That’s a Newport cigarette for those who are unfamiliar with Black vernacular]. I’d laugh because I wasn’t a diehard New-
port smoker and so when I would take out my generic, less tobacco-infused cigarette they’d look at me like I had lost my mind. I wanted to know how someone begging for something for free could be so particular. But in the Black community, Newport cigarettes have long dominated the smoking culture like Michael Jordan in the past and LeBron James today hold rein over the throne in the NBA. The Great American Smokeout became a national event in 1977 after the California Division of the American Cancer Society persuaded one million smokers to quit for the day in 1976, showing the organization and other planners that they might be onto something of merit. This year, I’m going to accept the challenge once more. I’m going to do it with my children, both in their 20s, in mind. I’m going to do it with my two grandsons and wanting to be around to see them become men, as an added impetus. I’m going to do it because I just don’t want my last days, which I pray are many, many decades in the future, to resemble what others in my family painfully endured. I know the pain of lung cancer so why do I smoke? You’d think I would know better. WI
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Carol Schwartz Pens Provocative Autobiography Ex-Politician Still Relishes Decades-long Love Affair with D.C. By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir Tenacious, undaunted and one who shoots from the hip have commonly been used by those who know best former Councilmember Carol Schwartz, now almost 74, to describe the sometimes sassy, Texas-born “fireball” who has made D.C. her home for over 50 years. And as one with a “front-row seat” in the District’s political arena for the past five decades, including stints on the Board of Education, an ANC seat and multiple failed runs for mayor, Schwartz has seen it all – sometimes failing but never giving up or backing down from that which means the most to her. Now, in her autobiography, “Quite a Life! From Defeat to Defeat . . . and Back,” the Jewish girl with unarguable “hutzpah” tells her story, recounts her victories and reexamines her defeats in a fascinating narrative. And when asked why she chose to share her memoirs now, she replied, “If not now, when?” “I moved to D.C. from Texas 52 years ago and actually picked this city because of its sheer beauty and its racial and economic diversity. I never wanted to live in Bethesda like some of my friends. I wanted to be in the city and be a part of all that it had to offer,” said Schwartz who has overcome her share of adversity including a painful childhood, the sudden death of her husband and several difficult political campaigns in which she came out on the losing end. But she hasn’t let disappointment or failure diminish her spirit. In fact, she says she wrote the book which chronicles her life in order to encourage others who, like her, have had to endure unforeseen and even unfair obstacles along the way. “We all have dreams of a happy life but there are times when life is far from happy,” she said. “This is a book about falling down, failing, falling down again but always getting back up, wiping myself off and starting all over again. I wanted to help others find hope and encourage them to believe that even in the midst of hardship, we should never give up and never stop hoping for better days.” “Some use the cards they’ve been dealt as an excuse for nega-
tive behavior, negative habits or becoming self-absorbed. From the days in my youth, I got involved in volunteer work. I worked to help others feel better about themselves. I refused to engage in pity parties. And what I learned, even when I was just a teenager, was that there were others who faced even greater challenges than me. I learned how to count and to be thankful for my blessings,” said Schwartz, a Republican, recently-turned Independent, who would become an intimate friend with Marion Barry – the same man to whom she lost in her 1994 bid for mayor – an election that remains one of the closest mayoral general elections in the District’s history in which she garnered 42 percent of the vote despite D.C.’s 11-to-1 Democrat to Republican odds. “I grew up with so little self-confidence and so many fears but when I had a task that I wanted to achieve and in which I believed, something that was for the common good, I’d just forge ahead,” she said. “Like my drive to secure sick leave for District workers which was how my political career in D.C. came to an end. But I’m proud of that and would do it all over again.” Schwartz says she always looked for ways to “move the needle” while serving in public office and never went “the easy route.” During a recent book signing event, she met a young man who she helped 30 years ago when his brother died and who then sought her assistance. “I was able to help him overcome governmental red tape and help him do what he needed. He recently sent me an email that shared how after reading my book, he had not been so enthralled in a family history since January 1977, when ‘Roots’ was released,” she said. “He even had both the letter I had sent him years ago and a copy of the check that I had sent to him from my own personal account to help him. That’s what I believe we’re supposed to do when we are elected to serve the public – to really serve them and to help them overcome find a way to go on. To show them someone really cares,” she said. Schwartz says she still has a few things she hopes to accomplish before it’s all over, most notably securing a vote in Congress for the residents of the District.
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“We pay federal taxes and we send men and women to the armed forces,” she said. “It’s not fair – no, it’s wrong, that we still do not have an equal voting voice in Congress. I can’t rest until we’ve been given our well-deserved right.” As for the “Mayor for Life,” Schwartz remembers his final days and the emotional conversation the two of them shared while he was in resting in his hospital room. “I’m told that I was the last person he spoke to before his life-threatening surgery,” she said. “He told me that I had been on his mind and that he had to call me. We loved each other and shared a deep friendship. I’m glad he had passed on before his son’s unexpected death. That would have been too much for him.” “As for my book, I believe he’d be proud of me. But then he’d remind me that he wrote his autobiography first. And as I suppose I was always envious of his being mayor, I think now he’d be a bit envious of me too.” WI
5 Former At-Large Councilmember and four-time candidate for D.C. mayor, Carol Schwartz, launched a city-wide tour to promote her new book. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 9 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT
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Who’s Reading the Informer? Comedian Rob Johnson reads the Washington Informer. /Photo by D.B. Kinney
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VIRGINIA from Page 1 Trumpian message, promising a crackdown on violence by Latino gangs and pledging to protect controversial Confederate monuments. The messaging was a major turn for the former Republican National Committee chairman but had he been successful it would have meant Republicans nationwide would not be afraid to embrace Trump’s more populist, anti-establishment message come next year, NPR reported. Northam, meanwhile, tried to unite Democrats’ centrist and progressive wings, although he upset the latter last week when he said he would be willing to sign a bill banning so-called sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants, NPR said. But, the night belonged to Democrats who even turned longtime red state New Jersey blue, as former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy won the race for governor, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. Meanwhile, in Virginia, pollsters reported a record turnout for a non-presidential year election. It proved important, particularly for Fairfax who overcame a race in which Vogel interjected what many perceived as racial stereotypes in her bid to defeat him. Fairfax said the race “could be the match that sparks the wildfire of progressive” change all across the country. “All across the world. This is a battle for the nation’s soul,” he said. “Since I announced my candidacy, this campaign has been about the future, about building a Virginia where all of us have the opportunity to rise.” A Duke University graduate, Fairfax has worked in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, developing a keen insight into solving the challenges he and his team said face Virginia families today. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Deputy Coordinator of the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force, Fairfax said he witnessed the power that law enforcement and criminal justice reform can have to keep communities safe, while providing appropriate second chances, saving hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and changing communities and lives. He said his primary focus as
AROUND THE REGION “It is imperative that we give people the chance to rise to make a better future for themselves and their families.” JUSTIN FAIRFAX Lt. Governor would be the economic security and opportunity for all residents. “It is imperative that we give people the chance to rise to make a better future for themselves and their families” Fairfax said. “I support raising the minimum wage to a living wage, offering a state refinancing system for student loans and increasing access to affordable capital for small businesses.” Fairfax also said he understands how individuals can be cynical and disheartened with the current state of politics. However, he’s refused to use that as an excuse and doesn’t want his constituents –including those in the African-American community – to miss the mark. “I would encourage them to believe that we created our own destiny,” Fairfax said. “Democracy is a participation sport, meaning that we have to petition our leaders. We have to keep pressing for answers at every level of government and make our voices heard by not just voting but running for office,” he said. Raising the minimum wage should help level the playing field, Fairfax said. “Focus on lowering college debt and making it easier for people to move from one level to the next economically,” he said of some of the pressing challenges facing African Americans in Virginia. “I believe my work as a prosecutors, as an assistant U.S. attorney, positions me to understand some of the issues people face on both sides of the justice system.” WI
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5 Justin Fairfax has won the election for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. /Courtesy photo
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 11 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Grades Altered in Prince George’s Schools, Audit Finds By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill A state document claims nearly 5,500 Prince George’s County high school students had grades changed during their senior year, according to an audit ordered by the Maryland Department of Education. The state hired Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Services of Northwest in August to investigate the problem state officials called “deeply concerned by the report’s findings.” Investigators randomly sampled 1,212 students in the 2016 and 2017 school years and discovered nearly 30
percent either didn’t have proper documentation to determine if they’re worthy of graduating, or simply ineligible. Of the students sampled, about 5 percent “were determined to be ineligible to graduate due to a student not earning sufficient credits on their transcript to graduate or a student not meeting the service learning requirement.” “The District does not consistently monitor adherence to grading policies and procedures,” according to the 211-page document released Friday, Nov. 3. “Leadership generally trusts school-based staff will follow policies and procedures, but does not verify adherence.”
In addition, investigators found rampant absenteeism. The state requires students who miss 10 or more unexcused days for any class receive an “E.” The class of 2017 had 159 students who incurred 50 “unlawful” absences. “This analysis demonstrates the potential risk that a high number of students graduated despite the procedural requirement that students with excessive absences receive an E,” the report said. The seven-week investigation also outlined complaints from teachers, parents, staff and one student such as guidance counselors changing grades without the consent of a teacher and the school system just “push[ed] students through to graduation with limited reading, writing, or mathematics skills.” The document notes the findings cannot be assumed to hold true to the larger population of the 15,215 students of the previous two graduating classes because of the randomly sampled students of nearly 5,500. It also notes no systemwide school collusion took place to boost grades, which some in the Prince George’s community have claimed. “We will use these findings to strengthen the school system’s policies, procedures, processes and practices,” Prince George’s schools CEO Kevin Maxwell said in a statement. “Many of the issues revealed in the state’s audit will be resolved with clearer policies, consistent adherence to official procedures, better use of
5 Kevin Maxwell, chief executive of Prince George’s County Public Schools, with school board members, addresses allegations of fraud in county graduation rates. /Photo courtesy of WTOP
technology, improved and more frequent training and better monitoring and communication. It is clear that we need to act with urgency to reform longstanding practices in our schools.” The audit, which noted all 28 high and specialty schools maintained “poor record keeping” on graduation requirements, offered several recommendations, including: • School system should provide clarity and training on grading procedures; • Ensure policies of makeup work are outlined and consistently applied at all schools; and • Conduct a complete audit of SchoolMAX, an online portal used by teachers to posts grades that can be reviewed by students and parents, because grades are not
Metro Committee Raps Hogan’s Funding Proposal By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill In a last-minute effort to seek support for funding Metro, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan proposed Thursday a plan to cover the transit agency’s $2 billion budget shortfall, but the proposal was met with sharp criticism. Hogan’s proposal, presented to Metro’s finance committee by chairman Michael Goldman, calls
for D.C., Maryland, Virginia and the federal government to each contribute $125 million until fiscal year 2022. The amount would make up for the $2 billion gap in the agency’s capital budget. Jack Evans and Corbett Price, who represent D.C. on the transit agency’s board of directors, called the Nov. 2 introduction of the resolution “political theater.” “This is a resolution the District of Columbia 100 percent does not support,” Evans, who
5 Metro committee discusses vital topics. /Photo by William J. Ford
12 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
wasn’t present for the proposal, said in a telephone interview. Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld, who presented a proposed $3.1 billion fiscal year 2019 budget, said the proposal offers a solution. “There’s obviously differing opinions going forward with this,” he said during a press conference. “I thought Governor Hogan’s proposal was something real and put on the table.” Goldman, who represents Montgomery County in Maryland, acknowledged the state may not be able to provide any dedicated funding until after next year’s gubernatorial election. “It’s simply not going to happen in time for us to adopt a budget for FY19, which has to be done by March or at the latest April, according to the general manager,” he said. Goldman also admitted the measure would not only be a mere short-term fix, but “we have to cover the gap on the capital budget side … so the only way to do that is for the jurisdictions to
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come up with that money as cash on hand.” Because of opposition from some members, including Christian Dorsey, who represents Arlington County, Virginia, the resolution was tabled. Meanwhile, David Horner, who represents the federal government on the board, explained afterward that the transit agency must rethink its model of operation, comparing it to being “a Sears Roebuck in the era of Amazon.” “At the end of the day, I don’t see the benefit to anyone asking for a sense of the board at this time,” Horner said. “What we need to do is dial down the political temper. When tempers are cooler, we collaborate better and reach consensual decisions that will put the system on the right trajectory.” Regarding Hogan’s plan, Horner said, “I think the feds would be prepared to increase their funding of the system if they have confidence the system is right-footed operationally and has adopted
entered in a timely fashion. The county has 60 days to submit a plan to the state Department of Education. In January, the state’s Board of Education will review county’s plan for remediation and determine if any additional state action may be required. The full document can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2znN5B8. Parents, community leaders and others can express their concerns about the audit at a school board Thursday, Nov. 9 in Upper Marlboro. Meanwhile, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III continued to express his support for Maxwell. Baker, who’s running in the Democratic primary for governor, criticized state officials in an issued statement. “As we suspected, the audit did not reveal any corruption or topdown mandates from Dr. Maxwell’s office or other PGCPS leadership to change or fix grades,” Baker said. “No other school district in the state of Maryland has had a comprehensive audit of its graduation records like Prince George’s County. These mixed results from the state clearly show there is a need for the governor and the state Board of Education to use this audit as a catalyst to improve their oversight of the state graduation certification process and to develop clear standards that school districts must adhere to.” Paul Montiero, who’s running in the Democratic primary to replace Baker as county executive, also released a statement. “As a proud graduate of the Prince George’s County Public Schools, the audit released [Friday] is a troubling reminder that there’s much more needed to strengthen our education system and truly treat teachers as professionals,” Montiero said. “As county executive, my paramount goal is to bolster our education system to ensure our schools are preparing all students for college or career success. We’ve waited long enough for world-class public schools in Prince George’s County.” WI
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
Black Woman Brings Cannabis Dispensary to Prince George’s By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The youngest Black female owner of a cannabis dispensary in the U.S. will bring a brickand-mortar location to Prince George’s County in winter 2018. A few years ago, Hope Wiseman, 25, left Atlanta and the world of finance to begin investing in cannabis, America’s next booming industry. “I went to Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and majored in economics and every summer I would intern at investment banks, and I followed economic trends a lot, so I knew that cannabis was going to be a huge industry,” Wiseman said. A native of Prince George’s, Wiseman said her inspiration to join a heavily white, male-dominated industry was the war on drugs in the ‘90s. “I saw how the war on drugs impacted my community and I knew I wanted to be involved in cannabis to correct that,” she said. “I started doing research in my home state and I knew that
at that time there would be a bill legalized soon. The next step is an application process and they don’t really announce it, but you’ve just got to know.” Wiseman said that once a license is awarded, a buy-in cost of $200,000 within two years of being certified is required. “With an investment banking background I knew what I had to do and began to raise money,” she said. “I also knew I needed to get investors to go in on this with me and I partnered with my mother, who’s a dentist and another investor. From there I left my job as a Equity Institutional Sales Analyst at SunTrust in Atlanta and came back home.” Mary and Main’s first location will open its doors next year in Capitol Heights, as one of the first medicinal cannabis dispensaries in the county. The location will offer cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, one best suited for day and the other for night. They also will offer several types of cannabis therapy, including smoked cannabis, cannabis tea, sublingual sprays, edi-
bles, vaporizing, gels and capsules, topical balms and tinctures. In order to purchase from the dispensary, one must have a recommendation from a registered physician. Wiseman also founded Compassionate Herbal Alternative to go along with her vision to create opportunity for minorities who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. She also wants to help fellow Black millennials break into the cannabis industry. “I definitely want to bring people along and bring other people up,” she said. “We deserve a place in this industry. It’s going to be bigger than the NFL. It is projected to be worth billions in a few years.” Wiseman said for those who want in but don’t have the access to capital, that they should get in any way they can. “I would say work for another group, work for dispensaries and get as much information as you can and build your experience now,” she said. “So when the time comes, you’re ready.” WI
5 Hope Wiseman, 25, owner of cannabis dispensary Mary and Main /Courtesy photo
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NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 13 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
BUSINESS Veterans Volunteer Presented Award for Service Mary Allen, 91, Clocked 16,236 Hours Supporting Vets
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The leadership of the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center honored a special volunteer with the President’s Voluntary Service Lifetime Achievement Award. The prestigious honor is granted to select individuals or organizations who’ve dedicated their lives in service to others, VA officials said. That’s exactly what’s earned 91-year-old Mary Allen the coveted award, which she received at an appreciation luncheon hosted
by the VA on Tuesday, Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C. Allen has logged a stunning 16,236 hours to veterans and she’s been a volunteer since 1992. It never occurred to her that she’d give so much of her time. “I did not believe I’d ever reach so many hours, but there was always work that needed to be done, so I kept on volunteering and supporting the veterans,” Allen said. “I did what needed to get done and that’s what volunteers do,” she said. VA officials and others call Al-
len an icon and a bit of a celebrity at the medical center where she’s shared her time and talent in support of numerous services and outreach programs like the center’s Winter haven Homeless Veterans Stand Down; Nursing; Safety and Surgical; and the Senior Companion Program. Born in Macon, Georgia, Allen moved to Washington with her family when she was 3. While growing up, her parents maintained strict control of her time, including keeping close tabs on where she was and when she had to return home from outings. “You could catch a movie on Saturday and then you went to church on Sunday,” Allen said. “Sometimes, there would be church social on Sundays, too,” she said. Speaking about the various changes she’s witnessed from her teen years as compared to modern day, Allen said the differences are readily noticeable. “Clothing has changed a lot,” she said. “I don’t remember girls wearing shorts when I was growing up and kids today, they think they’re all grown up.” Allen conceded that the fault doesn’t always lie with the youth. “Some parents influence their kids to act more grown up before their time,” Allen said. “You see young ladies wearing heels and carrying purses and young people today don’t always
5 Mary Allen and Sabrina Clark, the Director of VA Voluntary Service.
dance properly,” she said. Once Allen retired from the State Department more than two decades ago, she began volunteering at the D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She picked the VA center for volunteer work because her husband served in the Navy during World War II – he also was a dis-
abled veteran – and her son is a Navy veteran, Allen said. “I started to volunteer in 1992 and my first volunteer assignment was working with the Diabetes clinic where a lot of filing was required for all of the information that was being collected,” she said.
