The Washington Informer - April 22, 2021 by The Washington Informer

WINNER OF FIVE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS Don't Miss The WI Sustainability Supplement Center Section Vol. 56, No. 27 • April 22 - 28, 2021

GUILTY!

Minneapolis Jury Verdict Shows a Black Life Mattered

Question Remains, What Impact Decision Will Have on Police Reform Initiatives? Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Black Lives Matter. George Floyd’s life mattered. A mixed-race jury in Minneapolis returned a guilty verdict against former police officer Derek Chauvin on Tuesday, April 20, potentially sending the ex-cop to prison

for the rest of his life. The panel, which included six whites and six Black or multiracial individuals, also sent the kind of message that activists, community leaders and a myriad of Black people the world over have attempted to convey to American law enforcement officials: Black Lives Matter.

“Count one . . . guilty. Count two . . . guilty . . . Count three . . . guilty,” announced Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill. Chauvin, convicted on charges of second-and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, will be sentenced in the coming months. Floyd pleaded for his life and his mother as Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes last May. Floyd’s death led to protests worldwide as the rallying cry “Black Lives Matter” finally gained momentum

VERDICT Page 18

Screengrab MSNBC/Shevry Lassiter

African Americans Share Their Perspectives on Chauvin Trial

Some Blacks Express Optimism for the Future Hamil R. Harris and William J. Ford WI Contributing and Staff Writer The news that former Minneapolis police officer Derrick Chauvin had been found guilty on all three counts in the George Floyd murder trial quickly spread – from the public square outside of the Hennepin County Gov-

ernment Center to communities across America. And for many African Americans, their comments confirmed their relief – if not jubilation – that justice had finally prevailed on behalf of a slain Black man. “I love it but we aren’t done yet,” said Rodney Floyd, one of George Floyd’s brothers who

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Around the Region................4-11 Prince George's County.....12-13 Business................................14-15 International............................ 17 National............................... 18-19 Health................................. 20-22 Education........................... 24-25 Sustainability Supplement ........................... Center Section OpEd....................................27-29

5Statehood / Page 5

Lifestyle.............................30-39 Capture the Moment............. 40 Religion.................................... 43 FOLLOW US ON

3Black Maternal Health

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Health / Page 22

Black Facts / Page 6

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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Ron Taylor, Copy Editor Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Hamil Harris, Curtis Knowles, Daniel Kucin, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

wi hot topics

COMPILED BY WI EDITOR D. KEVIN MCNEIR AND WI STAFF WRITER WILLIAM J. FORD

Mayor Bowser Announces At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits Now Available D.C. Mayor Bowser and DC Health, led by Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, recently announced the launch of Test Yourself DC, a program offering at-home COVID-19 testing kits at locations around the District. The program offers the option to either take a COVID-19 test onsite at one of the 16 locations or to drop off their test sample at the closest DC Library drop box at no cost. Approximately 8,000 Test Yourself DC kits will be available every week and each site will be limited to 100-200 test kits per day. To find a participating location, go to testyourself.dc.gov. Between April 19-30, testing kits locations will be open for pickups Monday to Friday between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Starting the week of May 3, the locations will be open for pickups Monday to Saturday between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Testing kits can be dropped off the locations no later than 8:00 pm seven days a week. Test samples submitted via the Test Yourself DC kit will be sent to one of the District’s laboratory partners and will take 3-5 days for results to be delivered. The Test Yourself DC kits can be used on individuals ages 3 and up. DC Health recommends parents or guardians assist children 17 and younger. Visit testyourself.dc.gov for more information; to get tested, visit coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.

Nationals, Prince George’s Parks/Recreation to Host Drive-Thru PLAY BALL

NMAAHC to Hold Candid Conversation with Freedom Fighter Charles Person

On Saturday, April 24, the Washington Nationals and Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation Department will host a drive-thru PLAY BALL event at Fletcher’s Field (5200 Kenilworth Ave.) in Riverdale, Maryland. To help encourage and promote youth baseball and softball participation, the Nationals and their mascot, Screech, will give away free plastic bats, balls and other Nationals goodies to young fans within the D.C. metro area. The event is part of MLB’s PLAY BALL at Home initiative, encouraging fans to stay safe at home while finding creative ways to participate in youth baseball and softball activities, will run from 12:00 to 2 p.m. and is open to children ages of 4 to 18. The socially-distant event will allow participants to remain in their cars and have the items passed through their car windows. Face coverings will be required. Fans interested in the event should register at www. playball.org/Events.

Charles Person, the youngest person on the Freedom Rides to challenge the segregation of buses, trains and planes in 1961, will speak during a virtual program April 29 hosted by the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Person, who was 18 at the time, will discuss his memories as part of a book entitled “Buses are a Comin’ Memoir of a Freedom Rider.” When he joined the Freedom Riders, Person was a freshman at Morehouse College. One of the Freedom Riders on the bus was the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia). For more information and to register for the free event, go to https://s.si.edu/3dTBbSp.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman

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D.C. Statehood Bills Continue to Progress Through United States Congress James Wright WI Staff Writer

Legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate supporting the District becoming the 51st state has made strides toward passage recently. On April 14, the House Oversight and Reform Committee passed D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s bill—The Washington, D.C. Admission Act of 2021—by a 25-19 vote on party lines. The bill passed despite Republican failed attempts to amend it with language, for instance, mandating the District retrocede into Maryland, reimbursing the federal government for the costs of the judiciary and the corrections system and forcing the legislation to settle whether D.C.’s three electoral college votes under the 23rd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution would be nullified if the District achieves statehood. The bill will be taken up by the full House on April 22 and has the support of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). Hoyer didn’t support Norton’s statehood legislation in 1993, because, he said he didn’t believe that type of bill could pass in the Congress at that time. “I have always believed that the residents of Washington, D.C. should have voting representation in the Congress, but the votes to pass a statehood bill weren’t there at that time,” Hoyer told the Informer on April 20. “We focused on getting Eleanor Holmes Norton a vote on the House floor and I supported that. There was also the issue of a commuter tax in which the District could financially assess non-District residents who worked in the city, colored the issue. I came to realize the only way D.C. residents could have equal status would be through statehood.” As expected, President Biden officially endorsed District statehood legislation pending in the Congress on April 20, as he promised to do during the 2020 presidential campaign.

The full House vote on Norton’s bill will be the third time a D.C. statehood bill will be considered. The first time a statehood bill reached the House floor—on Nov. 21, 1993—it failed 277-153. Last year, the second time the bill’s consideration on the House floor, produced a positive vote, 232-180, the first-time legislation of its type passed. Dr. Ravi Perry, a political scientist at Howard University, said Norton’s persistence throughout the years on the issue of statehood and her seniority in a Democratically-led House last year produced the winning vote then and with a Democratic House, Senate and White House in power now, her bill and Sen. Thomas Carper’s (D-Del.) companion legislation will receive serious consideration. Before the bill proceeds to the House floor, a little process took place. Norton presented her bill April 20 to the Rules Committee to regulate floor action on debate on. Norton’s bill won approval in the Rules Committee, setting the debate on the bill on the floor. With the House’s approval in tow, the Senate becomes the focus of statehood supporters. Bo Shuff, the executive director of DC Vote, said the Senate could possibly pass a D.C. statehood bill. “Right now, we have 44 cosponsors on Carper’s bill, a historic high,” Shuff said. “They are all Democrats even this is a non-partisan issue. We are focusing on Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Mark Kelly and Sinema of Arizona and Angus King of Maine, who is an independent. There is another bill, the For the People Act, which may be voted on by suspending the filibuster rules and we hope that will be the case for Carper’s D.C. statehood bill.” Carper serves as the second ranking Democrat on the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, which will consider his bill. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) serves as the chairman of the committee and cosponsors Carper’s legislation. However, Peters hasn’t set a date for Carper’s

legislation as of yet. No Republicans have voiced support for Carper’s bill, but some have interest in it. Josh Burch, the organizer and educator of the Neighbors United for DC Statehood, has said the GOP’s Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rob Portman of Ohio, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine haven’t ruled out considering it. Nevertheless, 22 Republican attorneys general wrote a letter to President Biden and congressional leaders last week saying it will challenge the District becoming a state in court, saying “it’s enactment would be antithetical to our representative democratic republic and it would constitute an unprecedented aggrandizement of an elite ruling class with unparalleled power and federal access compared to the remaining 50 state of the Union.”

5 Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) speaks to the people gathered at the Secret Garden in Southeast during an Emancipation Day gathering. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Shuff said Republican opposition has been expected and urges supporters of statehood legislation to get involved in helping the District join the Union. “Call your friends and family in

other states and tell them to contact their senators,” he said. “Tell them to say to their senators that D.C. should be the 51st state.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

President Biden Throws Full Support Behind D.C. Statehood Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Biden Administration strongly supports H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, and on Tuesday, April 20, the president urged

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swift passage of the measure in Congress. “For far too long, the more than 700,000 people of Washington, D.C. have been deprived of full representation in the U.S. Congress,” the White House Office of Management and Budget

said in a statement of administration policy. “This taxation without representation and denial of self-governance is an affront to the democratic values on which our nation was founded. H.R. 51 rights this wrong by making Washington,

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 5

AROUND THE REGION

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1856 – Inventor Granville T. Woods, the first American of African ancestry to be a mechanical and electrical engineer after the Civil War and holder of more than 50 patents, is born in Columbus, Ohio. 1872 – Lawyer Charlotte Ray is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, becoming the first Black woman admitted to practice before the District Supreme Court. 2007 – Barbara Hillary becomes the first African American female to reach the North Pole.

APRIL 24

1884 – The Medico-Chirurgical Society of Washington D.C., the first African American medical society, is founded.

1892 – Inventor Sarah Boone patents an improved version of the ironing board. 1984 – Renowned jazz bandleader and pianist Count Basie dies of pancreatic cancer at 79 in Hollywood, Florida.

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1903 – Maggie L. Walker is named president of Richmond's St. Luke Bank and Trust Company, becoming the first Black woman to head a bank. 1927 – Coretta Scott King (above), civil rights leader and wife of Martin Luther King Jr., is born in Heiberger, Alabama. 1945 – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson (top) is born in Pittsburgh. 1971 – Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. becomes the first Black American to be selected as an admiral in the U.S. Navy.

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1917 – Iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is born in Newport News, Virginia. 1944 – The United Negro College Fund is founded. 1950 – Chuck Cooper is selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA draft, becoming the first African American drafted by an NBA team.

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1967 – Boxing champion Muhammad Ali refuses to be inducted into the U.S. Army and is immediately stripped of his heavyweight title. Ali, a Muslim, cited religious reasons for his decision. WI

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 7

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George Floyd’s Soul May Now Rest at Peace but Many Black Souls Remain Restless

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Like millions of other citizens of the world who have an unquenchable penchant for justice, I raised my hands in praise and shouted with victory after the murderer of George Floyd was convicted on all three counts in a Minneapolis courtroom. But the outcome remained far from a forgone conclusion, despite the evidence which the prosecution so eloquently presented including a gripping nine-minute video which captured the final moments of Floyd’s life as former police officer Derek Chauvin wielded his knee as a weapon on the neck of George Floyd. Don’t get it twisted. I tend to see the world with the case half full, not half empty. So, while I am not a pessimist, I understandably had serious doubts that the jury would, in the prophetic words of Spike Lee, “do the right thing.” Because I refuse to keep my head buried in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, I need only look at American history since 1619 to recognize that Blacks have always been considered as and treated like “second-class citizens.” Our cries, our pleas, our prayers for justice have, more often than not. gone unfulfilled, ignored and

But at least, if for only a moment, Blacks have a reason to celebrate and to believe in a system of justice that has routinely eluded and mistreated us at every step. derailed. Fortunately, this time justice has prevailed. Yet, as I celebrate, I also mourn. As a veteran reporter in Miami, I remember being called on the scene when a Black teenager, Trayvon Martin, was confronted, stalked and subsequently murdered in an Orlando suburb by a “rent-a-cop” named George Zimmerman. I spoke with and talked to Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton and his father, Tracy Martin and witnessed their pain – pain which as a parent I could not imagine enduring. I listened to the family’s attorney – a relatively unknown lawyer at the time, Benjamin Crump, as he laid out the facts of the case against Zimmerman and shared his predictions for the outcome of the dramatic and emotionally-charged case.

I reflected on the pontifications of the Rev. Al Sharpton who, like Benjamin, believed that justice would be served. And then the verdict came in: not guilty. America has recorded the lynching of hundreds, if not thousands, of Black men, women and children whose murderers were allowed to leave the scenes of their crimes, confident that they would never have to answer for their dastardly deeds. So many names, so many deaths, so many senseless acts of the powerful exerting their will upon the powerless. So many Black souls who have been relegated to “white privilege purgatory,” whispering in our ears with the hopes that one day, their spirits will find a semblance of peace. As Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison remarked shortly after the verdict in the George Floyd trial was announced, “the work has culminated today but I would not call the verdict ‘justice.’ For justice implies true restoration. Instead, I see today as one step toward accountability – a first step toward justice.” But at least, if for only a moment, Blacks have a reason to celebrate and to believe in a system of justice that has routinely eluded and mistreated us at every step. I can only pray that tomorrow will bring new examples of true justice . . . for all. WI

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Washington Informer and OCTFME Host the 39th Annual D.C. City-Wide Spelling Bee Thirteen Students Vie for City-Wide Spelling Bee Championship Title

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D.R. Barnes WI Staff Writer One by one, 13 faces of D.C.’s top spellers popped onto a Zoom screen, a place for learning each one of them had become accustomed to over the past year. This day was different, though. Not only were they appearing early on a Saturday morning, but each of them had earned their way to be seen in a square and to compete for the title of D.C.’s top speller in the 39th annual Washington Informer Spelling Bee. For the first time, the bee was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The excitement and fanfare from past bees broadcast from the studios of NBC4 and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) had boiled down to a do-it-yourself, onscreen button, and “unmute yourself” commands to students participating in their own homes. Never before were spellers required to verbally pledge to be honest and fair or simply not to cheat. Dave Zahren, the bee’s official pronouncer, was the only person allowed in OCTFME’s studios in Northeast. Obviously, from past spelling bees, Zahren loves interacting with these skilled young orthographers before and during the contest that can last for hours. Even for him, he said, this bee was harder than ever. None of that seemed to matter once these third through eighth-graders started to spell. In their separate boxes, three judges watched and listened carefully as each student skillfully tackled words such words as piety, crepuscular, tachycardia, and sousaphone. Prince Ellington, the youngest, a third-grader from Ketchum Elementary School in Southeast, fidgeted in his seat while wearing a Just Do It Nike tee-short. He brilliantly tackled scheme, whittle, and buffoonery before coming out in the fourth round

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5 Nalleti Otieno wins first place in the 39th Annual Washington Informer Spelling Bee. The Bee be will broadcast Sunday, April 25 at 3 p.m. on DKN on cable in D.C. via Comcast (Channel 99), RCN (Channel 18) and Verizon (Channel 12). (Courtesy photo)

with isosceles. But it was those final rounds that grew excitement as last year’s second-place winner Niamh O’Donovan, an 8th grader from the Washington Latin School, faced off with newcomer Nalleti Otieno, a sixth-grader from St. Augustine’s Catholic School. The two went round after round, battling it out, with multisyllabic words including cyanosis, violaceous, and reconnoiter. The final word – bobolink – cast Niamh into second place again as Nalleti followed with the correct spelling of pointelle in the tenth and final round. Now she will go on to represent D.C. in three more virtual competitions leading to the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Orlando, Fla., in May. Nalleti’s face glowed with triumph when she politely asked, “Can I go tell my mom,” upon learning she was the city-wide winner. When Zahren asked about her mother’s response, Nalleti said, “She’s ecstatic!” “We were all so excited, screaming with joy and plenty of happy tears!” said Caroline Beruchan, Nalleti’s mother. “We immediately reached out to her teacher and coach Dr. Olga Williams and our immediate families in Kenya and Uganda to share and celebrate Nalleti’s achievement.”

“I have been told that she is a very determined, respectful, and kind student with great leadership skills. Always willing to help her fellow students,” Buchan added. “Nalleti never gives up on anything no matter how long it takes.” Nalleti is an award-winning student that enjoys math, science, religion, and technology. Her honors include the Langston Hughes Award for English/LA, School Spirit Award, Citizen Award, and an honor cadet in the United States Sea Cadet Corps at H.E.Mooberry Division. Jason Moore, manager of Elementary Assessments and Interventions at DCPS and coordinator of the D.C. city-wide spelling bee, agreed that “this has been an incredible year.” With fewer schools participating this year due to at-home learning and less time for extra-curricular activities, he praised all 13 spellers for going the extra mile and thanked them for their participation. This year marks the second in a partnership between OCTFME and The Washington Informer. The District government-owned network DKN will broadcast the bee on Sunday, April 25 at 3 p.m. Director Angie Gates said, “OCT-

BEE Page 25

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Stimulus Checks Have Made a Difference for Many D.C. Area Residents

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But a Fourth Disbursement Would be Equally Beneficial, Some Say James Wright WI Staff Writer The three stimulus checks issued by the federal government in response to the coronavirus pandemic have helped many Washington, D.C. area residents meet financial obligations and daily needs. Now talk on Capitol Hill about a possible fourth check has some excited about the prospect of more money in their hands. “I was glad to get my stimulus checks,” Marion Green, a resident of Seat Pleasant., Md. said. “When I got each one, I cashed them immediately. I spent the money because times are very hard. I work in the grocery industry and people are just barely making it even though they are working.” Green’s observation of widespread financial stress is underscored by fresh data. Nine percent of U.S. adults in a March survey said there was a food shortage in their household in the previous week, according to U.S. Census data. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities 40 percent of a survey’s respondents said their current income falls short of pre-pandemic income and over 10 million people have fallen behind on their rent. The center said close to 30 percent of people surveyed reported

some difficulty keeping up with expenses. Green said that while the three stimulus checks, totaling $3,200 in his case, isn’t a grand sum, the cash makes a difference in helping people stay afloat financially while the pandemic continues.

THE PAYMENTS

In April 2020, individuals who made less than $75,000 a year and couples with incomes less than $150,000 received stimulus checks of $1,200 and $2,400 respectively, plus $500 per qualifying child under the CARES Act. About 159 million received the CARES Act stimulus payment. In December, the second round of checks, about 147 million Americans received a $600 individual payment each and $600 per qualifying child 16 years and younger. In March, under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, approximately 159 million Americans received payments of $1,400 payment for singles, $2,800 for married couples and $1,400 for each qualified dependent.

THE RECIPIENTS

Bobby Curtis King II, a Ward 4

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Brentwood’s Top Leaders Seek City's Mayoral Seat William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

Voters in the town of Brentwood in northern Prince George’s County will be able to choose a mayoral candidate May 3 for the first time in six years. Rocio Treminio-Lopez ran unopposed in the last two elections, but will be challenged next month by Tonya Harrison-Edwards, the town’s vice mayor and cousin of Del. Diana

Fennell (D-District 47A) of Colmar Manor. The mayor serves a two-year term and president of the five-member town council. According to the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget, the mayor would receive a $6,000 annual salary. “We aren’t in it for the money. We are in it because we want our community to thrive,” said Harrison-Edwards, 59, who’s been a

member of council since 2015. She chose to enter the race due to a lack of community involvement since the coronavirus pandemic affected the state of Maryland last year. One example, she said, happened when she and two other council members seeking re-election, Marcus Monroe and Alicia Tarr, worked on a plan to obtain a $400,000 bond from the state to build a new town hall. The town hasn’t received official approval of the money. “That’s what good leadership does. Dig in the trenches and get the resources for the community,” said Harrison-Edwards, who conducts human resources work for the U.S. Department of Labor. “If I lose the mayor race, then I’m off the council. We couldn’t go on this same route with this mayor.”

5 Brentwood Mayor Rocio Treminio-Lopez. (Photo courtesy of Town of Brentwood)

BLOCKING FEDERAL SEARCH FOR UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS

Treminio-Lopez acknowledged Harrison-Edwards sought to receive the money for the town hall project

5 Brentwood Vice Mayor Tonya Harrison-Edwards. (Photo courtesy of Town of Brentwood)

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that began in 2009. However, she said when new council members get elected it can prolong certain projects. “We had new council members that wanted to go back and see what has been approved and that delays everything,” she said. “I have to trust what has been initiated and that the right decision was made before I got there.” Treminio-Lopez made Maryland history in 2015 as the first Latina ever elected as a mayor. Since her time leading the town of 3,500 people, council enacted an ordinance in 2018 to make Brentwood a sanctuary city to ensure town employees don’t assist federal officials to detain undocumented immigrants. Those residents can now vote in municipal elections, she said. Because of the pandemic, Treminio-Lopez said there’s a few unfinished projects she wants to complete such as working with state officials to plant trees along Route 1 near the Artisan apartments. She awaits correspondence from the state to reimburse the town for constant upkeep of a grassy median on Route 1.

