38 minute read
Lifestyle
MARCH from Page 1
“What I remember most was the tremendous support for the Million Man March from The Honorable Mayor Marion Barry and the City of the District of Columbia that involved every city agency,” Chavis reminisced.
Chavis remembered that the D.C. Local Organizing Committee met twice a week for five months leading up to the Oct. 16 March.
5 Black men raise their hands in solidarity during the Million Man March in October 1995. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
In reporting on the event, the Nation of Islam’s official website noted that “there was a sea of Black men, many who stood for 10 hours or more sharing, learning, listening, fasting, hugging, crying, laughing and praying. The day produced a spirit of brotherhood, love, and unity – like never experienced among Black men in America.
“All creeds and classes were present: Christians, Muslims, Hebrews, Agnostics, nationalists, pan-Africanists, civil rights organizations, fraternal organizations, rich, poor, celebrities and people from nearly every organization, profession, and walk of life were present. It was a day of atonement, reconciliation and responsibility,” the statement read.
While some estimates placed the attendance at about 500,000, others suggested as many as 1.7 million attended.
Impressively, Chavis attested that the march received very little pushback, not even with Minister Farrakhan’s involvement.
“Minister Farrakhan’s leadership of the Million Man March was not a problem or issue for D.C. officials,” he said. “However, the mainstream media publications, TV and radio in D.C., Maryland and Virginia were all mainly publishing and broadcasting negative and counterproductive news coverage about the Million Man March days before, on the day of and days after the march,” he pronounced.
“It was, however, the Black Press of America via the National Newspaper Publishers Association [NNPA], and especially The Washington Informer, The Washington Afro, The Afro in Baltimore, The Baltimore Times, The Journal and Guide in Norfolk and the Richmond Free Press who covered the Million Man March truthfully, accurately and authentically,” he stated.
Throughout most of his life, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., has marched for justice, freedom and equality.
The civil rights icon, who serves as president and CEO of the NNPA and host of the Public Broadcasting Service show, “The Chavis Chronicles,” began his life of service as a youth coordinator for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
A North Carolina native and member of the famed Wilmington 10, Chavis formerly served as president of the NAACP and co-founded the HipHop Summit Action Network. In the immediate aftermath of the 1995 March, Black-on-Black crime reportedly decreased to an all-time low in the District and across the country.
The immediate results of the march proved impressive.
Following the event, 1.7 million Black men registered to vote and the NAACP, along with numerous Black churches and civic organizations, reported major increases in membership.
Additionally, in the weeks following the March, the National Association of Black Social Workers reportedly received more than 13,000 applications from families of color seeking to adopt African-American children.
The now legendary event also inspired the Million Woman March, Million Father March and the Million Hoodie March, the latter in support of justice for Trayvon Martin.
In 2011, a Million Man March in Tahrir Square took place in Egypt, demanding the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
While one scholar recently referred to the original Million Man March as an act of solidarity and commitment in the Black community that’s been difficult to replicate, Chavis lamented that crime among those in the Black community has surged once more. He said many have forgotten or are unaware of the message of the March.
“The mission and message of the Million Man March are needed again today as it was an effective mission and message 25 years ago,” he said. “We do not need to repeat history necessarily. However, what is needed today is to learn from our history in America and throughout the world.”
“When Black people come together in greater unity to end poverty, oppression and self-destruction, we will have the ability and the power to build stronger Black families, communities, businesses and lasting institutions that will all serve together to mitigate and to seriously decrease Black-on-Black crime and all other forms of Black self-destruction,” he said.