Industrial Bank: A Legacy of Black Excellence
By Edwin Lake WI Contributing Writer
A crowd of over 200 streamed into the lower level of Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast on Nov. 1, eager to learn more about financial freedom and independence. And like they’ve been doing since their founding 83 years ago, Industrial Bank led the way, sponsoring a town hall meeting in partnership with The State of Emergency Coalition. The historic Black-owned bank, with its President B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr. and his senior leadership team at the helm, facilitated a conversation entitled “Black Wealth, Black Banks: The Role of the Black Bank in the Black Community.” The pastor of Union Temple, the Rev. Willie Wilson Sr., kicked off the evening indicating why the Coalition has been formed and why its members believe that positive action should now replace protest and rhetoric. “I think it is important for us
14 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
to have black banks and support our black banks,” Wilson said. Then, Mitchell, a lifelong Washingtonian and the grandson of the bank’s founder, Jesse H. Mitchell, addressed the audience. “My father drove a Chrysler all his life” he said. “He bought a Pontiac once, never a Cadillac.” Mitchell, a strident drum major for economic freedom, emphasized the importance of Blacks remembering that we are family. “How do we support each other?” he asked. “You have to be committed. There is a need for generational wealth to be passed on within the black community.” By the latest estimate, the spending power of Blacks in the U.S. hovers around $1.3 trillion – equivalent to the twelfth largest country in the world. But Mitchell said that despite the number, the Black community still has a litany of problems including high unemployment, low individual net worth, high incarceration rate and poor health.
“There is a direct correlation between health and wealth,” he said. Alyce Gullattee, 89, and a member of Union Baptist, was one of the oldest members of the audience and has been a member of the church for 43 years. “I think this evening was excellent,” she said. However, she added she wished the bank execs had given more information about how a young family with small children could save more money prior to youth attending college. Southeast resident Dexter Forbes said, “I want to build a relationship with a bank. But I need to know what they’ll give me in return.” Katherine Nixon said she once banked with Industrial but decided the fit wasn’t right. “I left because I wasn’t happy with the fees that the bank charged,” she said. “But I’m open now to see some of the changes they have made.” Crystal Bank stayed after the town hall to chat with area citizens and bank officials.
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VETERANS Page 39
5 Industrial Bank president B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr. /Photo by Roy Lewis
“I basically came to see if there was anything I could learn,” said Bank who added she’s looking toward her retirement and wants to maximize her income. Lester Hatcher, a retired Vietnam veteran, wore a cap proudly labeling his military service. “I was impressed with all the speakers,” he said. “I’ll be following up.”
David Alvaranga, who runs a small tax business and a landlord of several buildings in the District, couldn’t believe how many people attended. “Actually, I was surprised,” he said. “I didn’t expect so many people to attend and believe that given the information shared this evening, I may just begin banking with Industrial Bank.” WI
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BUSINESS
Business Exchange
In Remembrance of the Fat Man
by William Reed Fats Domino embodied the beat and pulse of black music. An entertainment legend the entire race can be proud of, the Fat Man was a musical genius and R&B and rock ‘n’ roll marvel that sold millions of records during his lifetime. “Black” from roots to demeanor, Fats dominated record sales and radio plays during his time. Domino’s personality and music broke through racial prejudice of the segregated era with hits such as “The Fat Man” (1949) and “Ain’t That A Shame” (1955). The Fat Man made music for generations. For 60 years, Domino’s sound was instantly recognizable, its uniqueness aided by sharp sidemen. Domino ruled over early rock for decades. Unlike many black artists exploited by record companies, Domino opted for contracts that paid him royalties based on sales of records. He was one of the first black artists on national television in the ‘50s, and toured widely in Alan Freed’s rock ‘n’ roll package shows Born Feb. 26, 1928, as Antoine Dominique Domino Jr., a name wonderfully evocative of his hometown New Orleans’ Creole-infused culture, he was the youngest of eight children in a family with Creole roots. Throughout his life, Fats resided in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward. Domino was a cultural icon from a cultural icon. New Orleans is a major influence on Black
culture. The Louisiana port city, nicknamed “The Big Easy” for its round-the-clock nightlife, is renowned for its live-music scene and cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. The city’s population of African-Americans during Fats’ heyday included Creoles descended from unions of Africans with French and Spanish. The Creoles often were labeled as “gens de couleur libres” (free people of color). Fats was at once urbane and country. He grew up and evolved in New Orleans’ 9th Ward, located in the easternmost downriver portion of the city and geographically the largest of its 17 wards. Music filled Fats’ life from the age of 10, when his family inherited an old piano. A self-taught player, he loved all the popular styles of music: boogie, ragtime and blues. Domino left school at 14 to focus on music taking on odd jobs like factory work and hauling ice. In 1947 Domino married Rosemary Hall, and they had eight children: Antoine III, Anatole, Andre, Antonio, Antoinette, Andrea, Anola and Adonica. Rosemary passed in 2008. Domino also began his music career in 1947, and by 1949 he was already a big draw around town. In his most profitable years, he sold 65 million singles along with 23 gold records, second only to Elvis Presley as a commercial force. In his career Domino sold over 100 million records. No less important was his influence on the music scene. For example, Chubby Checker of “The Twist” fame drew inspiration for his stage name from Domino’s. A major chunk of Domino’s earnings were from the royalties generated by his hit records. He had toured Europe for the first time in 1962 and met the Beatles in Liverpool, before they were famous. Like Ray Charles, Domino was a tour de force and and a headliner act, performing worldwide. In the mid-’60s, he appeared for 10 months a year in Las Vegas. On tour, he would bring his
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own pots and pans so he could cook. That ended in the early 1980s, when he decided that he did not want to leave New Orleans. In recent years, Fats was often seen driving a pink Cadil-
lac around New Orleans, after having emerged from his pinkroofed mansion. He regularly sported a white captain’s cap, with a fair splash of gold jewelry. Fats’ net worth at death exceeded $8 million. Fats was ide-
ally marketable, with his relentless left hand, Domino brought a propulsive rhythm that differed from other R&B music. His influence during the 1960s and 1970s made him a music icon. WI
All in a Year! Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., This is my birth month and I begin celebrating as soon as the month begins and ends just before Thanksgiving to allow others to take their focus off of me. My friends and family know that I take the celebrations of life very seriously. In my line of business we know that tomorrow is not promised. With that I am thoughtful about celebrating as many things that I can. In this year I have celebrated both of my children getting married. My first grandchild is celebrating her second birthday and another granddaughter to come was just announced. I am thrilled that my father just moved in with me. I am proud to announce that The Griffin Firm has just launched offices in Atlanta, GA and Durham, NC in addition to the DC-Chevy Chase, Prince George’s County and Baltimore offices where we meet clients. With that said, my estate planning needs are different. Before my children were married I was only taking into consideration the needs of my son and daughter. I now will consider the fact that there are other people that will impact their decision making. Seeing them smile makes me smile! I believe that they are indeed happily married to their spouses-TODAY! I am a lawyer, a professional pessimist by trade. I know that many marriages fail to survive. I am praying that my children’s marriages bring happiness until death at a very old age but the quote by Lee Childs “Hope for the best, plan for the worst!” describes my approach on estate planning. In creating my plan I don’t hope that everyone will agree to the action plan that I have set out. Frankly I don’t care if they agree. It is my plan and my wishes are all that matter. As the Bible states and the law enforces “Write the vision and make it plain so that they who see it can run with it”. I am writing my rules so that my children will be able to see and follow the rules that I have applied to my assets. I choose to think that I am not giving away my assets upon my passing but I am leaving the benefits of my assets. My values will be applied to my distributions. I had the painful experience of meeting with a mother who was very clear that she provided houses for her 3 children. 2 of the houses had already been distributed. 2 were not. One child had lived in one of the house for more than 20 years but no distribution plan had been written. The mom slipped into a coma and passed away before she could execute her estate plan. One of the siblings was adamant about receiving his legal portion of the estate. He didn’t care that the mom had specific plans. He didn’t care that his sister as going to lose her home that she had lived in for 20 years. He wanted his portion and the law allowed for the equal distribution of the assets which required liquidation to achieve. The Griffin Firm resigned from representing that family. Yet, many of us know stories of situations where families fall apart due to poor or no planning. I am thankful for having great team members who work for the Griffin Firm. I don’t want my lack of planning to create a situation where they no longer have a job when I pass away. I believe it is my responsibility to do things with decency and good order. The business that we are creating is not about me although I am blessed to work and build this company. The business is created to be a blessing to the workers, the clients and the community. We can’t prosper if our community doesn’t prosper. Each year the Griffin Firm has the practice of reaching out to our clients on the planniversary – the date of the signing of the estate plan. We want to make sure that through the life events and the relationship changes we experience during the creation of the plan is still reflective of the desires at this time. Our lives and relationships are dynamic. We must stay diligent to make sure that our plan is always positioned to create, protect and transfer wealth for your family and your community. Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 www.thegriffinfirm-PLLC.com 202-379-4738
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 15 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
NATIONAL Indictments Further Proof of Trump Campaign Collusion With Russian Officials
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
The Russia connection to the 2016 presidential election — specifically President Donald Trump’s victory — is no longer a conspiracy theory. Special counsel Robert Mueller and his team of investigators dropped a bomb on Washington and, pointedly, the White House. Mueller and the court documents, especially the guilty plea from former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos, wound up revealing a few things, including that Russia was trying to infiltrate the Trump campaign — and it succeed-
ed, at least to an extent. Papadopoulos was “proactive” in cooperating with the federal government, and given that he was arrested in July at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia — without any leaks — and a plea wasn’t officially announced until October, he may have been helping agents take measures to find out more information, possibly by wearing a wire, NPR reported. Other Trump campaign officials knew about Papadopoulos’ contacts with Russia, including the president, the attorney general and Sam Clovis, a former co-chairman of the campaign. As a result of the finding, Clovis
5 Sen. Kamala Harris said she would sign a bill to protect special counsel Robert Mueller from any interference by President Trump. /Courtesy photo
withdrew from a possible job in the Trump administration. Further, Mueller knows more than the public or reporters do and this is likely just the beginning as the circle gets tighter, and it is becoming apparent that Mueller has cooperating witnesses. Still, Democrats remain concerned that Trump, who has called the investigation a “witch hunt,” may find a way to undermine or even fire Mueller. “We must respond swiftly unequivocally and in a bipartisan way to any sign of interference,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). In a televised interview, Sen. Ed
Markey (D-Mass.) said lawmakers must make sure that the White House and Trump doesn’t fire Mueller. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said, “If there’s a bipartisan bill to protect him, absolutely I would support that.” It’s a legitimate concern that the special counsel could be fired, said Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.). “I would hope that some of the grownups in the administration would realize how bad it would be,” Leahy told NBC News. On Oct. 30, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and campaign associate Rick Gates were forced to surrender to federal author-
Republicans Roll Out Tax Reform for the Rich
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers plan to overhaul the tax code will see homeowners lose key tax breaks while corporate giants gain massive reductions in their bills. The plan reduces the current seven tax brackets for individuals to 12 percent, 25 percent, 35 percent, and 39.6 percent. Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst at Wolters Kluwer CCH in suburban Chicago, told USA Today that the 39.6 percent bracket was notable. “They had been saying the focus would be on middle-class tax cuts,” he said. “They probably stuck that in to skew the cuts more to the middle class.” That 39.6 percent bracket would kick in above $1 million in income for married couples, or $500,000 for others. Also, a core element of the GOP plan would be a major downsizing of the many deductions that have cluttered up the nation’s tax code over the years.
16 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
Many individual write-offs would disappear, though the charitable-donation deduction would be retained and homeowners would keep at least some of their key breaks. Deductions that would be eliminated include those for state and local income taxes, casualty losses and medical expenses, though current law only allows medical write-offs greater than 10 percent of income. Also, the plan would scrap the personal exemption, USA Today reported. Deductions for alimony payments and moving costs would also be repealed. In addition, the bill would scale down some higher-education benefits, including the interest deduction on student loans and a deduction for tuition expenses. To compensate, the House Republican proposal would roughly double the standard deduction, which would benefit about 70 percent of Americans who utilize this tax break rather than itemizing deductions separately. The new standard deduction would jump to $12,000 from $6,350 for single taxpayers, with
a rise to $24,000 from $12,700 for married couples filing jointly. It would be indexed for inflation, meaning the 2018 amount for married couples, for example, actually would be set at $24,400. The two key housing write-offs — affecting mortgage interest and property taxes — would change for some people. Existing homeowners still would be able to deduct their mortgage interest, as is currently the case. But future homebuyers would be limited to deducting interest on up to $500,000 in debt, down from a current cap of $1 million, Luscombe noted. The mortgage-interest changes would apply to housing loans incurred after Nov. 2. This deduction would be limited to primary residences only — compared with one primary residence and one other home, under current law. So someone buying a property for $550,000 and making a $50,000 down payment could still write off interest in full on the remaining $500,000 debt. The property-tax deduction is another key item, especially in states
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like New Jersey and Illinois, where rates are high, and those like California where seven-figure home values are common. Under the proposal, homeowners would be able to deduct up to $10,000 a year in state and local property taxes. The proposal also would curtail Americans’ ability to avoid taxes on housing capital gains, according to a USA Today analysis. Currently, people can skirt taxes on up to $250,000 of gains (singles) or $500,000 of gains (married couples) if they both own and use a residence for at least two of the prior five years. The new plan would require homeowners to own and use a personal residence for five of the previous eight years. Also, this break would phase out for singles earning above $250,000 and couples making in excess of $500,000. The proposal would preserve the existing credit for child and dependent care. This tax break assists families in the care of children and older
TAXES Page 17
ities after being hit with a 12-count indictment. “The special counsel has found a reason on criminal violations to indict two individuals and I will leave that up to the special counsel to make that determination,” Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, who is leading his own Senate investigation into any connections Russia may have had to the Trump campaign, told CNN. “It doesn’t change anything with our investigation,” Burr said. “Two individuals that we’ve gotten documents from. We have, we had interest in them, but clearly the criminal charges put them in the special counsel’s purview.” Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said Trump should let the investigation unfold. “The president should let the special counsel do his job,” Grassley said. Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, told CNN, “Papadopoulos is direct evidence that someone with the campaign was being contacted by Russians with information they had lots of, so-called ‘dirt,’ emails on Hillary Clinton.” Asked if it fed the collusion narrative, Warner said there were still “more questions to be answered.” “We continue to see evidence that Russians were reaching out to Trump officials in a variety of ways, offering discrediting information on Hillary Clinton that included their emails,” Warner said. Meanwhile, Democrats argued that the indictments showed that Congress needed to continue its own investigations. “Charges against Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, two integral members of President Trump’s campaign, show that the special counsel is doing his job and the process is working,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate judiciary committee, said in a statement. “I’ll continue to support Bob Mueller as he follows the facts — his independence must remain sacrosanct. “I’m also more convinced than ever that both the Judiciary Committee and Intelligence Committee must continue their oversight investigations,” Feinstein said. “Congress must get to the bottom of possible obstruction of justice and collusion as well as Russia’s interference with our democratic institutions.” Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that “even with an accelerating Special Counsel investigation inside the Justice Department, and investigations inside the Republican Congress, we still need an outside, fully independent investigation to expose Russia’s meddling in our election and the involvement of Trump officials.” WI
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NATIONAL
RAINBOW PUSH ON THE MOVE:
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., founder and president, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund will sponsor the 10th Annual Media & Telecommunications Symposium Nov. 14-15 at the AT & T Forum for Technology, Entertainment & Policy, 601 New Jersey Ave. NW. Topics of discussion will include: Economic Development Through Smart Cities; Millennials, Hip-Hop Culture, Tech Activism and Social Responsibility and The Future of Work. The twoday event will also include a visit to the Hill and a star-studded awards night honoring some of the country’s most innovative technology leaders. Jackson had this to say about the upcoming symposium: “We have long discussed freedom but not economic equality. We want to be free and equal and that means having access whether it’s the Black Church or hip-hop millennials. We must master the language and skills used in the high tech industry which is the heart of today’s science. For more information, go to www.rainbowpush. org
TAXES from Page16 dependents such as disabled grandparents. It also retains the Earned Income Tax Credit, a popular break for low-income individuals. While the tax-reform plan retains that top 39.6 percent bracket, it still offers some big potential breaks for the rich. Most significant is the eventual repeal of the estate tax, or “death tax,” which applies to less than 1 percent of Americans, after six years. It also would immediately double the estate-tax exemption or exclusion amount, which is currently slightly above $5 million. Tim Steffen, director of advanced planning for Baird Private Wealth Management, told USA Today that he doesn’t expect this tax will be repealed ultimately. “Estate taxes are viewed as a tax only on the rich, and that’s not exactly a sympathetic group,” he said. Also, the bill would repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax, a parallel tax system designed to ensure that nobody can use so many exemptions, deductions, credits and the like to avoid paying taxes. “Congressional Republicans have taken great pains to spin their tax scheme as great for the middle class, but a few marginal changes don’t change the fact that their plan
is fundamentally a massive giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of the middle class,” said Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. Robert Casey. “By eliminating key deductions like the deduction for state and local sales and income tax and the $4,050 personal exemption per family member, some middle-class families in Pennsylvania could see their taxes rise while the super-rich get a windfall,” he said. This proposal finances tax giveaways to the 1 percent while it eliminates the vital tax deductions to help middle-class families adopt children and pay their medical bills, Casey said. “This Republican tax bill, which provides a $1.5 trillion tax cut for corporations, comes on the heels of passage just last week of a Republican budget which proposes cutting Medicare and Medicaid by the same amount, $1.5 trillion,” he said. The senator added that there’s a need to reform the tax code for the middle class and small businesses, but the congressional Republican outline does the opposite, providing massive giveaways to the super rich and large corporations. “Congressional Republicans should scrap this obscene plan and start over with a bipartisan process that raises incomes for the middle class and creates jobs,” Casey said. WI
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BUS RAPID TRANSIT ON US 29
OPEN HOUSE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM East County Regional Service Center - Main Meeting Room 3300 Briggs Chaney Rd Silver Spring, MD 20904
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Montgomery Blair High School Cafeteria 51 University Blvd East Silver Spring, MD 20901
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2017
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Silver Spring Civic Center Great Hall 1 Veterans Plaza Silver Spring, MD 20910
BRT, Bus Rapid Transit, is coming to US 29 in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation invites you to a public Open House* to learn more about project and see station concepts and designs. We are eager for residents to learn more about BRT and the project staff will be ready to answers questions and collect your valuable input. Please spread the word about these important meetings to friends and neighbors. This is a family friendly event! * Note: The three meetings will be identical and attendance at only one is necessary. Sign language interpreters and other assistive services will be provided upon request. Contact Darcy Buckley at (240) 777-7166 or send a request to darcy.buckley@montgomerycountymd.gov.