The 44-year-old wife and mother of four children works as a Latino business liaison for the county’s Economic Development Corp. “The diversity is what makes the town beautiful. We can go from one Latino family to LGBT families to old-timers living in the town,” she said. “We are so colorful.” Harrison-Edwards agrees about the town’s diversity, but seeks to bring more businesses to boost the county’s Gateway Arts District that also includes Hyattsville, Mount Rainier and North Brentwood. She also wants to hire an engineer to conduct a study of the town that would include an assessment of street parking. Harrison-Edwards is also married, but her daughter, Aneeka, died of COVID-19 in May 2020 at the age of 42. “She was my only child. My daughter got me into local politics. She was on council and then vice mayor,” she said. “It is hard not having her here, but I know she would be very proud of me.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill

4/12/21 11:03INFORMER AM THE WASHINGTON / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George’s Center to Offer Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Prince George’s County residents in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment will soon be able receive services within the confines of their own jurisdiction. As soon as December, outpatient services will be available on the first floor of a 31,200-squarefoot building located next to Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. Earlier this month, Luminis Health submitted its application to the Maryland Health Care Commission for approval to offer a 16-bed, in-patient adult program for county residents. Deneen Richmond, president of the medical center, believes the commission will move quickly and approve the request. “Half of the county’s residents who required inpatient mental health care had to leave the county,” she said Monday at a groundbreaking ceremony next to the hospital in Lanham. “This facility will go a long way to address the needs of Prince Georgians choosing quality behavioral health care.” The current building previously served as a nursing home for about 100 people who have since been relocated to a newer facility on the Luminis Health campus. Renovations will be funded by the county at a cost of $20 million with Luminis Health adding an additional $3 million toward construction of the building which they will maintain once it opens. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced last year the money would be reallocated from the police department budget and voters approved the redirection of funds in the November election. When Alsobrooks served as state’s attorney before she became county executive in December 2019, she said about 70 percent of those arrested “were intoxicated.” “We’re going to treat people with the dignity that they deserve and in facilities where they

can actually be healed,” she said. “We are asking, in many instances, for police to do work they are not equipped or trained to do. It made sense to use $20 million to actually pay for people to be healed rather than to keep recycling them through a criminal justice system where they don’t belong.” The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated mental health disparities in Prince George’s with only two acute inpatient psychiatry units currently open. County statistics from 2019 indicate that more than 34 percent of adult residents reported experiencing at least one poor day of mental health in the previous month with 15 percent reporting challenges which lasted for one week or longer. The new center will accommodate about 5,000 patients 13 and older annually for ambulatory services including substance abuse and psychiatric disorders and general counseling needs and will employ 100 in roles ranging from therapists and nurse practitioners to psychologists and social workers. Luminis CEO Victoria Bayless said community and nonprofit organizations can volunteer as family advisors for patients. “It is going to be a wonderful team of folks coming together,” she said. “To have a public-private partnership with the county is really accelerating our vision. We’re able to do things faster and sooner than we would have otherwise been able to do on our own.” Richmond, a certified nurse and county native, said the proposed behavioral health center remains something that’s personal to her. “This is a county of almost a million people and the fact that people have to leave [here] to get the care they need is a tragedy,” she said. “I am very proud to be a part of being able to offer behavioral health services for Prince Georgians right here, close to home.” WI @jabariwill

3 Former Prince George’s County official Major Riddick, left, joins current county officials such as Angela Alsobrooks, center, and Luminis Health officials toss dirt at a groundbreaking April 19. Luminis Health will receive a $20 million grant from the county to open a behavioral health center next to Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

5 R

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 13

BUSINESS New D.C. Rental Aid Program Designed for Struggling Tenants James Wright WI Staff Writer For financially strapped District residents, including those facing eviction, help is available, thanks to the D.C. government and Biden administration. On April 12, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled the Stronger Together by Assisting You (STAYDC) program, a federally-funded $350 million rent and utility assistance initiative to assist residents in staying in their homes and avoid cutoff of utilities during the pandemic. STAYDC replaces the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program and augment the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. According to the mayor, economic recovery starts with an assurance that District residents have housing security.

14 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

Bowser said. “This is about getting Washingtonians the money they need to pay their bills now so that they can stay in their homes once the public health emergency ends. We are grateful the Biden administration recognizes the need for this investment and delivered on providing the resources necessary to address unprecedented levels of housing instability.” STAYDC officials stress that the program is to be the District’s leading source of relief for those with housing challenges as tens of thousands of tenants are behind in their rents and could be subject to eviction 60 days after Bowser lifts the public health emergency. STAYDC will provide money that can be used for residents to pay back rent dating from April 1, 2020 and to help those who qualify to pay forward rent, up to three months at a time. The

5 Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the STAYDC program for rental assistance for residents currently behind on their rent. (Courtesy photo/dc.gov)

program also provides money to prevent a shutoff of utilities including water, gas and electric power. Housing support will be available for up to 18 months per tenant. Eligibility for the program includes annual income ceilings for a single-resident household of $57,650; a two-person household, $65,850; and for a family of four, $82,300. The eligibility cap is $108,650 for an eight- person household. Documentation needed includes information about the landlord, income and rental costs must be provided to the District government through either a phone call or online registration.

Applicants may call 833-4STAYDC from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Online applications, including a pre-eligibility checklist, are available at https://stay.dc.gov. Parisa Norouzi, executive director of Empower DC, an organization that advocates on behalf of the District’s low-income residents, applauds the creation of STAYDC but worries “the program won’t fully meet the need that exists.” “How will we ensure that the tenants most in need are informed of the program?” Norouzi said. “How will we ensure digital or literacy challenges won’t create application barriers? Advocates have already pointed out major issues with the program’s accessibility to non-English speakers. Will $350 million be enough for the estimated 40,000 renters in need of assistance? Finally, what resources will be made available to those who were behind on rent before the pandemic?” Norouzi, noting over 30 percent of District renters cannot afford the city’s high-cost rents, called the program “a temporary fix” and spoke of the need for expanded rental assistance permanently. “We have to expand income-based housing options,

like public housing and vouchers, that provide a safety net when renters face declining incomes or otherwise can’t afford market rents. Keeping people in their homes has to be our top priority at all times—not just during the pandemic,” she said. Nevertheless, D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large), who chairs the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration, encouraged residents to apply for the program, if they qualify. “I am really concerned that tenants are not going to take advantage of this program,” Bonds said. “Those are federal funds that have been given to us and tenants need to take advantage of this money. D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (IAt Large), a member of Bonds’ committee, agreed. “We want residents to be patient as they fill out the application, whether it is by phone or on the Internet,” Silverman said. “This is a great program to help people who have been hit hard by COVID-19. If there are any problems with filling out the application, people should get in touch with their councilmember to get it done.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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Prepare to Place Your Wager Marylanders – Sports Betting is Coming Soon William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Last November, when Maryland voters approved a measure to allow sports betting with most of the generated revenue earmarked for education, Richard DeShay Elliott wasn’t one of them. The 25-year-old Glenn Dale resident said casino revenue hasn’t increased funding for statewide education over the past few years but has merely supplanted other funding streams in the general budget. He said the sports betting legislation state which lawmakers passed April 12 failed to incorporate specific funding measures. In a letter to legislators, he offered 13 recommendations including mandating 50 percent of minority, women and veteran-owned businesses to benefit from the industry. “To pass this on the last day of the legislative session without much public input or inquiry on how it would be done isn’t right,” said Elliott, a member of the Prince George’s County Young Democrats. “I have no issues with betting on a moral principle but I have a very strong belief that if money is coming out of our pockets, then it should be rein-

vested in our communities.” Lawmakers designated the bill an emergency measure which would become effective upon the signature of Gov. Larry Hogan and could begin as early as the NFL season this fall. Financial projections suggest that the revenue could generate between $15 million to $20 million annually. But it’s not a huge piece of the pie given the recently-approved state budget which totals $54.2 billion. “It is a relatively small amount of money versus the larger amount of the other things that we do,” said state Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-District 47) of Cheverly. “Still, it’s important for folks to be cautious and understand what this could mean for minority businesses.” Augustine said equity measures have been included in the bill from “lessons learned” when problems surfaced following the approval of medical cannabis in 2014. For example, a Sports Wagering Application Review Commission would assess racial, ethnic and gender diversity “when awarding certain licenses and conduct outreach to certain small, minority and women business owners…” And a wagering assistance fund administered by the state Department of Commerce would also provide

grants and loans to help businesses with the sports wager application fees, operations and any training they might require. Just how many minority and women-owned businesses would be included are not specified but a seven-member review commission would assess the sports wagering industry, evaluate programs and methods to include minority and women-owned businesses and “actively seek to achieve” diversity when awarding licenses on an annual basis. Up to 60 mobile and online betting licenses would be granted.

THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF BETTING OPERATIONS

The state’s six casinos will be allowed to offer in-person sports betting. MGM National Harbor casino and resort has proposed plans to offer it with kiosks and other amenities. MGM Resorts International already operates a mobile app available in Virginia and a sportsbook at Nationals Park in Southwest. Maryland Live! in neighboring Anne Arundel County plans to open a new restaurant and lounge April 29 for people to watch and bet on various sporting events. As the legislative session in Annapolis ended recently, legislators approved an amendment for a commercial bingo facility to operate up to 200 electronic bingo or tip jar machines which would be approved with a license like a Class A-1 with 1,000 or more video lottery terminals. Each business would pay a onetime license fee of $2 million. After five years in operation, a renewal fee, which required, would be significantly less. A $500,000 initial fee would be

5 Maryland House of Delegates members debate sports betting legislation lawmakers eventually approved April 12, the last day of the 90-day legislation session in Annapolis. (WI File Photo/William J. Ford)

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BUSINESS

5 Self-serving kiosk for patrons to place wagers on sports could join these slot machines inside MGM National Harbor casino and resort. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

assessed for online sports betting licenses. An estimated $14.3 million would go directly to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – a multi-billion-dollar education plan – which would provide funds to assist a career and technology education committee, accountability and implementation board and curriculum and instruction materials. In fiscal year 2023, the governor would appropriate $1.5 million in the budget for both Bowie State and Morgan State universities to create a Center for the Study of Data Analytics and Sports Gaming at each school. The center would study and analyze technology, E-sports and the impact of gaming on various audiences. “It’s very clear the voters value and

consider one of our highest priorities is having a world-class education for the students in the state,” said Sen. Melony Griffith (D-District 25) of Upper Marlboro who helped work on the bill in the Senate’s Budget and Taxation Committee. “This sports betting will provide another tool in our funding toolbox as it pertains to education.” As for Elliott, he suggests at least 54 percent of revenue generated in Prince George’s County should go toward education. “Without a specific mandate, it remains unclear how the money would be used,” said Elliott who has entered his name as a candidate in the 2021 election for the House of Delegates 24th legislative district. WI Twitter: @jabariwill

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CISCM Lauds Ghana Government for Promoting E-Governance The Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management (CISCM) has lauded government’s efforts at promoting electronic governance (E-governance) to enhance Ghana’s industrial revolution, the Ghana News Agency reported on April 17. “As a nation, I am happy to observe that we are heading in the right direction, particularly with the systematic implementation of E-governance that is the prime-mover of our quest to be part of the fourth industrial revolution,” Richard Obeng Okrah, president of the CISCM, said in Accra. He was speaking at the supply chain panel discussion on the theme: “Importance of End-to-End Integrated Supply Chain Practice for Sustainable growth in times of uncertainty.” The subset of the theme was, “The Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Supply Chain Operations and its effects on National Development, Businesses and Enterprises.” E-governance is the application of information technology (IT) in delivering government services, exchange of information, communication transactions, integration of various stand-alone systems between government and citizens, government-to-business, government-to-government and government-to-employees. This enhances the availability of government services to citizens in a convenient, efficient, and transparent manner. Okrah said there was no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic had created uncertainties in the entire global environment. “Last year, around this time, Ghana was in lockdown, a measure that the government had to institute to save lives given the inadequacy and unpreparedness of our health systems to keep pace with the impact of the pandemic at the time,” Okrah said. “I dare say that every aspect of our lives was affected and although we do have a handle of the situation today, we cannot by any stretch of our imagination declare that we are out of the woods.” He said although some industries and businesses had economically benefited from the pandemic, those constituted a minority, especially mobile telecommunication operators due to increased use of data. Okrah said the discussion was relevant because of the important role supply chain plays in the value-driven economy. Supply chain has become key links to government and industry as it delivers goods and services to all citizens and export markets on a timely basis to enable people to live meaningful and rewarding lives, he said. WI

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The Usain Bolt Foundation on Friday, April 16, handed over 150 Dell laptop computers to the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information, for distribution to Early Childhood Institutions (ECI) in rural areas, Jamaica Information Services (JIS) reported. The devices, which are valued at $40,000, were handed over during a ceremony held at the ministry’s Heroes Circle offices in Kingston. In her remarks, Education Minister Fayval Williams (left), commended the foundation for its contribution to the development of early childhood education. She also called on other stakeholders to support the education of the nation’s youths through the provision of devices. “We continue to make the appeal to corporate Jamaica, to individuals, to our diaspora and international partners to continue to support us, even as the government continues its own procurement activities,” she said. Chair of the Usain Bolt Foundation, Winsome Wilkins (right), said the donation is part of the foundation’s ongoing work to enhance the life experiences of children through education and cultural development. “The current global pandemic has forced many students to do only online classes and it highlights the need for technology in schools. We will keep working to provide much-needed equipment and support the education of the next generation,” she stated. For her part, executive director of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes, said high-quality early childhood programs and services are only made possible through partnerships. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 17

NATIONAL VERDICT from Page 1 in places where it had previously been ignored. President Joe Biden watched the reading of the verdict from the White House and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz declared a state of emergency, closing schools and sending out hundreds of additional National Guard troops throughout the Minneapolis area. Law enforcement officials and city leaders in the District of Columbia, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and other major cities canceled vacations and leave in preparation for potential unrest. Hennepin County public employees were ordered to go home early and thousands of people gathered around the courthouse

in anticipation of the verdict. Officials installed a new steel gate and concrete barriers near and around police headquarters in Minneapolis. Nearby businesses boarded up windows and added additional door locks. The jury’s decision allowed many Americans to breathe a sigh of relief upon the recognition that the family of one Black victim of police violence has received justice. With the guilty verdict, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill could sentence the 45-year-old Chauvin to more than 40 years in prison. During the more than two-week trial, the defense called seven witnesses while prosecutors brought 38 people to the stand including EMT workers, forensic experts, law enforcement officers and indi-

5 Bystander Cheria Askew raises her fist in triumph as the guilty verdict is read for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

viduals who watched as Chauvin ignored Floyd’s pleas that he could not breathe. During closing arguments, Chauvin’s defense attempted to pin Floyd’s death on drugs and pre-existing heart conditions –

statements to which prosecution witness Dr. Martin Tobin offered a strong rebuttal. He cited the defense medical expert Dr. David Fowler’s idea that carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust also helped to cause Floyd’s

death as implausible. “I believe it is not reliable,” Dr. Tobin asserted. The three other police officers involved in Floyd’s death are scheduled to be tried together in August. They face charges of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter. Judge Cahill told the jury in the Chauvin case that he would sequester them during deliberations. “Plan for long and hope for short,” Judge Cahill said. But that proved far from prophetic as the panel came back after spending one night sequestered in a hotel where they deliberated for about four hours on Monday. Jurors returned on Tuesday and at about 2 p.m., they reached a unanimous decision on each count after about six additional hours of discussion. “For the rest of the country, this will be an historic decision,” Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, told reporters. “But for the family, this is a personal, personal issue. An issue that is deeply personal for every single member.” Check back for updates on this breaking news story. WI

NNPA, NAACP, Urban League Applaud Chauvin Verdict, Call it a ‘First Step’

Former President Barack Obama Says, in this case, ‘Justice Has Been Done’ Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

5 Black groups throughout the nation have been rallying for Black lives. (WI File Photo)

5 The family of George Floyd gathers after receiving settlement from the State of Minnesota. (WI File Photo/Courtesy)

18 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

Former President Barack Obama joined the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the NAACP, the National Urban League and others to applaud the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin case. For almost a year, George Floyd’s death which occurred while under the knee of a police officer has reverberated around the world – inspiring murals and marches, sparking conversations in living rooms and leading to new legislation related to police reform. Obama noted that a more basic question has always remained: would justice be done? “In this case, at least, we have our answer. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, we know that true justice is about much more than a single verdict in a single trial,” the

former president stated. “True justice requires that we come to terms with the fact that Black Americans are treated differently, every day. It requires us to recognize that millions of our friends, family and fellow citizens live in fear that their next encounter with law enforcement could be their last. And it requires us to do the sometimes thankless, often difficult, but always necessary work of making the America we know more like the America we believe in.” The 44th president continued: “While today’s verdict may have been a necessary step on the road to progress, it was far from a sufficient one. We cannot rest. We will need to follow through with the concrete reforms that will reduce and ultimately eliminate racial bias in our criminal justice system. We will need to redouble efforts to expand economic opportunity for those communities

that have been too long marginalized. “And as we continue the fight, we can draw strength from the millions of people — especially young people – who have marched and protested and spoken up over the last year, shining a light on inequity and calling for change. Justice is closer today not simply because of this verdict but because of their work.” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., said the trade association welcomed the verdict. “The unanimous verdict is a step in the appropriate direction to dismantle American apartheid and racism that continues to be clearly manifested by racially-motivated police brutality,” Chavis added. “The Black Press of America has always stood for equal justice. Today, we reaffirm the importance of the Black Lives Matter Movement and the necessity

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REACTION from Page 1 spoke during a press conference surrounded by family members and other supporters. Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota, thanked both the Floyd family and his legal staff before encouraging protestors to continue to express their views, albeit peacefully. “George Floyd mattered – he mattered because he was a human being – and what happened on that street was wrong,” Ellison said. “Regular people from all walks of life answered the call and served in a landmark trial.” “Justice has been served but we still face racism every day in the Black community,” said Nikky Brown, a behavioral therapist from Maryland. “And while the verdict this time was guilty, Black people are found guilty everyday simply because of the color of our skin.” “Here in Baltimore, we’re living in the post-traumatic era of Freddie Gray and we’ve never reached resolution. There’s still a wound that has not healed,” she said. Nevel Adams, 53, a District resident and high school English teacher, said, “I’m relieved because of the verdict but it’s only a sliver of satisfaction in the whole scheme of things. But until we address systemic racism which produces police officers like Chauvin, very little will change.” Marion Gray-Hopkins sat

pensively with her 30-year-old grandson in her Upper Marlboro home as the two listened to the verdict. She wore a t-shirt which bore the image of her son, Gary Hopkins. Jr., who died in 1999 at the hands of Prince George’s County police officers. “I wore this shirt without realizing that the verdict would be announced today,” she said. “Once I heard it, I said to [my son] ‘Baby, we got one.’ Whenever we get some semblance of accountability, I feel a sense of justice for all. Still, I’m cautiously optimistic in saying this could be the start of long-overdue and much-needed change.” Gray-Hopkins, who leads the locally-based Coalition of Concerned Mothers, said the next step must be for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The act, approved last month in the House by a vote of 220-212 with no Republican support, continues with discussion in the Senate. Senator Chris Van Hollen agreed. “Nothing will bring George Floyd back or heal the pain that his family and loved ones continue to experience,” Van Hollen said in a statement. “While today’s verdict was just, we must think of the Black Americans who have never received justice. We must move with urgency to confront and defeat systemic rac-

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5 Protests will continue until justice is fair for Black, brown and indigenous people. (WI File Photo)

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 19

HEALTH COVID-19 Vaccinations Continue in Prince George’s as Cases Rise William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Clement Richmond calmly sat in his vehicle while Jessica Hutchinson, a pediatric nurse, administered the Moderna vaccine in his left arm while his wife, Desryn, screamed from her passenger’s seat – even before the needle pierced her arm. “The scream was a slight distraction,” Desryn said with a laugh. “I don’t like needles but I made up my mind to take a shot in the arm. I’m glad I did.” The couple from Brandywine joined about 300 other patients Sunday, April 18 to receive a COVID-19 vaccine outside Greater Baden Medical Services in Brandywine. Because two doses are required, they will need a second shot four weeks later. So far, the health provider has administered about 1,200 doses of mostly the Moderna and two-dose Pfizer vaccines. “We are doing everything we can to get the message out and get as many people vaccinated as possible,” said Sonja Bachus, CEO of Greater Baden. As vaccinations continue in Prince George’s County, a White House Coronavirus Task Force Report, https://bit.ly/3mYpFsV, recently revealed that Maryland ranks second in the nation behind Michigan with the highest number of hospitalized and confirmed coronavirus patients. The report compiled data between April 1-7 that showed hospitalizations increased by 25 percent the week before. April 4 was the Easter holiday. Prince George’s counts among 12 counties and Baltimore City iden-

20 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

tified in the red zone with a “high” community transmission level between April 2-8. The county ranked third among the top 12 counties in Maryland for new coronavirus cases in the last three weeks. And while 20 percent of the Prince George’s population has been fully vaccinated, the jurisdiction continues to lead the state in confirmed coronavirus cases with more than 81,000 and a hospitalization rate which shows an average of 158. One metric the county seeks to decrease remains the infection rate, now standing at 1.01, which assesses how COVID-19 spreads from one person to another. Health officials said the figure should be .90 or lower. Family gatherings remain the number one cause of COVID-19 in the county, said George Askew, chief health officer for health, human services and education in Prince George’s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlined recommendations for small gatherings at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/ holidays/small-gatherings.html. “Family gatherings are extraordinarily risky,” Askew said. “Wonderful for us emotionally, very risky for us from a COVID standpoint.” Back at Greater Baden, Denise McNair of Clinton followed through with a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for her sister, Annette Hammond, who has special needs complications. Hammond, 59, sat in the backseat of McNair’s car and calmly took the shot in her arm. “Felt nothing. I’m feeling pretty good,” she said smiling.

5 Sonja Bachus, CEO Greater Baden Medical Services, talks to a client about the importance of taking the COVID-19 vaccine. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

However, McNair still has not taken the vaccine. “I’m still a little hesitant. I’m going to observe Annette and see how she feels,” she said. Greater Baden will partner with local churches hosting upcoming vaccination clinics at Grace Cathedral in Capitol Heights on Friday, April 23; Carolina Missionary Bap-

tist Church in Fort Washington on April 30; and Christian Unity Baptist Church in Waldorf, Charles County, on May 7. “What we did here at Greater Baden [was conduct] a myth buster’s campaign. You’re four times more likely to get struck by lightning [versus] a bad reaction from Moderna,” Bachus told McNair.