WI
Black Brothers from the DMV Remember 1995: ‘We Were Part of History’
Local African-American Men Share Memories of Million Man March, Twenty-five Years Later By Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer CHUCK HICKS “During the 1963 March on Washington, local Blacks were warned to stay away but we refused to do the same during the Million Man March. Black men came from everywhere because we understood that no matter where we lived, we were all facing the same challenges as Black men,” said Hicks, 75, whose father, Bob Hicks, was the founder for the local chapter of a group called The Deacons for Defense, who carried guns to protect their community and marchers from angry and often violent whites. I was then council president of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees for D.C.’s government employees comprised of 22 locals representing 22,000 employees excluding police, firemen and teachers.” “None of the major unions nationwide endorsed the March because Farrakhan and the Muslims were spearheading it. But because Chavis was in charge, our union chose to become the host union for union locals. Many locals who were predominantly Black came by the thousands from New York, Chicago, Detroit and California and it made a big difference.” “Black men identified that this was human beings, like men and good about ourselves. We got a lot of support from Black women who talked with pride about their men who attended. They stayed home so their men could have their day.” “When I spoke at the March and saw military men, gay men, brothers in suits and college men, a wonderful feeling that came me – over everyone. It’s 25 years later but like that sign which was carried by sanitation workers in Memphis during their strike in 1968 which read, “I Am a Man,” Black men are still exclaiming the same thing – reminding one another, the nation and the world that we matter.” Officer Kevin Brittingham, 51, arrived at work around 3 a.m. on the morning of the Million Man March. “I just remember the atmosphere and a calming energy as hundreds of buses filled with Black men of all ages arrived and the love that was being spread. Now, 25 years later, I’m saddened about what has happened since that day. Minister Farrakhan got us to come together without incident. It was all about brotherly love. We need to recapture that spirit again.” D.C. COMMUNITY ORGANIZER SCOTT BISHOP he was still mobilizing people on the evening before the March. “Marion Barry had us rounding up people and loading up buses for the March but by the time the sun had come up, folks were already coming into the city on their own buses. But the only way they could get downtown was by walking. It looked like two million people out there. The March changed my life and afterwards I opened a non-profit. It showed me that I could work in the Black community and gave me a sense of pride after seeing Blacks from all walks of life came to the event.” KYLE MCAFEE “Mayor Marion Barry, after hearing me talk about my father’s work and something for us. The important thing about the March was it brought one MPD OFFICER Scott Bishop, 72, worked with the D.C. Local Organizing Committee “There were hundreds of vendors at the Million Man March,” said McAupon the advice of Ben Chavis, put me million black men together without KEVIN BRITTINGHAM during the Million Man March. The fee, 66, from Temple Hills who was on the executive board for the March. the help of whites. It made us feel like Metropolitan Police Department father of three boys and two girls said MARCH Page 30
Black Women’s Clubs were Formed to Push the Suffrage Movement
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia
Emblazoned on the home page of the National Women’s History Museum’s website and under the tab the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) are the powerful words of African American suffragist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.
“No race can afford to neglect the enlightenment of its mothers.”
Black women like Harper, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman participated in women’s rights movements throughout the nineteenth century, the museum noted in tribute.
“Despite their efforts, Black women were often excluded from organizations and their activities. Black female reformers understood that in addition to their sex, their race significantly affected their rights and available opportunities,” historians at the museum wrote.
“White suffragists and their organizations ignored the challenges that African American women faced. They chose not to integrate issues of race into their campaigns.”
In the 1880s, Black reformers began organizing their own groups.
In 1896, they founded the NACW, which became the largest federation of local black women’s clubs. Suffragist Mary Church Terrell became the first president of the NACW.
“Suffrage was an important goal for Black female reformers. Unlike predominantly white suffrage organizations, however, the NACW advocated for a wide range of reforms to improve life for African Americans,” the historians continued.
“Mary Church Terrell strove to cre-
ate a country in which young Black women could grow up expecting to vote and be full citizens, to be free from sexual assaults and constant aspersions regarding their sexual purity, as well as to be free of the contradictory but equally pernicious stereotype of the asexual, subservient ‘Black Mammies,’” Alison M. Parker, history department chair and Rich5 NACW gathering. (Photo courtesy of Pinterest) ards Professor of American History at roots organizations primarily made up the University of Delaware, wrote in an middle-class women, provided services, email to the Washington Informer. financial assistance, and moral guid-
The author of “Unceasing Militant: ance for the poor,” the California histoThe Life of Mary Church Terrell,” rians wrote. Parker noted how Terrell picketed the Women involved in the club moveWhite House with Alice Paul’s Nation- ment gained knowledge about educaal Woman’s Party. tion, health care, and poverty and de-
“She consistently pushed white veloped organizing skills. women to understand the intercon- “Although organizations existed all nections between race and gender that over the country, they were concentratunderpinned Black women’s suffrage ed mainly in the Northeast. New York activism,” Parker submitted. City clubwomen followed Ida B. Wells’ According to the Women’s Museum political activism against lynching. of California, the segregation of Black Teachers concerned about children women into distinct clubs produced and their problems dominated the vibrant organizations that promised ra- Washington, D.C. movement while cial uplift and civil rights for all African other chapters supported homes for the Americans and equal rights for women. aged, schools, and orphanages.