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 17 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
INTERNATIONAL Compiled by Lauren Poteat / WI Contributing Writer
African Music Industry Adapts to Digital World In 2015, more than $10 billion in royalties were collected in over 123 countries worldwide. However, out of that number, only about one percent came from the African continent. Despite being the second-largest mobile market after the Asia-Pacific zone, Africa is the least covered region in the world. Less than half of Africa’s population is subscribed to mobile networks, and according to Internet Live Stats, only about 23 percent of Africans, or about 281 million people, have access to the internet, making it more difficult for musicians to sell their music. Though these statistics may seem alarming, connectivity in Africa is on the rise, just in time for the new wave of African electronic music, which combines traditional songs and rhythms with experimental sounds from the latest technology.
5 Technology takes African music to a different level. /Courtesy of idmmag.com
Angelique Kidjo Coming to Kennedy Center
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Grammy-winning singer and humanitarian Angelique Kidjo, “Africa’s premier diva,” will make her way to the Kennedy Center in D.C. this month. The Benin-born Kidjo, whose high-energy international music intertwines with West African traditions, will perform at the venue on Nov. 30. Kidjo, who rose from poverty to international stardom, takes listeners through a journey from her escape into France from the Communist-controlled Benin, her start in music and her current organization Batonga Foundation, which aids African women and children.
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D.C. Embassy Highlights African Films
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18 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
The Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., next week will hold a free screening of the 2015 film “Hope” as part of an extensive film series in the city. The embassy will host the screening on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in conjunction with the “Films Across Border: Stories of Migration” series, which aims to showcase “inspiring stories of courage, hope, and determination, as international voices and perspectives are portrayed via dramatic features, documentaries and shorts.” The film, penned by French writer Boris Lojkine, chronicles the pragmatic but affectionate alliance between a young Nigerian woman and a Cameroonian man battling cruel circumstances in hopes of reaching the shores of Spain.
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5 A scene from the film “Hope” ture.org
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10/23/17 3:32 19 PM NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
HEALTH Opioid Epidemic Hits D.C. Hard
Legislative, Health Care Officials Speak Out
stand the multilevel and overlapping nature of the epidemic and their social and structural determinants,” said Janice Berry Edwards, a clinical social worker in D.C. and associate professor in the School of Social Work at Howard University. “We must move away from blaming the abuser, and examine our own attitudes toward the client and their addiction and get the client and the providers of care, families and communities to buy into solutions. “We must understand the psychology of dependence,” she said. “Social work brings to the discussion of treatment our longstanding framework of
By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer With the number of opioid overdoses in the District nearly tripling over the past two years and showing greater impacts on Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8, legislative and health care professionals met for a symposium at Howard University on Nov. 2 to discuss how to stem the tide. The spate of deaths hit the city’s population of older blacks particularly hard. In 2016, 78 percent of all opioid-related deaths were African-Americans, with 81 percent between 40 to 69 years old. “We must work to under-
5 A forum was held at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium Thursday, Nov. 2 on the District of Columbia’s opioid crisis. /Photo by Roy Lewis
understanding the client from a bio-psychosocial, fiscal, environmental and spiritual lens. … All clients have strengths and resilience, embracing and working with their strengths is key.” In February, a bill to make naloxone, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, was passed unanimously in the D.C. Council. However, the city’s health department has yet to regulate whether pharmacies can begin selling the drug without a prescription. Maryland and Virginia are among six states that have declared state of emergencies re-
garding opioid abuse and have made naloxone available without a prescription. “The devastating impact that opioid addiction has had on communities throughout this country requires that we identify collaborative and comprehensive solutions to address this epidemic,” said Howard University Provost Anthony K. Wutoh. “Howard University is poised to convene leaders in various disciplines to take a step forward in finding solutions to this crisis.” Event chairman Earl B. Ettienne, director of graduate programs and industry part-
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nerships in the College of Pharmacy, said he believed the symposium would lay the groundwork for prescriptive solutions to combat the epidemic. “Ultimately, our plan is to compile narratives and solutions from the symposium proceedings and submit them for action in the District and in the devastated communities in the nation at large,” Ettienne said. “Our expectation is that our students will serve as the nation’s best and brightest health care professionals and should be duly informed from the field.” WI
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HEALTH
Trump Undercuts Obamacare as New Enrollment Begins
Story of HOPE
5 Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker urges residents to enroll in the ACA. /Courtesy photo
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The annual enrollment period is underway for the Affordable Care Act, but President Donald Trump has sabotaged his predecessor’s health care law by taking away advertising and publicity, which has led to millions failing to enroll and placing their well-being in peril. A new analysis from the Center for American Progress finds that in the absence of the Trump administration’s widespread sabotage of the ACA, 12.2 million Americans would otherwise have enrolled in the marketplace in 2018, holding steady from 2017. CAP Health Economist Emily Gee, who calculated annual enrollment projections at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a former economist for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation under the Obama administration, calculated the predictions. “Without the Trump administration’s blatant efforts to make it harder for Americans to obtain health insurance, CAP’s analysis shows that open enrollment would remain steady this year at about 12.2 million enrollees,” Gee said. “Instead, people we could otherwise count on to sign up could be left in the cold and without the proper support and details on how to enroll.” CAP developed an estimate of potential 2018 enrollment by using data from 2016 and 2017
and by adopting the framework that HHS used for its prior marketplace projections. In the absence of sabotage, CAP projects that a total of 12.2 million people would have selected plans for 2018, consisting of about 8.1 million re-enrollees and 4.1 million new enrollees. CAP believes this is a conservative estimate given that within days of Trump taking office, the new administration cut off HealthCare.gov advertising and signaled its intent to repeal the ACA. Midway through last year’s open enrollment period, enrollment was surpassing the previous year’s levels. The Trump administration’s active steps to undermine the law seem likely to depress enrollment in 2018. These sabotage efforts include cutting the duration of the open enrollment period in half; slashing the marketplace advertising budget by 90 percent, despite the proven effectiveness of outreach and television advertising in getting people covered; and cutting funding to navigator groups that provide valuable in-person assistance to consumers in need of coverage, CAP officials said. The ACA marketplaces’ fifth open-enrollment period, during which people can sign up for health insurance coverage for 2018, began Nov. 1 and ends in most states on Dec. 15. For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI
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NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 21 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
HEALTH
New Book Details Navy Vet’s Dyslexia Battle
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
Lawrence Schneider, an Air Force veteran and former research engineer at NASA, grew up in Cleveland but has lived a large part of his life in Maryland. The award-winning sculptor and author who penned the 2014 book, “Insight in 3D: Ten Years of Sculpture,” has released his memoir, “Say Yes on Saturday.” The 288-page memoir touches on Schneider’s upbringing during the Great Depression and his taking on a successful STEM career despite battling dyslexia and other learning disabilities. “I thought I was going to be the only kid in the world to fail third grade. The other kids were hard on me,” Schneider said. “I was an introvert and dyslexia added a layer of shyness. Dyslexia forced me to work harder and play less,” he said. Dyslexia is a rare disorder that involve difficulty in learning to read
or interpret words and letters. By the time Schneider entered high school, he had learned to overcome dyslexia with hard work, persistence and the determined support of his mother, he said. Today there are helpful computer tools like spelling checkers and writers can seek the help of editors, Schneider said, adding that it didn’t hurt that he married a legal secretary. “There is a well-studied advantage to having dyslexia. People with dyslexia are often more creative, persistent, and risk tolerant,” he said. “Successful dyslexics include Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg, and many others.” Schneider’s book chronicles “Clarence,” a shy dyslexic boy from a working class family in Cleveland whose grandfather predicts that he would be special someday if he tests himself by facing challenging adventures. When Clarence falls in love
with a beautiful outgoing girl who doesn’t even recognize his existence, he resolves to change in order to win her. After a lifetime of searching and struggling, Clarence discovers the true meaning of life, loyalty, and love. Publishers of the book note that if readers join Clarence in his quest, they’ll discover what he learns, be entertained to know how he overcomes his shortcomings, and perhaps find inspiration to reconnect with their own dreams. They’ll also learn much about Schneider’s unlikely journey from having a learning disability to becoming a key cog for NASA. “I graduated as an aeronautical engineer in 1959, shortly after the Soviet Union launched the first man made satellite, ‘Sputnik.’ That event triggered the creation of NASA and I became a part of the space race with my first job at NASA in Huntsville, Alabama,” Schneider said. Two years later, Schneider joined his cousin to pursue a long held dream of designing a short-takeoffand landing airplane. The duo formed a startup com-
pany and successfully developed two unique airplanes. After a company takeover, he went on to work in the aerospace industry while earning an advanced degree in computer systems management which, along with his vast experience, prepared Schneider for a career as a computer systems manager at the Social Security Administration. He then became a full-time sculptor. “A woodcarving hobby triggered my interest and love for creating three dimensional figures. I discovered a new talent for telling stories with art,” Schneider said. “After 10 years of creating sculptures, I self-published a coffee table book celebrating the milestone so when I am gone I would like to pass on hard-won life experiences and insights to my yet-to-be-born descendants,” he said. Those yet-to-be-born descendants are likely to first learn about Schneider’s life experiences when they are young, so he feared that a dull memoir would stay on the shelf unread, he said. “Because a good story is more likely to interest them, I chose fic-
5 Lawrence Schneider holds a copy of his new book. /Courtesy photo
tion that is based on a true story and reviewers of the finished story encouraged me to share it with the public as a novel,” Schneider said. “Say Yes on Saturday,” is available at amazon.com or lawrenceschneider.com. WI
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HEALTH
Nation’s Premature Birthrate on the Rise Report Shows Race and Zip Code May Put Infants at Risk By Tatyana Hopkins WI Staff Reporter The largest contributor of infant death in the U.S. is on the rise again for the second year in a row after nearly a decade of decline. 2016 saw that rise of preterm birth, or birth before 35 weeks of pregnancy, in states across the country, earning
the nation a “C” grade on the latest March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card. There are typically more than 380,00 preterm births in the country, but in 2016 an additional 8,000 premature births were recorded, an occurrence that puts babies at greater risk for death before their first birthday, as well as
lifelong disabilities and chronic illness. The preterm birth rate nationwide increased from 9.6 percent to 9.8 percent. “March of Dimes is dedicated to giving every baby a fair chance for a healthy start in life and our work is more vital than ever,” said March of Dimes President Stacey D. Stewart. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization has advocated for pregnancy and baby health. The rates for premature birth worsened in 43 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico and along all racial lines. The March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card provides grades for all 50 states based on the most recent National Center for Health Statistics data. The District’s preterm birth rate of 10.7 percent earned it a “D” on the 2017 report card, joining 11 other states. Only four states earned an “A,” while 13 states earned a “B” and 18 got a “C.” Four states and Puerto Rico received an “F.”
THANK YOU SAFETY FOR YOURFIRST! PATIENCE! Washington Gas’ PROJECTpipes is a pipe replacement program to Washington Gas is committed toColumbia. safetyIt isand modernize the natural gas system in the District of part of our ongoing commitment to safely and reliably deliver natural gas service to your the delivery of reliable natural gas to your community. We realize that our work causes disruptions and we apologize for the inconvenience. PROJECTpipes is an accelerated community. Our workreplacement along 17th Street, NEprogram entails the replacement of 144 pipe designed toservice lines and 4,745 feet of main. We are coordinating our efforts with DDOT’s 17th modernize gas main service inStreet, NE is Street Reconstruction Project. Ourand construction work lines along 17th expected to be completed by September 2017, after which we will continue neighborhoods throughout the District of along 17th Street into SE. The SE phase of the project includes replacing 81Columbia. service lines and 1,690 feet of main. Please remember that our project schedule may change due to weather, our ability to access customers’ property to complete our work, and other circumstances beyond our control.
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The study noted a worsening in the premature birth disparity rates across racial and ethnic groups and has not shown improvement in any state since 2012. Nationwide, Black women are 49 percent more likely to deliver preterm compared to white women, and Native American women are 18 percent more likely to deliver preterm than their white counterparts.
“The 2017 March of Dimes Report Card demonstrates that moms and babies in this country face a higher risk of preterm birth based on race and zip code,” Steward said. “This is an unacceptable trend and it needs immediate attention.” In D.C., the premature birth rate among Black women is 61 percent higher than the rate among all other women in the city. Babies who survive a preterm birth often suffer from serious and lifelong health problems such as breathing problems, jaundice, vision loss, cerebral palsy and intellectual delays. Premature births account for more than $26 billion a year in avoidable medical and societal costs, according to the National Academy of Medicine. The organization said it is taking action on multiple fronts both nationally and in communities with the greatest needs to spread innovation and create safer delivery outcomes for patients. In the District, it operates The Stork’s Nest, a program based at Unity Parkside Health Center, that encourages high-risk and underserved pregnant women to keep prenatal appointments and participate in educational sessions. It also runs a program based at Mamatoto Village to educate perinatal health workers on birth spacing, family planning and smoking cessation during pregnancy. Nationally, the organization says it looks to expand scientific research and increase education for women and health care professionals through social media campaigns and strengthening advocacy and programs that improve perinatal health outcomes. “In addition to discovering new ways to prevent premature birth and improve the care that women receive, it’s essential that we improve the broader social context for health,” said Dr. Paul E. Jarris, the chief medical officer at the March of Dimes. For national and local information visit peristats.org. WI
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November Greetings From DC Office on Aging Laura Newland DC Office on Aging Executive Director
This month is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month. I’m excited to share a guest submission from our very own Aurora Delespin-Jones, Program Manager for the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA). Aurora has dedicated her career to serving District residents and was the 2016 winner of the Morris & Gwendolyn
Cafritz Foundation Award for Distinguished D.C. Government Employees. She brings creativity, compassion, and leadership to her role here at DCOA and I’m grateful to have her lead a team that works passionately with all our community partners to deliver programs that matter to our seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers. It’s a privilege to share her words of inspiration with all of you, as we are fortunate to receive them so often from her as we work tireless-
ly to be an agency of people serving people, from the heart. To all caregivers, thank you for what you do, day in and day out. Thank you for spreading kindness as you improve the quality of life for those you care for. Know that you are not alone in your journey and DCOA is here to support you. We are honored to celebrate you, not just during the month of November, but every day of the year!
Guest Column From DC Office on Aging
Aurora Delespin Jones Wow, how time flies! On October 18, 2017, I celebrated what would have been my mother’s 102nd birthday. It seems like an eternity, yet only yesterday since I heard her voice calling my name; felt her warmth as she held me tightly during night turnings; saw her infectious smile affirming daily her unconditional love for me; and more importantly, what I interpreted as her gratefulness for the care she received in her home from her immediate and church families, paid caregivers, and friends. In retrospect, my heart aches without her, but the prospect of the impact this article may have in helping someone move forward with hope through the caring process for a loved one with dementia or a debilitating illness is overshadowing my pain. My mom’s challenge with renal failure, high blood pressure, and heart attacks were minor in the scheme of things compared to our challenge with her dementia. You see, I could give her a pill and monitor her diet and exercise to control the former; however, there was no band-aide large enough to cover the expansive open wound of dementia. Nor was there a topical potion to dry up the continuous and uncharacteristically oozing
of behaviors mom displayed. The purse that rested on the nightstand behind the lamp by her bedside each day would later be lost frequently and found in the oddest places. Or, what we referred to as her “three Faces of Eve”-- frustration, emotional outbursts, or gratefulness—would show up almost simultaneously at meal, bath, or bedtimes, on days she was not willing to comply with anything and confused by everything! Oh, how I love her even the more as I share, and the tears I am shedding are of joy because I seized each opportunity to care. And I optimized every resource at my disposal, with a limited budget to ensure my mom had the best in the comfort of her home. Balancing the responsibility of two homes, a career, a robust ministry, and family on a high-wire was draining then, and now satisfying, because I found a way to get it all done! And I’ve used the lessons learned to coordinate my own care-web (a coordinated system of supports, services and resources, scripted for caregivers) to follow when I need care. So, this is my prospect of helping other care providers for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Caring is critical for people with dementia and more critically important for the unpaid care provider. You must find time outside the daily routine for respite. You must find balance by establishing boundaries for your own wellbeing during the journey. It is a researched fact that many caregivers, especially women, suffer from poor health and die prematurely due to lack of self-care. Statistically speaking, if you are one of the 43.5 million estimated unpaid caregivers in America, count yourself important enough to get regular check-ups, take long soothing baths, block out time for a monthly movie with popcorn and the works! Take advantage of every available discount or free service you can to meet the needs of you and the care recipient. Share with others as often
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times and watch a lot of comedies for cure. Take up a hobby, try to be a social butterfly, and dance when you can. This will help strengthen you in living well. And, when the winds of frustration blow hard and the despair of the inevitable becomes a reality, you will be better prepared to stand firm on the high-wire! In recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, I salute and honor all care providers. I acknowledge your labor of love and dedicated
as you can to pour out toxic feelings of guilt, loneliness, frustration, and social depravity. And replenish yourself with tools to cope and new methodologies to try as shared by others. Make a list of your own care providers, medications, physicians and care preferences to ease the burden and ensure your wishes are met if you become ill. Engage in laughter, be silly at
S
spirit—and ask that you care for yourselves more deeply. Please know that we at the D.C. Office on Aging are in it with you. You are not alone! I am appreciative of this opportunity for retrospection and the prospectus of encouraging you again as you move forward in the care process. Until then, love yourself as you love others. Still in one peace! Aurora
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NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 25 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
EDUCATION Private Schools Driving Segregation of District’s Students: Report Reveals By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer When it comes to the segregation of students in the District a new study suggests private schools play a significant role in the issue. According to an Albert Shanker Institute research brief, “Public and Private School Segregation in the District of Columbia,” released Wednesday, Nov. 1, they found that segregation is more pronounced when both sectors are considered together than when either the public or private sector is considered alone.