“I have a six-year-old granddaughter, so for me [receiving the vaccine] was all about love. I did it out of my love for my family and for this organization,” Bachus said. For more information about Greater Baden and upcoming vaccine clinics, go to www.gbms.org or call 301888-2233. WI @jabariwill

Howard Awarded $1.7 Million for Research on Racism and COVID-19 Crisis Communication CDC Foundation-funded Project to Address Social Stigma and Reach Those Hardest Hit by Virus WI Staff Report A team of researchers by Howard University’s Dr. Monica Ponder and UCLA’s Dr. Chandra Ford have received a $1.7 million grant from the CDC Foundation designed to reach historically marginalized and disadvantaged populations during public health crises. The endeavor, Project REFOCUS, leveraging more than a decade of their experience applying epidemiology and health communication to racism as a public health problem, tracks the intersecting pandemics of racism, especially as expressed through stigma and COVID-19 with a

focus on providing information to the communities most directly impacted. Key concerns include stereotypes about the origins of coronavirus disease and the historical and present-day ways structural racism influences the social determinants of health and health access among diverse communities. “During crises, fear can have a counter effect on access and adherence to community-level mitigation efforts,” said Ponder, assistant professor of health communication in the Department of Communication, Culture and Media Studies at Howard’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications. “Chronic stress is an important

pathway by which stigma influences physical and mental health. That can become a vicious cycle, fueled by racism and bias. Public health crisis communications must also recognize the historical trauma, lived experiences and political climate in which people reside … to ignore this context is malpractice,” Ponder said. In addition, prejudice stemming from rumors and scare-mongering can lead to unfair treatment and stress, which itself has a negative impact on physical and mental health. “We have to shift the focus beyond merely documenting higher rates of death, disease and underlying conditions in our communities toward eradicating the inequities. As with any oth-

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 21

HEALTH President Biden Tackles Black Maternal Health Obstacles with Executive Orders Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have announced actions to strengthen health equity and address racial disparities in maternal health through increased investment in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. The White House said the president’s discretionary funding request includes significant funding to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates, improve health equity, and end race-based disparities nationwide, including: • Investing $200 million to implement implicit bias training for healthcare providers; create state pregnancy medical home programs; bolster Maternal Mortality Review Committees; expand the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) program; and help cities place early childhood development experts in pediatrician offices with a high percentage of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program patients. • Increasing funding for the HHS Office for Civil Rights by 24 percent, to $47.9 million, to ensure the protection of civil rights in healthcare. • Providing $340 million, an increase of 18.7 percent, to the Title X Family Planning program, which will improve access to vital reproductive and preventive health services and advance gen-

HOWARD from Page 20 er threat to health, we can only do that by identifying the root causes – meaning the causes of the unequal social conditions” said Ford, founding director of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health’s Center for the Study of Racism, Social Justice & Health and professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences. Project REFOCUS’ initial funding is from the CDC Foundation, an independent nonprofit created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the CDC’s and public health community’s

22 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

der and health equity. • Prioritizing investments in programs that protect rural health care access and expand the pipeline of rural healthcare providers; and • Supporting women and young children by providing $6 billion for the critical Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), to help vulnerable families put healthy food on the table and address racial disparities in maternal and child health outcomes. “Health care is a right, not a privilege, and our country needs a health care system that works for all of us,” President Biden declared. “That is something both Vice President Harris and I have fought for throughout our careers. As a senator, Vice President Harris was a champion of Black maternal health, introducing legislation to close gaps in access to quality maternal care and educate providers about implicit bias.” The president continued: “And during my time as vice president, I fought for the Affordable Care Act and to strengthen Medicaid, both of which ensure access to critical services to support maternal health. “Within just a few years of the Affordable Care Act’s passage, Black uninsured rates dramatically declined — a key factor in ensuring better maternal health outcomes — as did the persistent health insurance coverage gap between Black critical health protection work. These very real issues have a huge impact on the ability of public health officials to slow the spread of a pandemic, much less treat the sick. Ford said the pandemic has disproportionately struck the nation’s Latino populations, as it has in Black, Native American and Pacific Islander communities where death rates COVID-19 are at least double that for whites and Asian Americans. "Public health practitioners face challenges in effectively monitoring the presence, spread and impacts of COVID-19 among these disadvantaged populations,” Ford said. “Lessons learned from prior epidemics,

and white Americans, which fell by more than 40 percent in the wake of the law’s implementation.”

HIGH MATERNAL MORTALITY RATES CITED

The announcement arrived during Black Maternal Health Week and at a time when U.S. maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the developed world. White House statistics revealed that it is high among Black women and Native American women – regardless of their income or education levels. Recent data show that Black women are roughly two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than non-Hispanic white women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that two out of three of these deaths are preventable. “Quality, equitable health care is a right, not a privilege. The actions announced today are initial steps in the critical work this Administration will do to address our maternal mortality crisis, close disparities in maternal care and outcomes for all birthing people and address the systemic racism that has allowed these inequities to exist,” President Biden exclaimed. In his first 100 days, President Biden issued executive orders to implement a comprehensive approach to advancing racial equity

"Public health practitioners face challenges in effectively monitoring the presence, spread and impacts of COVID-19 among these disadvantaged populations." – Dr. Chandra Ford

5 Black women and their maternal health is the focus of new executive orders from President Joe Biden (Courtesy “A Better Balance”)

In his first 100 days, President Biden issued executive orders to implement a comprehensive approach to advancing racial equity and establishing the White House Gender Policy Council to take a whole-of-government approach to gender equity. and establishing the White House Gender Policy Council to take a whole-of-government approach to gender equity. Both processes will end disparities that affect women and girls of color, including the maternal health crisis, White House officials stated. Through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Department of Health and Human Services approved a Medicaid Section 1115 waiver in Illinois that will

allow the state to extend postpartum coverage to Medicaid-eligible women beyond 60 days and up to 12 months. The approval will help ensure access to vital health care services, promote better health outcomes, and reduce the rate of maternal morbidity and mortality. According to administration officials, Illinois is the first state to

such as HIV/AIDS, make it clear that stigma and mistrust slow disease mitigation efforts among the most disadvantaged populations, contribute to mistrust of public health messages, delay access to services, and reduce adherence to treatment. This mistrust is rooted not in science denialism, but in legitimate concerns about the unequal treatment African American and other communities have received in healthcare.” The project – officially, Racial Ethnic Framing of Community-Informed and Unifying Surveillance, or REFOCUS – will study COVID-19-related stigma and discrimination in communities of concern, and provide real-time in-

formation for public health officials, members of the public and policymakers to help them reach populations at increased risk by building trust between essential and frontline workers and the communities they serve. Work on Project REFOCUS is underway and the research teams have developed crisis communication tools and strategies for local communities and media, as well as a prototype tool for a stigma-focused community listening and surveillance for monitoring indicators of racism and stigma. For more information, visit projectrefocus.com. WI

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 23

EDUCATION Washington Teachers’ Union Announces New Leaders Jacqueline Pogue Lyons Takes Over as Organization's President Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer Amid an ongoing school budget battle, the Washington Teachers’ Union [WTU] recently named Jacqueline Pogue Lyons as its new president and Regina Bell, its new general vice president. Pogue Lyons and Bells, former WTU vice president and legislative committee chair, respective-

ly, rose to their new positions in the aftermath of WTU President Elizabeth Davis’ April 4 death. In assuming the helm, Lyons evoked the memory of her late colleague. “We will continue to honor the work and legacy of Elizabeth Davis by working to ensure that our students receive the education they deserve,” Pogue Lyons, a teacher of nearly 30 years, said in a statement on April 12.

5 Jacqueline Pogue Lyons is the new president of the Washington Teachers' Union. (WI File Photo)

“This starts today with our work to prevent cuts to our school budgets and ensure that city leaders follow the law by ensuring city dollars are allocated equitably to our students.” Pogue Lyons previously served as WTU’s general vice president, a

position she has held since 2016. Before then, she taught kindergarten at Savoy Elementary in Southeast. Throughout her education career, Pogue Lyons served at Plummer Elementary, J.C. Nalle Elementary, Thomson Elementary and Hyde Elementary.

Officials and Parents Continue to Weigh in on Data Collection Issues Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

More than a month after an auditor’s report revealed gaps in the District’s collection of education data, questions remain among some education officials, including members of the D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE), about how best to rectify this issue. Though SBOE recently met with D.C. Auditor Kathleen Patterson and intends to schedule a public hearing, Ward 8 SBOE Representative Dr. Carlene Reid said she wants D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and other concerned parties to use the data to develop a long-term education plan. “We can collect the best data around, but if it’s not used to target resources or inform how schools are functioning then that data can just become null and void,” Reid told The Informer. “A

24 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

policy recommendation would be to figure out what data is meaningful, getting on a common page about outcomes, and creating a plan around that. [Right now], we don’t have a comprehensive plan around education.”

THE REPORT HEARD AROUND THE DISTRICT

On March 10, officials with the Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA) contended that the District hasn’t created the means to determine what each student learns each year, nor do they have any idea about student-teacher linkages. Without such data, OSSE would be unable to predict which students are the most likely to repeat a grade in high school. According to officials, the lack of data has also left them in the dark about the progress of each

DATA Page 23

As a WTU leader, she advocated for the rights of teachers, supported their certification and development needs and worked to ensure that DC Public Schools [DCPS] followed its contractual obligations to WTU members. In the weeks before Pogue Lyons and Bell entered their new roles, the D.C. Council conducted hearings and gathered testimony from DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, teachers and other community members about the budget cuts a number of schools would experience. Ferebee credited a two percent drop in enrollment and the need to replace technology as the impetus for budget cuts, oftentimes to the chagrin of some council members and teachers. Throughout the budget season and long before, WTU leaders, including the late Davis, highlighted the loss of library staff members, especially at schools east of the Anacostia River, as a situation that would further burden teachers. While accepting her new role on April 12, Bell, who once served as a one-time librarian/media specialist, continued to shed light on the plight of her colleagues and the students they teach. “The pandemic has only magnified the disparities that our students and school communities face,” Bell said. “ To improve equity in education we must fully fund our schools and provide library programs for all students.” WI

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BEE from Page 9 FME is excited to partner with The Washington Informer and Denise Rolark-Barnes in hosting the 39th Annual Washington Informer CityWide Spelling Bee. This is our second year hosting this important event. The Washington Informer has been involved in the City-Wide Spelling Bee for almost 40 years, and its Publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes is committed to ensuring that D.C. School students can compete on the local level, with one hard-working student representing the city at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.” She congratulated each student and wished them good luck. Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, chairman of Washington Informer Charities, congratulated the students for not allowing this “extraordinary year” to keep them from doing something they clearly love – spelling. “You’ve entered the spelling bee and used your own time to study, compete and get to the city-wide competition. Con-

DATA from Page 24 public and public charter school graduate in postsecondary studies and workforce development. Three years ago, D.C. Councilmembers Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) and Robert White (D-At large) led efforts for the data collection revamp with the introduction of legislation that led to the study. In March, during the release of the auditor’s report, they expressed how the revamping of data collection would help students who academically struggled during the pandemic. Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn later released a statement explaining that the District collects more than 100 million public education data points annually, and has access to longitudinal, student-level data from students’ birth to adulthood. Kihn also noted that ODCA failed to mention that his office and OSSE worked with ODCA over the last two years to rectify discrepancies. In response to an inquiry about the possibility of a comprehensive education plan, OSSE directed The Informer to the aforementioned comments.

EDUCATION

“You’ve entered the spelling bee and used your own time to study, compete and get to the city-wide competition. Congratulations. You are all winners in so many ways.” – Denise Rolark Barnes gratulations. You are all winners in so many ways.” Rolark Barnes also thanked this year’s sponsors, including Pepco, Safeway Foundation, Washington Nationals, Washington Gas, “who are committed to supporting educational

PARENTS SAY THERE’S MORE TO DO

Southeast parent Yolanda Powers recounted what she described as the consistent data collection of schools her children attended. She told The Informer that officials at Rocketship Rise Academy Public Charter School and Friendship Chamberlain Public Charter School often maintained contact with her, gathered information about family needs and kept detailed records of her children’s academic progress. However, Powers did have some suggestions about how the D.C. government could take data collection to the next level. “I would love to see academic records online. D.C. could start keeping up [all of ] the records electronically so that parents don’t have to collect all that paperwork for registration,” Powers told The Informer. “It’s kind of hard because we have to go to different places so my children can get re-enrolled. All of that can be sent from the doctor or dentist’s office to give parents some type of relief.” WI

(Courtesy photo)

opportunities for D.C. students. Tracye Funn, manager of Corporate Contributions and Supplier Diversity at Washington Gas, a long-standing supporter of the Spelling Bee events, said, “ [We] felt it es-

pecially critical to continue that support given the circumstances of the COVID pandemic. Youth needed an outlet to expand their educational opportunities and experiences, and the Bee competitions helped filled

that void. We applaud the Washington Informer Charities for their leadership, insight, and ingenuity to coordinate and overcome those challenges and host two stellar Bee competitions.” WI

REACTION from Page 19

the verdict on social media. “GUILTY. GUILTY. GUILTY. THANK YOU,” Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Howard County), vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee, said on Twitter. Atterbeary helped lead Mary-

land lawmakers in Annapolis to a major police reform package that included: police misconduct lawsuits double from $400,000 to $890,000; residents to sit on police accountability boards to recommend administrative charges against officers; and for all county and Baltimore City police departments to equip their officers with body cameras. Another law approved will allow greater public access for disciplinary records and complaints against police officers. It’s named after Anton Black, 19, killed by police on the Eastern Shore. One of the officers involved in Black’s death received over two dozen use of force complaints while previously worked in Delaware. “The next steps are to see jurisdictions across the country in taking a proactive stance to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again,” said Del. Nicole A. Williams (D-District 22) of Greenbelt, a member of the House Judiciary Committee that worked on police reform legislation. “Deadly force should be a last resort and not the first resort,” she said. WI

ism in all its forms and Congress must act immediately to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.” Some posted their reactions to

5 Paying tribute to mother's love. (WI File photo/Roy Lewis)

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 25

Comcast is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking Internet Essentials program, which has connected more than 10 million people from low-income families to low-cost, high speed Internet at home. Now Comcast is committing $1 billion, over the next 10 years, to reach 50 million people from low-income families with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world.

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26 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

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PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Dr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Jacqueline Fuller, Hamil Harris, D. Kevin McNeir, Kui Mwai, Lee Ross, Dorothy Rowley, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright, PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas, Ja’Mon Jackson, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman

Restoration & Resolutions to Environmental Injustice

One of the major setbacks to advancing positive environmental change remains the inability of dispossessed people to gain the ears of the nation’s policymakers. For decades, the cadence of marginalized community members championing grassroots protests against eroding infrastructures, environmental injustice, climate gentrification, and air pollution, have gone largely ignored. Many policy shifts that have been made came as a direct result of public pressure and have not exacted the level of change necessary to restore failed systems or resolve potential hazards. Still, the fight continues. And with the invigorated passions of the world’s youth, strategies for restoration and resolution show 5 Dr. Shantella Y. Sherman (Photo by India Kea) signs of success. In one such case, British coroner Philip Barlow contributed poor air quality from vehicle emissions as a “material contribution” to the death of a 9-year-old Black girl, Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah. The landmark ruling makes the first noted connection between air pollution and acute respiratory failure. It also sets the stage, globally, for tougher laws against poor air quality. “Today’s verdict sets the precedent for a seismic shift in the pace and extent to which the government, local authorities and clinicians must now work together to tackle the country’s air pollution crisis,” said The British Lung Foundation and Asthma UK co-chair Sarah Woolnough. Ella’s death, which resulted from years of rapidly decreasing lung function, also marked the first time a global spotlight appeared on the impact of poor air quality on children. In the U.S., similar attention focused on the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, brought about after toxic levels of lead were found in the city’s piping system. Exposure to lead-tainted water can cause long-term health issues and according to Flint pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, those effects may not appear for several years after exposure to lead. Lead exposure lowers IQ levels, creates cognitive and behavioral issues for children, and has been linked to infertility. Lead exposure is difficult to treat because it is an irreversible neurotoxin. “It’s known as a silent pediatric epidemic. It’s something that we see years if not decades after exposure to lead. There is no cure. There is no antidote,” Hanna-Attisha said. “However, there is so much that we can do and that we are doing to minimize, to mitigate, to buffer the impact of the exposure. We cannot take it away, but we can do so much to lessen it.” Seven years after the initial lead water crisis began in Flint, youth activist Mari Copeny, has developed a filtration system to provide access to clean water. This Informer supplement takes a closer look at issues surrounding environmental pollutants – and more importantly, the efforts to restore and resolve environmental issues in Black communities. We celebrate the life’s work of the late D.C. environmental activist Damu Smith in this edition, while also encouraging the next generation of sustainability warriors who continue the fight. Read, Learn, Grow. Dr. Shantella Sherman

5 Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, 9, died from lung failure resulting from her living in close proximity to a major thoroughfare (like the one pictured). (Courtesy photos)

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District Agencies and Community Push for Environmental Sustainability Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

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Local government agencies, and community businesses across the city are exploring various environmental strategies to support local sustainability, as Anacostia River cleaning initiatives, and newly amended Foam Ban policies are still effecting change. According to Earthjustice.org, raw sewage has led as the top pollution source to the Anacostia watershed, with half a billion gallons of waste landing in the riverway per year. The poor conditions of the District staple has inspired the Department of Energy & Environment to launch initiatives promoting equity and availability of the waterway to all city residents. “I think one of the most important things is that the city is starting to see results. The Anacostia River is cleaner than it has been in over 50 years. It is a

DCSEU

place where people want to be,” Tommy Wells, Director of DOEE told the Informer. “That is why we’re starting [certain programs], so that we are equitable, and that it is available to everyone. In further support of the agency’s efforts, DOEE passed a city-wide foam ban prohibiting the business and organizational use of disposable food service ware made from expanded polystyrene material, commonly known as “Styrofoam.” January 2021, five years post the initial drafting, the environmental bill was amended, further banning the sales of foam food storage ware containers including ice chests, coolers, and foam loose-filled packing material. Wells highlights the general compliance of District businesses in support of the agency’s environmental goals. “It just puts our laws in alignment with Montgomery County and our surrounding counties. So, it just creates more certainty for all of the businesses,”

said Wells. “We get very little push back of the environmental initiative in our city. It’s just in our ethos.” However, as municipalities impose foam laws on local food retailers, some find their available packaging options limited. Especially with more residents having substituted dining out for takeaway, the legal bans on Styrofoam and polystyrene create a certain level of distress. “I think the pressure is in all the wrong places; it should be with the manufacturers. We wouldn’t have so many different types of materials in use that can’t be recycled, if it were illegal for them to even be made,” said Eric Logan, managing partner of Ben’s Chili Bowl. “[From] a marketing [scope], they’ve effectively shifted the lens of ownership for who’s accountable, and they will say, ‘Okay, don’t buy and don’t use these goods.’ Why don’t you stop [the manufacturers] so that they’re nev-

er made? It should be stopped at the source. We wouldn’t buy it if it wasn’t available, and if it wasn’t available for cheaper.” Although the foam restrictions are inconvenient for certain businesses, others moved away from polystyrene packing material well before the environmental policies were set. “We’ve actually never used Styrofoam in our establishment. We’re trying to move as much as we can to more sustainable packaged goods,” said Peter Opare, chef, and co-owner of the Open Crumb DC in Southeast. “Our environment affects our community, so as a business, if we’re going to be making money from these communities, we should do our best to get the products that actually help [them].” Opare said the restaurant uses various paper products to serve menu items, and tries to avoid any non-biodegradable products that are environ-

Together, we’ve worked to build a brighter economic, environmental, and energy future for the District.

Thanks to DC residents and businesses, since 2011, the DCSEU has generated $1.2 billion in lifetime energy cost savings. We have also invested $50 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy in low-income communities, and prevented 6.2 million metric tons in lifetime greenhouse gas emissions. DCSEU.com/about

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mentally harsh and have chemically toxic effects. “Pollution usually affects the people at the “bottom of the hill,” and I’m in a community that reflects that, so I should be doing my best to get those products that are sustainable. It’s just that simple,” Opare said. SS

(202) 479-2222

info@dcseu.com

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We Have the Power to “Flip the Switch” on Climate Change Using less energy saves money, reduces air pollution and cuts down emissions that are causing climate change.

Melissa Adams Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Washington Gas One of the things people noticed during the Covid-19 lockdowns was that skies were clearer due to less air pollution associated with commuters because there were far fewer vehicles on the road. As our world, nation and capital region finally can see the light at the end of the tunnel of the pandemic, we also can hold onto the benefits of clearer skies and cleaner air—without sacrificing our economy, comfort and convenience. A simple rule of thumb for everyone committed to energy efficiency is this—the cleanest and least expensive energy—whether it is electricity, natural gas, gasoline, diesel or oil—is the energy that we do not use. During the winter, Washington D.C. uses 60 percent more energy to keep people and spaces warm compared to the energy

it takes to cool them in the summer. Peak cooling demand, not surprisingly, comes in the summer months. While the transition to spring—with its longer daylight and comfortable temperatures—might not seem like the best time to talk about energy savings. It actually is the perfect time. Fortunately for customers in DC, there are many options to consider, multiple resources available and the ability to tailor them and customize to fit your preference and needs. Washington Gas offers its customers access to an online Home Energy Profile Tool at https://washingtongas. energysavvy.com/residential/start/. This tool asks a series of questions about your home and then provides customized energy savings tips based on your answers. The customized report recommends actions from changing thermostat settings to specific upgrades for older appliances and estimates the savings associated with those actions.