Although Black women lacked “It was important for Black wommoney, they managed through their en to form their own clubs during missionary societies and their clubs – the fight for women’s suffrage. In the through church participation and civ- 19th century, Elizabeth Cady Stanton ic engagement – to bind together the fought for women’s rights, but notoriBlack community, historians for the ously contradicted herself when asked if Women’s Museum of California noted. Black women should be able to vote,”
“Many of the groups grew out of stated author and entrepreneur Chrisreligious and literary societies as a response to intensified racism. The grass- SUFFRAGE Page 43
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5 An historic gathering of proud, Black men. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer) MARCH from Page 28
working as a T-shirt and button vendor and set up his merchandise outside of the Stadium-Armory Metro Station.
“It was worth it as hundreds of buses just kept coming. In my 40 years of vending and that includes big events like the Super Bowl, the Million Man March had the most people I have ever seen – it was the most prosperous event in my life. We sold out in record time and it looked like everyone was wearing something that we had provided.”
ALVIN THORNTON
In 1995, Prince George’s County Board of Education President Alvin Thornton had just become the chairman of the Political Science Department at Howard University and says the March was an unforgettable experience.
“I walked with a group of Howard students to the March and what you saw was an attempt to bring together Black men. It was a moment in the middle of the 1990’s that brought Black leaders together across the ideological divide so we could formulate an agenda to address the factors plaguing the Black male in America. After the March, the National Mall was spotless – not one piece of paper could be found. It showed me that Black male behavior and culture can be purified in our fight for social justice in a spirit of peace.”
THE REV. GRAINGER BROWNING, PASTOR, EBENEZER AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
“More than 1,000 men from our church attended the Million Man March and it was a life-changing event. There no crime, in fact the crime rate went down. Gangs put aside their beefs. It impacted every aspect of their lives. It affirmed us as Black men and it was probably the most affirming moment in American history for Black men.”
“During the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March, we hosted an ecumenical service with Minister Farrakhan and we were blessed as 600 Muslims and 1,000 Christians, men and women, came together in a sign of unity. Dr. Cornel West and Tavis Smiley led the way. As for the first March, I don’t think that we will ever the likes of it again – one of the largest events in history and it was just Black men – all on one accord.”
HAMIL R. HARRIS
“It is hard to believe that it has been 25 years since that cool, October morning when I arrived and stood on the press risers at the U.S. Capitol. The sun rose over the National Mall as if God had pulled back the curtain and showed a warm sea of African-American men in a light brighter than we’d ever been portrayed on television, in the movies or on the nightly news. There was no need for the police or the secret service. The FOI (Fruit of Islam) were patting down everything moving while the women dressed like nuns and called the Vanguard were moving to their assigned places.”
“The managing editor of the Washington Post, Len Downie, said he didn’t think there’d be more than 200,000 people – the mark set during the 1963 March on Washington – but after writing stories for months leading up to the event, I knew better. Yes, there were a million men on the Mall that day. As legions of African-American men continued to arrive on a sea of endless buses, I called Downie and said, ‘Come see this for yourself,’ which he did. Black men from D.C. and from all over America marched across bridges, walked down city streets, came in cars, some even got here by boat and all I remember is my face swelling up with tears as a wave of emotions swept through me.” WI
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LIFESTYLE
DC Black Repertory Company’s Alums to Celebrate 49th Anniversary
Mayor Bowser Joins Festivities with Proclamation Honoring Company and Robert Hooks By D. Kevin McNeir the Alumni Association, said lifting had to be prepared to follow a strict ertory, used his theatrical acumen in “As for the discussion on systemic WI Editor @dkevinmcneir the legacy of those who have come regimen. Only those able to remain 1982 when he founded Multi-Media racism, young folks need to know that through the doors of the Company committed for the long haul and in- Training Institute. His business, while it remains, unfortunately, a barrier and