“This is because a substantial proportion of total citywide segregation is due to the separation of students between sectors, particularly the fact that private schools enroll just 15 percent of D.C. students, but about 57 percent of its white students,” wrote Matthew Di Carlo and Kinga Wysienska-Di Carlo, the report’s authors. The report said that total segregation in D.C. may be even greater than previously thought, since virtually no analysis included private school students. “It also means that, even if public schools were perfectly integrated, citywide segregation
would remain quite extensive, since over half of the city’s white students would still be separated from public school students, who constitute about 85 percent of the city’s students,” the authors said. “In a very loose sense, D.C.’s private schools serve as the segregation equivalent of a suburb within the city.” The Shanker Institute said that they used traditional public, charter and private schools to provide a comprehensive portrait of student segregation in the nation’s capital. The report also found that in the private school sector, the separation of white students from African-American and Latino students remains the primary driver of segregation of those three groups. In public schools, however, the separation of African-American and Latino students from each other contributes as much to total segregation as does the separation of white students from African-American and Latino students. “This analysis shows that private schools are a big factor in the overall segregation picture,” said Elizabeth Davis, president of Washington Teachers Union. “But that doesn’t mean that we don’t need to do more to pro-
DMV Students Stage Walkouts for DACA By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer
Nov. 9 officially marks two months since President Trump rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and with the country’s attention elsewhere, immigrant advocates are pressing Congress not
to forget about the undocumented youth affected by the decision. Hundreds of students across the DMV were to lead walkouts and rallies Thursday morning, calling for Congress to pass the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, without any amendments for increased enforcement against
Dreamers, or immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as youths by their parents. The walkouts were to begin about 9 a.m., with many students in the D.C. region planning to mobilize at Columbus Circle and hit Capitol Hill. “The biggest misconception about DACA and the ‘Dreamers’
5 DACA protest at White House and march Tuesday, Sept 5. /Photo by Roy Lewis
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5 A student engages in classroom activities. /Courtesy photo
mote integration within the public school sector. It’s the right thing to do, for the benefit of all our students.” The report also said that citywide, 60.5 percent of the typical white student’s peers are also white, though only 15 percent of the city’s students are white. “Even in a city where the vast majority of students are minorities, the average white student still attends a mostly white school,” the authors said. “This is rather striking and is indicative of the concentration of white students in certain schools in both public and private school sectors.”
In the public sector, the typical white student attends a school in which roughly 42 percent of their peers are also white, despite the fact that less than eight percent of public school students are white. Conversely, in the private sector, about 65 percent of the typical African-American student’s peers are also African-American, even though only 28 percent of private school students are African-American, the report said. “Overall, students in D.C. attend schools in which their own races or ethnicities are strongly overrepresented,” the authors wrote. WI
is that we still have time,” said Bruna B. Bouhid, national communications manager for United We Dream, an immigrant advocacy organization. “Even though the end DACA has already been secured, Trump has still placed a mark of March 5, as the very last closeout day, so many residents think that the Dreamers still have more time. However, people have already started losing their citizenship status and more will continue to follow unless we get this Dream Act passed which we are hoping to accomplish by the end of December. “We know the truth,” Bouhid said. “With DACA, almost a million young people of color were finally getting ahead. Trump killed DACA to set them back, criminalize them, deport them. We need Congress to pass a clean Dream Act to restore dignity and justice.” Participating students came from schools including Trinity University, Woodrow Wilson High School, University of the District of Columbia, American University, School Without Walls of Washington DC, George Washington University, Georgetown University and Montgomery College’s Rockville and Takoma Park campuses. The walkouts were the latest in a
string of protests related to Trump’s decision and came on the heels of nearly 150 Dreamers nationwide converging on D.C. last month to implore Congress to pass the DREAM Act. “While in D.C., I was able to share my story with Congressman [Daniel] Webster’s office, and it was so empowering to be sharing something that I never talked about for 16 years,” said one of the Dreamers, Maria Rodriguez, in an op-ed published by USA Today. “I had always feared government officials knowing these facts about my life, yet there I was standing tall and owning the difficulties a broken immigration system had brought into my life. “I was nervous and my voice was trembling, but this was my time to be heard,” Rodriguez said. “I finally had the chance to stand up for people who wanted nothing other than a fair shot at a future in the country they have lived in and contributed to for years. … [And] I will continue to fight, alongside the inspiring individuals I met last week, for immigration reform that recognizes our humanity and creates a fair shot at something we have worked so hard for — citizenship.” WI
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Black Women’s Group Tackles Racial Disparity in Health Issues By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) recently held its Biennial Affiliates Assembly, where it pushed an initiative of health disparity awareness and clinical trials for people of color. Eschewing the usual gala atmosphere of elaborate gowns and lively libations, the Nov. 4 event at the JW Marriott hotel in Northwest was an opportunity for the organization and its national affiliates to exchange plans and ideas, particularly concerning Black health issues. “We all know the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman who sought treatment for cervical cancer back in 1951 — whose cells were taken without her or her family’s knowledge or consent, and we’ll never forget about the Tuskegee syphilis study where researchers were dishonest with hundreds of Black men,” said guest speaker Dara Richardson-Heron, chief engagement officer for the National Institute of Health’s All of Us research program. “These egregious abuses, just to name a few, have understandably led to many minorities being hesitant or skeptical when considering whether to share medical histories or partake in clinical trials,” Richardson-Heron said. “But here’s the problem: these hesitancies have drastically led to limited research and proper medication done on behalf of people of color.” With African-Americans dying twice as often from Alzheimer’s disease, having a 77 percent higher risk of diabetes, and being twice as likely to die from heart disease than whites, Richardson-Heron strongly advocated for clinical trials and the participation in NIH’s All of Us program. “Most medicines are designed for the average white patient,” she said. “Through the All of Us program, we are seeking to build the largest and most diverse research cohort data. Our goal is to enroll and retain one million or more volunteers in order to advance innovative health research that may lead to more precise treatments and prevention strategies.”
Though the event’s health segment was informative, other NCNW members and affiliates questioned the organization’s agenda on public policy, with many seeking clarity on the term “public policy” and how to properly address the issues raised.
“Collaboration, communication and public policy will be our new focus moving forward,” said NCNW President Ingrid Saunders Jones. “We will also focus externally and on infrastructure process and procedures, along with fundraising.” WI
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FREE LIFELINE 5 The National Council of Negro Women held its Biennial Affiliates Assembly at the JW Marriott Hotel in D.C. on Nov. 4. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL It’s Guns That Kill People Not Attitudes, Religion or Race The mass shooting in the small village of Sutherland Springs, Texas, carried out by a lone gunman during worship service at the town’s First Baptist Church last Sunday morning, illustrates once again that the improper use of guns always has the same result: death. Dozens were hit with bullets resulting in 26, at last count, losing their lives who ranged in age from 72 to 18 months. Once again, America must take a stark examination of its current laws related to how easily citizens can purchase weapons and the disconcerting trend of how those guns are used to murder innocent people. A small town in Texas now becomes part of a list of murder sites that include Orlando and Las Vegas – all within the last year and a half. But in each case, President Trump has put the blame on the wrong culprit – from “better mental health” to going after immigrants with new laws that ban their entry into the U.S. – rather than the true culprit – guns. When we look at countries comparable to the U.S. in socioeconomic success, that is income per person and average education level, America ranks ninth in the world, bested by Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Iceland, Andorra, Canada and Finland. Each enjoys lower rates of gun violence, while the U.S. has the 31st highest rate in the world: 3.85 deaths due to gun violence per 100,000 people in 2016 – eight times higher than the rate in Canada, which had .48 deaths per 100,000 people — and 27 times higher than the one in Denmark, which had .14 deaths per 100,000. Even extremely poor countries like Bangladesh and Laos have lower rates with prosperous Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan boasting the absolute lowest rates, although the United Kingdom and Germany are in almost as good a shape. As for the U.S., we have a long, troubling history with our love for gun ownership and our innocuous claim on the right to bear arms as guaranteed in the Constitution. America stands in a class of its own when it comes to gun homicides and while each recent example of gun violence has renewed the debate over gun laws in the U.S., nothing has been done. Meanwhile, research shows that other developed countries do better than us because we have so many guns and such easy access to them compared to everyone else. In 1996, after 35 people died and 23 more were injured in a mass shooting in Tasmania, Australia’s government teamed up with political groups to institute legislation that restricted gun availability including a buy-back program that reduced firearms there by 20 percent. Today, they have 0.1 gun homicides per 100,000. When will America ever learn? We need to face our demons and reality and take guns and the ease with which they can be purchased, out of the equation. Will our legislators and president have the courage to do the right thing? For now, it does not appear so. WI
When Honor is Due to the Men and Women in Blue
It is neither false nor unthinkable that most cops deserve recognition and even praise for the many ways they put their lives on the line and the extraordinary acts of generosity they contribute to make a city safe and to protect its residents. It is not politically incorrect to celebrate those who have chosen to dedicate their lives in this way. It is in this vein that MPD’s Seventh District Commander Regis Bryant hosted the Police & Community Awards Dinner, honoring the district’s men and women officers and the citizens who support the district. Bryant, who was promoted to commander last December, reinstated the annual event that hasn’t been held in the past four years. It was a true moment of joy for the capacity-filled room of officers, their families and residents who got a brief snapshot of the daily commitment officers make in neighborhoods in Wards 7 and 8. Bryant said, “It’s no secret that Seventh District is the busiest and most challenged district as it relates to violent crime.” Despite reports that crime is down, Bryant’s district is still plagued by gun violence and robberies. Yet, he is proud that none of his officers were lost in the line of duty last year, and that his district still maintains a long-standing reputation for producing some of the best police officers on the MPD. “I will continue to strive to improve upon this tradition,” said Bryant, a 26-year veteran of MPD. Two of Seventh District’s youngest recruits, minted on the job just six WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
TO THE EDITOR Pot-Smoking Teens Plaguing Neighborhood I read your article, “SE Community Split on Future of Shepherd Park,” with great interest. I walk past that park each and every morning. I agree that something needs to be done to beautify and clean it up, but I think there is a more pressing issue for the neighborhood. How in the world does any business operate before 9 o’clock in the morning on the 3700 block of Martin Luther King Avenue? There are so many students from Ballou High School all over the place smoking pot. I mean in every nook and cranny, even on The Informer’s steps. What can they be learning in school if they are going to school high? I just wonder, how in the world can you do business with that stuff going on? At least if they are doing it in the park, they are not impeding people from making a living or doing business. To me, that’s what the petition needs to be about, getting those kids from in front of the businesses and getting them to school. Barbara Smith Washington, D.C.
months ago, said they love being police officers and are happy to be assigned to the Seventh District because, “It’s like a family.” And that’s Bryant’s mission – to achieve a better quality of life through “positive communications, visible goals and mutual understanding” between his diverse group of officers, the residents and business owners in a community that is also becoming more diverse.
D.C. City Council Must Regulate Commercial Operators Exploiting Airbnb Airbnb began as a way for people to garner extra income by renting out their home when they take a family vacation or go out of town on business. However, illegal hotel operators have bastardized the system by buying entire apartment complexes and renting them through Airbnb as if they are hotel suites. This savvy operation to operate hotels without paying taxes sucks up already limited housing options in D.C., raising rent costs for single mothers already struggling to get by. In 2016, for example, the median rent grew by nearly 15 percent in Airbnb’s top 20 D.C. neighborhoods. It is high-time that D.C. City Council members stand up for their constituents and address these illegal hotels. Life for a single mother is difficult enough, and housing in the District is already plenty expensive. The absolute last thing we need is to see rent increases, so hedge funds can get richer. Sharon Farmer D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
But this event was not meant to just allow the officers a chance to pat each other on the back and receive awards for doing what they were hired to do – although it improves morale and strengthens community and police relations. It also serves as a way to say, “thank you” to the spouses, parents and especially the children who say goodbye to their loved ones daily, not knowing if they will return
home unharmed or alive. Residents joined Commander Bryant in acknowledging their sacrifice which is the biggest of all for the benefit of us all. We also congratulate to the officers of the Seventh District and all of MPD and say, “thank you” for protecting us during these most uncertain times. WI
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 29 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Julianne Malveaux
Financial Industry Scores Win at Consumers’ Expense In the dead of night on Oct. 24, Vice President Mike Pence struck a blow against consumers, further empowering the banks and financial institutions that he is beholden to. He is, no doubt, following the direction of 45, who never met an Obama initiative that he didn’t want to overturn, or an Obama program that he didn’t want to abolish. What happened? The Con-
sumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a rule that would allow individuals to sue banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions. It gave people the right to sue in class action lawsuits, and effectively overturned the fine print you find in your credit card bill, fine print that says that if you use that particular card, you can’t sue, but instead must submit to mandatory arbitration. Theoretically, arbitration saves court costs, but it also protects those bank and credit card companies that exploit. Those who
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opposed the new CPFB rule said that the costs of litigation would impose a burden on financial institutions. What about the burden that is imposed on the people who have been regularly ripped off by some of our nation’s largest financial institutions? Some background – many Republicans abhor the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the legislation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010) that created it. They have been jockeying to amend Dodd-Frank
to give banks and financial institutions “some relief ”, and if they had their way they’d likely eliminate CFPB. The Department of Treasury, which houses the CFPB (though it is an independent agency and is funded by the Federal Reserve Bank), has accused the agency of “regulatory overreach.” CPFB’s first director, Richard Cordray, was appointed to a five-year term by President Obama in 2013; his term expires in 2018. Then 45 will have the opportunity to appoint his own director, someone who will likely be far less zealous
in protecting consumers than Cordray has been. Only two Republican senators, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John Kennedy of Louisiana, voted with Democrats to preserve the individual and class right to bring lawsuits against predatory banks. But the Republican who have been railing against 45, Flake (Ariz.) and Corker (Tenn.) voted with the status quo. And, disappointingly, the maverick Arizona Sen. John McCain voted to curtail
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By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
True Scandal in Puerto Rico is U.S. Government Failure
The scandals around in Puerto Rico’s agonies are far greater than the bizarre contract to pay Whitefish Energy, a tiny Montana company from U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s hometown, $300 million to restore electric lines. Puerto Rico still lacks water, food and electricity. Ninety-eight
schools just opened, but that represents less than 10 percent of the nation’s schools. And those opened have no generators for electricity, no air conditioning and no internet access. Students must bring their own water bottles and douse themselves with repellent to fend off the mosquito invasion that plagues the island. The failure of the U.S. government to meet the emergency has gotten some attention, even as Trump keeps claiming that the
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administration deserves an “A” for its efforts. Far too little attention has been given to the context for this crisis. Central to the crisis is catastrophic climate change: the effects of global warming that pose, as the Pentagon has concluded, a real and growing national security threat, particularly to islands like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, both territories of the U.S. The Trump administration, however, remains in denial about
climate change and is systematically rolling back all of the initial steps that the Obama administration made to even begin to address it. Puerto Ricans are suffering from the administration’s inadequate response to a catastrophe. All of us — and our children — are likely to pay the price of the administration’s ignorant denial of a real security threat. Puerto Ricans also suffer from a lack of rights. They are American citizens without the right
to vote. They have one nonvoting resident commissioner in the House of Representatives. If Puerto Rico were a state, it would have two senators and five representatives in the House. Such representation would surely win Puerto Ricans a fairer hearing in Washington. Puerto Rico is defined as a territory, but it is treated as a colony. Its people are U.S. citizens, but they are viewed as foreigners.