There also are many energy efficiency rebates offered by the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). Consider that the best time to update or upgrade heating and cooling systems is when they are not in use. If your furnace was making funny noises last winter, or your AC wasn’t blowing as cold (or seemed to cycle on more often), the DCSEU (https:// www.dcseu.com/) administers energy efficiency programs for the District of Columbia that can assist you. Time and again, the DCSEU has helped homeowners, apartment building owners, restaurants, universities, hospitals, entertainment venues and even Union Station save energy. Funded by a surcharge on all Washington, D.C. customers’ electricity and natural gas bills, the DCSEU provides residents, businesses and property owners with an extensive program and product offering, including rebates for high-efficiency equipment that make these equipment options more af-

DID YOU KNOW? Our Paperless Billing customers SAVE 2,800 TREES EACH YEAR. That’s almost the same number of cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin in DC! To join our growing number of PAPERLESS BILLING customers, visit washingtongas.com/ebill to enroll.

fordable. Reducing the purchase costs means customers can enjoy the energy and cost savings associated with everything from smart thermostats (that save energy while you’re away but prepare your home to be comfortable when you return) to high-efficiency natural gas furnaces and more. For people who are not looking to make those big investments, the DCSEU offers some simple low-cost options such as a home energy conservation kit for only $10, and free kits for income-qualified residents. Customers using the items in the kit can save up to $40 per year on utilities—a four to one return without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The kit includes LED light bulbs which use up to 90 percent less energy (than incandescent bulbs). It also contains an advanced power strip which saves energy by preventing devices from using energy when they are turned “off” (so-called “phantom power” or “vampire loads” when devices are in standby mode), as well as a faucet aerator that cuts water use by one third. For more information on the contents of the conservation kit, please visit www.dcseu.com/homeenergykits. Last year, Washington Gas released an industry-leading Climate Business Plan explaining how the company plans to evolve its energy offerings and help the District meet its ambitious climate goals. The plan focuses on

three pillars including Energy Efficiency, which is the largest contributor to emissions reductions. Our most recent community meeting on the plan focused on Energy Efficiency and featured presentations from DCSEU, Washington Gas and Exergy Partners Corporation. You can access those presentations and a recording of the meeting at https://washingtongasdcclimatebusinessplan.com/energy-efficiency-whats-in-it-for-you/. As part of its commitment to address climate change, Washington Gas also is participating in a Public Service Commission working group that is working to establish energy efficiency and demand response programs that Washington Gas will introduce to provide significant and permanent energy savings opportunities to residents and businesses that will add to the existing programs. We are all in this together. To make an impact, it is important that we all do our part, including participating in the many ways we can all use energy more efficiently and save money along the way. Don’t forget that Washington Gas is right there with you every step of the way. Washington Gas will continue working to help the District achieve its climate goals and encourages residents to do their part now with simple steps to save money—and energy—by making their homes more efficient.

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How The District of Columbia Is Taking The Lead To Address Climate Change Submitted by The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia The mantra of “reduce, reuse and recycle” has been around for decades, but only more recently have individuals – and cities – taken stronger action to prevent the effects of climate change. The District of Columbia became a national leader around climate action with the passage of the Clean Energy Omnibus Amendment Act, spearheaded by Mayor Bowser and the Council of DC, in 2018. The legislation represents one of the most aggressive clean energy policies in the nation. One of the major facets of the Act was to significantly increase the amount of renewable energy residents produce and use, setting the city on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2032, a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2032, and 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. As the local utility regulator, the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) plays an integral role in meeting those goals. The Commission has updated its mission to take into account the District’s climate policy commitments when making its policy decisions. The DCPSC commissioners consider climate change and the Clean Energy Act when ruling in every proceeding put before the Commission. Those decisions, which have the force of law, have created, expanded, or enhanced several climate initiatives. Since December 2020, the DCPSC has certified more than 7,900 solar facilities and 137 Community Renewable Energy Facilities (CREFs) that produce a total of more than 130 MW of power. The District is also becoming the first jurisdiction in the Mid-Atlantic to acquire a portion of electricity used in the default service for Pepco customers through a long-term renewable energy power purchase agreement. In short, new and existing customers who get the “default” service from the utility will soon have a portion of their power come from renewable sources like solar or wind. When it comes to innovative,

forward-thinking initiatives to help address climate change, the DCPSC is relying on its PowerPath DC Pilot Projects Governance Board to recommend pilot projects that will tackle the crisis in new ways. The board was created as a result of the Pepco Holdings, Inc.-Exelon merger approved by the Commission and has more than $21 million at its disposal to fund projects that will modernize the District’s energy delivery systems. While many of the initiatives the DCPSC spearheads may be at the policy level, it also has created DC Power Connect, a centralized resource for residents and local business to compare and choose their electric supplier. Suppliers upload offers into an easily searchable database and customers can select a new supplier to reduce their carbon footprint or find a plan with a fixed price. Successfully addressing climate change requires participation across the board. One other initiative in the works at the DCPSC is an energy efficiency and energy conservation program that will assist multifamily building owners with energy efficiency financing to retrofit their buildings. The program also helps owners identify other energy programs that could minimize their buildings’ energy usage. Reducing energy use in large, multifamily buildings is critical to meeting the Clean Energy Act’s energy standards and helps ensure that equity and affordability are central considerations when putting climate policies into action. It’s an exciting time to be a District resident and the city’s work to achieve carbon neutrality is ongoing. Stay up-to-date by visiting http://dcpsc.org/cleanenergy. SS

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Environmental News Notes Lee Ross WI Staff Writer Singer Angélique Kidjo Launches Campaign for Environmental Film “Mother Nature” The Beninese singing sensation, Angélique Kidjo, recently launched a fundraising campaign for the production of an environmental film entitled “Mother Nature.” The proceeds from the production and distribution of the film will be donated to the GoodPlanet Foundation, which supports environmental projects around the world. Kidjo joined forces with French director Yann Arthus-Bertrand to make a short film. It will be filmed in Benin, France and a third country to be chosen according to the evolution of the Coronavirus pandemic: Lagos in Nigeria or New

York in the United States. Described as “a committed, transgenerational, musically energetic and inspiring work to carry a call for the protection of the planet loud and far.” Kidjo said, “[In Africa] it is the children who are bearing the brunt of the climate change crisis. It is the future generation that will pay the heaviest price for climate change.” France Bans Short-Haul Internal Flights to Cut CO2 Emissions The French Government has banned short-haul domestic flights when rail alternatives are available for the journey of two and half hours or less. The bill, which was voted in the French Parliament on April 10, will only apply to a handful of routes, such as those between Paris and Nantes,

5 The peels, fiber content, and nutrients of foods on the verge of waste to create high-quality dehydrated products, juices, sauces, and flours in a process called upcycling. / Courtesy photo.

and Lyon and Bordeaux. Connecting flights are excluded. Aiming to cut down France’s CO2 emis-

Free Tree Planting Apply online at the RiverSmart Homes Program (https://doee.dc.gov/service/rshapplication) or enroll by calling 202-535-2252 On average, the entire process can take 6 – 10 months

sion levels of 1990 by 40 percent, the measure – which needs to be approved at the Senate level – was applauded by President Macron’s party LaREM. “We are engaging in a profound transformation of the aviation sector,” read a tweet from LaREM MPs. “Favoring the train or other means of public transport for short distances is common sense and a key gesture for the climate.” Upcycling Foods Reduces Waste, Stabilizes Economies Food waste accounts for more than 8 percent of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions, making it a big contributor to climate change. In 2020 in the United States alone 80 billion lbs. of food was thrown away, 40 percent of the US food supply was wasted, and $1,600 worth of produce per family was wasted. According to

Step 1

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You apply for a free tree through:

Arborist schedules a site visit with you so the arborist can determine the best trees for your location

Arborist visits your home to look at the location where you plan to plant the tree

Your tree is ordered

Casey Trees schedules your tree planting

Casey Trees comes to your house and plants your tree

Note: Your wait time can be 3-5 months

You sign a contract as the owner or owner’s authorization agent

RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree Planting Program (URL or phone # above) Your ward’s Urban Forestry Division (UFD) arborist Casey Trees 202-833-4010

You select a tree

Note: trees are planted in the Spring and Fall. It could take 6 or more months to schedule the planting based on when the tree is ordered

Casey Trees provides you tree maintenance information. Learn more at

the United Nations, if food waste were a country, it would be the world’s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter, only behind China and the U.S. Food is wasted all along its journey from the farm to our homes, but through upcycling, the pulp, peels, and other nutrients of food products on the brink of expiry are repurposed as ingredients in drinks, sauces, and flours. According to Upcycled Food Association, the process is derived from an ancient tradition based on the philosophy of using all of what you have. It’s about doing more with less and elevating all food to its highest and best use. Most of all, upcycled food is about reducing food waste, by creating high quality, nutritious food products out of the nutrients that slip through the cracks of our food system. SS

Food waste accounts for more than 8 percent of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions, making it a big contributor to climate change.

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OPC is Fighting for Affordable Climate Change Solutions Sandra Mattavous-Frye People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia The Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia (OPC) is pleased to contribute to The Washington Informer’s Sustainability Supplement in Observance of Earth Day. I welcome this opportunity to highlight the work of OPC’s new Climate Action Section. I also note that seeking solutions to environmental injustice has been a cornerstone of OPC’s work. The environmental community might recall that over a decade ago, OPC led the battle to shut down Pepco’s Benning Road Power Plant in Northeast which was emitting toxic pollutants into nearby neighborhoods. In 2020, I launched the Climate Action Section to ensure that the District of Columbia meets its climate change goals in a way that equitably benefits electric, gas, and water consumers in all eight wards. Climate change is already harming District residents -- we are experiencing hotter summers, more extreme storms, and increased flooding. And conditions are projected to get worse with low income and communities of color suffering some of the worst impacts. With swift and continuous action, however, we all can do our part to prevent the most harmful effects of climate change in the years to come. For this reason, OPC supports the District’s climate change goals: reducing the pollution that causes climate change—called greenhouse gases--in half by 2032 and 100% by 2050. We will need to make big changes to meet these big goals, and OPC is advocating that the changes benefit all District consumers. Residents in all eight wards should have access to new technologies and clean energy options like modern electric appliances and solar power that can help them reduce energy usage and lower their utility bills through energy efficiency and conservation measures. Changes to utility systems to reduce climate change pollution must be just and not increase the energy burden on ratepayers, particularly for low- and moderate-income households. The costs of meeting the District’s climate change goals must be affordable for gas, electric, and water consumers; and must address ratepayers’ needs. OPC’s Climate Action Section is advocating for affordable, equitable, and reliable climate change solutions before the DC Public Service Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and regional utility-related entities. Our work has included advocating for expanded access to microgrids—local electric systems that can both reduce climate change pollution and allow critical facilities like hospitals to keep running during power outages. OPC also advocated to allow residents with rooftop solar to store the energy generated in batteries for use when the sun is not shining, which provides emergency back up and increases the amount of clean energy available. Moreover, OPC is advocating for the utilities to have effective plans to reduce climate change pollution. OPC believes it should be standard practice for all utility rate cases and project proposals such as infrastructure upgrades to identify any impacts on climate change, including the costs and benefits of such proposals, and any project impacts on social and economic equity. This analysis will allow the Public Service Commission to make more informed decisions about new proposals. OPC will educate consumers to ensure they understand the District’s plans to shift from dirty fossil fuel to clean green energy. As we all work together for “Restoration and Resolutions to Environmental Injustice,” OPC will continue to advocate for safe, affordable, and reliable utility services that contribute to a sustainable and healthy environment for DC residents in all eight wards. SS

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…And the Youth Shall Lead:

Three Under 30 Environmentalist to Watch Lee Ross WI Staff Writer The battle against fossil fuels, climate change, and environmental injustice has only just begun – that’s if the world’s young people have anything to say about it. In addition to having a firm grip on the impact unsustainable behaviors have on natural resources, young people have found innovative ways of galvanizing others and demanding legislative and structural change. Only in the last year did the Ninth Circuit court of appeals throw out the high-profile lawsuit Juliana v. United States, in which 21 young Americans sued the United States government for violating their Constitutional rights by not firmly addressing climate change. The suit summary found that some plaintiffs claimed psychological harms, others impairment to recreational interests, others exacerbated medical conditions, and others damage to property. Plaintiffs alleged violations of their constitutional rights and sought declaratory relief and an injunction ordering the government to implement a plan to “phase out fossil fuel emissions and draw down excess atmospheric [carbon dioxide].” Still, the court held that the policy decisions necessary to address climate change were better left at the discretion “of the executive and legislative branches.” “I am disappointed that these judges would find that federal courts can’t protect America’s youth, even when a constitutional right has been violated,” Kelsey Juliana, the 23-year-old named plaintiff of Eugene, Oregon, said in a statement. “Such a holding is contrary to American principles of justice that I have been taught since elementary school. This decision gives full unfettered authority to the legislative and executive branches of government to destroy our country, because we are dealing with a crisis that puts the very existence of our nation in peril.” Similarly, 2020 saw the disruption of a student recruitment reception at Harvard Law School where the corporate law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garri-

son LLP – which represents ExxonMobil sought to mingle with potential hires. “We, students of Harvard Law School, will not work for you as long as you work for ExxonMobil. Our future is on fire, and you are fanning the flames. If you want to recruit us, then drop Exxon and join us in fighting for a livable future,” said Aaron Regunberg, a first-year student at Harvard Law School. “This is a do-or-die moment in human history.” Be clear, these protests are not mere trendy TikTok fodder or peer pressure-induced mayhem; today’s youth have “skin in the game.” “Young people are looking to adults to lead by example and have been getting a lot of empty rhetoric in return. In some instances, they have been ignored altogether,” sociology student April Tyner told the Informer. “Ignoring the health and lifestyle crises created by climate change on children and young adults directly impacts their quality of life not just now, but into their adult lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren. It makes logical sense that they would take matters into their own hands.”

Khristen Hamilton (Courtesy photo)

8 KHRISTEN HAMILTON, ZERO HOUR

“Social justice is environmental justice, and if we don’t acknowledge that, then we truly cannot fight climate change properly.” Khristen Hamilton is an activist that currently works as Volunteer Management Director for Zero Hour. Hamilton has been an adamant voice of opposition to the

recent backtracks on EPA regulations and policies by the Trump administration and is campaigning to see the government take more steps to address climate change. She believes that climate change impacts people’s lives daily and needs to be a priority. Recently Hamilton has made connections between the COVID-19 epidemic and how we need a heightened sense of urgency in dealing with climate change, similarly to the way we have been trying to handle the pandemic. Hamilton is also a strong advocator for organizing locally to be able to influence local elections and have a voice in the community. Ultimately, Hamilton would like to see climate change mobilization that’s on par with the pandemic response. “The country has done a lot to try and stop this global health pandemic, but they haven’t addressed the climate crisis with the same urgency.”

8 JEROME FOSTER, II

Executive Director & Founder, OneMillionOfUs and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council “In America, we are temporarily insulated from [climate change], we’re temporarily just not seeing it, but everyone else around the world, in the Global South, they’re seeing it on a daily basis.” Jerome Foster II is a 19-yearold African American climate justice activist, voting rights advocate, and emerging technology developer. He is the Executive Director & Founder of OneMillionOfUs, which is mobilizing a new generation of young people to register and turnout to vote. Throughout 2019, Foster served as the House Congressional Intern for the late Honorable Congressman John Lewis. Also working as CoEditor-in-Chief of The Climate Reporter, an international environmental news organization.

Mari Copeny (Courtesy photo) Foster has spoken at the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights, held weekly climate strikes in front of the White House and Harvard University for over 80 weeks as a part of Greta Thunberg’s Fridays For Future, and helped to pass the Clean Energy DC Act. He won the World Series of Entrepreneurship for creating a civic-based virtual reality organization called TAU VR.

Mari is a 13-year-old from Flint, Michigan known globally as Little Miss Flint. She first rose to the public spotlight when her letter to President Obama about the water crisis prompted him to visit the city and survey the water crisis for himself. That visit ultimately led to him approving $100 million dollars in relief for the city of Flint. Mari has used her platform to not only bring awareness to her community but to give back. Mari has raised over $500,000 for her Flint Kids projects including giving out over 16,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies, a yearly Christmas event with thousands of toys, Easter baskets, movie screenings, and most recently partnered with a filtration company (Hydroviv) to produce her very own water filters. SS

8 AMARIYANA “MARI” COPENY [Little Miss Flint] Activist “Never let anybody shut you up, and trust me they will try, because you’re young and a lot of adults don’t think you should have an opinion.”

Jerome Hamilton, II (Courtesy photo)

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Contamination is a costly and dangerous problem that can cause loads of recycling to be rejected. Did you know 24% of materials collected within the recycling program is contamination, (i.e. unacceptable materials) and should not be placed into the recycling collection cart/bin?*

*Based on sorts performed at the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF)

• PLASTIC BAGS • CHIP or SNACK BAGS • CANDY WRAPPERS

MIXED PAPER Newspapers, Paper Bags, Junk Mail, Magazines, Wrapping Paper, Envelopes

• GARDEN HOSES • ROPES • CORDS

• BATTERIES • ELECTRONICS • HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALS • BALLOON HELIUM TANKS • SMALL PROPANE TANKS

• DIAPERS • TISSUES • HYGIENE PRODUCTS • PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

PAPERBOARD BOXES

METALS

Milk, Juice, Broth, Soup, Flattened Cardboard Boxes, Cereal & Cracker Boxes, Frozen Food Boxes

Empty Aerosol Cans, Metal Food & Beverage Cans, Aluminum Foil

GLASS

PLASTIC

Food & Beverage Containers

Wide-Mouth Containers like Peanut Butter, Yogurt, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Margarine/Butter Tubs, Prescription Bottles

TOP TIPS TO HELP REDUCE CONTAMINATION IN YOUR BIN:

• CLOTHING • WIRE & PLASTIC CLOTHES HANGERS

PLASTIC Narrow-Neck Containers with Resin, Identification Numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 (on the bottom)

• Empty and clean all food and beverage containers. • Overflow of recyclables can be placed in any receptacle or cardboard box marked with an X or the word “Recycling”. Cardboard boxes will be collected with contents. • Plastic bags are NOT accepted in the recycling program and should NOT be used to prepare materials for collection. Place recyclables loose and unbagged in your recycling cart or bin. • When in doubt, leave it out!

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Remembering Damu Smith, Environmental Warrior Faith and Deliverance: Damu Smith Wages War on Cancer

Dr. Shantella Y. Sherman WI Special Editions Editor Damu Smith’s name bounces around rooms with the same quiet reverence often reserved for more popularly known figures: Nelson Mandela or Desmond Tutu. Sometimes, there is a knowing smile or two. Smith is a kind of modern-day superstar among activists: fierce, passionate, courageous, God-fearing. His celebrity has reached far and beyond Washington, D.C., into the far corners of the Earth. Where there is any semblance of injustice, rest assured, Damu Smith is planning strategic countermoves. Smith’s activism rallied civic consciousness against apartheid in South Africa, gun violence, police brutality and government injustice. He worked to effect peace and a freeze on nuclear weapons, and advocated for environmental justice, both in America and abroad. In fact, Smith was in Palestine, heading up a delegation of protest against unfair treatment suffered by Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government, when he collapsed, subsequently being diagnosed with colon cancer. As a result, Smith has always appeared larger than life, particularly to this reporter, who met him more than 20 years ago as a pre-teen. Interviewing Smith became a challenge that 15 years of reporting experience could not overcome. I was nervous. I was not sure what to expect, so I stood outside his apartment door for a solid five minutes, willing each knock to become just a little more audible to him on the other side. Finally, I entered at his behest, ‘‘Come on in, the door is open.’’ Once I had taken off my shoes and peered around the corner, I was able to get a full glance at Damu. His eyes were bright, his skin flawless and his smile brighter than ever. He bustled around his apartment with a small contingent of associates: his friend and doctor of more than 30 years, Jewel L. Crawford; a friend from St. Louis; and others who came and went in fluid motions. There is a handwritten note attached to a hand-carved mirror, one of the many African treasures decorating Damu’s home. Above a litany of daily affirmations, is written, ‘‘With God All Things Are Possible.’’ Being in Convent, Louisiana, an

area referred to as ‘‘Cancer Alley,’’ where a smorgasbord of industrial plant run-off brought on cancers, lung conditions and skin irritations among residents, may be the culprit in Smith’s case. In the early 1990s, he led an all-out campaign against the Japanese owners of the Shintech plants and lived with some of the area’s residents. ‘‘The air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat and the homes in which we live are toxic. This is a very toxic environment we live in this millennium. I live a healthy lifestyle: I don’t drink, don’t smoke, never did an illegal drug. I’m a vegetarian and I eat organic food. And yet, I end up with colon cancer. Why? Could be a number of things,’’ he surmised. ‘‘Could be the toxic environment, could be the fact that within my family there’s a genetic marker of colon cancer. My father died of it. My grandmother, his mother, had it. She didn’t die from it, but she had it. So, according to conventional medical doctors, I’m at greater risk because I have this family marker,’’ said Smith. Though he says he should have seen a doctor regularly, like most minorities, he didn’t make it a top priority, especially since he was so health conscious. ‘‘I should have been at the doctor every year getting checked. I wasn’t. I have to be honest with you, I used to think about going to get a checkup and I’d say to myself, ‘I don’t want to find out anything bad. I just can’t imagine anything bad happening to me because I eat so well.’ I used to say that stuff. So, this is one of the things I want to be a poster child for: getting screened and checked for colon cancer,’’ said Smith. But how does a poster child for ‘good health’ maintain in the fight for his life? According to Smith, with an unwavering conviction in God. ‘‘First of all, I have to have faith in God— in a higher power, greater than us. And so, that’s the most important thing to me, having faith in God and

(above) Damu Smith championed the fight for environmental justice, equity, and human rights across the globe. (Shantella Y. Sherman/The Washington Informer) (top) Damu Smith speaking March 12, 2003 at the Black Voices for Peace Die-In event outside of the Washington Post newspaper offices. (Photo courtesy of By Elvert Barnes - https://www.flickr.com/ photos/perspective/16581933156/in/ album-72157650933458472/, CC BY-SA 2.0)

knowing that he can deliver me from this,’’ said Smith. ‘‘I was told by one of the doctors when I was initially diagnosed at the end of March that people in my condition, statistically, have only three to six months to live. And he made it a point of saying to me twice during our conversation, ‘Don’t hesitate about anything.’ That was Easter Sunday morning of this year. I had to really reflect on that.’’ The reality of death is all the more gripping because he lost a close friend to colon cancer around Christmas. Unlike his friend, who went in for surgery and passed a few days later without a moment to prepare, Smith said he is grateful for the opportunity to fight for his life. ‘‘Here I am. I’ve been alive three months since I was told, and I’m feeling great right now. Those tumors are shrinking. I’m sitting here with you now doing this interview and drinking this organic kale and carrot juice, and I am drinking it as much as possible because it heals the liver . . . I’m taking chemotherapy, acupuncture, sound healing, breathology, everything in the toolbox of healing. I’m picking up and using on my body right now. And I’m keeping God at the center of everything. So, I don’t plan to lose.’’ But whether on the field of protest or in hospital, justice and protests are on Smith’s agenda. ‘‘When I was lying in the bed at Providence Hospital once I returned from Palestine in late March, I decided that I had to, one, walk publicly in this journey of healing [and], two, that I had to organize people to help me and organize people to help others understand that they don’t want to go through what I was about to go through,” Smith said. “There were literally hundreds of people who came to see me at Providence Hospital and some of my friends were getting upset, saying I needed my rest. But I knew what I was doing. God

knew what I was doing. I needed to organize my friends and family first, and I told them that we’ve got to fight this, because it’s not just me. People have to go get checked, and we need to organize around this.’’ Out of those bedside meetings, Smith was able to establish the Spirit of Hope campaign, which seeks solutions to health disparities among minority and poor Americans. The campaign focuses on universal health care, education about the need for screening measures, addressing astronomical health care costs, and promoting general well-being among minority and poor people. ‘‘The whole spectrum of wellness is what the Spirit of Hope campaign is focusing on, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It wouldn’t be me if it didn’t focus on something other than me,’’ said Smith. Smith says that despite the cost and fear associated with the procedure, it is imperative that people of color and those living below the poverty line get regular checkups, including colonoscopies. Smith is also thinking about access for his l2–year-old daughter Asha, who he lovingly refers to as the ‘‘crown jewel of his life.’’ ‘‘I don’t want her to go through this. I want her and all of her little friends to get screened when the time is right. So, I have to work for them too,’’ said Smith. As my time with Smith draws to a close, I begin to wonder if maybe he hadn’t been misdiagnosed. The wristband, which resembles a hospital clasp, is in fact a tag from the Essence Music Festival that he’s simply neglected to remove. Damu Smith is doing life Damu Smith-style: happy, brilliant, and winning the fight. ‘‘This has been one of the happiest times in my life, in the midst of this crisis. Now some people might say, ‘How is that possible?’ It’s possible because I have seen the love come to me in such wonderful ways. I cannot begin to describe how profound, how rich, and warm and beautiful the love has been from my family and friends and God. I thank God for this moment and for the chance to fight,’’ said Smith. Damu Smith’s battle ended May 2006 – more than a year after diagnosis and this interview. Rest well. [This article was originally written in 2006] SS

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Recent & Recommended Books on Environmental Justice

Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

The fight to end environmental injustice – wherein some communities or groups are disproportionately subjected to higher levels of environmental risk than other segments of society – gained unexpected traction during the quarantine created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Washington Informer selected a few of the more recent works that address the changes in sustainability efforts since the health crisis began.

ways in the nation, its levels of pollution are slowly killing residents. In response, a grassroots movement for environmental justice has grown, predominated by Asian and undocumented, immigrant women who are transforming the political landscape of the nation. In Refusing Death, Nadia Y. Kim tells their stories, finding that the women are influential because of their ability to remap politics, community, and citizenship in the face of the country’s nativist racism and system of class injustice. Kin documents how environmental injustice fosters neglected schools, deportation, and political marginalization.

Indigenous Environmental Justice Climate Change from the Streets: How Conflict and Collaboration Strengthen By Karen Jarratt-Snider, Marianne O. Nielsen the Environmental Justice Movement With connections to traditional homelands being at the heart of Native identity, enBy Michael Mendez vironmental justice is of heightened importance to First People and their communities. Although the science of climate change is clear, policy decisions about how to reNot only do irresponsible and exploitative environmental policies harm the physical and spond to its effects remain stalled. Even when such decisions claim to be guided by financial health of First People and their communities, they also cause spiritual harm by objective knowledge, they are made and implemented through political institutions destroying land held in a place of exceptional reverence for tribe members. With focused and relationships—and all the competing interests and power struggles that this imessays on important topics such as the uranium mining on Navajo and Hopi lands, the plies. Michael Méndez explores the perspectives and influence low-income people of Dakota Access Pipeline dispute on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, environmencolor bring to their advocacy work on climate change. Arguing that environmental tal cleanup efforts in Alaska, and many other pertinent examples, this volume offers a timely view of the protection and improving public health are inextricably linked, Mendez contends that we must incorenvironmental devastation that occurs in Indian Country. porate local knowledge, culture, and history into policymaking to fully address the global complexities of climate change and the real threats facing our local communities. Lessons in Environmental Justice: From Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter and Idle No More / By Michael Mascarenhas Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret The 18 essays in this collection explore a wide range of controversies and debates By Catherine Coleman Flowers surrounding environmental justice from the U.S. and across the globe. An important Waste documents the fight for basic sanitation in a town once known for its theme throughout the book is how vulnerable and marginalized populations, including violent, racist past. Too many people, especially the rural poor, lack an affordthe incarcerated, undocumented workers, rural populations, and racial and ethnic miable, safe means of disposing waste from their toilets, and, as a consequence, norities, bear a disproportionate share of environmental risks. Each reading concludes live amid filth. Flowers calls this America’s dirty secret. In this powerful book with a suggested assignment that helps student explore the topic independently and she tells the story of systemic class, racial, and geographic prejudice that foster deepen their understanding of the issues raised. Third World conditions, not just in Alabama, but across America, in Appalachia, Central California, coastal Florida, Alaska, the urban Midwest, and on Refusing Death: Immigrant Women and the Fight for Environmental Justice in LA Native American reservations in the West. The book shows how sanitation is becoming too big By Nadia Y. Kim a problem to ignore as climate change brings sewage to more backyards, and not only those of The industrial-port belt of Los Angeles is home to eleven of the top twenty oil refineries in California. Coupled with being home to the largest ports in the country, and some of the most congested motor- poor minorities. SS

Be smart about your seafood. Maintains healthy fish populations. Traced from environmentally responsible sources. Third-party audited to ensure highest standards.

Buy seafood with the Responsible Choice label. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 2021 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT IN OBSERVANCE OF EARTH DAY

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Overlooked Effects of COVID-19 on the Environment Dr. Sophia Sparks WI Staff Writer

Did You Know...?

COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates have had unexpected positive and negative effects on the environment. Travel bands reduced beach waste and noise pollution, while remote working improved air quality because fewer cars were on the road. Social distancing and other public safety measures increased online shopping, which changed residential waste composition to include more take-out containers and shipping materials. According to Dr. Kelly Francisco, environmental researcher, pandemic gear, such as masks, gloves, and disinfecting wipes, increased packaging and inadvertently upset efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Within a 90-day period, the demand for N95 masks doubled. Additionally, the production of plastics-based pandemic gear was thrown

into overdrive with the activation of Operation Warp Speed -- a public– private partnership initiated by the United States government to facilitate and accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The U.S. Department of Defense estimated over 1 billion N95 masks will be produced in 2021 versus the pre-pandemic annual production of 50 million. COVID-19 triggered an estimated global use of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves every month. This change infused more plastic products into the recycling program. Still, recycling efforts of 46 percent of the country’s programs were paused to accommodate the increased waste production as more company employees worked form home. This reality helped inform the efforts of Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley

5 Single-use masks and gloves have wreaked havoc on the environment since most are simply tossed on the ground or end up in waterways. (Courtesy photo)

and Representative Alan Lowenthal (CA - 47), who introduced the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act to Congress on Thursday, March 25. “Many of us have recognized the plastic waste crisis for a while, but now we’re just as a nation coming to understand the severity of this crisis, and how broken our current waste

and recycling system really is,” Rep. Lowenthal said. “Further, we are seeing more and more how plastic waste is a crisis. That’s not simply a solid waste issue. But it’s intimately tied to climate change and to environmental justice at the international human rights as the production and the pollution of plastics impacts public health, it impacts the envi-

Climate Gentrification Fuels Displacement, Poverty Lee Ross WI Staff Writer Climate gentrification is a process in which wealthier people fleeing from climate-risky areas spur higher housing prices and more aggressive gentrification in safer areas. Climate-related disasters in 2018 alone displaced more than 1.2 million people. These extreme weather events— which will only increase in frequency as climate change worsens—can spur immediate gentrification in under-resourced communities.

It is estimated that over 800 million people will be at risk from the impacts of rising sea levels by 2050, concentrated among 570 coastal cities across the world.

Researchers have since concluded that hurricane damage was positively associated with the likelihood of a New Orleans neighborhood having gentrified 10 years after Katrina. This suggests that natural disasters can sometimes pave the way for gentrification, uprooting existing populations en masse and wiping out infrastructure.

In just the last two years, climate change has brought on an onslaught of disasters: more than 4 feet of rain in south Texas, 90-degree days in Alaska, and record-breaking wildfires that have destroyed homes and fragmented communities.

“In a country where the wealth inequality divide is getting worse, we have to pay attention to things that make this divide worsen. … Climate change is a threat accelerator. It acts upon existing social issues by accelerating its effect, because it adds stressors to our systems and environments,” said sustainability certificate graduate Linda Cheung, MBA ’17 and founder of the nonprofit Before It’s Too Late.

ronment, and it impacts certainly our climate.” Challenges of COVID-19 worsened existing and exposed new issues within the waste management system. One such issue, said Francisco, is the lack of guidance to citizens on the proper disposal and recycling of pandemic gear. In many instances, these items are more difficult to recycle. The middle layer of surgical masks and many components of N95 masks are made of the plastic, polypropylene. Once released into the environment, the polypropylene in personal protection equipment (PPE) is persistent and does not readily break down. Boater Chad Johnson said that he has seen masks floating on top of the water while fishing in various lakes since December 2020. Pandemic gear litter has increasingly been documented by photos or videos on various social media platforms and published in journal articles. This poor waste management contributes to serious environmental issues (pollution) and other health concerns. When not properly disposed, collected, or managed, pandemic gear can be transported between land and water through surface runoff and animals that find shelter in waste. Many animals are the host of different diseases. For instance, the plague was transmitted by rats rummaging through solid waste. Waste also contains materials that can collect rainwater and attract mosquitos (think urban yellow fever), making waste management an urgent and important aspect to maintain the health of the public as we emerge out of this pandemic. SS

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

WITH PRIDE DAY GET INVOLVED Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility. Growing Green with Pride Day is a bi-annual event sponsored by Prince George’s County Government, Prince George’s County Public Schools, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful, and the Neighborhood Design Center as an opportunity for County residents, students, and businesses to come together and show community pride. By participating in litter cleanups, planting flowers, and other beautification activities, we can all make an impact and be Prince George’s Proud for generations to come.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO

HOST

4 SHARE

Post a picture to your social media channel showing your participation using the hashtag #PartofitProudofit

a community cleanup or team up with other partners throughout the County.

PICKUP

your cleanup supplies and mulch April 28 through May 1 (see application for times and location)

To register, visit mypgc.us/growingreen Deadline is Friday, April 23 S-19 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 2021 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT IN OBSERVANCE OF EARTH DAY / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

for the PGCLitterTRAK smartphone app to report trash and debris collected during your individual or group cleanup at bit.ly/DOEvolunteerportal

county seal proud logo DPW&TB

DID YOU KNOW? Our Paperless Billing customers SAVE 2,800 TREES EACH YEAR.

That’s almost the same number of cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin in DC! To join our growing number of PAPERLESS BILLING customers, visit washingtongas.com/ebill to enroll.

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

Has America Reached a Turning Point in its Promise of Justice for All?

The eyes of the nation and the world have been focused on Minneapolis from the opening arguments in the Derek Chauvin murder trial of George Floyd to the jury’s surprisingly swift decision to convict the former police officer on all three counts. But it remains to be seen if this case will serve as the beginning of a new direction in equal justice for Americans regardless of race or if it will count as an anomaly in our nation’s storied history of the conflict between law enforcement and people of color. In an online poll taken locally by Fox5 shortly after the announcement of the verdict, an overwhelming majority of respondents said they remain doubtful that there will be any significant change in ongoing demands for police reform. As reporters for The Washington Informer reached out to members of the community to ascertain their views of what’s to come, one response stands out above the rest. One reader, an African American, said they have grown fed up with being treated like the perpetrator of a crime simply because of the color of their skin. Among the Black community, we often talk about the dangers we face from the police as we commit the “crime” of “walking while Black.” But such tongue-in-cheek remarks are quite serious and in many instances, point back to situations that are real and not fictitious. This explains why we will continue to shed a light on the inequities faced by people of color when confronted by law enforcement officials and why we can no longer allow such injustice to remain the norm. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. Change takes a long time, but it does happen . . . Each of us who works for social change is part of the mosaic of all who work for justice; together we can accomplish multitudes.” Maybe the pendulum has finally swung in our direction. Perhaps that long-requested moment of change has finally come. WI

A Jury Voted to Convict but Some Still Can’t Breathe A day of reckoning for the men and women in blue came on Tuesday when a jury of six white, four Black, and two multi-racial jurors voted to convict Derrick Chauvin, the white, former Minneapolis police officer who faced three counts of murder for the death of a Black man, George Floyd, nearly one year ago. The verdict was guilty on each count and the judge agreed to reject bail sending Chauvin behind bars until sentencing in the coming weeks. Until this week, protestors demonstrated their frustrations buried deep into their souls over the unjustifiable deaths of Black people – men, women, and children – killed by the hands of cops for decades. But George Floyd’s death ripped the bandage off a deep wound that repulsed the nation and the world, including white people. And it was a knee, not a gun, that caused an impassioned outcry everywhere. With doubt in one hand and hope in the other, the nation paused for the past three weeks to hear police officers, witnesses, family members and friends recount that day when Floyd laid on the ground, speaking his last words, “Mom, I love you!” as life drained from his body one breath at a time. It was a suffocating feeling to watch his murder replayed over and over, and until Tuesday, like Floyd, people were unable to gasp for air, let alone exhale. Now that the verdict hoped for has been delivered, many are still afraid to breathe. Their faith in a nation that treats Black people fairly and equitably is non-existent mainly because history has shown how angry white people find ways to respond to the gains of Black people with retribution. As the Reverend Al Sharpton said during a press conference following the verdict, “We don’t celebrate a man going to jail. “We would have rather George being alive. We celebrate the marchers – the young people -- that wouldn’t let this die. This is an assurance to them that if we don’t give up, we can win some rounds. But the war, and the fight, is not over,” he said. In other words, we cannot breathe or exhale. Not yet. WI

TO THE EDITOR

Why Now?

My question is, why is the CDC just now naming racism a public health threat? Is it because of the "Stop Asian Hate" movement? Is it the police killings? The senseless mass shootings? What made them stop and say, hey, this is a public health threat? And what now? What will be done with this information? I'm waiting… Louise Calvert Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox

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Violent Tenants Must Go

I'm all for the bill that allows landlords to evict violent tenants, authored by D.C. Council member Anita Bonds. This is a no-brainer. People who can't control their behavior must know there are consequences. You don't get to wreak havoc on a neighborhood and stay. This may help reduce some of the bad actions and actors we see too often. Beverly Douglas Mount Rainier, Md.

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 27

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

My Daddy

"My daddy!" are two words which, arguably, identify the second-most important person in the life of a child. Sometimes he is the most important. For many, "Daddy" is the first word spoken and, from all of my discussions on the matter, brings great joy to the person called by that name. From all visuals we have seen, George Floyd took great delight and pleasure in fatherhood. Then-presidential candidate Joe

Biden met George Floyd's family and his then-6-year-old daughter, Gianna, on June 8, 2020, one day before his burial. Biden was impressed with the conversation he had with Gianna and touched by the love she expressed for her father. We know that to be true because Biden told us so. I can only imagine that the loving way that she spoke of her father touched him to the core at a common point of understanding. Biden is a father and has heard the word "Daddy," "Dad" or "Father" uttered from the mouth of a child — his child — expressing all of the love, trust,

Guest Columnist

faith, concern and pride that child could muster. When Gianna said to Biden with the pure faith of a child, "My daddy's going to change the world," she knew it and she meant it. Biden knew it, too. True to the utterances of an innocent child, George Floyd, or at least the manner of his death and the rightful attention given to it, is changing the world before our eyes. We who consume the details of the Derek Chauvin trial, if we are genuinely receptive to the truth, will learn many lessons from it. For many, we are learning

long-overdue lessons on the subject of human physiology. Our high school biology and health teachers would be proud! Most of us are just grateful that others have acquired the professional expertise to refute the ridiculous supposition that George Floyd was, in some absurd way, responsible for his own death. We have learned that principled compassion still exists. Those bystanders who gathered in unity to offer direct protestation against an obvious act of cruelty and brutality demonstrated, by word and deed, that there is no "correctness" in si-

lent suffering or ignoring injustice. We have learned a lesson of character and accountability. Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, and those in the administration he leads, have made the determination that honesty and justice mean far more than a nebulous "Blue wall of silence." By refusing to support the misdeeds of a former officer, they set a new national standard for managing police misconduct. We can only pray that others see the strength in his decision and model their conduct

WILLIAMS Page 49

Marc H. Morial

Black Business Leaders Are Energizing Corporate America on Voting Rights

In the long arc of the nation's history of racially-motivated voter suppression, 2021 will stand as a clear and distinct moment that changed everything that came after. Whether it will symbolize the demise of such suppression — or its shameful entrenchment — remains to be seen. Certainly, racially-motivated voter

suppression is nothing new. The right of Black men to vote wasn't even constitutionally protected for the first 94 years of the nation's existence, and the terrorist regime of Jim Crow blocked most Black citizens in the South from voting for the next 95 years. But the surge of restrictive voting laws that began after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act with its 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder became a tsunami in the backlash to the historic Black voter turnout in 2020.

Guest Columnist

The long-overdue moment for corporate America to take a stand is upon us. And it has been brought about by its most influential Black members. Led by Kenneth Chenault, the former CEO of American Express; Kenneth Frazier, CEO of Merck & Co.; former Xerox Holdings Corp. CEO Ursula Burns and William M. Lewis Jr., chairman of investment banking at Lazard, hundreds of corporate executives signed an open letter opposing voting limits that ran as a two-page advertisement in the New York Times,

Wall Street Journal and other publications Wednesday. The powerful — and deeply patriotic — statement reads, very simply: A government of the people, by the people. A beautifully American ideal, but a reality denied to many for much of this nation's history. As Americans, we know that in our democracy, we should not expect to agree on everything. However, regardless of our political affiliations, we believe the very foundation of our

electoral process rests upon the ability of each of us to cast our ballots for the candidates of our choice. For American democracy to work for any of us, we must ensure the right to vote for all of us. We all should feel a responsibility to defend the right to vote and to oppose any discriminatory legislation or measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from having an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot.

rings empty and hollow. In 2018, Nicolás Maduro won a second term as president of Venezuela with 68% of the vote. Sixteen right-wing parties participated in what was determined by all international election observers to be a free and fair election. In 2020 Maduro's political alliance captured 67% of seats in the Venezuelan National Assembly. Despite these overwhelming victories, the U.S. not only declines to recognize President Maduro but has tried to force failed opposition represen-

tative Juan Guaido upon the people of Venezuela as their president. The U.S. even paid a small band of mercenaries to invade the country, only to be thwarted by a group of loyal Venezuelan fisherman in what has become known as the "Bay of Piglets" attempted coup. The U.S even sanctions countries that don't back the U.S. anti-democracy efforts. Secretary of State Blinken announced that the Biden administra-

MORIAL Page 49

Wilmer J. Leon III

The Hypocrisy of 'American Democracy'

In a democracy, force should never seek to overrule the will of the people or attempt to erase the outcome of a credible election." — President Joe Biden, Feb 1, 2021 In response to the military coup in Myanmar and the arrest of the politician and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi president Biden spoke out in support of democracy, credible

28 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

elections and the "will of the people." Biden said, "For almost a decade, the people of Burma have been steadily working to establish elections, civilian governance, and the peaceful transfer of power. That progress should be respected." Why, in 2021, is an American president still using the imperialist reference of Burma when discussing Myanmar? If Biden is so supportive of democracy in Myanmar, why isn't the move towards democracy in Venezuela, Haiti, Bolivia, and recently in

Ukraine being undermined? Why is the U.S. directly working to subvert the "will of the people" in these countries and others? This is the hypocrisy of "American democracy." America, the settler colonial power that wrote oppression and enslavement into its founding documents. America, a country that continues to oppress its own citizens. America, lecturer to the world about respecting elections and the peaceful transfer of power only when it suits its "interests." It is admirable rhetoric that

LEON Page 49

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

A. Peter Bailey

Many Chicago Young Black People Urgently Need Help From the Big Six

The Big Six — Oprah Winfrey, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Michael Jordan, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama — have several things in common. All have an international reputation in their various arenas, all have been very successful financially, all have books written by or about them heralding their accomplishments, all have thousands of people who

regard them as role models or leaders, all reportedly have financially or otherwise supported different causes of interest to many Black folks in this country. Another thing they have in common is a close connection to the city of Chicago. They must be well aware that Chicago has a continuously high rate of low-income Black males killing other low-income Black males. Such activities have been going on for years at an alarming rate. If they were killing not even bigtime white executives but white homeless males, they would be

Guest Columnist

stopped. If they were killing members of the Black middle or upper income classes at the same rate they kill each other, they would be stopped. If the city didn't stop them, members of those classes would surely find a way to stop them. The harsh reality is that most whites and, unfortunately, too many Black folks don't really care about low-income Black males killing each other. I am assuming that the Big Six are not in that latter category. That's why it is puzzling, despite their close connections to Chi-

cago, that they haven't joined together to do something about the horrific situation. By now, it is reasonable to assume that they can host a conference of highly knowledgeable experts from the mental health, education, economics, spiritual, cultural and political arenas to develop concrete ways to convince young Black folks of the harm they are doing to themselves and their people. Collectively, they have the financial resources needed to build and staff a cultural and educational center where the young

people could be taught the skills they need, physically and psychologically, to promote and protect the vital interests of themselves, their families and their people. It has been said that there are three kinds of people in the world — those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what is happening. Ms. Winfrey, Rev. Jackson, Minister Farrakhan, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Obama and Mrs. Obama, working together, are some of the people who can make things happen. WI

Ben Jealous

We Urgently Need Kristen Clarke at the Justice Department

Kristen Clarke is a brilliant lawyer and Americans would be lucky to have her working for us. President Joe Biden has nominated Clarke to lead the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Justice Department. The U.S. Senate is now considering her nomination. In a just world, there would be no question about her confirmation. Clarke has the skills, experience,

and character for the job. Sadly, as we all know, having the best qualifications is often not enough to keep extraordinary Black women from being overlooked or dismissed. Or worse. Clarke is the latest woman of color nominated by President Biden to be smeared by the right wing. Tucker Carlson, whose popular show on Fox TV has become a megaphone for white nationalist ideology, has attacked Clarke multiple times. He allowed one of his

Guest Columnist

guests to make the false and ridiculous claim that Clarke “hates white people.” Even before Clarke’s confirmation hearing last week, right-wing senators had signaled their intentions to take the low road. During the earlier confirmation hearing for Attorney General Merrick Garland, who will be Clarke’s boss at the Justice Department, testified. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) started asking questions implying that Clarke should be rejected based on bogus charges of anti-Semitism

going back to her days as a college student. Garland, who is Jewish, cut Lee off, defended Clarke’s integrity, and declared that he knows she is opposed to discrimination of any kind. Indeed. Clarke has spent her career as a champion for people facing discrimination. Her first job after law school was in the Civil Rights Division which she will be leading once she is confirmed. She prosecuted civil rights violations and handled investigations involving police mis-

conduct, hate crimes and human trafficking. When she went to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, she focused on protecting voting rights. When she led the Civil Rights Bureau in the New York state Attorney General’s office, she investigated and prosecuted cases of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, source of

JEALOUS Page 50

Keith Magee

If Neither Justice Nor Mercy, Then What Will Save Us?