The DC Black Repertory Company before making their mark in the world fused with true desire completed the based on the format of the Repertory, a challenge for all of us who are part of Alumni Association and Multi-Media remains one of the goals this year. arduous training process,” she said. promoted training in the media arts the long and historic tradition of Black Training Institute continue with final “We want to showcase some of the During the evening celebration, and digital production. He said he theatre. With the pandemic, we’ve expreparations for programs designed talented people who have been among there will also be a discussion, “Sys- remains committed to empowering amined other ways to challenge injustice to recognize the 49th Anniversary of our members and let our supporters temic Racism in American Theatre,” youth in the media arts to speak truth including a recently-produced show on the DC Black Repertory Company know what those who are still living are with Hooks, legendary producer and justice for all people. Shirley Chisholm and a radio drama and will include a tribute to one of doing today,” she said. “In addition, we Woodie King, Jr. and others, mod- “The evening will illustrate the lives program that’s now in the works.” the District’s most celebrated residents are committed to continuing our efforts erated by Katea Stitt of WPFW FM of people who came out of the D.C. To register for the celebration, go to honored annually in October – Rob- which support Black theater in D.C. 89.3 radio station and the Accomplice area in the arts and have made major https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebratert Hooks Day. and around the country and further Leadership Institute, a program of the contributions in the world,” Dyson ing-the-49th-anniversary-dc-black-rep-
The signature event, “Black Theatre promote the training, mentoring and Arts Administrators of Color. said. “Without the assistance some of company-and-robert-hooks-day-tickMatters: Honoring Our Past, Defining tutoring of our youth through local part- Lyn Dyson, a Howard Universi- our honorees provided, like Dr. Ro- ets-121241060275, or www.mmtidc.org. Our Future,” will include live musical nerships. It’s important that we keep the ty graduate and actor, instructor and lark, the Repertory may have never For information by telephone, call and theatrical productions, saluting the arts and live theatre alive in D.C.” former executive director for the Rep- survived its early years.” (202)-656-7140. WI achievements of the following D.C. leg- Toni Keene-Manago, Alumni ends: internationally-acclaimed Sweet board member and secretary to the Honey in the Rock; Charles Augins, Association, said she hopes that today’s The DC Black Repertory Company director, teacher, dancer and choreographer; Dr. Calvin Rolark, publisher and youth will one day have memories which reflect her own unforgettable – Alumni Association and philanthropist; and Mike Hodge, actor and former Screen Actors Guild Associexperiences as an actress and member of the Repertory. Multi-Media Training Institute present ation president of New York City. “I realize coronavirus has radically Rolark and Hodge will be honored posthumously. changed the landscape for live theatre but with zooms and other forms of BLACK THEATRE MATTERS
In 2018, D.C. Mayor Muriel technology, we can still provide plays, Bowser designated Oct. 18 as Robert readings and even screenings set up Honoring Our Past, Defining Our Future … Hooks Day, honoring both Hooks, a native son of the District, and the company he founded 49 years ago. in our homes,” she said. “It’s different and difficult but not impossible.” “Young people need to know that Celebrating the 49th Anniversary of The DC Black Repertory Company and a Tribute to Robert Hooks Day
This year, Hooks, along with four The DC Black Repertory Compaluminary leaders touted as integral ny has been the training ground and Sunday, October 18th 2020, 6 to 8 pm members of the Company, will be saluted in a virtual zoom celebration on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. home for some of the nation’s best performers on Broadway, on the silver screen and on stage. Under Robert Honoring
The Rev. Rhonda McLean-Nur, an Hook’s tutelage, you didn’t just show acclaimed storyteller and president of up and try your hand at acting. You
Sweet Honey in The Rock Charles Augins
Robert Hooks
Special Event A Panel Discussion on Systemic Racism in American TheaterMichael Hodge Calvin Rolark will feature producer/director/actor Robert Hooks and legendary producer Woodie King, Jr. and other notable guests a Live Zoom broadcast Moderated by: WPFW’s Katea Stitt PERFORMING TRIBUTES BY LOCAL AND NATIONAL ARTISTS Suggested donation $4.90 allows access to the virtual celebration. https://mmtidc.org Click the link for more information on the celebration or call: DCBR Answering Service (202)656-7140
LIFESTYLE
Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum - Home Made: John N. Robinson’s Portraits of D.C. Life
Jennifer Sieck, Collections Researcher
What does “home” mean, as we enter our seventh month of staying home to stop the coronavirus’s spread? Is home a source of solace, stress, or both, at times? The Anacostia Community Museum’s collection includes portraits that welcome us into the home of John N. Robinson, an artist who lived in Anacostia for over seventy years. Robinson made art at home about what he deeply cherished. His selection of subjects and settings, from family and community members to landscapes and lilacs, reflect his regard for people and places near him.