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Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Accepting the Challenge to Ensure Future Leadership I once asked the first African-American billionaire, Reginald F. Lewis, what single word best defined the most determinative factor that led to his monumental financial success? Mr. Lewis answered, “Preparation.” To accept or to meet the challenges of life, one must first be prepared. Attaining a quality education is one of the best methods for self-development and self-preparation. The long history of African-American progress is inextricably linked to our
30 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
access and attainment of a good education. From Frederick Douglas to W. E. B. Du Bois to Booker T. Washington, the goal of education for Black people was paramount to achieving freedom, justice and equality in America and throughout the world. Today in 2017 that goal is still a top priority for 47 million African-Americans across the nation. It is important to recall lessons from our history to continue the struggle against the forces of racism, oppression and economic inequality. Shortly after the slave insurrection led by Nat Turner in southern Virginia
in 1831, the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi all passed laws making it a felony to teach a Black person how to read and write. Education and preparation to meet life’s challenges for Africans in America were once against the law. It was illegal to educate our people in those states. It was against the law before the Civil War for Black people to be educated in the South. My greatgreat-great-grandfather, the Rev. John Chavis, defied those terrible laws in 1838 and was beaten to death as a result. This subject is personal but not limited just to my family’s
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legacy. While those laws no longer exist, the issues of education for millions of African-Americans are still today most important and life-advancing. Thus, it is important to assert and to re-articulate the critical importance of supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). I proudly serve on the board of directors of the National Association for Equality Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), which represents all the HBCUs and PBIs (predominantly black institutions). There is no question that these educational institutions continue with academic excellence
to provide the majority of Black college graduates in science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics (STEAM). At a recent national conference of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) in D.C., Koch Industries reaffirmed its contribution of more than $26 million to the TMCF. Support of HBCUs cuts across the partisan political divide in America. The fact is Koch Industries “accepted the challenge” and stepped up to the plate and gave an unprecedented amount of financial
CHAVIS Page 53
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
By Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
Increasing the HBCU Talent Pipeline into the C-Suite The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) recently held its 17th annual Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., welcoming over 400 future leaders from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and over 40 presidents, chancellors and government relations officials. This year was bittersweet, because it was my last time presiding in my capacity as TMCF president and
CEO. Seeing these bright young minds make giants steps toward their career goals with professional training and networking opportunities is part of this organization’s mission. These young professionals are realizing a dream that sadly remains out of reach for far too many Americans: access to affordable higher education and a good paying job. While all of the data suggests that communities of color are making gains in college attendance and graduation, the pace is still not an equalizer for the harrowing statistics on disparities in socio-po-
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litical and economic growth in fragile communities. That’s why our Leadership Institute is critical, not just for the students and the HBCUs from which they travel, but also for the communities they represent. Their presence here in D.C. is a signal that regardless of your background, talent can be refined and prepared for limitless success in government and corporate America. Events like TMCF’s Leadership Institute are possible because of the commitment of organizations that heed the call of social responsibility very seriously. For TMCF, this
includes corporate partners such as Wells Fargo (our 2017 presenting partner), Walmart and Altria, as well as government agency partners like the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They, and so many others, find TMCF an ideal partner in their own visions for workforce development and diversity because we deliver on our promises of access and opportunity. Consider Altria. Their commitment to increasing diversity and desire to improve brand affinity among HBCU students led to the development of an innovative
apprenticeship program. TMCF and Altria developed a program focusing on building an early talent pipeline by identifying students in their sophomore year. The program provides students with support that includes professional development, year-round coaching and mentoring, a brand and business immersion experience hosted by Altria, an internship, scholarship, and a fulltime job opportunity. On the government agency side, consider the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of
TAYLOR Page 54
By Rushern Baker
Segregating Public Schools Won’t Make America Great Again On Nov. 4, 1952, Dr. Helen Kenyon addressed the Women’s Society of Riverside Church in New York City and opined, “Eleven o’clock Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often paraphrased the quote. Today, sadly, our public schools best reflect Dr. Kenyon’s and Dr.
King’s sentiment as the most segregated place in America. The rampant re-segregation of American public schools poses a greater threat to the trajectory of America’s progress than terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and Russian meddling in our elections. Sixty-two years after Brown v. Board, the GAO (Government Accountability Office) reported that from the years 2000-2014, both the percentage of K-12 public schools in high-poverty and the percentage of African American and Hispanic
Askia-At-Large
students enrolled in public schools more than doubled, and the percentage of all schools with so-called racial or socioeconomic isolation grew from 9 percent to 16 percent. Research shows that racial and socioeconomic diversity in our classrooms leads to higher than average test scores, greater college enrollment rates, and the narrowing of achievement gaps. These gains don’t just apply to poor and minority children either — every student benefits from learning and engaging with peers from different
backgrounds. Despite the evidence, today our public schools are more segregated than they were 40 years ago. As an advocate for children and families, and as a public servant, who has fought for more resources for students, I believe we must act boldly to save free, high-quality public education for all. Some of the very leaders tasked with solving the negative effects from school re-segregation offer shortsighted policies that exacerbate racial and economic divisions.
The ripple-effect, consequences of their misguided thinking remains the greatest policy foible of the modern era. Lazy logic behind bad policy feeds a perception that that the achievement gap exists simply, because poor and minority students learn differently than their wealthier, White peers. Rather, it is directly tied to declining enrollment, lower property values, and the dwindling resources available to tackle mounting challenges in the communities
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By Askia Muhammadw
Can Women Be Sexual Predators?
There’s a long overdue going on in the public arena right now, of the many, many men who have used their positions of power to elicit or coerce sexual favors from workers they bossed. The scenario is identical: a male gatekeeper/supervisor/boss forces sexual submission on an aspiring worker. It’s disgusting behavior. It happens all the time. “They just let you do it,” a former reality TV show host boasted in an “Access Hollywood” interview. That’s the behavior of a
predator. And the secret, distasteful conduct continues because no one wants to face the humiliation of having been abused that way, and until now, it just wasn’t a subject that could be talked about. But I wonder, can women, even women in inferior roles, prey upon men’s lust, for their own advantage? Of course, they can. Sally Hemmings comes to mind. She was literally the chattel property of Thomas Jefferson, an American “Founding Father,” and president of the United States, and his mistress. She and her brother, who traveled to Europe with POTUS, were
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not treated like ordinary slaves. A small compensation for their freedom. Until recently, the American cultural portrayal, via Hollywood, depicted women as beguiling, yet innocent. But now, raunchy actions by nice-bad-girls is routine, even on network TV where some popular sitcoms pride themselves on delivering abundant numbers of “slut jokes” in every episode. Women can be, and are, sexual predators. I was a manager once in an environment where I was told by a trusted co-worker that “the word on the street” about me, was that I was “weak for the sisters.” Into that work environment who
should appear, but none other than an aggressively ambitious and drop-dead-gorgeous volunteer who conspicuously threw herself at me. In order that we might continue our courtship, I required that she leave the job. Having discovered my own weakness, it’s enabled me to notice certain things so I can seek to avoid danger. Muslims are taught to practice great restraint, “to look at the beauty of a woman and then cast down your eyes.” I notice how women dress for effect. I notice the ultra-tight skirts. John Lee Hooker sang: “Big Legs, Tight Skirt, ‘Bout to Drive Me Outta My Mind.” I notice the cleavage so low and
the sweaters so tight, they would make a baby cry. Do some women prey on vulnerable men in the workplace? Does aggressively flirtatious conduct by women amount to predatory behavior? The bottom line response is always “No means no.” We have all digressed from mannerly, dignified behavior to trying to see how much we can get away with, men and women alike. The lines are blurred. But there is a hidebound contingent of the society which fought and lost the battle against the birth control pill because
ASKIA Page 54
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 31 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
LIFESTYLE National Museum of African Art Premieres Exclusive Artifacts By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer The Smithsonian Museum of African Art recently unveiled “Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa’s Arts,” the Smithsonian’s largest long-term collection in over a decade and the first broad connection between works across the full spectrum of times, places and media. “[Visionary] aims to get visitors to look with fresh and focused insight and, in so doing, to see artworks — and each other — with new eyes,” said Kevin Dumouchelle, museum curator. Organized around seven viewpoints, “Visionary” serves to frame and affect the manner in which
Africa’s art are experienced. With a room devoted to each viewpoint, the installation presents the museum’s collection from the perspective of collectors, scholars, artists, patrons, visitors, performers and the museum itself. The exhibition features over 300 works of art, organized around the central activity of looking closely at issues of technique and creative expression, the varied lives the assembled objects have lived and take a critical look at how we see art works. The new exhibit also includes more than 30 named artists from 27 African countries, a “Looking Lab” that equips visitors to use basic principles of visual analysis and see
5 Exhibition artifact. /Courtesy photo
as an artist does and the reuniting of the museum’s seminal Mbembe female figure with its once-lost, recently acquired male counterpart. The exhibit currently occupies the museum’s second-floor gallery and features an eight-foot-tall “Rainbow Serpent” made from mixed materials. Specifically highlighted within reveal were also two African female artists: Ghada Amer of Egypt and Mary Sibande of South Africa, who
had extra unique select pieces placed in plain view of the museum. “The thing about this exhibition and two powerhouse women artists who have been specially featured in this collection is the fact they are part of a larger initiative here is that it’s women’s voices,” the museum said. “Looking ahead into the future, we are trying to figure out ways to showcase powerful creative women’s voice setting the tone, setting the agenda beginning to speak
about these issues that are so close to us no matter where you are in the world.” On Saturday Nov. 4, in celebration of the “Visionary,” the museum held a Community Day where visitors experienced special performances and events intended to inspire them to learn more about the people and cultures of Africa and its diaspora through music, books, dance, film and art. WI
5 Exhibition artifacts. /Courtesy photo
32 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
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Mario Van Peebles Knocks on Wood; The Phillip Brandon Story Begins By Eunice Moseley WI Contributing Writer Mario Van Peebles (“New Jack City”) recently premiered his new series “Superstition” on the SyFy network. The series focuses on the Hastings family, who owns a funeral home, as they deal with their many family secrets and a supernatural villain. Van Peebles, who plays Isaac Hastings, also directs, scripts and executive-produces the series, which stars Brad James, Robinne Lee and Demetria McKinney. The son of legendary actor/ filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles (“Panther,” “Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song”), Mario followed in his father’s footsteps as a filmmaker/actor. “One thing terrific about life, one day you’re the child climbing the neighbors’ fence for apples, next day you’re a homeowner with kids climbing your fence for apples. One day you’re chasing someone’s daughter and next day you have a daughter being chased,” Mario said with a laugh. “I grew up seeing my dad do his work. I learned what not to do [on the set]. He had these Melvinisms — his way of talking — then he’d break it down so you can understand.” Mario has his own way of talking. I guess you can say they are Marioisms — just like his dad. The series is produced by XLrator Media (Barry Gordon) and MVPTV (Mario Van Peebles). Mario’s company production credits include “Roots,” “Empire” and “Lost.” When this reporter reminded Van Peebles that our last encounter was at the “We the Party” movie premiere in 2012, he reminded me of his connection to Gordon. “I did ‘We the Party’ with Barry Gordon, he is on this project also,” he said. “I’m a good boss, fun and I create a good working environment, but I take it serious “The Van Peebles make things happen,” Mario boasted. “If you build it they will come.” “Superstition,” which debuted Oct. 20, airs Fridays at 10 p.m. EST. ••• Versatile singer Phillip Brandon,
who played BeBe Winans in the Charles Randolph-Wright-directed “Born for This: The Musical,” recently released his debut album “The Story Begins.”= Phillip sings rock, R&B, jazz, pop and gospel, and “The Story Begins” project offers 10 selections that combine those genres. The project has production assistance from songwriter Preston Glass (Natalie Cole, Kenny G) and DrFord. “I wanted to get all the crazy out,” Phillip said about touring with rock band Trans Siberian Orchestra. “I tour with the rock band even now … seasonal tours … holiday tours … Far East. We played in 50 cities in six weeks. Fast forward to this album…I wanted to see where I fit. I had a chance to come up with my own sound.” Released Oct. 20, “The Story Begins” has uplifting selections, with the music as varied as his voice. “I like to see the silver lining. That keeps us going,” he said about the content of his project. “The main thing for me is to make it a journey of hope navigated through love …so much is going on in the world.” Brandon’s mother Brenda Davis, who was once one of Ray Charles’ Raelettes, gave vocal background support for the album. Others who assisted included Spanish drummer Victor A. Caracedo, Ukrainian guitarist Eugene Gorskiy, American keyboardist Stan Loken and Cuban bassist Carlitos Cuba. “This is my first full album,” Brandon said. “I did one in 2013. I have been blessed to work full time in some form of entertainment for 10 years. I said, ‘I’m doing all these projects for other folks … what about my story?’ That’s where it started — in 2013. Asked what genre is close to his heart, he admitted he is a bit of an old soul. “My background in music covers old school — Whispers and O’Jays,” he said. “My mother brought me my first record, Ashford & Simpson’s ‘Solid.’ I approach everything from the foundation of the soul. The rock band opened me up to different sounds. It can still be soul but have a rock element.” Learn more about Phillip Brandon by following him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ PhillipBrandon2.
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5 Actors from ‘Superstition’. /Courtesy photo
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“Alexa, go to HGTV.”
Bryant Johnson could have been easily intimidated when he first met Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 1999. But Johnson’s upbringing in Warsaw, Va., surrounded by determined women like his grandmother, mother, aunts and sisters, prepared him for the justice and his task to guide her wellness journey. The coming together of Johnson, a full-time U.S. District Court clerk, with Ginsburg is well-documented and is the basis of the story behind the book, “The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong and You Can Too.” Johnson’s book offers readers an easy-to-follow fitness plan filled with colorful illustrations. The book shows a variety of stretches and exercises that can be done at home with fitness bands and dumbbells, as well as instructions for getting the same results one would get at a fully equipped gym. With encouragement from her late husband Martin, Ginsburg began training with Johnson in 1999 after treatment for colorectal cancer. The two have continued to work together, even getting through Ginsburg’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2009. To help Ginsburg bounce back from chemotherapy and radiation, Johnson, a certified trainer, researched the physiology and the psychology he was up against. “What does chemotherapy do but rip and tear your body apart? It destroys your body and in turn rips your soul,” Johnson said. “You feel less than a person. Start building that body up and your self-esteem comes back.” The results with Ginsburg have been impressive. She was in her 60s when she started with Johnson. Now, the 84-year-old justice has annual bone density scans that serve as a report card for the increase in her bone density. Advancing from wall pushes to on-the-floor traditional pushups to front and side planks also are indicators of Ginsburg’s fitness. Johnson also spends time at the Supreme Court gym, working out with Justices Stephen G. Breyer and Elena Kagan. In addition to his high court clients, Johnson also trains several federal
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judges and courthouse staffers. “I train them as I would want to be trained — it’s all about them,” he said. So how does this 53-year-old court clerk and fitness trainer manage yet another job as a U.S. Army reservist? Johnson went into the Army in 1983 and was trained as a paratrooper. The Sgt. 1st Class now serves as a U.S. Army Equal Opportunity adviser at least one weekend per month or as needed. He manages a brigade that works with soldiers on discrimination issues like the federal government’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Just as in regular society, you can’t discriminate in the military,” Johnson said.
Johnson fully believes everyone can be fit. He hopes the “The RBG Workout” inspires people to do something for wellness. Ginsburg has already inspired the women in Johnson’s family. His 75-year-old mother is hooked on exercise, now adheres to a vegan diet and has lost 50 pounds. One of his aunts walks two miles a day. Another aunt asked Johnson to show her how to use the weights at the YMCA. The workout plan, along with Johnson’s enthusiasm, is contagious. “Exercise is the great equalizer,” he said. “It doesn’t care about your race, religion, color, gender, national origin or sexual orientation. You’ve got to do it.” WI
5 Bryant Johnson, a U.S. District Court clerk, doubles as a fitness trainer with a clientele that includes Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. /Photo by Brenda C. Siler
5 An illustration from Johnson’s book. /Courtesy photo
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CUMMINGS from Page 1 For the past 13 years, Rockeymoore Cummings has managed her own policy consulting firm in northwest D.C. She’s also the only gubernatorial candidate representing Baltimore City and received an endorsement Oct. 30 from Emily’s List, a national political action committee that helps finance women in politics. “From her initial interviews, this is somebody who is ready for prime time,” said Mileah Kromer, director of the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Goucher College in Towson. “I see someone who is qualified [and] separate from her husband. I am interested to see where she campaigns at, where her constituency is and if she can appeal to a large section of African-American females in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and in [Prince George’s] County.” Cummings joins a crowded Democratic slate to challenge Republican Gov. Larry Hogan that includes Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, former NAACP President Ben Jealous, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, state Sen. Richard Madaleno of Montgomery County, technology entrepreneur Alec Ross, attorney James Shea and Krishanti Vignarajah, policy director for former first lady Michelle Obama. One day ahead of Cummings’ appearance in Lanham before the Democratic Party State Central Committee alongside her seven opponents, she spoke on a variety of topics in an interview Friday, Nov. 3. She supports a $15 minimum wage, universal pre-K and minority representation in the medical cannabis industry. Here are some of her thoughts in her own words:
ANTI-HOGAN
We are fighting below our punching weight in Maryland. We can do better than Gov. Hogan. He has done nothing to change the landscape of opportunity in Maryland. We still have deep pockets of inequality from the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland and Baltimore City and other pockets in between. We need a governor who has the sensitivity to the issues. How to address the challenges facing the state in a way that builds our economy from the bottom up and from the middle out. I don’t understand why people think he has a decent track record among moderates when he is anti-public
5 Maya Rockeymoore Cummings /Courtesy of Maya for Maryland
education. He’s been anti-women’s health. He’s been anti-working families. He’s been anti voting rights. He’s been anti-environment. Why do moderates think that he has been good for them when he hasn’t. The fact of the matter is that Gov. Hogan is [a] deeply red conservative Republican in a blue state. We can’t afford to have him in office for a second term when he would be in charge of the redistricting process and he would likely flip it at least two congressional seats from Democratic to Republican and probably change the character of the state legislature if he could.