I am completely baffled. I cannot understand why Black people continue to be killed without every single American demanding that all police officers across the country just stop it. Stop killing Black people! Can we not collectively insist that those who have sworn to protect us focus on public safety first, and law enforcement second?

And why, why, do these police officers' minds not equate Black bodies with the inalienable right to live? Who accidentally shoots another person? Who doesn't think at least twice about their own actions while kneeling on a dying man's neck? As the trial of Derek Chauvin moved into its final stages, and we awaited its outcome with trepidation, I sat down to write about justice. I am constantly striving to sharpen my awareness and

comprehension of the subject. I have recently published a book titled "Prophetic Justice." I am the founder and director of the Social Justice Institute, and a professor of social justice. I have spent many years studying and seeking not just the divine justice of God, but earthly justice in all its forms — racial justice, social justice, climate justice, gender justice … the list of the areas of our lives in which equity still seems a distant dream goes on and on.

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Writing and speaking are what I do — they are how I preach, teach, calm, comfort, learn, share, protest. Words have always been my weapon of choice in my personal battle against the injustice I witness every day. But today, words fail me. I look at pictures of two more traumatized families of Black citizens slain by police officers, weeping together outside a courtroom in the snow and words utterly fail me. Where is the justice? What does

justice even mean anymore? Even if justice is seen to be done, just this once, or maybe even twice, how will it heal this unimaginable pain, the pain of two families, of a whole community, of a whole people? Of a whole, wounded nation? We have so many questions, but who will answer us? Who will speak up? I usually reserve my most imploring, desperate questions for God. Now, when I sit still within

MAGEE Page 50 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 29

LIFESTYLE Prince’s Legendary Bassist Remembers the Icon Five Years after His Sudden Death Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer About one year before Prince’s death, the Purple Rain icon called his favorite bassist, BrownMark, and flew him out to his famous Minneapolis area home called Paisley Park. “He was riding his bicycle, and when I got out of the car, he told

me that I had a glowing aura,” the vaunted bass player for Prince’s famed band, The Revolution, stated. “It was the last memorable conversation we had,” recalled BrownMark, whose real name is Mark Brown. Five years ago, on April 21, 2016, Brown and most of the world were shocked to learn of the

57-year-old Prince’s death from an accidental overdose of prescription medication. In a live interview with the Black Press’ morning news program, “Let It Be Known,” Brown spoke of his life with Prince, how much he misses the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and his new book “My Life in the Purple Kingdom.” “I was heartbroken,” Brown remembered, noting that he cried for two days. Brown joined The Revolution in 1981 at the age of 19. He performed on some of Prince’s most memorable songs including, “1999,” “When Doves Cry,” “Purple Rain” and “Kiss.” Although he had departed The Revolution before Prince released “Sign O’ The Times,” one of the most acclaimed cd’s ever, Brown still played an integral part in that seminal recording. “Prince usually began working on albums two or three years before he would release them,” Brown revealed. “So, although I wasn’t with him when ‘Sign O’

5 Prince and BrownMark on stage/ Courtesy TedTalkBass

The Times’ was released, I played on that record.” In Brown’s new book, he detailed his relationship with Prince and noted how he kept his otherwise public position secret from his children for years. “My son waas in high school, he was 18, and some student showed him the ‘Purple Rain’ album cover and told my son, ‘This guy looks like you,’” Brown remembered. “My son said, ‘That’s my dad.’ He ran home and asked me why I hadn’t told him that I was in a band.” Brown remembers Prince as a brother, someone he could bounce ideas off and vice versa. “Big brothers beat up on little brothers. I always beat up on my little brother,” Brown insisted. “The family love was so strong in The Revolution. We were really tight-knit.” He described Prince much like those who only knew him from afar and others who only knew his music – a genius. “Prince was good at everything,”

30 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

Brown remembers Prince as a brother, someone he could bounce ideas off and vice versa. Brown mused. “He was from another universe.” Still, Prince allowed Brown to “do my own thing,” the bassist noted. “He always gave me a lot of latitude and never controlled what I played and how I played. We worked every single night, and he loved it, and we carved a whole sound, and it was a unique group of people that Prince put together. We were all in the Purple University of funk.” See more of Brown’s interview with the Black Press here. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum [ACM] recently unveiled an outdoor exhibition which focuses on the long-standing disparity among people throughout the region who don’t have access to food, vegetables and fresh produce. The new exhibition, “Food for the People: Eating and Activism in Greater Washington,” will remain on display through Sept. 17 on the museum’s plaza located at 1901 Fort Place in Southeast. “‘Food for the People’ sheds light on the continued issues of food insecurity in our region and recognizes the individuals and organizations working on the ground every day to increase access and affordability,” said Melanie Adams, director of the Anacostia Community Museum. Sage Morgan-Hubbard, a museum consultant, shared comments during the virtual celebration which took place on Saturday, April 17. Other program participants included food researcher Dominique Hazzard, Grammy-nominated artist Christylez Bacon and ACM’s chief curator, Dr. Samir Meghelli, who has directed the research for the exhibition project for the past two years. “One striking statistic regarding food access in our area is that D.C.’s wealthiest and whitest ward has a full-service grocery store for every 9,336 residents, whereas our least wealthy and most African-American ward has one store for every 85,160 residents,” Meghelli said. “A critical component of ‘Food for the People’ is that it offers suggestions for how visitors can contribute to making a more just and sustainable food system in their local communities.” Bacon paid tribute to the ingenuity of D.C.’s Black community with a rhythmic selection accompanied by African drums in which he sang about “Mumbo sauce” – a

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5 A food display is just one component of the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum’s new exhibition on the museum’s plaza in Southeast. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

sweet and tangy sauce which adds flavor to chicken wings, French fries or fried shrimp – developed and popularized in the District’s take-out restaurants. “Food for the People” represents one of several contributions to the museum’s theme for the year, “Our Food, Our Future” – an examination of food history, culture and justice through exhibitions and related programming designed to educate and encourage audiences to take action to create a more equitable future. “We are the only Smithsonian in D.C. that has had any opening during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Marcia Burris, spokesperson for the museum. “We held an opening event that was accessible

online but the exhibition is physically outside and people can visit it whenever they chose.” Sponsors for the exhibition include Events DC, the Hillside Foundation, Allen & Shelley Holt and AARP DC with federal support provided by the Latino Initiative Pool administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Established in 1967, the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum examines the impact of contemporary social issues on urban communities. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the museum’s programming occurs virtually and outside. For more information, visit www.anacostia. si.edu. WI

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 31

LIFESTYLE

Young Golfers Scramble Around Langston on a Sunday Afternoon 1940s when it was part of a landfill next to the Anacostia River. The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship is one of the largest junior golf tournaments to involve young people internationally in the sport of golf. Established more than 30 years ago, more than 5,000 golfers compete in district qualifying tournaments around the world. Sunday’s event at Langston marked the first qualifying tournament held in the nation’s capital and with the support of local sponsors, 14 junior golfers will compete in the national championship in Miami. The oldest players found themselves tied seven times. In a final, sudden death round Charlie Bundy, 18, of Bethesda defeated Bach Ngo, 17, of Frederick, Md. “Yeah, we had six playoff holes…it was tough going for a while, but I was happy with the win,” said Charlie Bundy, an 18-year-old from Bethesda, Md. In the Boys 12-13 division, the winner was Charlton Lin, 13, from Rockville. He shot a 19 -over-par and had 11 strokes ahead of the second-place win-

Curtis Knowles WI Contributing Writer As golf tournaments go, it was a typical early spring Sunday, April 18 at Langston Golf Course in Northeast D.C. Ten players came knowing the stakes were high. They ranged from 10 to 18 years-old and with big dreams of competing for the chance to play at the National Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in Miami, Fla. this July. “I believe golf brings a level of discipline to the kids,” said Ray Savoy, a professional golfer who has dedicated many years to teaching the game to children and adults at Langston. The tournament, he said, uses golf to help young people strive for a brighter future for themselves, especially as it relates to educating themselves. Savoy is the founder of the Langston Boys and Girls Golf Club. He holds lessons and summer camps at one of the first golf courses earmarked for Black D.C. golfers dating back to the

ner Jerimiah West who shot a 30-overpar. In the Girls 13-14 division, the winner was Julia Hua who shot a sixover-par. Second place went to Sanaa Carter, 13, of Jacksonville, N.C. Among boys 14-15 division the winner was Noah Wallace, 13, from Elkton, Md., who shot a three-over-par, six strokes ahead of second-place winner, Sebastian Dubey, 14, from Washington, D.C. who shot a 9-over-par. In the Girls 15-18 division, the winner was Audrey Yim, 16, from McLean, Va., who shot 9-over-par, only two strokes ahead of second place winner Samantha Ritchie, 17, from Great Falls, Va., who shot 11-over-par. While these young golfers may not become the Tiger Woods, they bring grit and self-awareness to one of the most difficult to master individual sports. After the match, the self-criticism flowed easily. "I need to work on my second shots and putts," said Quincy Crawford, 17, of Lanham, Md. "The skill I’m working on right now

5 Ray Savoy is founder of the Langston Boys and Girls Golf Club. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

is distance control, making sure the ball isn’t over or under shot," said Dominique Barksdale, 16, of D.C. “I like how it [golf] relates to life,

you can take whatever you learn on the field and apply it to the real world," said James Young, 16, of Annapolis. “It’s really calming.” WI

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LIFESTYLE

D.C. Statehood Buttressed on Emancipation Day James Wright WI Staff Writer

Your local marketing experts with UNLIMITED REACH. Kevin Berrier 443-508-1936 KBerrier@MDDCPress.com 5 People dance to the music at the DC Freedom Concert that took place at the Secret Garden in Anacostia on the District’s Emancipation Day holiday on April 16. (WI Photo by Ja’Mon Jackson)

Commonwealth,” aired on WUSA-TV (Channel 9). The District government’s cable channel focused on the history of the District and its prospects for statehood with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (DMd.), Acting D.C. Police Chief

Robert J. Contee III and Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. An Emancipation Day concert at the Secret Garden in Anacostia in Southeast was held with performances by The Experience Band, the Soul Searchers and The Backyard Band. WI @JamesDCWrighter

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The quest to make the District the 51st state of the Union defined the virtual 2021 Emancipation Day activities that took place close to and on April 16.

The quest to make the District the 51st state of the Union defined the virtual 2021 Emancipation Day activities that took place close to and on April 16. District residents celebrated President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of “The D.C. Compensated Emancipation Act”, which freed approximately 2,989 African Americans in the city on April 16, 1862 during the Civil War. The Lincoln administration offered slave owners up to $3,000 for their former slaves and the emancipated Blacks received offers of $100 to leave the U.S. As a result of the law, the District became the only state-level jurisdiction to free its slaves with compensation for their owners. Nine months later, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which declared slaves to be free in the Confederate States. The 2021 celebration took place two days after the House Oversight and Reform Committee passed “The Washington, D.C. Admission Act of 2021,” which would if enacted make the District the 51st state. Many of the activities, whether virtual or in-person, stressed the need for District residents to be represented in the U.S. Congress like other citizens and for the city to have full autonomy over its budget and local legislation. On April 15, faith leaders from around the country discussed the importance of statehood in a virtual discussion orchestrated by the Rev. Donald Isaac. Isaac also led dozens of city faith leaders at a clergy rally for statehood which happened at the National City Christian Church in Northwest on April 16. Later that day, a virtual program on the role District resident Loretta Carter Hanes played in making Emancipation Day a holiday was created with entrepreneur Ayo Handy-Kendi highlighting key events in the District’s founding and Black history and Anise Jenkins, executive director of Stand Up! for Democracy, speaking about Hanes. The video documentary, “Becoming the Douglass

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LIFESTYLE

Tips, Tools and Resources for Black Business Owners Looking to Make a Strong Recovery in 2021 Ahmed Gilani, Small Business Banker Manager for Bank of America in Greater Washington 2020 was a challenging year for all. While small businesses nationwide faced unique obstacles brought on by COVID-19, Black small business owners in particular have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, with one study showing that half may not survive. Despite these challenges, our new research from Bank of America based on a survey of 300 Black business owners across the country found they remained resilient and flexible as they navigated through an evolving and uncertain business landscape. In response to the impacts from the pandemic, 48 percent of Black entrepreneurs retooled their operations – double that of the national average. Many Black business owners also found creative ways to reinvent themselves by developing new products or services, and even more donated resources to support relief efforts in their local communities. While it may be challenging to predict what exactly our path to economic recovery will look like, Black small businesses will play a significant role. To support this vi-

CHAUVIN from Page 18 for the Black Press to continue to be an advocate for freedom, justice and equality.” Derek Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, noted that “justice has landed Chauvin behind bars.” However, Johnson cautioned, “we will not rest until all in our community have the right to breathe. The chapter on Derrick Chauvin may be closed but the fight for police accountability and respect for Black lives is far from over.” Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) also applauded the jury for finding Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and sec-

34 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

sion, Black entrepreneurs can take three steps to reignite growth and plan for financial success this year. Reevaluate your business plan given today’s environment. Due to changing landscapes and environments, it’s critical to evolve and adjust your business plan by mapping out key areas of need and growth and identifying any potential risk areas that you may have uncovered during the pandemic. Ask yourself, how did your business track last year against the projections you made heading into 2020? Are there successes from the second half of 2020 you can build on? What solutions worked best for your business as you managed the impact of COVID-19? As we’re still in a time of uncertainty, err on the side of caution and ensure your plan allows room for evolution and adjustment as needed. Explore your financing options. Our team at Bank of America is taking steps to directly engage with minority business owners to ensure they have access to the tools and resources they need to secure funding. Our small business bankers will continue to support business owners as they navigate the Paycheck Protection Program process – as well as to discuss traditional loan product options to fit individ-

ual needs such as purchasing inventory, refinancing debt or financing account receivables. When exploring financing options, a few questions to consider include: What goals have you identified in your business plan that require additional financing? Are you looking to boost your headcount? Did you have expansion plans that you held off on? Are any structural or technological enhancements needed in the coming year? Once you identify your goals for 2021 and beyond, sit down with your small business banker to determine the right financing solution for you. Bankers can also help connect business owners who may not qualify for traditional bank financing to our network of CDFI partners across the country, that are working to increase access to capital for business owners who have historically faced barriers. Bank of America is the largest investor in CDFIs in the U.S., with more than $1.6 billion in loans and investments to over 250 CDFIs. We also recently committed $200 million to direct equity investments in Black- and Hispanic-Latino-owned businesses, to help supply growth capital as well as to invest substantially in programs to create future entrepreneurs.

Go digital. Businesses across the country have had to adjust aspects of their operations due to the public health crisis, including enhancing sanitation practices, changing primary revenue streams and shifting sales from brick-and-mortar to online. As we continue to adhere to social distancing requirements, consider banking digitally to limit in-person interactions, and free up time to remain focused on running your business. Connect with your banker on what digital options are available to you. For example, at Bank of America we offer a full suite of small business digital capabilities, including Cash Flow Monitor, a

no-cost dashboard that provides an easy way to manage, track and project your business cash flow. The pandemic created unprecedented obstacles for Black small business owners, challenging them to find new and innovative ways to meet the needs of their businesses, employees, customers and communities. Following the steps outlined above can help address whatever opportunities and challenges 2021 may bring. The news that is especially encouraging for the small business community In Greater Washington? Our research found four-infive Black entrepreneurs say that once we’re on the other side of the

ond-degree manslaughter. Chauvin, immediately handcuffed and taken into custody after the reading of the jury’s decision, faces a 40year prison term when sentenced in two months. “Justice has prevailed, but that’s not always the case. So, while I am relieved that Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of murdering George Floyd, I will continue to say the names and fight for all those who have died or been injured senselessly by law enforcement,” Congresswoman Beatty stated. “Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Andre Hill, Casey Goodson, Jr., Tamir Rice, and George Floyd should be alive, and no verdict will bring them back or undo the unimaginable heartache and loss

their family, friends, and our communities have had to endure,” she uttered. “However, I am hopeful that today will be the catalyst to turn agony into action because the American people are demanding transparency, accountability, and equal justice. Congress should listen too and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.” Floyd family attorney Ben Crump called the process of getting justice for Floyd painful. “The verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America,” Crump declared. “This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear mes-

sage we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state. We thank Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and his team for their fierce dedication to justice for George. But it does not end here. We have not forgotten that the other three officers who played their own roles in the death of George Floyd must still be held accountable for their actions, as well.” In a statement from National Urban League President Marc Morial, the organization called the verdicts a potential turning point. “Just as the viral video of George Floyd’s brutal death marked a turning point in the nation’s tolerance for racially motivated police violence, we are hopeful that today’s verdict marks a turning point in holding police accountable,” Morial remarked.

“With this verdict, the jury has made an unambiguous declaration that unwarranted use of force against Black people by police is a crime and that Black Lives Matter. The statement continued: “Criminal prosecutions of police officers for misconduct, even fatal misconduct, are extremely rare, and convictions are rarer still. A major reason why is the so-called blue wall of silence, which suffered a major blow in this case when Chauvin’s former fellow officers took the stand against him. While truthful testimony is the very least we should expect from law-enforcement officers, we are nonetheless encouraged by the role their actions played in securing this conviction.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

(Courtesy photo)

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LIFESTYLE

CeCe Winans’ ‘Believe For It’ Album is Electrifying and Inspirational Eunice Moseley – let God fight your battles because you will find you walk through the Special to the Washington troubles of life with little to no fear of Informer what will happen to you. That is because you know God has your back. Before even listening to “Believe For It” (PureSprings Gospel), I If you step back and let Him led, He thanked 12-time Grammy Award will surely win the battle. The #3 song, the title track “Bewinner CeCe Winans for delivering what I knew would be another emo- lieve For It” (co-written by CeCe), is one of my favorite cuts on the project tionally-charged project. “Believe For It” is an electrifying because her vocals, with the message, project that will have you feeling are magnified into a very powerful chills and crying (with tears of joy) instrument that put tears in my eyes upon hearing the messages in each every time I hear it. It describes what “we” need to do to receive the desires song. The world needs to be saturated of our hearts. The #4 track, “King of Glory,” with inspiring messages like these to describes what you should ask Christ lead people out of the maze of assaults by those in our society influenced by for. The #5 song, “Worthy of It All,” evil. “Believe For It” offers 12 song selections that walk us through the is one of my favorite selections on maze of what is happening in the the project because it’s another elecworld today: mental and emotional trifying song that sounds like an anmanipulation, social injustice, hate them of praise while #6, “Hunger,” describes what will happen to you crimes and corporate greed. “Believe For It” is executive pro- when Christ gives you the desires of

5 The CD cover for 'Believe For It.' (Courtesy photo)

The world needs to be saturated with inspiring messages like these to lead people out of the maze of assaults by those in our society influenced by evil. duced by CeCe, Chaz Corzine and Greg Ham. It is produced by Kylee Lee with Dwan Hill (piano, band leader) as co-producer. It was recorded live at TBN in Nashville. One of things I noticed on this electrifying project is that it tells a story – the story of Christ. Of the 12 selections, six have become my favorites. But I must mention all of them to tell you her “Believe For It” story. The #1 song, “Fire,” (co-written by CeCe), is one of my favorites because of the message. It describes how you feel when you acknowledge just who Christ is. My grandmother use to say you get “on fire for His Word;” my mom use to say you get the “hunger for to hear His Word.” The #2 track, “Never Lost,” talks about how you should let God fight your battles because He never loses. That is one of my philosophies in life

our heart. The #7 track, “Shepherd” (written by Dwan Hill), is another favorite of mine because it gave me the chills and describes who Christ is and why He is who He is. The #8 song, “Alabaster Box,” describes how precious we all are to Christ and #9, “Jesus, You’re Beautiful” describes our love for Christ after learning who Jesus is really. The #10 track, “I Have a Savior, explains why Christ was born. The #11 song, “Goodness of God,” is another favorite of mine because of the powerful delivery by CeCe. It describes why Christ was born to die as an innocent. The last song #12, “No Greater” (written by Alvin Love), is another of my favorites because it too is a powerful anthem that ends the project, telling us that the love God has for us is very “powerful” – no greater power. WI

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 35

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Lender Paid Assistance is a non repayable lender credit that may be applied toward eligible closing costs. Up to a maximum of $5,000 is available on the purchase of a primary residence in Citibank Assessment Areas, and is subject to additional property, income and other eligibility requirements. Property must be located in certain census tracts, or the borrower’s income must be less than 80% of the Median Family Income. The credit only can be applied to non-recurring closing costs, cannot be applied to interim interest and prepaid escrows and cannot be used for any portion of the down payment. Borrower may not receive cash back at closing. The credit cannot be combined with any other Citi provided incentive, offer or promotion. ©2021 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

36 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

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LIFESTYLE

Reckoning With A History Of Medical Mistreatment, Many Blacks Wary of COVID-19 Vaccine Greer Jackson Howard University News Service As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out across the country, there has been heightened discourse surrounding hesitancy in the African-American community to get the vaccine. A recent article in the Social Science and Medicine journal found that 41 percent of Black people are more likely to not pursue vaccination. Reasons for this include concerns about safety, effectiveness and lack of insurance. However, one of the largest deterrents is the history of African Americans being medically mistreated. This hesitancy is not new and it is certainly not without justification. To see why, one need look no further than Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells were cultured without permission after she was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer; or the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where researchers told African-American men in the rural south that they were being treated for ‘bad blood’ when in reality, they were being used to study the full progression of syphilis. The men never received proper treatment. “I think things like the Tuskegee Experiment are very fresh in the minds of Black Americans, as not a very old branch off an aged tree of assaults on the lives of Black people in this country,” said political commentator Jonathan Harris, in an interview. For the past few months, medical professionals and individuals with public influence have been attempting to build trust in the Black community. In a public service announcement, Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I Frederick reiterated the vaccine’s effectiveness. “The vaccines that are coming to market have been proven to be safe and more than 90 percent effective. However, we can’t get to the other side of this pandemic without you,” he said. “Over the next several months we need more than 80 percent of the U.S. population to take the vaccine so that it can be effective.”

Celebrities have weighed in too. In his BET Special, “COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community: A Tyler Perry Special,” Perry asks doctors from Atlanta’s Grady Health System questions about the science of the vaccine before receiving it himself. Additionally, much media attention has been given to the fact that a Black scientist, Kizzmekia Corbett, was a key figure in the development of the vaccine. However, there’s only so much that optics can achieve – and many people are not convinced. “Countless people choose regularly not to take the flu shot, for example,” Harris said. That is a choice they have a right to make. The government forcing us to inject things into our bodies feels a little dystopian.” Whether the vaccine can be trusted given how quickly it was developed, and whether mRNA technology has been thoroughly tested, are some of the questions weighing in people’s minds. In a panel discussion hosted by the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement, Dr. Vincent Anthony tried to address some of these concerns. “The long-term effects on our community are going to be devastating if this disease lingers and prevents us from helping other conditions as well,” he said, referring to diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which African Americans have more than other populations per capita. For some people like Cortez Washington, a Dillard University graduate, the decision to get vaccinated didn’t involve much hesitation. “I have seen how hard it has impacted incarcerated individuals, plus I have lost friends and family to COVID,” said Washington, who is currently doing a fellowship working for the Department of Corrections. “We have seen and heard about the terrible things that the medical system does to our people, but this is something that is not just affecting us but everyone in the world. Plus, I want to see my family again. I haven’t been home in a year and I missed my grandmother’s funeral because of this – and she was my second mother,” he said. WI

For the past few months, medical professionals and individuals with public influence have been attempting to build trust in the Black community. (Courtesy photo)

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 37

LIFESTYLE

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum Presents “Food for the People: Eating and Activism in Greater Washington”

Samir Meghelli, Curator Do you know where your food comes from? Or who produced, processed, transported it, and will pick up and process its waste? The land that is responsible for our food and the people whose labor makes our food possible are too often an after-thought. And across our nation and region we have both an overabundance of food and a staggering number of people who struggle to find their next meal. Before the pandemic, 1 in 7 households and 1 in 5 children in Washington, D.C. was “food insecure,” which the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as facing limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate food. The D.C. child hunger rate is higher than that of any state in the nation. This reality has only worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic. Long before the pandemic began, we at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum had been working on an exhibition about what many people refer to as “food justice,” which seeks to understand the whole system of food production, distribution, and access and transform it to be more equitable and sustainable. Having interviewed more than 100 community members—including activists, government officials, farmers, and food workers of all kinds—as well as conducted extensive research on the issues, we wanted to shine a

light on inequities in our local food system, but also celebrate the important work being done by local people and organizations to combat such injustice. When confronted with the pandemic ourselves, we quickly pivoted to figuring out how to turn a traditional indoor exhibition into a safe, outdoor experience for our local DC-area communities. So the newly opened “Food for the People” outdoor exhibition—which will be joined by an indoor exhibition when the museum reopens its building— offers a fun and informative way for visitors to explore food justice issues we face in the Washington, DC area, as well as learn about local people and ideas that are making our food system more just and sustainable. Among the elements of the outdoor exhibition is also a sculptural tribute to our local and national food workers whose labor often goes unseen and underappreciated but makes our food possible—from the farmworkers and meat processors to the grocery store and restaurant workers. Visitors can leave notes of gratitude for food workers, or share what they’d like others to know about their

The outdoor “Food for the People” exhibition on the front plaza of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Photograph by: Samir Meghelli

38 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

own experiences as a food worker. The Washington, DC region, like communities around the country and the world, faces a food crisis. We should both be incensed—and moved to action—by the grave disparities, but heartened and inspired by the tremendous efforts being made locally. Our small contribution to the dialogue about food justice is our newly opened exhibition, as well as the free, frequent online public programs that speak to our museum’s yearlong theme: “Our Food, Our Future.” We invite you to join us outside on the museum’s front plaza to explore the exhibition—“Food for the People: Eating and Activism in Greater Washington”—and keep an eye out for forthcoming programs by visiting http://anacostia.si.edu/ events. Food for the People (outdoors) is on view on the front plaza of the museum at 1901 Fort Place SE through September 17, 2022. For more information on museum exhibitions and activities, visit http:// anacostia.si.edu

SUPPORT from Page 5 D.C. a state and providing its residents with long-overdue full representation in Congress, while maintaining a Federal District that will continue to serve as our nation’s seat of government,” the statement continued. Most observers expect H.R. 51 to pass the U.S. House on Thursday but the measure is sure to get significant pushback in the evenly divided U.S. Senate. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), a longtime and tireless advocate for statehood, said the time has come for full representation for District residents. “The residents of our nation’s capital deserve voting representation in Congress and full, local self-government,” Norton said. “With Thursday’s House vote and expected passage, along with Democratic control of the Senate and White House, we have never been closer to statehood,” Norton concluded. However, as some Senate Democrats like West Virginia’s Joe Manchin have ruled out legislation to either eliminate the filibuster or relax the filibuster rules, it’s unlikely the required 60 votes for passage could be secured in the Senate. “D.C. statehood is a key part of the radical leftist agenda to reshape America,” GOP Congressman

James Comer of Kentucky stated, signaling that there would be no Republican support for passage in the upper chamber. The Senate is evenly split at 5050 with Vice President Kamala Harris acting, when needed, as the tie-breaking vote. But the filibuster requires that laws are passed with at least 60 votes. Only bills – usually financial measures – can pass on a simple majority using the process known as reconciliation. Still, establishing “the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth as the 51st state will make our Union stronger and more just,” the White House said. “Washington, D.C. has a robust economy, a rich culture and a diverse population of Americans from all walks of life who are entitled to full and equal participation in our democracy.” The Administration said it looks forward to working with Congress as H.R. 51 proceeds through the legislative process to ensure that it comports with Congress’s constitutional responsibilities and its constitutional authority to admit new states to the Union by legislation. “The Administration calls for the Congress to provide for a swift and orderly transition to statehood for the people of Washington, D.C.,” White House officials continued. WI

(Courtesy photo)

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "The Son of Mr. Suleman" By Eric Jerome Dickey c.2021, Dutton $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 560 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The sins of the father shall be visited upon the son. That's what's said, that a son pay for his father's misdeeds, but maybe the old man didn't intend to leave a negative legacy. Maybe he tried his best, but something went wrong. Maybe, as in the new novel "The Son of Mr. Suleman" by Eric Jerome Dickey, Pops meant well. Adjunct Professor Pi Suleman didn't want to be at his employer's event. He had better things to do, better places to be than a room at UAN, but his boss, the white woman who hired him, the wife of a powerful judge, demanded that he be there or else. Like a fool, he'd taken gifts from her, things given in what he understood was an effort to make his job easier. She was helpful to him but it came with a price: whenever she wanted to sexually assault him, she did, and when she threatened to say that he was to blame, there was little a Black Man from Memphis could do. Meeting Gemma Buckingham was the only good thing to happen at that UAN event. She was one of the most beautiful women Pi had ever seen, this child of London and Africa, and he wanted to know her better. Even when she mentioned that she was a fan of his father, a man who impregnated Pi's mother and then disappeared, a famous man, a writer Pi had never met but hated, Pi still wanted to know Gemma Buckingham. She was coy with him, teasing him with information and curves. She was apparently well-off and she didn't care that Pi wasn't yet tenured, didn't have the salary he needed, drove an old car. Yes, she had secrets – but then, so did he and the white one who was blowing up his phone with demands and traps and tricks was the secret who was going to pay... There is an old rule for writers that says, "kill your darlings," meaning that a good writer should eliminate unneeded passages and overused phrases. If you've ever read anything by the late author Eric Jerome Dickey, you know that he generally ignored that advice; "The Son of Mr. Suleman,” filled as this brick-sized novel is with "darlings," is no exception. And yet, it's hard to even slightly dislike a story that makes its characters tackle DWB, racism, classism, white supremacy, ill-placed power, and a dozen other societal issues between bodice-ripping erotica and page-ripping thrills. It's hard to let go of a book that makes you absolutely, one-hundred-percent need to know what happens next. The surprise is that Dickey does all this as he pushes readers to accept a degree of discomfort: unlike with his past novels, the sex isn't always sexy here, and the thrills are more threatening than thrilling. Be prepared to be turned every which way with this book. Be set to let "The Son of Mr. Suleman" eat up your weekend. Just be ready, because missing it would be a sin. WI

horoscopes

APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

ARIES You move slowly through the obstacle course at the start of the week, gathering points as you go. Speed is not the issue, style is much more important. By Tuesday or Wednesday, your speed is going to pick up anyway. Communication also figures strongly: If someone is making eyes at you, don't be shy, engage and flirt, but nothing too heavy. Lucky Numbers: 8, 44, 48 TAURUS You walk out of the house feeling energetic, luxurious, creative and prepared for romance. You'll get to put all your energy to use, but the feelings of luxury, creativity, and romance will all be overshadowed by what you have to get done. By Thursday you'll finally get a break. Tell a friend about all the things you're juggling. Lucky Numbers: 18, 47, 58 GEMINI The roller coaster might be bumpy on Monday, but that doesn't mean you should eject yourself from the ride — that would clearly only make things worse. Focus on getting through the day no matter how many busybodies and worrywarts cross your path. Tuesday and Wednesday will also be crowded with people, but they will be good people, people you already know and love or people you want to meet. Lucky Numbers: 5, 15, 40 CANCER Take a group to lunch or invite friends over for a dinner party and pretend that you are all famous writers and artists at the forefront of a new movement. Your social life is a ship these days and somehow you've been voted captain. Surprise everyone with the energy you bring to the task. The week sees you being wilder than usual and not feeling encumbered by authority. Lucky Numbers: 21, 26, 37 LEO The boss is bothering you — not that there's anything wrong per se, but the energy is off and maybe you're a bit cranky. Tuesday and Wednesday, let your friends cheer you up: Sitting back and listening to your pals talk among each other is endlessly entertaining. Somehow these intellectual debates never become contentious — probably because, beneath it all, you love one another. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 29 VIRGO The sight of an airplane in the sky on Monday makes you wistful, and it also makes you think, 'OK, what about me? Where do I want to go?' Time to make travel plans — big or small, it doesn't matter, just go somewhere with a friend or even by yourself (great soul-searching opportunity). Work stuff has you occupied Tuesday and Wednesday (cross as many things off your list as possible, be careful when communicating, focus on the details). Lucky Numbers: 14, 18, 31 LIBRA An apple pie is enticing, but think of how you would feel if you sat down and ate the whole thing. In other words, be careful of indulging too much in beautiful things. Besides, you don't want to weigh yourself down, because you need to be on your toes Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday requires your total focus: You'll have to put blinders up to the rest of the world just to get all your responsibilities taken care of. Lucky Numbers: 20, 35, 49 SCORPIO You and you-know-who are sitting at either end of a seesaw. They may be a stronger force, but you have subtle talents of balance and timing. The polarity is interesting; see if you can find a way to get the best out of this relationship. You're good at making the most of things this week, including tricky friendships. What you're not good at this week is money (don't let anyone entrust you with any midweek). Lucky Numbers: 25, 30, 46 SAGITTARIUS Say what you mean — no one will be offended. ACommunication is good on Monday, and it's good on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. This is a busy, no-nonsense week. If things aren't clicking on Thursday, it has more to do with mismatched energy than with a failing on anyone's part. No matter what, your relationships are the key to success and happiness — don't let them go by the wayside just so you can achieve a silly goal or two. Lucky Numbers: 30, 40, 42 CAPRICORN Integrity and perseverance are important at the start of the week, but so is having fun. You don't get to indulge like this often. Come midweek, you have to put on a serious face again and strike out into the serious world to do serious things. Lucky Numbers: 14, 18, 32 AQUARIUS A family member comes into your life and leads you toward a small but meaningful personal discovery.Discoveries abound Tuesday and Wednesday as well, especially in the romance realm. Put on your safety goggles, because sparks will fly. Thursday finds you slightly crippled by all the conflicting emotions running through you; to be productive, just stop thinking about them. Lucky Numbers: 22, 35, 51 PISCES A love letter changes everything at the outset of the week and plants a smile on your face that's impossible to wipe off (it will stay there for days). Tuesday and Wednesday, you're feeling overwhelmed — secretly, inwardly happy, but nonetheless overwhelmed — and not doing much at all is the greatest gift you could give yourself. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 9

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 39

CAPTURE the moment

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

Anacostia Riverkeeper

The Anacostia Riverkeeper organized volunteers to help clean up along the Anacostia River on Saturday, April 17 as citizens prepared for Earth Day 2021. (Photos by Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

40 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

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At Washington Gas, safely and reliably meeting the energy needs of our customers are our highest priorities. Please read the information below and share it with others. NATURAL GAS SAFETY What to Do If You Smell Natural Gas If you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency, evacuate the area immediately and, from a safe location, call 911 and then the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line at 844-WASHGAS (Select Option 1). Never attempt to locate the source of the odor. RECOGNIZE What does natural gas smell like? Natural gas is non-toxic, colorless, odorless and combustible. For safety and detection, Washington Gas adds an unpleasant odorant called mercaptan to the natural gas delivered through our distribution system. Call 202-624-6092 for a “Scratch & Sniff” brochure. Government agencies and officials, schools, businesses, property managers and others are invited to request multiple copies of the brochure for public educations and awareness purposes. Other Signs of Natural Gas Because gas traveling through a small portion of our transmission pipelines is not odorized, you should also familiarize yourself with visible and audible signs of a possible leak. Follow the same precautions described below if you are outside and smell gas; hear hissing or blowing noises; see dirt being thrown into the air; see fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above ground; see water bubbling or being blown into the air at a pond, creek or river; or see a dry spot in a moist field or dead or dying vegetation on or near a pipeline right-of-way. REACT If you smell natural gas, do not attempt to locate the source of the odor. Evacuate the area immediately and, from a safe location, call 911 and then the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line at 844-WASHGAS (Select Option 1). If the odor is very strong, or you hear a blowing or hissing noise, vacate the building or area immediately, leaving doors unlocked as you go. Warn others as you exit, if possible. Do nothing that could create an ignition source. Do not light a match or use any type of phone or battery-powered equipment. Do not turn electrical equipment or light switches on or off. Do not start a car or any type of motorized equipment. Call 911 and the Washington Gas emergency numbers listed above, only after you are a safe distance away from the building or area. Gas Migration Natural gas is distributed through a network of underground pipes and service lines. If a leak should occur, it is possible for gas to migrate into buildings, including those without natural gas service.

RESPOND Washington Gas responds 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address natural gas leaks and other emergencies. If a leak poses an immediate threat, the company takes quick action to make the area safe. If a natural gas leak does not pose an immediate threat, corrective action may be scheduled for a later date.

PREVENT PIPELINE DAMAGE CALL MISS UTILITY AT 811 BEFORE YOU DIG Digging related damage is a major cause of pipeline accidents. 811 is the national Call Before You Dig/Miss Utility telephone number that initiates the process of marking the underground utility lines in your yard or on your job. Your call to 811 will be routed to your local One Call Center - in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia. Local One Call Center personnel then notify member utilities, such as Washington Gas, to mark the approximate locations of underground utility lines with high-visibility safety paint and/or flags. The service is free. Everyone, including homeowners and construction companies, should always call Miss Utility at 811, at least two full business/working days - excluding weekends and holidays - before you are scheduled to begin any digging, regardless of size or depth. When using mechanized equipment, it is required by law to call 811 before you dig. Do not begin digging until the lines have been marked or confirmed as “no conflict.” If you are unsure whether the underground utilities have been marked in your yard or on your job, check back with your One Call Center to make certain there are no underground utilities where you plan to dig. Most importantly, dialing 811 can help avoid serious injury and even fatalities, as well as property damage and significant expense that can occur when underground utilities are damaged. Always call 811 before you dig, each dig, every dig. To learn more, visit washingtongas.com

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APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 41

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42 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

STIMULUS from Page 1 resident, voiced support for stimulus payments to U.S. residents during the COVID-19 era, even though he didn’t receive cash in April or December. “I didn’t get the $1,200 or the $600 because I was a graduate student studying abroad and my parents claimed me on their 2019 taxes,” King said. “I did get my $1,400 two weeks ago and I am very happy about that. I used the money on rent, paying off my student loan and I saved the rest. I am saving money for a rainy day. Since getting back in the states, things have been a little rough for me, so the stimulus helped.” Stacey Lincoln, who represents advisory neighborhood commission district 4A02, appreciates the three stimulus payments he has received. “I used the money to pay credit card bills,” Lincoln said. “Other than that, I saved the money because the pandemic is still with us. This recent payment really helps now because I am [an IRS form] 1099 employee whose hours have been cut and this gives me a cushion to work with.” While many people are utilizing their checks, some haven’t received one. “I haven’t received one stimulus check even though I make less than $75,000 a year,” Anthony Wright, a Ward 7 resident, said. “What really bothers me is that there are people who are getting their checks and doing some illegal things out on the street and I am working hard and getting nothing. I’ve contacted my bank and they haven’t been able to help me and when I talked to the IRS, they said something

WOMEN from Page 22 extend postpartum coverage to all pregnant women under Medicaid.

FRESH FOCUS ON HISTORICALLY POOR COMMUNITIES

The administration has invited all states to provide full Medicaid benefits during pregnancy and the extended postpartum period. The president also announced $12 Million in additional funds for Maternal Obstetric Care in Rural Communities. The funding is available through

5 People wait in a line to cash stimulus checks. (Photo courtesy Google)

about incomplete information.”

A FOURTH STIMULUS CHECK?

A group of Senate Democrats that included Ron Wyden of Oregon, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, recently sent a letter to President Biden requesting another round of direct payments. “This crisis is far from over, and families deserve certainty that they can put food on their table and keep a roof over their heads,” the letter said. Additionally, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and 53 of her House colleagues sent a letter to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris supporting direct recurring payments to qualified

new awards for the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy’s RMOMS Program. The program is designed to develop models and implement strategies that improve access to and continuity of maternal obstetrics care in rural communities. It will help improve maternal health outcomes for underserved rural mothers, including Black rural mothers. For the first time, the focus is on populations that have historically suffered from poorer health outcomes, health disparities, and other inequities.

Americans “until the economy recovers.” Omar and her colleagues in the progressive caucus later said the payments should be $2,000 a month until the pandemic ends. Lincoln said he heard about the monthly recurring payments and thinks it worthwhile but doubts it will be adopted. Nevertheless, he said a fourth stimulus payment, in what ever form and whatever amount, should occur. Green agrees with Lincoln. “I do think there should be a fourth stimulus check,” he said. “It will really help people who are out of work. People are really having a hard time these days. People are behind on their rent and you have landlords who want to throw them out on the street.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

“Addressing systemic barriers across the board will improve outcomes for Black mothers and their families and make our entire country stronger, healthier, and more prosperous,” President Biden remarked. “At the same time, the United States must also grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, improve how we collect data to better understand the causes of maternal death and complications from birth, and invest in community-based organizations to help reduce the glaring racial and ethnic disparities that persist in our health care system.” WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Where There Is No Vision!

Helen Keller once said, "Is there anything worse than blindness? Yes, eyesight with no vision." Do you know where you want to be in the next few years? Do you have a vision of becoming more focused on your Christian faith? Do you get a vision for the things of God, so that you can become purpose-driven for God? When you make your goals for God first in your life, then press toward the mark He has established for your life. He will bless you in your going and in your coming. I have firsthand knowledge of this fact. He will bless you in your personal goals, too — those little things that mean so much to you. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Trust in God. Grab hold to visions that cause you to do something about them, those dreams that so grip you that you cannot let them go, no matter how hard you try. Our lives become purpose-driven in God and begins to

take on a life of its own. Eyesight with no vision is truly a problem. The goal is to work smart, not hard, by hearing the voice of the Lord who provides you with a step-by-step guide. His voice, the Holy Spirit, will surely provide the "how-to" instructions you may need to make your dreams and visions come to pass. God can do more in one Divine Breath than you can in a lifetime of 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working round the clock. Is your success journey on life support? Are you supporting it with your life and efforts without God? The goal of this column is to remind each of us how important it is for us to set and reach goals, then execute those goals by staying focused as God guides you every step of the way! It's biblical — Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." You've got to have a burning desire for whatever it is that you have decided that you plan to begin to set goals to achieve. YOU have to want it. Don't establish the goal just to make money, either. Choose something you are truly excited about — you will do it for free! That's when you know you're on the right track. Next, have faith: Scripture says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Believe you can achieve your goal. See yourself doing and having whatever it is you want. Napoleon Hill,

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

author of "Think and Grow Rich," writes, "Riches begin in the form of thought! The amount is limited only by the person in whose mind the thought is put into motion. Faith removes limitations!" Use positive affirmations to reach your goal. Turning desire for money or success into reality requires sending your subconscious mind phrases and mantras that support your goal. You have to repeat out loud what it is that you want, and how you plan to get it, so you become obsessed with your purpose, Hill explains: "Your ability to use the principle of auto-suggestion will depend, very largely, upon your capacity to concentrate upon a given desire until that desire becomes a burning obsession." Scripture says, "Life and death is in the power of the tongue." Specialized knowledge means you have a gift that is better than most. Do others come to you for your specialty? If not, go back to school, and become the best at what you want to be. Successful men, in all callings, never stop acquiring specialized knowledge related to their major purpose, business or profession. Those who are not successful usually make the mistake of believing that the knowledge-acquiring period ends when one finishes school. Remember, Scripture says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." WI

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

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

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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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.

(301) 864-6070

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 43

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior 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 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

44 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Crusader Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM 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

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM 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 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) 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 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 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 “Where Jesus is the King”

Dr. Earl D. Trent 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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church 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: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church 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

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

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

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Shiloh Baptist Church

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “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 “The Loving Church of the living lord “

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

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 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

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 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

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 Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 45

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 204

2021 ADM 000220

2021 ADM 000141

2021 ADM 178

2021 ADM 000112

Victoria Adella Sweetland Decedent

Ernest F. Bailey aka Ernest Franklin Bailey Decedent

Michael Smith Decedent

Laura B. Jackson Decedent

George R. Fulginiti Decedent

Donovan Anderson Law Office of Donovan Anderson PC 1231-B Good Hope Rd. SE Washington, DC 20020 Attorney

Attorney Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1100 Washington, MD 20910 Attorney

Reginald Harris 1775 I Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Belva Milson, whose address is 430 Quackenbos Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Victoria Adella Sweetland who died on May 23, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/8/2021. 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 10/8/2021, 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.

Joyce E. Henderson, whose address is 71 Eagle Bluff Drive, Claremont, VA 23899, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernest F. Bailey aka Ernest Franklin Bailey who died on December 1, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/8/2021. 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 10/8/2021, 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: 4/8/2021

Belva Milson Personal Representative

Joyce E. Henderson Personal Representative

Ronald Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 210

2021 ADM 000124

2021 ADM 000219

2021 ADM 164

Blaine Arthur Sheffer Decedent

Elbert Walker Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Rd. Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF RICHLAND DOCKET NO.: 2020-DR-40-2270 Notice of Adoption ProceedingS TO THE DEFENDANT: John Doe, Birth Father YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN THE FOLLOWING NOTICE: 1. That an adoption proceeding was filed in the Family Court of Richland County on August 31, 2020, and in this Complaint you are alleged to be the father of an African-American, female child born in Washington, DC on August 23, 2020. 2. That the Plaintiffs in the above captioned Notice are not named for the purpose of confidentiality; however, the Court knows the true identity of the Plaintiffs and in responding to this notice, you are required to use the caption and the number 2020-DR-40-2270. 3. That if Notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond is filed by you with the Court within thirty (30) days of the receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings, you will be given an opportunity to appear and be heard on the merits of the adoption. To file notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond in this action, you must notify the above named Court at Richland County Courthouse, Clerk of Court Richland County Family Court, 1701 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201 in writing of your intention to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond. The above named Court must be informed of your current address and any changes of your address during the adoption proceedings. 4. That your failure to respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings constitutes your consent to the adoption and forfeiture of all of your rights and obligations to the above identified child. It is further alleged that your consent to this adoption is not required under S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-310 and that your parental rights should be terminated pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-7-2570 (7). This notice is given pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-730 (E). Raymond W. Godwin, Esq. (SC Bar #2162) PO Box 354 Greenville, SC 29602 PH (864) 241-2883 FAX: (864) 255-4342 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS Date: March 24, 2021

William L. Woods aka William Lewis Woods Decedent

Sandra K. Anglade Lucas aka Sandra Mernadette Anglade Lucas aka Sandra Kelly Anglade Lucas aka Sandra Kelly Anglade Decedent

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

Robert B. Sheffer, whose address is 5635 Valleyview Drive, Bethel, PA 15102, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Blaine Arthur Sheffer who died on January 8, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/8/2021. 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 10/8/2021, 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.

Jerome Walker, whose address is 1527 Spring Place, NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elbert Walker who died on December 1, 2006 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/8/2021. 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 10/8/2021, 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: 4/8/2021

Robert B. Sheffer Personal Representative

Jerome Walker Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

46 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ronald Smith, whose address is 7210 Wingstone Ln., Charlotte, NC 28262, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Smith who died on August 5, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/8/2021. 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 10/8/2021, 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.

Kimble Byrd, whose address is 415 27th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Laura B. Jackson who died on May 18, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/8/2021. 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 10/8/2021, 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: 4/8/2021 Kimble Byrd Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michael Lee Woods, whose address is 11300 Marlboro Ridge Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William L. Woods aka William Lewis Woods who died on October 25, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/15/2021. 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 10/15/2021, 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: 4/15/2021 Michael Lee Woods Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Otis Ramsey-Zoe, whose address is 1601 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George R. Fulginiti who died on June 21, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/8/2021. 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 10/8/2021, 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: 4/8/2021 Otis Ramsey-Zoe Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Robert P. Newman,Esq. Law Office of Robert P. Newman 801 Wayne Ave., Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Derrick A. Lucas, Sr., whose address is 23 Tuckerman St., Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sandra K. Anglade Lucas aka Sandra Mernadette Anglade Lucas aka Sandra Kelly Anglade aka Sandra Kelly Anglade Lucas who died on 4/12/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/15/2021. 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 10/15/2021, 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: 4/15/2021 Derrick A. Lucas, Sr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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

2021 ADM 163

2021 ADM 000134

2021 ADM 267

2021 FEP 000029

2021 ADM 244

Natha L. Swinton Decedent

Clara F. Luter aka Clara Luter aka Clara Floreen Smith Luter Decedent

Elizabeth M. Hight aka Elizabeth H. Hight Decedent

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

Chidinma Iwuji 419 7th Street, NW, Suite 405 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Jeffrey S. Glaser Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP 500 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900 Baltimore, MD 21202 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Alfred H. Harf, whose address is 6624 32nd Place, NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth M. Hight aka Elizabeth H. Hight who died on March 18, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/15/2021. 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 10/15/2021, 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.

May 20, 2019 Date of Death Barbara E. Gordon Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Carl W. Gordon whose address is 9135 Creekstone Lake Dr., Houston, TX 77054 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Barbara E. Gordon, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on July 16, 2020. Service of process may be made upon Jason Gordon, 6615 Georgia Ave., 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 estate. 7301 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20012; 7303 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012; 6615 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012. 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.

Charles Brown, Jr. Decedent Iris McCollum Green, Esq. 1730 M Street, NW Suite 609 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Mauryce Johnson, whose address is 1023 31st Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Brown, Jr. who died on April 27, 2014 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/15/2021. 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 10/15/2021, 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.

Janet L. Simpson, whose address is 200 Longhouse Dr., West Milford, NJ 07421, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Natha L. Swinton who died on 1/24/2021 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/15/2021. 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 10/15/2021, 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.

Walter E. Smith, whose address is 1270 Elliot Farm Road, Fayetteville, NC 28311, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clara F. Luter aka Clara Luter aka Clara Floreen Smith Luter who died on January 25, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/15/2021. 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 10/15/2021, 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: 4/15/2021

Janet L. Simpson Personal Representative

Walter E. Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 259

2021 ADM 000336

2020 ADM 868

2020 ADM 000822

2021 ADM 00310

Nannie Louise Hemphill Decedent

Robert M. Willis aka Robert Marcellus Willis Decedent

Pauline Brennan Decedent

Patricia H. Bradley Decedent

Harold L. Thomas, Sr. Decedent

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

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

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Docia Randolph and Patricia Lowery, whose addresses are 15029 Whitegate Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904 & 5133 Parkline Dr., Columbus, OH 43232, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Nannie Louise Hemphill who died on December 9, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/15/2021. 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 10/15/2021, 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: 4/15/2021 Docia Randolph Patricia Lowery Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Steven M. Katz, Esq. 401 E Jefferson St., Suite 208 Rockville, MD 20850 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William F. Megna, whose address is 24 Arnett Avenue, #115, Lambertville, NJ 08530, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert M. Willis aka Robert Marcellus Willis who died on October 21, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, 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: 4/22/2021 William F. Megna Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 4/15/2021 Alfred H. Harf Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sylvia Lewis Halford, whose address is 1340 Willowood Rd., Knoxville, Tennessee 37825, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Pauline Brennan who died on December 4, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, 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: 4/15/2021 Carl W. Gordon Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Michele Bradley-Holt, Pamela Gee and Kenneth Bradley, whose addresses are 5005 Mckinley St., Temple Hills, MD 20748 & 7514 Val Ln., District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia H. Bradley who died on July 15, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: April 22, 2021

Date of first publication: 4/22/2021

Michele Bradley-Holt Pamela Gee Kenneth Bradley Personal Representative

Sylvia Lewis Halford Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 4/15/2021 Mauryce Johnson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Staci McDuffie, whose address is 13623 Water Fowl Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harold L. Thomas, Sr. who died on December 14, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, 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: 4/22/2021 Staci McDuffie Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 47

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 000314

2021 ADM 000260

2021 ADM 261

Connie D. Madden Decedent

Janis R. Thomas aka Janis Renee Thomas Decedent

Franklin J. Burns aka Franklin Jeffrey Burns Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ian Madden and Autumn Madden, whose addresses are 3333 Bleecker Street, Apt., #423, Coppell, Texas 75019 & 5312 Drake Place, SE Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Connie D. Madden who died on April 27, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, 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: 4/22/2021 Ian Madden Autumn Madden Personal Representative

Attorney Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Junius M. Thomas Jr., whose address is 5912 Clay Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janis R. Thomas aka Janis Renee Thomas who died on October 15, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, 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: 4/22/2021 Junius M. Thomas Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 000312

2021 ADM 173

Bertha A. Driscoll aka Bertha A. Jones Decedent

Clarence L. Brown, Sr. Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS William Leon Jones, whose address is 16804 Hagador Avenue, Victorville CA 92394, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bertha A. Driscoll aka Bertha A. Jones who died on February 21, 2012 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, 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: 4/22/2021 William Leon Jones Personal Representative

Matthew F. Shannon, Esq. 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Derrick L. Brown, whose address is 4023 Massachusetts Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clarence L. Brown, Sr. who died on January 8, 2021 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/22/2021. 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 10/22/2021, 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: 4/22/2021 Derrick L. Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

48 APRIL 22 - 28, 2021

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dennis Burns, whose address is 715 Race Rd., Ellicott City, MD 20143, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Franklin J. Burns aka Franklin Jeffrey Burns who died on August 2, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before October 22, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before October 22, 2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: April 22, 2021 Dennis Burns Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Brandon Arelious Biggs© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " BIGGS, BRANDON ARELIOUS© ", corp.sole Dba.: " BRANDON ARELIOUS BIGGS© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Brandon Arelious Biggs© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " king ar’ell biggs© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as " hors de combat ", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of: The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Public Health, Illinois Department Of, ILLINOIS STATE FILE NUMBER: 112-78-112741, " BRANDON ARELIOUS BIGGS© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to: " Hotep12 Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " king ar’ell biggs© ", nom deguerre: " Brandon Arelious Biggs© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Hotep12 Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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accordingly. The lesson that continues in its crystal clarity is that there are those among us whose human callousness and disregard for the lives of people of color reaches demonic proportion. We must realize that

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Voting is the lifeblood of democracy and we call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right of all Americans. The CEOs and other top executives of 300 companies, along with law firms, nonprofit leaders, academics and celebrities, signed their names to the letter. "These are not political issues," Kenneth Frazier told The New York Times. "These are the issues that we were taught in civics." The statement does not address specific states' election legislation. Since

LEON from Page 28 tion recognizes Guaido as Venezuela's president: "We need an effective policy that can restore Venezuela to democracy, starting with free and fair elections…" The U.S. is the anti-democratic force undermining the will of Venezuelans as the U.S. steals their resources and money. In Haiti, thousands are protesting in the streets in response to the U.S.backed dictator President Jovenel Moïse governing beyond his term limit. Moïse has been ruling by presidential decree for more than a year after dissolving a majority of parliament in January 2020. He is trying to rewrite the Haitian constitution to grant himself greater power and immunity for any actions that he takes in office. Moïse's draft of the constitution was released to the people only in French. The vast majority of Haitians read Creole, not French. How can citizens intelligently vote on a document that they cannot read? Why would the U.S. support such undemocratic actions? On March 31, 2021, Ms. Julie Chung, assistant to the U.S. secretary of state for hemispheric affairs, tweeted, "The United States…is helping the Haitian people prepare for elections by providing technical support …strengthening political parties and NGOs, and increasing women's participation in Haitian politics." History tells us that the problem with this

many 'out there' support Chauvin and see George Floyd as human rubbish who was correctly discarded. We cannot accept this type of thinking or allow it to manifest in the conduct of Chauvin "wannabes." OUR LIVES DO MATTER! As of this writing, the trial of

Derek Chauvin is not over. The jury has not rendered a verdict. Much of the world anxiously awaits the outcome. Both sides of the case must be completed, and the jury must then decide who, in fact, is responsible for the death of George Floyd. Essentially, they must decide if the allegation of passing a coun-

terfeit $20 note is sufficiently criminal to deserve the death penalty immediately administered without benefit of judge or jury. We are a little more than two months away from Father's Day. I take pride in confirming for Gianna that her daddy HAS changed the world! WI

the election, state legislators in 47 have introduced a shocking 361 voter suppression bills. The total represents an increase of 108, or 43 percent, just in the last month. As appalling as the proposals to restrict voting are, even more alarming are the proposals to that seek to disregard the results of elections entirely. A bill pending in Arizona would allow the state legislature to overturn the results of a presidential election, even after the count is formally certified by the governor and secretary of state — and even after Congress counts the state's electors. Kenneth Chenault, Kenneth Frazier, Ursula Burns and William M. Lewis Jr.— all trailblazers in their

industries — are longtime advocates for corporate social responsibility and civic engagement. In a prelude to Wednesday's statement, they organized a full-page advertisement in The New York Times on March 31, headlined "Memo to Corporate America: The Fierce Urgency is Now," that was signed by 72 Black executives. "We think now that corporate America, Black Americans for sure, but anyone who has values in their corporation that talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, any company that has a values statement about valuing their employees has to stand with our statement," Ursula Burns told CBS News. "Because their employees

— Black, white, Hispanic, women — literally are going to be affected by this type of suppression." Kenneth Chenault told CNN, "What we're calling on corporations to do is not just say they believe strongly in the right to vote. It's to publicly and directly oppose any discriminatory legislation and all measures designed to limit any individual's ability to vote." In a historic act of solidarity, hundreds of corporations did just that. Whether states will heed their call isn't clear. But it will be remembered as a moment when standing on the sidelines was — at long last — no longer an option. WI

If Biden is so supportive of democracy in Myanmar, why isn't the move towards democracy in Venezuela, Haiti, Bolivia, and recently in Ukraine being undermined? "help" is it never benefits the people. It only helps the elite and the interests of the U.S. The Biden administration continues to foment American foreign policy by backing murderous and repressive dictators. It falsely claims to be the bastion of democracy or Reagan's fictional "shining city on a hill." The U.S. occupied Haiti from 1915-34. It backed the notorious dictators Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son Jean Claude "Baby Doc" and their ruthless Tontons Macoutes militia from 1957-1986. In 2004, the U.S. overthrew and kidnapped the democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in response to his 2003 request that France pay Haiti over $21 billion in reparations. Aristide estimated that amount was the equivalent in today's dollars to the 90 million gold francs Haiti was forced to pay Paris after winning independence from France 200 years ago. Why is the U.S. backing Moïse while Biden hypocritically champions

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never seeking to overrule the will of the people or attempt to erase the outcome of a credible election? For over 100 years, the U.S. has backed rigged elections and coups in Haiti. When Biden was Obama's VP some considered him to be the "viceroy" of Ukraine. Victoria Nuland, President Biden's current under secretary for political affairs, was former President Barack Obama's central agent overseeing the Ukraine 2014 Maidan Coup. In 2014, the elected Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych was close to closing a trade agreement with the EU. This deal would have brought Ukraine closer to the EU and moved it further away from Russia. President Yanukovych's delay in final negotiations was interpreted as an attempt to back out of signing the agreement. The U.S. and its allies feared the failure to sign would move Ukraine closer to Russia, its biggest trading partner at the time. This possibility was unacceptable to the U.S. Through so-called

NGO's and "pro-democracy" organizations Nuland helped orchestrate the overthrow of the democratically elected Yanukovych and selected and installed its rabidly anti-Russian, neo-Nazi replacement. This became known as the Maidan Coup. President Biden and members of his administration continue to try and claim the moral high ground and position the U.S. as the international arbiter of democracy and human rights. Biden, like administrations before his are trying to bludgeon friend and foe alike into submission with enhanced sanction regimes and military intervention. Contrary to Biden's claims, true democracy — the organic development of policies and parties, "one person, one vote," national sovereignty and the peaceful transfer of power — are not values that are encouraged and protected by the U.S. The world sees it as empty rhetoric. As the United States claims to campaign for the protection of human rights around the world by calling out China's alleged repression of Uighurs and Russia's alleged and unproven targeting of political dissidents, among other abuses, former South African President Mandela's statement that the U.S. is "the greatest threat to word peace" could never be closer to the truth. World leaders recognize that President Biden's lofty rhetoric is no more than the hypocrisy of "American democracy." WI

APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 49

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JEALOUS from Page 27 income and disability status. She helped a group of women at Consolidated Edison, one of the largest energy companies in the U.S., bring a lawsuit against sex discrimination and harassment of female workers—and win an important settlement. Susan Kartell, a woman who worked at ConEd for 26 years, tells the story in an ad from People For the American Way’s Her Fight Our Fight campaign, which defends women of color nominated to high-level government positions and facing racist and sexist attacks. Earlier this year, as president of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Clarke sued the violent right-wing group Proud Boys for vandalizing the historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., after an event protesting Donald Trump’s loss in the presidential election. Clarke has been so effective at bringing communities together to address difficult issues that she has won the respect of people from across the political spectrum. Her confirmation is supported by the

MAGEE from Page 27 myself to seek understanding, He refers me to His children and tells me to look into their hearts. How can we peer into the hearts of murderers? Yet that which should be invisible, it appears, is being made visible by endless demonstrations of vehement hate. Like so many Black Americans, I am beyond weary, but I know we won't give up in the fight for racial equality. We must pick ourselves up once more — we've been doing it for 400 years; now, we know the routine — and unite, demonstrate, appeal for action, campaign for reform. We must hope that this time might be the last time that we have to stand up and declare that

Clarke has been so effective at bringing communities together to address difficult issues that she has won the respect of people from across the political spectrum. Her confirmation is supported by the human and civil rights community and by many law enforcement organizations. human and civil rights community and by many law enforcement organizations. We urgently need Clarke’s experience and expertise at the Justice Department—and we need it right now. We saw hate crimes and harassment soar during the years that Donald Trump spewed poison through his White House megaphone and Twitter feed. We now see violent white supremacists and other extremists recruiting disil-

lusioned Trump supporters. We continue to witness Black people dying needlessly at the hands of police. We see state after state responding to high Black voter turnout in 2020 with new laws to make it harder for people to vote in future elections. Kristen Clarke is prepared for all these challenges. She will make our fight her fight. And that’s why we must make her fight our fight and tell the Senate to confirm her without delay. WI

Black people have souls, too. We must demand, again, that our lives not be at risk of being snatched away when we are simply driving our cars, sleeping in our own beds or walking out of a grocery store. All we ask is to be safe to just be humans, being. In my Christian faith, God holds us to a high standard. Justice, as in many religions, is one of the central tenants, but it does not exist in isolation — it goes hand in hand with mercy. The Bible describes Micah imagining the Lord telling His chosen people exactly what He requires of them: "… to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God," according to Micah 6:8 (New King James Version).

While justice means to be fair and equitable, mercy is to be kind and forgiving. Together, they exhort us to care about the suffering of those who are the victims of failing and broken systems. If I could, I would place justice and mercy at the core of all police recruitment, training and practice. In fact, I would place them at the core of every aspect of public life, from education to health and social care to government. But for now, for Black America at least, these two most basic and essential of principles both feel far removed from our present reality. No matter what I've done over the past several days, I find that I am repeatedly drawn back to that image of the families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright in Minneapolis, united by their grief, their arms around each other's shoulders. And while the ideals of justice and mercy seem agonizingly out of my reach for now, I can feel another word imprinting itself on my brain and on my heart, and I know it is the only true solution, the one that God values more highly than all other things: love. WI

In my Christian faith, God holds us to a high standard. Justice, as in many religions, is one of the central tenants, but it does not exist in isolation — it goes hand in hand with mercy.

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