Home inspired Robinson to create. His family members often posed for portraits. The resulting images portray the sitters as well as their relationship with the artist. For example, this portrait of Robinson’s son, Pete, radiates connection between parent and child. The viewer learns that the Robinson home is a place where individuals can be truly seen. Decades later, the artist confirmed his perceptive depiction of the smiling toddler, writing (Link address for John N. Robinson, A Retrospective (1976): https://bit.ly/RobinsonCatalogue) “…my youngest son, his personality hasn’t changed, he’s still happy-go-lucky.”
Robinson’s respect, almost reverence, for his subjects also extends outside of his family. One of his most celebrated portraits depicts a woman named Maude Jones, who sat for him several Sundays at his home. Robinson noted that Jones “sold newspapers on New York Avenue and came up around the Outdoor Art Fairs; she wanted to have herself painted with the Bible but disappeared before I completed this portrait.” In the oil painting, Jones appears to be at home, in dual senses. She sits comfortably and as if she is reading in her own living room.
Literal threads linking these portraits can be found in the furnishings. Jones sits in the floral upholstered chair pictured behind Pete. The colorful carpet also recurs in the paintings. Like the elegant rug, home offers grounding as well as beauty for Robinson, who recognized the everyday as a renewable resource for sparking creativity. He once commented, “Our house is surrounded by lilacs, and I got in the habit of painting them every year since we moved in over forty years ago.”
Finally, Robinson’s artwork shows us another portrait, one of the painter himself. He identified foremost as an artist, though his primary income came from working as a cook at nearby St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for over thirty years. Born in 1912 in Georgetown, he moved to Anacostia in the late 1920s. He began to paint at age twelve and briefly studied art with Professors James V. Herring and James A. Porter at Howard University. His portraits documented daily life in Washington, D.C. and won acclaim in an era when few galleries exhibited artwork by African Americans. Robinson also participated in outdoor art fairs held in D.C. parks, and he was a member of the D.C. Artist Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to art education. In 1994, he passed away at the age of 82.
An object crafted at home, but, more so, with care, takes on the special quality of being homemade. In this sense, Robinson’s finely honed portraits epitomize “homemade.” As we head into a new definition of being “home for the holidays,” one way to honor Robinson’s legacy is by crafting a portrait of someone or something in your home. To learn more about John N. Robinson and creating your own portrait, visit the related Smithsonian Learning Lab (Link address for Learning Lab: https:// bit.ly/RobinsonLab), Home Made: Portraits of Family and Community by Washington, D.C. Artist John N. Robinson.
WI
5 Pete, 1942, John N. Robinson. Collection of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Link address for Pete: https://bit.ly/PeteRobinson 5 Reading the Bible (Maud Jones), 1940, John N. Robinson. Collection of Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Link address for Reading the Bible (Maude Jones): https://bit.ly/MaudeJones
5 In the Studio, 1945, John N. Robinson. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Link address to blog post in which image appears: https://bit.ly/ RobinsonStudio 5 The facade of Ford’s Theatre in Northwest – the building in which President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. (Courtesy photo)
Ford’s Theatre Society, National Park Service Announce Phased Reopening
Tickets for Museum, Theatre Available Online Beginning Wed. Oct. 14
WI Staff Report
Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service [NPS] recently announce a phased reopening schedule for Ford’s Theatre and the Ford’s Theatre Museum beginning Wed., Oct. 14, with advance tickets required and now available online. Following the initial opening, Ford’s Theatre and its museum will operate with a modified schedule for daytime visitation on Wednesdays through Sundays with required advance tickets for timed entry for both venues. Adhering to capacity policies set forth by DC Health, a maximum number of 25 visitors per hour will be permitted in the building during this stage of reopening.
Visits to Ford’s Theatre will be self-guided while NPS ranger talks will not be scheduled during this initial reopening stage. The Petersen House (The House where Lincoln Died) and the Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership remain closed.
“For the last several months, Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service have been working together to adjust our visitor experience to meet new health and safety guidelines. We are excited to welcome you back to the historic site and share Lincoln’s legacy with you. We also appreciate that not everyone will be ready or able to join us in person. We continue to offer a variety of virtual programming, bringing Ford’s programming directly to you,” said Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault.
“Ford’s Theatre is a must-see for any trip to our nation’s capital, providing insight into the far- reaching and profound consequences that President Lincoln’s assassination and death had, and continues to have, on our nation,” said Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Working with public health officials and our partners at Ford’s Theatre Society, we are pleased to reopen the historic theatre and museum while providing for the health and safety of our staff and visitors.”
To see a full list of policies, visit www.fords.org/welcome-back.
To participate in bi-weekly live discussions with artists, historians and thought leaders, visit www.fords.org/ visit/virtual-events-and-special-tours/ cabinet-conversations.
For more information on Ford’s Theatre and the Ford’s Theatre Society, visit www.fords.org. WI
LIFESTYLE
City Battles New Pandemic of Domestic Violence-Related Homelessness
By Lindiwe Vilakazi in-person intake services to tele-coun- DASH continues to facilitate pa- same period -- March through August der coronavirus quarantine, those in WI Contributing Writer seling and intake models, but insists tient check-ins and provides assistance in 2019, we’ve had about a 30 percent need can access help. For instance, their ability to meet the needs of cli- packages to abuse victims, including increase in the number of severely in- DASH operates the largest housing
Amid the economic, health, and ents has not been compromised. stipends ranging from $100 to $2,200 jured children.” program for survivors of domestic educational uncertainties caused by Koube Ngaaje, executive director of to provide survivors a cushion to help As many women and children violence in the District of Columbia the coronavirus, an equally virulent the District Alliance for Safe Housing, them relocate if fleeing from an abu- flee these situations under duress and – Cornerstone, a 42-unit apartment pandemic co-exists: the increased in- said the level of violence has almost sive environment without adequate without a plan, homelessness deepens. building. Through community colstances of intimate partner violence. become a second pandemic with the resources. Such was the case more than 50 years laborations they have welcomed sev-
On average, nearly 20 people per organization witnessing higher lethal- Dr. Allison Jackson, division chief ago when Wilma Walker fled her abu- eral new resident survivors into the minute are physically abused by an in- ity and sexual assault cases since the of the Child and Adolescent Protec- sive husband with her four children in dwelling during the pandemic, protimate partner or parent in the United pandemic began. tion Center at Children’s National tow during the D.C. race rebellion fol- viding a two-year period, covered in States. In a single year, this equates to “How that pans out means that Hospital said that many variables con- lowing Dr. King’s assassination. While cost, for survivors to regroup as they more than 10 million women, men, the survivors, and families now have tribute to the rise in violence under the situation was not a pandemic, it was transition into a hopeful ending. and children. Additionally, 1 in 4 fewer options to escape while they are COVID-19 quarantine, including the dire. Walker found herself locked down “Between our staff, our board, our women and 1 in 9 men experience se- trapped at home with abusers. That anxiety and frustration children expe- and under martial law. volunteers - there is a very strong sense vere intimate partner physical violence, means that our program advocates are rience while separated from peers and “There was no plan and I needed to of resiliency within the organization, sexual violence, or intimate stalking. providing more safety planning with financial insecurities faced by parents. get from upper Northwest to Virginia and to continue to serve our mission
And with schools, businesses, and survivors who are trapped indoors,” Those anxieties and frustrations create to my sister’s home. We ran through in the community really has stepped many outreach services shuttered Ngaaje said. hostile family environments, that rip- alleys and eventually a cop stopped up to provide the finances to sustain under COVID-19 mandates, the At the onset of the COVID-19 out- ple into acts of violence. us and seeing my bruises, drove us the work that we do during this time,” sudden spike in homelessness among break while the city was in full quar- “We know that there is a co-occur- into Arlington,” Walker, 80, said. “It Ngaaje said. survivors of domestic and intimate antine, DASH continued to work dil- rence between domestic violence and breaks my heart to think that women This article is part of the Washington partner violence has pushed outreach igently in building new partnerships child abuse. So, homes where one is being beat up like I was are stuck in Informer’s 2020 contribution to the DC agencies into new territory. to foster greater access of services and taking place are very likely to have the the house with their tormenters under Homeless Crisis Reporting Project in col-
Organizations, including Network needs with community staples includ- other,” Jackson said. “Of those chil- this virus. These organizations are life- laboration with other local newsrooms. for Victim Recovery of D.C., Victim ing the D.C. Central Kitchen, and dren that we are seeing, I would say lines.” The collective works will be published Legal Network of D.C., and The Safe other District mental health services that the severity of what we’re witness- Aid organizations insist that there throughout the day at DCHomelessCriSisters Circle, have shifted most of for survivors. ing has increased. Compared to the are still methods to ensure – even un- sis.press. WI
BUILD BACK BETTER JOBS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY AGENDA
Joe Biden believes we cannot build back better without a major mobilization of effort and resources to advance racial equity across the American economy.
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VOTE from Page 18
states including Maryland, Democrats have returned about 3 million ballots while Republicans have recorded 1.2 million ballots.
“Yes, the numbers are very good for Biden. The campaign has to be pleased since they can leverage the banked voters to more efficiently re-target their supporters who have not voted yet,” McDonald wrote Sunday, Oct. 11. “However, it is very likely Republicans will show up in force to vote in-person.”
SAMPLE BALLOT
Most judicial contests in Maryland are either uncontested or laid-back races with voters usually choosing the incumbents to remain on the bench. But that’s not the case this year in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court judicial race.
A Democratic sample ballot mailed to households throughout the county continues to frustrate some voters and one of the six judicial candidates, April Ademiluyi, for several reasons: the ballot asks fellow Democrats to choose incumbent Jared Michael McCarthey, a registered Republican; and some consider the phrase underneath the judicial box which reads “Judicial Candidates Run on a Non-Partisan Basis” as illegal since judicial candidates run “partisan” contests.
“If you have any political advertisement that is misleading, it creates confusion among voters,” said Ademiluyi, 39, an attorney who practices real estate and intellectual property and is running in her third judicial contest. “You can’t justify it and assume voters know.”
Another candidate who has engineered an independent campaign, Gladys Weatherspoon, has 25 years of experience as a defense attorney with an office in Largo.
The remaining three candidates in the judicial race are incumbents: Wyntonja Curry, ShaRon M. Grayson Kelsey and Cathy Serrette. Gov. Larry Hogan announced the appointments of Curry, Kelsey and McCarthy to the bench in November 2018. Serrette has served as a judge for more than 15 years.
The top five chosen in next month’s election will serve on the bench for 15 years.
Similar circuit court contests continue in neighboring Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.
More significant for Tamara Davis Brown, a lawyer and community activist living in Clinton, all five women running in the judicial race are registered Democrats.
“As Democrats, if you choose to vote solely for Democrats, then you should NOT vote for McCarthy,” Davis Brown wrote Sept. 25 on her Facebook page and in an email sent to registered Democrats in the county.
Sharon Willis of Fort Washington said filling in bubbles on a sample ballot “is deceptive” and believes it’s against state law based on subsection 16-206 under “Offenses as to ballots and balloting in general.” Number four in the section states a person may not “induce or attempt to induce a voter to mark the voter’s ballot in a certain way.”
“Using a sample ballot and filling in the candidate you think voters should choose is wrong. That says you don’t trust the voters,” she said. “The Prince George’s County Board of Elections website has a sample ballot. Use that. Anything short of that ballot is deceptive.”
For the complete report go to our website, www.washingtoninformer.com
WI
Maryland Deadlines for Nov. 3 General Election
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• Oct. 20 – Last day to request a mail-in ballot • Early voting – Oct. 26 to Nov. 2. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Election Day – Nov. 3. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Prince George’s County voting sites can be found at https://bit.ly/3nMRvIO. For more information in Prince George’s, go to https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/559/Board-of-Elections. For more information in state of Maryland, go to https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2020/index.html#vote_ election_day.
wi book review
horoscopes
OCT 15 - 21, 2020
“Bunheads” By Misty Copeland, illustrated By Setor Fiadzigbey 32 pages c.2020, Putnam $17.99 / $23.75 Canada
By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer
These days, helping others is on point.
It’s the best thing to do – not just for them, but for you. Everybody’s happy when you work together because it makes the task a little easier, and learning is better when you teach one another as you go. Helping others is right on point and, in the new book “Bunheads” by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey, it’s more fun, too.
Everyone was really excited when Miss Bradley made her announcement at the beginning of dance class. She said they were going to perform the ballet Coppélia, a tale of a toymaker, a beautiful doll, a boy named Franz, and his jealous girlfriend, Swanilda. It was a dramatic tale and little Misty couldn’t wait to dance that ballet.
This, in fact, would be her first big dance and she very much wanted to be Swanilda. But before she could do that, she had to try out for the role, just like all the other girls in ballet class. There were a lot of different dances to know and she’d have to do them all perfectly, from the easy développé to tendu front, to the very hard-to-do pas de bourrée. Misty’d never danced like that before, but as Miss Bradley called Misty and a girl named Cat up to the front of the room, she said Misty was “very good.”
Miss Bradley asked Cat to show Misty the first part of the Coppélia. Misty was so excited! Even the name, pronounced “Co-pay-lee-ah,” sounded “magical and full of mystery!”
But the next day, began Misty to have her doubts. Cat was really good. What if she wanted the part of Swanilda, too? How could Misty ever compete with anyone so talented?
As the other dancers filed into class, Cat and Misty stuck together. Cat began to teach Misty more moves, and it was so much fun but everyone in ballet class, it seemed, wanted to dance the Coppélia. Misty could predict that Cat would definitely be in the ballet because nobody was a better dancer. But would Misty land a part, too?
At the risk of being a spoiler, there’s a happy ending to “Bunheads,” but you probably already knew that, whether you’re a patron of the ballet or not.
Which brings us to the meat of this book: the title, referring to hairstyle, is for little ballet dancers. Pure and simple, it’s for kids who twirl and tippy-toe and jeté through the house, kids who first-position without even thinking about it, kids who’d wear a tutu in the tub, if they could. Author Misty Copeland speaks directly to their hearts with authenticity, and she addresses any ballet-diva behavior your little one might have by showing that competition is good but learning from the competition is better.
Non-dancers may appreciate this adorable book, but it’ll be so much more meaningful for little ballet stars or ballet fans, boys or girls, ages 3 to 7. If that barre is already set for your child, “Bunheads” is en pointe.
WI ARIES Today, you may feel like letting go of any reservation or caution, and jumping into a love relationship with your whole heart. Your enthusiasm may startle your sweetheart and you could see him or her bounce away like a frightened gazelle. You may be completely caught up in romantic feelings — not paying attention to the ardor of your expression. You have luck in your corner today, but you don’t want to push it. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 25
TAURUS The week comes to an end with the new moon in Libra bringing an emphasis to your area of home and family. There may be some connections with extended family. It feels like people are working hard to respect each other’s boundaries though one overly tired, often irritated relative may speak their mind. Lucky Numbers: 8, 35, 41
GEMINI Today, you may feel a great deal of ambition to get out of debt or solve some financial problem. If someone owes you money, it’s a good day to gently remind them of their obligation. Consider your investments and see if you can shift some resources in that direction. Lucky Numbers: 22, 24, 39
CANCER Today it’s quite easy to have an argument with a coworker or supervisor. You may be working from home and they may be on the other side of the country, but that doesn’t stop you from being irritated today. Use caution as expressing your true emotions right now may not be wise for your career. Lucky Numbers: 12, 16, 37
LEO This is a good day to send out your resume, apply online for positions, or reach out to decision-makers through websites like LinkedIn. Through positive communication, you can make some great strides in your career over the next few weeks starting with today. Lucky Numbers: 10, 17, 31
VIRGO You need a break. It was a busy week and while today might still be a workday consider taking off a couple of hours early. Be at home and get comfortable on the sofa. As you rest your mind and body, the universe will put inspiring ideas in your head. Lucky Numbers: 2, 24, 34
LIBRA There could be an important connection today. Perhaps a business partnership, mentor, or someone instrumental in helping you on your life path. This person may give you a push in a direction that feels outside your boundaries. But a push can help you move forward. Think about this before you resist. Lucky Numbers: 8, 24, 27
SCORPIO Today, you may have psychic impressions from your higher self or from the universe. You can stimulate this energy by using tools, such as the tarot or automatic writing. Today, you can even consider doing some remote viewing—projecting your spirit to another location to check in on a friend or family member. Lucky Numbers: 8, 35, 37
SAGITTARIUS Today’s a good day to spend some time with your sweetheart at home on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn and a good movie. If you’re looking for love, you may want to invite someone over for dinner or see each other on Zoom while you both eat ice cream and talk about your favorite flavors. Lucky Numbers: 22, 47, 51
CAPRICORN Your career and home collide today. This could be around creating a workspace at home or getting the family to be quiet while you’re home working. You may be missing the office, or you could be looking for a way to extend your work-at-home opportunity. Compromises will have to be made today. Lucky Numbers: 3, 21, 29
AQUARIUS Today, you may be asked to do something you feel is well beyond your usual scope. Now you’re outside your comfort zone. Growth can happen when you take on some bigger responsibility. And this will require a trade-off, as well. You will need to let go of something to grab hold of something new and better. Lucky Numbers: 6, 17, 46
PISCES You are the authority of your life. This is a good day to recognize and break old patterns. Consider letting go of limitations others put on you whether they do this directly or they just imply it. Today, you can straighten out a situation that has been bothering you. Lucky Numbers: 7, 8, 33