EDUCATION
I am coming at this from a holistic platform. My approach is called an inclusive growth strategy. Education is just one of the planks on my platform. We need an excellent education that is provided and offered consistently to all schools and young people across the state and we currently do not have that. All of the young people need a solid foundation, so universal pre-k will be a part of my solution. The quality and content of the K-12 educational experience needs to be upgraded
CUMMINGS Page 46
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Leonard Howze is a Straight Man on CBS Series
Jay Abdo Lands Role on ‘Patriot’ By Eunice Moseley “The show is all comedy . . . but it allows me to be a straight man especially with Kevin as the main man,” said actor Leonard Earl Howze about his role in the CBS series “Kevin Can Wait,” which airs on Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Leonard went into acting wanting to be a dramatic actor but it was comedy roles that gravitated towards him. “When I first came out of school I envisioned myself being much more dramatic. One of the tools they taught is versatility,” Howze said.
That training allowed him to be whatever type of actor he needed to be. That versatility garnered him a role in the film “Barbershop,” where he played a Nigerian named Dinka. He also starred in Netflix’s “True Memoirs of an International Assassin,” “Antwone Fisher” and “The Lone Ranger.” It was in his role on “NCIS” (Season 8) that he learned perseverance. “I got to see what Navy life was like doing ‘Antwone Fisher.’ I learned patience and perseverance. I got first hand training,” he said. “It’s (acting) not for everybody. My faith keeps me grounded. My belief is what God
has for me is for me. I can’t stop.” Leonard did not stop he even takes on roles in independent films such as “Live Cargo” with LaKeith Stanfield and “Brave New Jersey” with Erika Alexander. “I am happy to say I am in a more dramatic role in the film ‘Live Cargo,’” Leonard said. “I did it two years ago and it’s just coming out.” His role in “Kevin Can Wait” is that of Officer Goody, best friend to Kevin James’ character Kevin Gable, a former police officer. James is the creator of the series which is in its second season. “I’m a series regular coming on every week,” Howze pointed out about his character. “‘I’m learning from him. I’m taking notes. I was a big fan before the series. This project gives me a lot more exposure. Last season we were #1 as a new comedy.” Learn more about the series “Kevin Can Wait” by logging onto www.CBS.com/shows/Kevin-Can-Wait. In other news, Amazon Prime Video is a streaming online video network offering subscribers a long list of movies and series, such as “Patriot.” “Patriot” is about intelligence officer John Tavner trying to prevent Iran from going nuclear. Actor Jay Abdo, a Syrian actor, plays Cantar Wally. “This part in ‘Patriot’ is a great
5 Actor Leonard Howze /Courtesy photo
opportunity for me because it’s timely,” said Abdo who starred opposite Nicole Kidman in “Queen of the Desert” and with Tom Hanks in “Hologram for the King.” “It’s a good television show, good script, good material and wonderful pool of talent.” The hour long series premiered in 2015 and also stars Michael Dorman (“Wonderland”) as John Tavner, Terry O’Quinn (“The
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West Wing”) as Tom Tavner, Kathleen Munroe (“CSI:NY”) as Alice Tavner, Aliette Opheim as Detective Agathe Albans and Kurtwood Smith as Leslie Claret (“The 70s Show”). It is currently airing its second season. The “Patriot” series was created by Steven Conrad and is executive produced by Conrad, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, Gil Bellows and Charles Gogolak, Marc David Alpert is producer and Amazon Studios is co-producer. “I like to play controversial roles,” Abdo said. “Multi-dimensions . . . It’s a great role. I went to school to study acting. I know what it’s all about. I’m wearing this character. I’m interested in a wide range of roles. My character (in Patriot) happens to be a nice person, but I enjoy playing the villain because I want to go to that world in art. I first started acting in 1988. I enjoy it so much, the difficult ones that require challenges.” You can log onto www.Amaon. com/Patriot/dp/b017apuy62 for more information about the upcoming episodes. Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over 1/4 million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, PRSA and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www. ThePulseofEntertainment.com. WI
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Congressional Chorus ‘Rises’ for Justice
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By Noni Marshall WI Contributing Writer With its 2017-2018 season underway, The Congressional Chorus is set to present “We Will Rise: The Search for Equality, Justice & Freedom in Song, Poetry & Dance,” which chronicles the crusade for equal rights in the U.S. For the show’s artistic director David Simmons, it’s an opportunity for the arts community to take a stand. “It’s a very politically directed concert,” Simmons said. “We’re a nonpartisan group, but we’re definitely sending a message about how important we think it is that the arts are in the forefront of the fight for equal rights.” Simmons has been working as the artistic director for the Congressional Chorus and the American Youth Chorus for nearly 12 years. While he has always worked with vocalists, poets, dancers and composers to create performances with a message to invoke emotion among his audiences, this year is different, he said. “What’s interesting about this show is that even the music about things that happened a long time ago has new musical arrangements,” Simmons said. “Almost all of the music in this show has been written within the last five years. There are references to Ferguson and Matthew Sheppard so we’re being as timely as we can be.” Simmons’ passion has spilled over into the vocalists and performers, who are just as excited for this upcoming show. “That’s one thing that I’m proud of. David continuously promotes diversity not only in the chorus but in the music that we sing and in the message that we’re delivering,” said Brittany Thompson, a soprano who has been with the chorus since 2010.
5 Congressional Chorus members Kenneth Fishe (L-R), Brittany Thompson, Martyn Griffen, and Reginald Teamer, with accompanist Chris Urquiaga, Nov. 6 in Northwest. The chorus is preparing for the Nov. 19 production of “We Will Rise!: The Search for Equality, Justice & Freedom in Song, Poetry & Dance.” /Photo by E Watson/EDI Photo
“Obviously this performance is exactly what we all need to hear right now. There is a message in this show for everyone.” With the heavy nature of “We Will Rise,” members of the chorus have found rehearsals to be both therapeutic and challenging to work through. Tenor, Christopher Daniels says that preparations for this show have brought up some revelations about his own history. “For me as a person of color it’s more personal,” Daniels said. “It’s related to things that my grandparents talked about, my aunts talked about having to do with racism and segregation and it’s a reminder of what they went through and where we’ve come from. … It puts that in reference for me so it’s humbling to sing this music and it reminds me of my civic responsibility as a person of color. It pushes me forward to understand my responsibility to pass it forward to people who will come after me.” Chris Urquiaga, 26, an accompanist, composer and soloist, said he is excited about what this concert will bring to millennials.
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“I found it necessary to compose a piece called “We Will Fight” to speak to the needs of young people who felt disenfranchised by the system and like their voices aren’t being heard,” Urquiaga said. I wanted to speak to the desires and hopes of those millennials, people my age who are coming up in the world with all of the injustices in our system.” For other choir members like Kenneth Fishe, he hopes that this show will bring hope to its audiences despite the current political climate. “With the attitude of our nation at the moment, this concert offsets that and plants seeds of hope and love and maturity versus people having all of this hostility among one another so it’s absolutely needed and we’re glad to be a part of it,” Fishe said. The Congressional Chorus and Chamber Ensemble will present “We Will Rise: The Search for Equality, Justice & Freedom in Song, Poetry & Dance” on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Church of the Epiphany WDC. Tickets are available at congressionalchorus.org. WI
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Councilmember Confronts Barriers Faced by Returning Citizens Robert White Says Family Pain Propelled Him to Act
By Alexa Imani Spencer WI Contributing Writer Each year, an estimated 2,000 to 8,000 men and women return to the District after incarceration – a predominantly-Black population routinely challenged by a daunting combination of institutional barriers. On Thursday, Nov. 2, Councilmember Robert White hosted a screening of the newly-released documentary “Returning Citizens” at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in Southeast followed by a panel discussion to
raise the conversation on issues faced by formerly incarcerated men, women and youth. “What you learn when you talk to returning citizens is that these are folks who just want an opportunity . . . but they can’t get a crack in the door sometimes,” White said. One of the greatest issues facing returning citizens, as articulated by the panel, continues to be securing sufficient housing upon release. Unlike one panelist, Charles Thornton, who had the good fortune of being provided housing by a mentor upon his
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return, many are either left without a home or forced to resort to temporary accommodations. “We do have individuals who are leaving federal prisons and transitioning back into shelters. And the opportunity to have success coming out of a shelter is almost zero-to-nothing,” said Thornton, 56. “Imagine carrying your bags to a job interview. It doesn’t work.” While securing employment after a stint behind bars should certainly be celebrated, some returning citizens say the greatest challenge remains keeping the job. Consider the situation faced by Eric Weaver, 47, who had to fight for his right to be employed. After working with an organization for about a year, he was told to leave due to his former incarceration. Despite having passed the proper clearance, his employer told him he could not work with children. Within two months of securing an attorney who examined and presented the law, Weaver received good news: he’d gotten his job back. For returning citizens, knowledge of one’s rights when integrating back into the workforce is vital, he expressed, as it may be the defining factor for employment. “We have to educate our population because a lot of times employers do things to us simply because we don’t know that they can’t do them,” said Weaver who
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5 Counclimember Robert White. /Courtesy photo
also participated one the panel. The four panelists, all returning citizens and featured in the film, emphasized the importance of family. Lashonia Thompson, 44, dealt first-hand with the confusion that can exist between relatives when returning home. She believes introducing resources such as family therapy and coaching could help the healing process. “When I came home, my children were young adults, so my family who raised my children, thought that I should bounce back quicker, despite the fact that I was only 19 years old when I became a mom and had spent all of my adult years in prison,” Thompson said, “If I would’ve had more support, in terms of ways to sit down and talk about
what we were going through as a family, I would have probably experienced a lot less emotional trauma.” And while adults constitute the largest percentage of the incarcerated population, youth also populate the system. Once they return home, they, too, face challenges when adjusting back to society. The District offers a wide range of resources for juveniles. However, as stated by panelist Brittany Floyd, 22, there’s room for improvement. “We do have a lot of youth services in the District but it’s tough to find intimate youth services where you can really trust people know that it’s a safe place,” Floyd said. White opened the conversation with his personal testimony about the challenges of reentry. A native Washingtonian, he witnessed his brother struggle to adjust upon returning home – an experience, he says, that propelled him to enact legislation. In addition to curating a space for conversation, he has introduced measures like the Returning Citizens Opportunity to Succeed Act – a bill that, if adopted, would require the city to make contact with returning citizens six months prior to release and begin the process of getting them identification and access to employment and housing. The proposed act would also include a $100 stipend to assist returning citizens in travel expenses during their job search. A hearing for the Returning Citizens Opportunity to Succeed Act is set to take place on December 7 at a site to be announced. WI
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NAACP, American Airlines Discuss Travel Advisory Issue Still Unresolved
By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer After NAACP issued a national travel advisory telling African-Americans to avoid patronizing American Airlines amid cries of racial discrimination, the airline met with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson to discuss how to address the issues outlined in the advisory. “We had an introductory meeting with the leadership of American Airlines to discuss the issues outlined in our travel advisory and the need for meaningful corrective action by the airline to prevent future incidents of this nature,” Johnson said of last week’s meeting. But Johnson said the travel advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
“We had a full and frank dialogue, but words are no substitute for action,” he said. “The NAACP looks forward to continuing its work with American Airlines to ensure that African-American customers are not subjected to racially discriminatory treatment.” The advisory was issued shortly after activist Tamika Mallory, nationally known for organizing the Women’s March on Washington, accused the airline of discrimination over a seating dispute which resulted in her being removed from the plane as an order of the pilot. The NAACP also cited several other incidents that resulted in the travel advisory, including an African-American man who had to relinquish his purchased seats while aboard a flight from Washington to Raleigh-Durham,
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N.C., because he responded to disrespectful and discriminatory comments directed toward him by two unruly white passengers, according to the civil rights group. “The NAACP for several months now has been monitoring a pattern of disturbing incidents reported by African-American passengers, specific to American Airlines,” Johnson said. “In light of these confrontations, we have today taken the action of issuing national advisory alerting travelers — especially African-Americans — to exercise caution, in that booking and boarding flights on American Airlines could subject them disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions.” In response, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said the company was “disappointed” by the advisory. “The mission statement of the NAACP states that it ‘seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination,’” Parker said. “That’s a mission that the people of American Airlines endorse and facilitate every day — we do not and will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.” WI
5 An America Airline vessel. /Photo courtesy of Skift
VETERANS from Page 14 “I worked in many locations throughout the hospital and was always able to contribute.” Her vast contributions has made her famous – at least at the center. “I feel good about that. When I started to volunteer I was given a number of assignments and I was able to help a lot of veterans,” Allen said. “They respected my opinions and I was always able to contribute in positive ways,” she said, adding that most individuals usually value her opinion. For those seeking to volunteer, Allen said her advice is simple. “When you volunteer, do your
best and if you don’t understand what needs to be done, ask someone to explain so that the job is done correctly,” she said. “Don’t just sit around, there are always things that can be done,” Allen added. According to those who know her, Allen continues to be a steadying influence on all whom she meets. She said after more than 16,000 hours, she doesn’t know when she’ll stop offering her time and service. “I just like helping people and I learned about how to care for people which is important work,” she said. “I believe God has healed my body to keep me going. I don’t have any pain and that has kept me going,” Allen said. WI
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LIFESTYLE
wi book reviewA
Horoscopes
ARIES Water down your plans in order to fit in with others and compromise where necessary. But with a potent focus on your sector of transformation, there could be some issues on which you have no intention of compromising, as doing so wouldn’t be true to your deepest instincts. Don’t feel guilty. Lucky Numbers: 32, 34, 40
“Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman”
TAURUS A relationship could develop in warmth and passion. Over the coming days, you may draw especially close to this person. Your social life perks up, too, and could bring much satisfaction and be a lot of fun. Meanwhile, a potent influence suggests that powerful insights into a key situation could encourage a change of perspective. Lucky Numbers: 14, 19, 25
by Harold H. Brown with Marsha S. Bordner c.2017, University of Alabama Press $29.95 ($44.95 Canada) 270 pages
GEMINI Reach out and connect with new friends and old. This can also be an opportunity to carefully broach subjects that need discussion and perhaps find a solution. The focus on your lifestyle zone also intensifies. This can entice you to tailor your daily schedule so it allows you to explore new possibilities and aim high regarding key wellness and work goals. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 35
Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer In things of great importance, you stand on the shoulders of giants. Those who came before you gave you a boost to get you where you are. They cleared your path and knocked aside obstacles. You stand on the shoulders of those giants even if, as in the new book “Keep Your Airspeed Up” by Harold H. Brown (with Marsha S. Bordner), the giant was once kinda scrawny. Growing up in Minneapolis in the pre-World War II years, Harold H. Brown says that he and his brother “Bubba” were “mongrel dogs”: their maternal line was white-Jewish-Black; their paternal ancestors were African American and possibly Native American. Both boys were light-complexioned with straight hair, which Brown believes may have helped him later in his career. Throughout his childhood and attendance at an integrated high school, he was fascinated with flying and so, when his brother enlisted in the military at the beginning of the War, Brown saw a way to achieve his own dream. Fully aware that a Black man in a mostly white military wouldn’t have it easy, but believing that racial discrimination for Black pilots would “resolve itself,” he decided to join the Air Corps in mid-1942. At the exam, he was “the only black man taking the mental test … on that summer day,” and he was a quarter-pound below weight on the physical test. “I flunked it!” he says, but by early 1943, he’d gained the needed ounces and had headed south to officially enlist in the Tuskegee Army Flying School. The South presented a big learning curve for a Northern Black man. Brown experienced serious racial problems for the first time and though he “hated segregation,” he realized that being in a segregated Air Corps unit was perhaps better for a Black soldier; training was easier when there were more than just two or three black faces in a unit. And so he trained hard: many hours of flight time, classes, and more. “We knew that we were among a very select group of people,” he says. “I never thought I would ever get shot down.” “Keep Your Airspeed Up” is a surprise. A very nice one. Not only is it a warm and genuine biography, beginning even before author Harold H. Brown was born, but this book takes readers through a twopronged fight, both in war and for civil rights, as told through quiet tales of heroes and those who created them. Brown (with Marsha Bordner) is careful to give credit to the many who made him who he is; after those gentle shout-outs and heart-in-your-throat war stories, you’ll then be brought up-to-date with his current life. Remarkably, through this all, Brown’s story is told humbly, which will endear him to readers even more. Even if you don’t consider yourself a World War II buff, this book is more than just that. There’s other history here, as well as a biography that will charm you plenty. If that seems like a winner for you, then “Keep Your Airspeed Up” is a pretty big book. WI
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CANCER Hobbies and pastimes may become a way of channeling emotions. This could be very therapeutic and quite healing in many ways. As lovely Venus moves into this same zone on Tuesday, you may find certain relationships equally uplifting. Indeed, you could find yourself talking and relating on an intimate level very easily, and that could feel good to you. On another note, an innovative idea might revolutionize your work life. Lucky Numbers: 37, 41, 54 LEO Home is where the heart is. The coming week can be fabulous for having people over and getting into the holiday spirit. Make key changes to your lifestyle and perhaps jettison habits that are holding you back. On another note, a bold idea you have been working on could conclude successfully. Lucky Numbers: 40, 44, 58 VIRGO The focus on networking and forging exciting new connections is enhanced this week as convivial Venus moves into your sector of communication. Adding a touch of charm to your interactions can help keep things running smoothly and allow you to make a positive impression. At the same time, one encounter could be more intense than usual, perhaps with an attraction that proves very tempting. On the home front, progress can be made regarding funding for a domestic project. Lucky Numbers: 31, 45, 52 LIBRA Indulge in your favorite luxuries. And with the holiday season getting underway, buying yourself a few gifts can seem the natural way to go. But your generous nature might also incline you to splurge on other people to make them happy. This is why budgeting for this time of year can be so effective. Someone’s company is invigorating. Lucky Numbers: 2, 23, 30 SCORPIO Things are looking up for you this week. This influence can support any recent changes, and it might encourage you to get a makeover. Your focus is on boldly going forward and seizing new opportunities. You might be especially drawn by one idea as the sun in your sign aspects potent Pluto in your sector of talk and thought. Planting a seed now could lead to big developments later. Lucky Numbers: 32, 44, 53 SAGITTARIUS Dreams of all kinds can fuel exciting endeavors and bring guidance that empowers you. The emphasis on your spiritual sector brings a golden opportunity to renew your relationship with yourself and uncover hidden talents. Earn extra cash and find ways to encourage more abundance in general. A tie between prudent Saturn and innovative Uranus could see you making huge progress with an exciting enterprise. Lucky Numbers: 14, 20, 23 CAPRICORN Your social life looks especially upbeat. For you, the party season may begin early, so make the most of it and enjoy yourself to the max. One encounter could be rather special, with passionate Pluto kindling a spark of attraction. This could lead to a strong friendship or something more romantic. It could even become a supportive business bond. On another note, a brainstorm might help a family project to progress. Lucky Numbers: 2, 13, 17 AQUARIUS You are likely already in the spotlight, with both lively Jupiter and the cheery sun in your sector of goals and ambition. However, delectable Venus also enters the sector on Tuesday, helping you progress by using a little charm and tact. Even the most difficult deals can be smoother and easier if you do so. On another note, a collaboration progressing nicely and looking really good. Completion may not be far away. Lucky Numbers: 6, 19, 33 PISCES Travel adventures could certainly appeal now, and you may be eager to invite a loved one or friends to accompany you, especially once sociable Venus enters your sector of exploration. This phase can also coincide with your decision to employ the services of a life coach or teacher who can help you live to your full potential. Nevertheless, progress with a career plan or business project looks very possible. Your income could begin to improve or show a sudden increase as a result. Lucky Numbers: 4, 13, 27
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CAPTURE THE
MOMENT
4 The Wheel of Fortune Wheelmobile stopped in the District, Thu., Nov. 2, and Fri., Nov. 3, in Northwest. For two days, District residents were invited to attend live auditions for selection to be a contestant on the popular game show. Auditions were held at the University of the District of Columbia in Northwest. Participants selected from this round of auditions will be invited to a final audition round later this year. /Photo by E Watson/EDI Photo
35 George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic onstage in the District, Fri., Nov. 3 in Northwest. Parliament’s “P Funk” style has long been a popular music choice in the District, so much so that the group titled its third album “Chocolate City” (1975) and featured images of the capital on the album’s cover, giving the local moniker national recognition. Clinton now performs in the District several times each year and will return again on Thur., Feb. 15. Tickets and additional information are available online at https://georgeclinton.com /Photo by E Watson/EDI Photo 4 Legendary actress Cicely Tyson is the recipient of one of the late Dr. Dorothy Heights’ treasured hats, gifted to Tyson during the Uncommon Heights gala where she also received an award on Friday, Nov. 4. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter 6Radio personality Tom Joyner is the recipient of the 2017 Uncommon Heights award presented by the National Council of Negro Women during a gala held In Northwest on Friday, Nov. 4. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter
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SPORTS Nationals Introduce Dave Martinez as New Manager By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Less than two weeks after the Washington Nationals decided not to renew the contract of former manager Dusty Baker, the team held a news conference Thursday to introduce its new one, Dave Martinez. Martinez, 53, who played 16 years in the majors, worked for 10 years as a bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Cubs under manager Joe Maddon. While in Chicago, Martinez was often referred to as the “second manager,” though he has never been a skipper. He becomes the third Latino to oversee a ballclub along with Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria and Houston Astros bench coach Alex Cora, who will manage the Boston Red Sox after Houston defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday to win the World Series. “I’m here because of merit and not because of race,” Martinez said inside the Nationals’ clubhouse in southeast D.C. “I’m excited about being here because I feel I can do the job.” Martinez, who will sport jersey No. 4 in honor of his four children, becomes the team’s fourth manager in six seasons, a fact not lost on general manager Mike Rizzo. “We’re good at it,” Rizzo quipped. “We’ve had a lot of practice.” The Nationals surprisingly decided to not retain Baker, who led the club to 97 wins last season and the National League East division title two straight years. The team’s previous two managers to win the title, Davey Johnson and Matt Williams, also lost in the divisional series.
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With Baker’s departure, Major League Baseball currently has only one Black manager, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dave Roberts, who is also of Asian descent. Asked afterward about how the Nationals will keep its Black fanbase in the wake of Baker’s exit, Rizzo said fostering the team’s success and “putting a great product on the field” is the way to winning them over. “A team that people can really get into,” he said. “[Players] that play hard and care about the name on the front of the jersey more than the name on the back of the jersey.” Martinez received a three-year deal with an option that Rizzo said stood at “market value.” “I think it really shows that we are positioned for not only 2018, but beyond,” he said. “We talk about these [championship] windows. We see the window wide open for a long time to come and we think this is the right guy to take us in that direction.” He opened up about spending time in the clubhouse with the players which features a talented lineup and veteran experience such as Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Max Scherzer. Martinez will also ensure the team will embrace a positive feeling in the clubhouse that includes allowing players to play music after a loss. Martinez praised Baker, who managed him when he played in the big leagues, for helping him to always keep an optimistic attitude. “For me, that’s the key,” said Martinez, who interviewed for the Nationals managerial spot four years ago. “Not every day will be successful on the field, but we have to figure out ways to stay positive and move on to the next day.” WI
5 Dave Martinez (left) and Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo share a laugh during a Nov. 2 news conference at the team’s southeast D.C. clubhouse to introduce Martinez as the Nationals’ new manager. /Photo by John De Freitas
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER TOP FIVE – HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL By Martell Pegues, WI Contributing Writer Each week and for the duration of the season, The Washington Informer will feature our choices for the top five high school football programs in the Greater Washington Area, specifically the DCSAA (District of Columbia State Athletic Association) and WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference), for their efforts based upon win/loss record, strength of schedule and winning streak.
1. St. John’s (7-2) (WCAC)
St. John’s wrapped their season on a positive note after starting off 2-2 and facing elite teams throughout the country. The Cadets made quick work of rival Gonzaga, 32-14, on Saturday, its fifth straight victory to end the season.
2. Good Counsel (7-2) (WCAC)
Good Counsel concluded regular season action by taking down conference foe Bishop McNamara 41-14 over the weekend. The Falcons crept into our rankings after a subpar start to the season and now looks to challenge St. John’s and others for the WCAC crown in the playoffs.
3. H.D. Woodson (8-2) (DCIAA)
Woodson finished the season undefeated in conference play, going 6-0 in DCIAA competition. After dismantling a good Ballou squad 41-13 last weekend, Woodson has established its as the elite team in the DCIAA conference as the postseason approaches.
4 Gonzaga (7-3) (WCAC)
Gonzaga is an interesting squad in our rankings, to say the least. When the elite clash, there must be a winner and one who is not so lucky, and we can’t really reward losing. With that said, consecutive losses to big-name programs Good Counsel and St. John’s — including a scoreless second half in their loss to St. John’s — doesn’t erase Gonzaga’s accomplishments over the course of the season, even if they didn’t reach expected heights.
5. Ballou (6-4) (DCIAA)
Although Ballou was soundly defeated by Woodson, their efforts this season cannot be ignored. Having won four of their past six, the Knights put a button on their season Saturday against the Wilson Tigers. The Washington Informer Top 5 is strictly based upon the opinions of The Washington Informer sports division and will run throughout the duration of the DCSAA and WCAC football seasons, concluding in late November.
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SPORTS LeBron, Cavs Down Wiz in D.C. 6 Washington Wizards guard John Wall drives for a layup against Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith during the Cavaliers’ 130-122 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Friday, Nov. 3. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
5 Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith during the Cavaliers’ 130-122 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Friday, Nov. 3. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
3Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal muscles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith for a layup attempt during the Cavaliers’ 130-122 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Friday, Nov. 3. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
DeMatha Hammers Archbishop Carroll
5 Archbishop Carroll wide receiver Jalen Thoms is defended by DeMatha linebacker Anthony Toro and defensive back Harold Peters during DeMatha’s 50-0 win at Archbishop Collins Field in Northwest on Saturday, Nov. 4. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
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5 DeMatha wide receiver Joshua Dodd catches a pass in front of Archbishop Carroll cornerback Amante Evans during DeMatha’s 50-0 win at Archbishop Collins Field in Northwest on Saturday, Nov. 4. /Photo by John E. De Freitas
3DeMatha running back Marshawn Lloyd fends off Archbishop Carroll defensive back Ethan Fogle during DeMatha’s 50-0 win at Archbishop Collins Field in Northwest on Saturday, Nov. 4. /Photo by John E. De Freitas NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 45 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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perfect for me,” Jones said. Jones’ Billboard-charting album “Topic of Discussion” debuted last year and now he seeks to give back to a community he has been a part of his whole life. A self-described military brat, Jones witnessed his father serve as a chief warrant officer 4 in the Army for more than 20 years during several wars. “I always had a really proud feeling knowing that my dad was giving his life and service for our country,” he said, though he admitted that frequent moves and the absence of a parent can take its toll on children in military families. “[My dad] couldn’t always be there, but I knew he wanted to be,” Jones said. He said he developed his love for music on military bases all over the world while singing to other military families, which he said seemed to uplift them. The song’s producer, Art “The Great” Powell, who collaborated with Jones on his first album, said the song will touch hearts worldwide. A recent online search revealed to Powell a long list of relatives who had served in the military, making the song more personal to him. “I found my great-grandfather’s draft registration card. I learned
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dramatically. We need to improve the career and technical education aspects of our junior high and high school experiences so that our young adults are connected solidly to the world of work and jobs of the future. Whether that be through post-secondary opportunities that include two-year education, two-year university, four-year college, or certification programs that don’t require college. Currently we don’t have any intentional strategy for our public schools that link them to Maryland’s economy. There’s no plan for our young people to plug into our economy. Nobody
5 The cover art for Eddie Jones’ new single “Heart of Heroes” is seen here. The song will be released on Veterans Day and will be available on major digital platforms. /Courtesy photo
that my family had been serving in the military for generations,” Powell said. Linda Davidson, Our Military Kids co-founder and executive director, said the contributions and sacrifices of military family members are often overlooked. “We don’t always think about the toll it takes on families,” Davidson said. “More than any other job, [military jobs] are a family effort.
They require the whole family to be strong.” She said recognition of military children is important because it helps them to understand that the circumstances surrounding their parent’s job is not a punishment, but also an act of service on their part. “The service member is a hero, but the child [of a service member] is, too,” Davidson said. WI
is looking at what the job opportunities are in the state, what the jobs of the future are for the state and then encouraging colleges and universities to prepare those young people for those opportunities, or even high school students to get exposure to those opportunities on the high school level. The full development of our young people is our biggest asset.
waking time trying to make ends meet. They are not fully productive, they’re tired and need help. If they have jobs that actually pay better, then that reduces that stresses and allows them to be more productive. I am solidly behind the Maryland Black Caucus [agenda for Black ownership in the medical cannabis industry]. The original guidance in the original law did specify that there should be minority ownership goals within the implementation. Gov. Hogan did not do anything. The administration did not do anything to allow that to happen. The reason why this is important is because the history of marijuana in this country has been completely diverse. And yet, as soon as it becomes legalized, it becomes only an opportunity for white people. That is actually not appropriate. We should make sure that we have opportunities for all people to participate. By the way, the medical marijuana industry is the gateway to the legal marijuana industry. There should be equitable opportunities for all people of all backgrounds to participate in this next, great wealth building opportunity. WI
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
What working families need, especially low-income families, is a living wage that allows them to not have to work two or three jobs. They’re spending all of their
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RELIGION
THE RELIGION CORNER
The Griffin Firm, PLLC
Your Body Is a Temple of the Holy Ghost After learning the cause and effects of Type 2 diabetes, becoming an official “ambassador” for the National Diabetes Association, now I can help others. My “Your Body Is a Temple” campaign kicked off at Trinity University as my professor required each of us to come up with a national public relations campaign, a requirement for our Master’s thesis. “Stop Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic” was the topic of my choice. Dr. Brad Mello, who taught at Trinity Washington University from 1995-2006 and was chairman of the first graduating group in the field of communications, told us “I expect each of you to create campaigns that are real, and they can someday become national!” Dr. Mello, I’m proud to tell you that my campaign is now national, published by the National Newspaper Publishers Association and Black Press USA! Plus, my company is currently hosting a Ward 5 Wellness Circle in the O’Conner Auditorium at Trinity University on Michigan Avenue for low-income D.C. residents who have diabetes and high blood pressure. I’m proud to have been selected to AmeriHealth Caritas DC. Our first graduation will be held Jan. 4. Graduates will be honored for having reduced their A1C, lowering their high blood pressure and losing weight. All winners will be rewarded. Others will receive special certificates as well! For me, it is a dream come true! Mt. Zion Baptist Church
My mother suffered for 12 years with Type 2 diabetes and with many complications that resulted from her having had this disease. We lost Mother Grant on Christmas Day in 2000. Mother, who lost both of her legs to amputations, suffered kidney failure and several strokes, with the first major stroke leaving her paralyzed. She ended up in Howard University Hospital, and that’s when they discovered she had Type 2 diabetes. Our family lived together, we worked together in business, and now we were going through this battle for life with our mother. Not understanding what happened to Mother, wondering if we could have done something differently, we began to learn all we could. We didn’t know how an improved diet with extremely limited amounts of sugar with major reductions in eating carbohydrates and getting regular physical exercise could have made a difference in her life. Now that I’ve learned from her doctor, from research, from the National Institute of Health, from Johns Hopkins and American Diabetes Association and others, I must share this good news with you! What exactly is Type 2 diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose. It results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, and too much inflammation is in your body.
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with Lyndia Grant For those of you who refuse to follow the rules, Type 2 diabetes can result in the loss of toes, feet, legs and more. Plus, it can bring on premature death, as in the case of my Mom. On the other hand, by taking measures to reduce the likelihood of such devastating effects, you will be the winner! Throughout our lives, my family has been blessed, becoming successful businesswomen and doing exactly what Mother encouraged us to do. Now, though, it is time to spread this message to the masses, and this, my friend, is what I will continue to do for the rest of my life! WI
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Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor
The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
5101 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089
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
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.
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold”
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
www.mtzbcdc.org
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NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 47 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 a.m. 7 10:00 a.m. Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00am 5th Sundays: 9:30am 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30pm www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Crusader Baptist Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor
Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor
Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor
2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org
800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703
4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30am 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00am Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30pm Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00am “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment
1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661
Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30pm Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org “God is Love”
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Drs. Dennis W. & Christine Y. Wiley Pastors
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office 202-638-1803 fax
610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00am Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30pm
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30pm (dinner @ 5:30pm) Sunday School: 9:00am – Hour of Power
Blessed Word of Life Church
www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org
Campbell AME Church
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am Sunday Church School: 8:45 am Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 pm Thursday: 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: faithdefender@verizon.net
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00am Worship Service: 10:00am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45pm Thur. Bible Study: 7:15pm
(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Communion every Sunday: 11:00 am Sunday School: 10:00 am Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 pm Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor
Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher
Service and Times Sunday School 8 – 9 AM Worship Service 9 – 11 AM Tuesday Night Bible Study 6:30 – 8:00 PM Wednesday Daytime Bible Study 11 AM – 12:30 PM
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 am
Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45am Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45am; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45am; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6am & 6:30pm Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...
Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor
Turning Hearts Church
4275 4th Street, S.E. Washington, DC 20034 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445
Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m. Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
Twelfth Street Christian Church
Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am
48 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church
All Nations Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor
Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor
7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471
2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591
2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730
Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15AM Sunday School: 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office • (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009
4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
“Where Jesus is the King”
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10: am Holy Communion: First Sunday 10: am Sunday School: 9: am Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am & 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
Salem Baptist Church
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Interim Pastor
Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 am Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 pm
Emmanuel Baptist Church
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Rev. Joan E. Buchanan Executive Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 7:30am Worship Service: 11:00am New Member’s Class: 9:45am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00am Church School: 9:45am Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00pm Saturday Bible Study: 11:00am Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00am
Service and Times 9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service: 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class 8:00 am Sunday School 9:00 am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:00 am Wednesday Service 12:00 pm
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study
“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Shiloh Baptist Church
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
917 N St. NW - Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm
Service and Times Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 a.m. Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 p.m.
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday) Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
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Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 a.m. Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30 a.m. Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 p.m. Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 49 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 2017 ADM 735
Administration No. 2017 ADM 001190
Administration No. 2017 ADM 1203
Administration No. 2016 ADM 1134
Administration No. 2017 ADM 872 Shelley D. Hayes Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Rodolfo Morales Decedent
Nilka Hall Decedent
Evelyn M. Mitchell Decedent
Lucy Graves Johnson Decedent
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Jayvon Hall and Jean Hall, whose addresses are 4634 G Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019 and 646 Hobart Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Nilka Hall who died on July 17, 2017 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 April 26, 2018. 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 April 26, 2018, 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.
Mary F. Moton, whose address is 1532 Monroe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Evelyn M. Mitchell who died on August 3, 2017 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 April 26, 2018. 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 April 26, 2018, 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.
Kisha L. Woolen, Esq. Tobin O’Connor & Ewing 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deborah D. Boddie, Esquire, whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rodolfo Morales who died on May 16, 2014 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before April 26, 2018. 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 April 26, 2018, 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: October 26, 2017 Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills
Date of first publication: October 26, 2017
Date of first publication: October 26, 2017 Mary F. Moton Personal Representative
Jayvon Hall Jean Hall Personal Representatives
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Peter Mangum, whose address is 231 Sunflower Loop, Carbondale, CO 81623, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lucy Graves Johnson who died on September 5, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before April 26, 2018. 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 April 26, 2018, 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.
TRUE TEST COPY
Date of first publication: October 26, 2017
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Peter Mangum Personal Representative
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
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Jennifer C. Concino, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., #700, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shelley D. Hayes who died on June 26, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 April 26, 2018. 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 April 26, 2018, 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: October 26, 2017 Jennifer C. Concino, Esq. Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 2017 ADM 472
Administration No. 2017 ADM 001202
Administration No. 2017 ADM 1208
Administration Number 2017 ADM 000995
Foreign No. 2017 FEP 128
Filomena M. Guillen Decedent
Rembert Gerald Decedent
Geraldine S. Boulware Decedent
Estate of Emanuel Brown
June 25, 2017 Date of Death
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Peggy A. Miller 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE
Marlin K. Ford Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deborah D. Boddie, Esquire, whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Filomena M. Guillen who died on December 4, 2016 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before April 26, 2018. 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 April 26, 2018, 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: October 26, 2017 Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
50 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
Sylvesteral Lynch, whose address is 526 25th Pl., NE, Washington, DC, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rembert Gerald who died on July 30, 2017 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 May 2, 2018. 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 May 2, 2018, 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: November 2, 2017 Sylversteral Lynch Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lawrence E. Smith, whose address is1883 Alabama Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geraldine S. Boulware who died on August 27, 2009 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 May 2, 2018. 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 May 2, 2018, 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: November 2, 2017 Lawrence E. Smith Personal Representative
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Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Arlene T. Jarvis and Stephen D. Jarvis for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
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Shalina R. Ford whose address is 1940 Artillery Lane, Odenton, MD 21113 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Marlin K. Ford, deceased, by the Register of Wills Probate Court for Anne Arundel County, State of Maryland, on August 17, 2017. Service of process may be made upon Allison Colombel, 6419 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1721 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Date of first publication: November 2, 2017
Washington Informer
Shalina R. Ford Personal Representative
Admit to probate the will date November 12, 2007 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses or otherwise appoint an unsupervised personal representative. Date of first publication: November 2, 2017 Carmen J. Mitchell 1717 K Street, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20006 Petitioner/Attorney
Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 2017 ADM 615
Administration No. 2017 ADM 001237
Administration No. 2017 ADM 1219
Toya L. Watts Decedent
Clara A. French Decedent
Rhawn Frazier Anderson Decedent
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
Administration No. 2017 ADM 679
COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2017 ADM 1152
Benjamin Lewis Decedent Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deborah D. Boddie, Esquire, whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Benjamin Lewis who died on April 4, 2015 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 2, 2018. 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 May 2, 2018, 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: November 2, 2017 Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Personal Representative
Estate of John J. Robinson aka John J. Robinson, Jr. Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Betty A. Greer for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will date February 2, 2015 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses
Date of first publication: November 2, 2017 Betty A. Greer Petitioner/Attorney
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Personal Representative
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Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Deborah D. boddie, Esquire, whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Toya L. Watts who died on August 24, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 May 2, 2018. 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 May 2, 2018, 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: November 2, 2017
Anne Meister
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Gloria Lawrence, whose address is 896 Southern Avenue, Apt. 308, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clara A. French who died on May 17, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 9, 2018. 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 May 9, 2018, 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: November 9, 2017 Gloria Lawrence Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maurice Scales, whose address is 2818 Spriggs Request Way, Mitchellville, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rhawn Frazier Anderson who died on May 12, 2011 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 9, 2018. 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 May 9, 2018, 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: November 9, 2017 Maurice Scales Personal Representative
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Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Administration No. 2017 ADM 000315
Administration No. 2017 ADM 747
Administration No. 2017 ADM 001167
Administration No. 2017 ADM 001263
Administration No. 2017 ADM 001236
Edna V. Holliday Decedent
Marla Grier Decedent
Myrtle Lee Burton Decedent
Dorothy Mae Scott Decedent
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney
Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Deborah D. Boddie, Esquire, whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marla Grier who died on June 5, 2012 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 2, 2018. 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 May 2, 2018, 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.
Charles Burton, whose address is 7503 Old Chapel Dr., Bowie, MD 20715, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Myrtle Lee Burton who died on April 24, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 9, 2018. 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 May 9, 2018, 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: November 2, 2017
Date of first publication: November 9, 2017
Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deborah D. Boddie, Esquire, whose address is 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edna V. Holliday who died on February 18, 2010 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 2, 2018. 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 May 2, 2018, 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: November 2, 2017 Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills
William Thompson Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Twanda S. Shephard and Dallas D. Scott, whose addresses are 3348 Clay Place NE, Washington, DC 20019 and 614 S. Madison St., Hinsdale, IL 60521, was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Dorothy Mae Scott who died on August 28, 2017 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 May 9, 2018. 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 May 9, 2018, 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.
Beverly A. Thompson, whose address is 5406 Blaine Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Thompson who died on September 10, 2017 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 May 9, 2018. 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 May 9, 2018, 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: November 9, 2017
Date of first publication: November 9, 2017
Charles Burton Personal Representative
Twanda S. Shephard Dallas D. Scott Personal Representatives
Beverly A. Thompson Personal Representative
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Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Anne Meister Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 51 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2017 ADM 001241 Alfreda Hyson Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Charmisa Adams, whose address is 2904 26th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfreda Hyson who died on August 24, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 9, 2018. 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 May 9, 2018, 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: November 9, 2017 Charmisa Adams Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer
Virginia: In the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for the County of Chesterfield 7000 Lucy Corr Blvd. Chesterfield, VA 23832 JJ091828-01-00, -02-00, -03-00, -04-00 In Re: A-Royale Means Amber Vanable v. Geno Williams LaShaya Means v. Geno Williams The object of this suit is to determine custody and visitation of A-Royale Means (DOB: 8/12/16), whose mother is LaShaya Means, and whose father, Geno Williams, last resided at 3801 Walters Lane, District Heights, MD, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3. It is ORDERED that Geno Williams appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before 12/1/17 at 10:00 a.m. Laura G. Griffin, Clerk of Court
CL ASSIFIEDS
CL ASSIFIEDS
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MALVEAUX from Page 30
tions on companies and bankers. Puerto Rican officials will have to be courageous enough to set the standards and enforce them. I am convinced that the steadfast leadership of Gov. Ricardo Rossello and the Maxine Waters-like spirit of Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz of San Juan, along with the diligence of responsible members of Congress such as Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, will make for a new, better and more powerful Puerto Rico. The devastation in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, raises a stark mirror on this administration. How can any president claim to Make America Great Again and then fail in the basic duty to protect this country’s citizens and help them recover from natural disasters? That question should haunt the president and the Republican leaders this Halloween, even as they peddle the next tax break for millionaires and billionaires. WI
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order to ensure that the speculators get repaid first. The catastrophe has brought Puerto Rico’s economy to a halt. Surely its creditors should write off much of their loans that have gone bad. U.S. assistance to rebuild Puerto Rico cannot be siphoned off to repay the debts of the past if the island is to have any hope of revival. Without representation, the 3.4 million people in Puerto Rico must depend on the kindness of their fellow citizens. Perhaps Puerto Ricans who have settled in the U.S. mainland can mobilize to demand fair treatment for their compatriots. Perhaps their U.S. occupiers will understand the global shame that comes from failing our own citizens. With Republicans intent on passing $5 trillion in tax cuts, largely for the rich and the big corporations, while slashing spending on everything other
than the military, the agonies of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are likely to continue. Some small steps should be taken. Puerto Ricans should have the first option on the contracts and jobs involved in rebuilding the island. The reconstruction needs labor, skilled and unskilled; the residents need jobs. If they get the contracts, the money will circulate in the island rather than be sent to the mainland. If there is a shortage of skilled occupations, investment in training and apprenticeships will pay massive dividends. Puerto Rican officials need to step up also, insuring that the contracting process is transparent and clean — and cracking down on inanities like the Whitefish contract, which the governor has announced will be canceled. Disasters often open the door for massive ripoffs and fraud. The Trump administration is systematically weakening enforcement of the laws and regula-
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JACKSON from Page 30
focus on “free” markets only reminds us that markets are not free when one party has significantly more power than another. One consumer hardly has the wherewithal to stand up to a large bank or credit card company, but a class of consumers can collectively flex power in the fight for fairness. 45 and his team have not only declared war on consumers, but also war on the collective, as we see with their hostility to organized labor, a hostility likely to be reflected in upcoming Supreme Court decisions. This represents another victory for predatory capitalism and for exploitative financial institutions, and another loss for consumers! WI
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consumer rights. Still, the 5050 vote required the vice president to break the tie. And we certainly wouldn’t expect him to stand up to his boss and cast a vote for consumers! According to its website, the CFPB’s job is “to make consumer financial markets work for consumers, responsible providers, and the economy as a whole. We protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law. We arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make smart financial decisions.” The CPFB’s purpose seems
solid and necessary, especially as its director, Richard Cordray, says the bureau’s priority is mortgages, credit cards and student loans, all areas where transparency and consumer protection are important. But Corday is likely to leave his office early, some say to run for governor of Ohio. When he walks out the door, so will consumer protections, as 45’s pattern is to appoint people to lead agencies although they disagree with the agency purpose. He will probably find a disgraced bank president, perhaps even one who is behind bars, to lead CPFB! The vote to force arbitration and prevent lawsuits was the Senate’s way of declaring war on consumers. The Republican
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CHAVIS from Page 30 support to both the United Negro College Fund ($25 million) and to the TMCF. Accepting the challenge of providing more funding for the higher education of Black Americans should not be reduced to partisan politics. This is about improving the quality of life for Black America and for all communities who yearn for freedom and equality. As a graduate of Howard University, I know that HBCUs deserve the support of corporate America. Let’s hope that other corporate leaders will also accept the challenge of financially supporting HBCUs. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
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TAYLOR from Page 31 Outreach and Advocacy (OAO). They are charged with fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment whereby employees and customers are treated with dignity and respect and are provided opportunities for success through national policy development, education and training to best serve the USDA mission of protecting the health and value of U.S. agriculture, natural and other resources. In partnership with TMCF, the USDA sought to increase their diversity goals through a handson 10-week internship experience for undergraduate, graduate and law students and offer career opportunities to HBCU students across various USDA agencies in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. TMCF places some 150 interns within the USDA through this program every year. All of our partners know the level of STEM participation and STEM degree completion among African-Americans is alarmingly low nationwide. According to a 2010 report from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Blacks received 7 percent of all bachelor’s
BAKER from Page 31 that surround underperforming public schools. The greatest irony remains that those promoting harmful education policies use the same language of “giving every child a chance at a high-quality education” to pitch their tax-dollar-poaching and resource-pilfering experiments to desperate parents. Rather than making public education a number one priority, a Hunger-Games-like competition for vouchers and charter schools leaves parents and students fending for themselves. The families that lose the education lottery end up at schools with increased needs and declining resources. In Maryland, our governor’s BOOST voucher program set aside $5 million of public money to help 2,400 families pay for their child’s education. Yet, 80 percent of the families receiving these grants had children who were
ASKIA from Page 31 it would increase promiscuity. Those some people resist abortion because it permits those who did not use adequate pregnancy prevention methods to terminate the unborn life that results from the sexual contact these folks consider to be forbidden acts by unmarried “heathens.” Childbearing is at the crux of the decided disadvantage women
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degrees awarded in the biological sciences, 6 percent in the physical sciences, 5 percent in mathematics and statistics, and only 4 percent of the bachelor degrees awarded in engineering. In June, Forbes revealed that of the 16 Fortune 500 companies that shared demographic data on their executive positions, White men occupied 72 percent of those positions. These are more than indicators that we can all do better to help diversify from the C-suite down with qualified talent to lead. Good ideas, work ethic, and vision are not exclusive to race or gender. In a shrinking global economy, companies that value diversity are partnering with TMCF, specifically in support of the Leadership Institute. For the past 17 years, TMCF has successfully worked to position its 47 member-schools in front of major corporations and federal agencies looking to enhance the pipeline of diverse talent. These companies, across a variety of industries, are not looking to sustain the status quo; they are eager to make headlines for finding talent to groom through the managerial and executive phases of their careers, in the hopes that they
will one day assume leadership of major brands or perhaps launch their own. HBCUs have the ability to produce most of the nation’s African-American STEM talent, and by partnering with TMCF, agencies such as the Department of Defense are able to reach 80 percent of all students attending HBCUs. Diversity and inclusion remain important ideals for innovative industry leaders that intend to compete and redefine business and commerce. So, much of what I treasure about working with my colleagues at TMCF is the opportunity to be a part of this positive sea of change by American employers, and knowing that HBCUs matter and continue to define their excellence through the top graduates they produce. I am confident that through the continued support of our partners and of strong passionate advocates in the growing Black College Community, TMCF will keep leading the way as the preeminent source of support for HBCU students to not only survive while in school, but thrive when they graduate with a quality education and a promising career. WI
already enrolled in private schools. Vouchers, whose American roots can be traced back to some Southern states’ attempts to avoid integration, perpetuate segregated education and are nothing more than a thinly-veiled attempt to cut off funds to public schools. It gets even worse. Some communities have simply seceded from the larger school district, as we’ve seen in Alabama and Tennessee, to keep from integrating their schools. Since 2000, the U.S. Justice Department has released 250 communities from their desegregation orders and consequently facilitated their financial and administrative secession from their school districts. After all those factors lead to a dip in school performance, students and their communities are stigmatized as “failing.” Schools close. Quality of life drops, economic prospects dwindle, public safety decreases and the cycle repeats, so that higher-needs populations receive
even fewer resources. I know. I’ve lived through it. It’s time to back up the big talk of “opportunity for all” with policies that don’t ask parents to compete for a few spots, but instead make public dollars work for every child. We’ve embraced this mission in my home of Prince George’s County, Maryland, where I serve as county executive. Though we know our best days are to come, we’ve seen incredible progress: increased enrollment, higher graduation rates, an increase in innovative academic programs and more students receiving college scholarships. The debate over how we improve public education can’t begin with state-funded segregation, which harms communities and students, especially our most vulnerable. Let’s secure our children’s futures and the future of America by making a meaningful investment in quality public schools for all. WI
have in the arena of physical conquest when it comes to sex. There are obvious times and stages in the life cycle when men have a superior physical advantage, and men maintain that superiority in most aspects of male-female relations. And while the pendulum has swung toward freakishness in the pursuit of more liberated ideas about interactions between the sexes. It will certainly swing back
toward modesty, I’m certain. If 2011 was seen as the year the Arab Spring uprising was born, then I think 2017 will be the year of the Women’s Spring, when women and men calmly and intelligently learn to follow the rules we’ve known for a long time, such as: “to look at the beauty of one another and then cast down our eyes.” It might work. WI
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EXCLUDES ALL: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, specials, Super Buys, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, reg.-price china/crystal/ silver, cosmetics/fragrances, designer handbags, designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, men’s store electronics, furniture/mattresses, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, select licensed depts., previous purchases, restaurants, rugs, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, special purchases, select tech accessories, toys, 3Doodler, American Rug Craftsmen, Anova, Apple Products, Ashley Graham, Avec Les Filles clothing, Barbour, Brahmin, Breville, Briggs & Riley, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, COACH, Demeyere, Destination Maternity, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Fitbit, Frye, Global Cutlery, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Judith Leiber, Karastan, kate spade new york, Kenneth Cole shoes, Kiehl’s, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, littleBits, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Michele watches, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, Nike swim, Original Penguin, Panache, Rimowa, Rudsak, Sam Edelman, Shun, Spanx, Staub, Stuart Weitzman, S’well, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Theory, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Vans, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford & Wüsthof; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA & Tommy Bahama. Electrics/electronics is excluded from $10 off pass. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices. Purchase must be $25 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.
10
PLUS GET $
MACY’S MONEY FOR EVERY $50 YOU SPEND
IN STORE NOW-11/15 AND ONLINE NOW-11/14. GET UP TO $40 MACY’S MONEY. SEE BELOW.
VETS DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 11/8-11/12. MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE AT THESE AND OTHER SALE PRICES NOW-1/2/18, UNLESS NOTED. HOW IT WORKS: We’ll give you $10 Macy’s Money for every $50 you spend, up to a $40 Macy’s Money Reward Card in a single transaction. EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PURCHASES: Apple Products, tech watches/jewelry/accessories, gift cards, furniture, mattresses, rugs, Macybed, services & fees, sales tax, phone & live chat orders, leased depts., restaurants, international orders, e-gifting, online backorders. USE YOUR MACY’S MONEY REWARD CARD in stores & online 11/16-11/21/2017. May not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase Macy’s Gift Cards or applied as payment or credit to your credit card account. If a purchase used to accumulate Macy’s Money is returned, your return may result in a reduction of the value of your Macy’s Money Reward Card and/or a reduction of your total refund amount. The remaining balance of your Macy’s Money Reward Card will reflect the Macy’s Money amount you qualify for after deducting the returned item(s) from your original purchase amount. N7100005
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NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017 55 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Veterans Day
1 2 S A L E
for
plus
FDREE elivery *
in time
for the
holida
ys
Get TWO rooms FOR the price of ONE*
Why upgrade one room when you can upgrade two for the exact same price?
FURNITURE & SLEEP GALLERY MARLOFURNITURE.COM FORESTVILLE, MD 3300 Marlo Lane (301) 735-2000
LAUREL, MD 13450 Baltimore Ave. (301) 419-3400
ROCKVILLE, MD 725 Rockville Pike (301) 738-9000
ALEXANDRIA, VA 5650 Gen. Washington Dr. (703) 941-0800
FREDERICKSBURG, VA LIQUIDATION CENTER 4040 Plank Road 540-785-2635
*Second item must be of equal or lesser price. Some exclusions apply. Free local delivery and in-home set-up with purchase of $1199 or more. Many excellent financing options available. Apply in-store. Approval takes only minutes.
56 NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2017
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM