The Washington Informer - April 3, 2025

5 As the council works to deliberate on various legislation, the former Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White has launched his reelection campaign less than two months after he was expelled from his seat due to a federal bribery charge. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson) Washington Informer 60th Anniversary

Legacies, Culture

Honorees, Supporters Recognize Value of Family Institutions, Black Press

By Jada Ingleton and Demarco Rush WI Digital Equity Fellow and WI Contributing Writer

In an evening that kicked off with African drumming and dancing, and ended with dancing the night away, The Washington Informer’s

INFORMER Page 36

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As of April 1, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) hasn’t submitted her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal. This delay, as explained by D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), stems from uncertainty about whether D.C.’s current fiscal year budget, under the threat of a continuing resolution that triggers $1 billion in budget cuts, will remain intact. WIth Bowser’s budget submission timeline now out of whack, it remains to be seen when, or if, the council

COUNCIL REPORT Page 37

5Washington Informer (WI) Publisher Denise

Tyrone

counts among those calling for less government control in anti-violence affairs as the D.C. Council anticipates a bill giving the mayor even more purview over violence interruption by absorbing Cure the Streets into ONSE. (WI File

4

Tyrone Parker, Violence Interruption Veteran, Reflects on Current State of Affairs

D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto Eyes ONSE—Cure the Streets Merger

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

This spring marks 34 years since Tyrone Parker joined four of his longtime friends in launching the Alliance of Concerned Men (ACM), one of a handful of grassroots organizations credited with the significant decline in

Councilmember Trayon White Says Fasting, Prayer Prepares Him for Ward 8 Race

By Micha Green and Andrew S. Jacobson WI Managing Editor and WI Contributing Writer

After a month of communal prayer, fasting and reflection during the season of Ramadan, Muslims all around the District, nation and world are celebrating Eid-alFitr (March 30-April 2)—the festival of the breaking of the fast— with a sense of joy and renewed responsibility.

Eid-al-Fitr, is a moment for more than

Celebrating 60 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

celebration. For many, Ramadan and the breaking of the fast serve as a sense of restoration and encourages a call-to-action to promote the values learned during the time of prayer and fasting.

“Eid is a time of renewal, reflection and thanksgiving, marking the comple-

Rolark Barnes receives staff gifts presented by 60th anniversary event organizer Julian B. Kiganda of JBK Brand Design, WI Photo Editor and WIN-TV Producer Shevry Lassiter and WI Managing Editor Micha Green during the publication’s gala on March 28 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest, D.C. (Jacques Benovil/The Washington Informer)

Sen. Cory Booker Makes History with Speech

5

Parker

Photo/Roy Lewis)

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 $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

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STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER; RICHARD ELLIOTT, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With War Plans Leak, Citizens Note

Former Gen. Lloyd Austin Would Be Fired

5People on social media and private rooms alike are questioning if former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would have kept his job had he leaked war plans over Signal—as was the case in a group chat with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and more officials. (Courtesy Photos)

The question being asked all over social media, in homes, offices, and even behind closed doors in Washington: If former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had leaked war plans over Signal, would Republicans already be demanding his resignation?

“Imagine the uproar if Lloyd Austin had been discussing war plans over Signal and inadvertently added a journalist,” said political strategist Chris D. Jackson. “We’d be hearing calls for impeachment by now. The double standards are astounding.”

Jackson, who is white, didn’t mince words. Austin, a Black four-star general and career military leader, was fired by Donald Trump and labeled a “DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hire.” Now, Trump’s national security team is under scrutiny— and the silence from many corners is deafening.

According to The Atlantic, editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to an 18-member Signal group chat that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and others. The group, created by Trump national security adviser Mike Waltz, was discussing a pending U.S. military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The White House confirmed the Signal messages reported by The Atlantic appear authentic. The leak may have violated multiple Pentagon security protocols. Defense Department rules prohibit using messaging apps like Signal to transmit, process, or access non-public DoD information.

Vice President Vance, in the chat, questioned the political risk of launching the strike. He worried about “a moderate to severe spike in oil prices” and whether the operation’s timing was a “mistake.”

He went further: “I just hate bailing Europe out again.” Hegseth responded to the vice president, supporting his position completely.

“I fully share your loathing of European free-loading,” Hegseth said. “It’s PATHETIC. I think we should go.” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

First Washington Realty Acquires Retail Park in Prince George’s County

First Washington Realty (FWR) has announced the acquisition of The Station at Riverdale Park, a 163,000 square foot shopping district.

“Our team looks forward to the strategic merchandising and lease-up opportunities at The Station at Riverdale Park,” said Emily Gagliardi, FWR senior vice president of Leasing and Asset Management for the East Coast.

This site includes the only Whole Foods in Prince George’s County along with Burton’s Grill, Starbucks, Gold’s Gym, Jersey Mike’s, and Denizens Brewing Co., and attracts over 2.3 million visitors annually.

Amrit Chase, FWR senior vice president of Invest-

ments, said The Station at Riverdale Park is “a prime example of the high caliber properties that we aim to acquire” on March 25.

FWR, headquartered in Bethesda, owns 42 open-air retail shopping centers spanning approximately 22 million square feet across 22 states and the District of Columbia.

“With FWR’s proven track record of owning and operating best-in-class shopping centers for over 41 years,” Gagliardi continued, “we are excited to leverage our expertise and strong relationships to bring exceptional retailers to the community.”

WI

Booker Breaks Filibuster Record Set by Segregationist Thurmond to Confront Trump’s Agenda

On April 1, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) made history with a 25-hour, 5-minute filibuster, surpassing the previous record set in 1957 by segregationist Sen. Strom Thurmond.

the fight for civil rights to the current political moment.

He warned that the nation faces a “looming constitutional crisis,” reading letters from Americans impacted by policies targeting Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP.

While Thurmond took the floor for 24 hours and 18 minutes to block the Civil Rights Act, Booker used his time to stand against what he called a dangerous dismantling of government by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Congressional Republicans.

“It always seemed wrong,” Booker said of the room near the Senate chamber still named for Thurmond. “It seemed wrong to me when I got here in 2013. It still seems wrong today.”

Booker, a descendant of slaves and slave owners tied

“This is a moral moment,” Booker said. “It’s not left or right; it’s right or wrong.”

Booker was backed in person by members of the Congressional Black Caucus. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), and Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) showed support in and around the Senate chamber.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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

D.C. Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Gopuff for Misclassifying Workers, Avoiding Wage Laws

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has initiated a lawsuit against GoBrands, Inc., and GB Logistics, LLC, known collectively as Gopuff. The legal action charges the delivery service with misclassifying its workers as independent contractors instead of employees, an alleged attempt to sidestep responsibilities for minimum wage, overtime, and paid sick leave.

“Businesses operating in the District cannot cut corners and cheat their workers. Through its misclassification scheme, Gopuff is taking advantage of its delivery drivers and also defrauding the District out of critical revenue,” said Attorney General Schwalb.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) asserts that Gopuff’s approach not only circumvents the District’s unemployment insurance and paid family leave programs but also fails to provide necessary workers’ compensation coverage.

Gopuff, which operates in over 500 cities and employs thousands nationwide, has reportedly misclassified all its delivery workers since 2014, denying them lawful wages and benefits under District law. Despite Gopuff’s claims that delivery workers can choose whether to accept specific deliveries, the company allegedly penalizes those who refuse orders by lowering their priority for future deliveries, cancelling their shifts, or suspending them.

“By misclassifying its delivery workers, Gopuff denies them even the most basic protections,” Schwalb wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Workers are denied overtime pay and are often paid less than DC’s minimum wage. And when they fall ill or need to care for a sick family member, they have no access to paid sick leave.”

The lawsuit addresses multiple violations of District laws including the Minimum Wage Revision Act, Sick and Safe Leave Act, Wage Payment and Collection Law, Unemployment Compensation Act, Universal Paid Leave Act, Workers’ Compensation Act, and False Claims Act.

The OAG seeks a court order to halt Gopuff’s illegal activities, enforce compliance with District employment laws, and compel the company to compensate affected workers with back wages and damages.

Gopuff denies the allegations.

“We strongly disagree with the D.C. Attorney General’s allegations and representation of the facts and will vigorously defend both ourselves and the right to earn as independent contractors,” according to a Gopuff spokesperson. “Our model empowers D.C. residents to earn on their own terms—whether that’s as independent contractors or employees in our micro-fulfillment centers or headquarters. Those who choose to engage with Gopuff as delivery partners tell us time and again that they value the flexibility of independent work and we remain committed to protecting these vital earning opportunities.”

Social media users, such as Gulliver Hughes, commented on the attorney general’s announcement about the lawsuit, showing gratitude for taking action against Gopuff.

“Thank you,” Hughes wrote on X. “It’s gotten so bad over the last couple years.”

The lawsuit also demands that Gopuff make overdue contributions to unemployment and paid family leave programs, in addition to paying civil penalties for its actions.

“As D.C.’s independent Attorney General, I will always defend workers, ensure a level playing field for businesses that play by the rules, and protect taxpayers’ dollars,” Schwalb declared. WI

AROUND THE REGION

3District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has taken action against GoBrands, Inc., and GB Logistics, LLC, known collectively as Gopuff, charging the delivery service with misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees, an alleged attempt to avoid paying minimum wage, overtime, and sick leave.

(WI File Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

APRIL 3

facts

1950 – African American historian, author and journalist Carter G. Woodson, known as the “father of Black History,” dies in his Washington, D.C., home of a heart attack at 74.

1961 – Legendary comedian and actor Eddie Murphy is born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

1990 – Iconic jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan dies at her Hidden Hills, California, home of lung cancer at 66.

APRIL 4

1913 – Musician Muddy Waters, who is often cited as the “father of modern Chicago blues,” is born in Issaquena County, Mississippi.

1928 – Famed poet, memoirist and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is born in St. Louis.

1968 – Civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 39.

APRIL 5

1856 – Educator and famed African American leader Booker T. Washington is born in Hale’s Ford, Virginia.

1937 – Colin Powell, retired four-star general in the U.S. Army and the first African American secretary of state, is born in Harlem, New York City.

1951 – The Municipal Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., outlaws segregated restaurants in the city.

APRIL 6

1712 – The New York Slave Revolt of 1712, an uprising in which 23 enslaved Africans killed nine whites and injured another six, begins.

1909 – Black explorer Matthew Henson is among a party of six recognized as the first to reach the North Pole.

APRIL 3 - 9, 2025

APRIL 7

1872 – William Monroe Trotter, civil rights leader and editor of The Boston Guardian, is born near Chillicothe, Ohio. He died on his birthday in 1934 after a fall from the roof of his Boston home.

1915 – Legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday is born in Philadelphia.

1940 – The Post Office Department issues a stamp honoring Booker T. Washington, the nation’s first stamp to commemorate an African American.

1949 – Actress Juanita Hall begins a run on Broadway as Bloody Mary in the musical “South Pacific,” a role in which she became the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress.

APRIL 8

1946 – Bob Johnson, an entrepreneur and media magnate who founded Black Entertainment Television, is born in Hickory, Mississippi.

1974 – Baseball great Hank Aaron hits his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s then-record of 714.

APRIL 9

1898 – Paul Robeson, singer, actor and civil rights activist, is born in Princeton, New Jersey.

1933 – Publisher and educator Nathan Hare, the first person hired to coordinate a Black studies program at the university level in the United States, is born in Slick, Oklahoma.

1939 – Singer Marian Anderson performs Easter Sunday for 75,000 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she is refused permission to sing before an integrated the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Constitutional Hall.

2011 – Black engineer Jerry Lawson, inventor of the video game cartridge, dies of complications from diabetes in Mountain View, Calif., at 70.

AROUND THE REGION

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

What book changed your life and how you view the world?

DANIEL TAYLOR / BRONX, N.Y.

RAYMOND THOMAS / BALTIMORE, MD.

I have two: The Color of Law and The New Jim Crow.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X!

KABWE GEORGE / WASHINGTON, D.C

NISHA IMAN / WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Sacred Woman, Speak (as a teen), The Alchemist, and The Book of Enoch.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***.

A. CHRISTOPHER / WASHINGTON, D.C

Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin. I literally saw a light go on in my brain, and a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders.

Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

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Trump and MAGA Republicans Escalate Assault on D.C. Autonomy with Anti-Sanctuary Bill

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans’ assault on the autonomy of the District of Columbia has ramped up as the House Oversight Committee, under Republican control, mull legislation that would strip the District of its sanctuary city status and require D.C. officials to comply with federal immigration laws fully.

Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana introduced the legislation, titled the “District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act,” and it represents yet another attempt by Trump-aligned Republicans to undermine the District’s right to self-govern.

The bill mandates that D.C. agencies and local law enforcement cooperate fully with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the proposed law, the District government would be prohibited from maintaining any statute, ordinance, policy, or practice that restricts or prevents officials from exchanging information with federal, state, or local entities regarding the immigration or citizenship status of individuals—regardless of whether that status is lawful or unlawful.

Further, the act would force D.C. to comply with federal detainer requests, including notifica-

tions of the release of individuals from local custody. The only exception written into the bill allows the District to withhold cooperation if the individual involved is a victim or witness to a crime and has come forward as such.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), the District’s longtime non-voting representative in Congress, strongly denounced the bill as an affront to both the city’s autonomy and immigrant communities.

“I strongly oppose this undemocratic anti-immigrant bill, which would nullify duly enacted laws, policies, and practices of the District of Columbia,” Norton said.

The District first adopted sanctuary city policies during Trump’s first term, in part as a response to the administration’s harsh immigration enforcement tactics. Sanctuary jurisdictions generally limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants from detention and deportation based solely on immigration status.

More recently, however, the Dis-

trict has pulled back. D.C. government removed its official webpage that previously declared the city a sanctuary jurisdiction.

District Mayor Muriel Bowser has also distanced herself from the term, stating that “sanctuary city” is misleading and gives the impression that D.C. allows violations of federal immigration law.

Still, Republicans have continued to target the District’s policies—and its status as a majority-Black city without statehood or full congressional representation. The latest legislative push follows previous efforts to overturn D.C. criminal justice reforms, interfere with its budget decisions, and block local laws passed by the D.C. Council.

If passed, the bill would further strip the District of its limited autonomy by giving the federal government the final say over how D.C. responds to immigration matters within its own jurisdiction.

“This bill is not only anti-immigrant—it’s anti-democracy,” Norton said. WI

5The House Oversight Committee, under Republican control, is mulling legislation that would strip the District of its sanctuary city status and require D.C. officials to comply with federal immigration laws fully. (File Courtesy Photo)

HUD, Department of Interior Announce Federal Land Affordable Housing Project

D.C. Looks to Preserve Cost-Effective Units

By Ashleigh Fields Washington Informer Contributor

President Donald Trump’s appointees are looking to use federal land to increase the nation’s affordable housing sector by using undefined space to develop new properties across the country, according to a March 17 announcement.

Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner said they are partnering on the project through the Joint Task Force to Reduce Housing Costs and Open Access to Underutilized Federal Lands Suitable for Residential Development.

Nationally, there is a shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes for the nation’s 10.8 million plus extremely low-income families according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

“HUD will work with DOI to assess the housing needs in areas where federal lands may be available yet underutilized, and implement tailored housing programs with guidance from states and localities,” Turner said in the announcement video.

“This partnership will identify underutilized federal lands suitable for residential development and streamline the land transfer process.”

Burgum chimed in sharing further benefits.

“It’ll also promote policies to increase the availability of affordable housing while balancing important environmental and land use considerations,” Burgum said.

They added that overlooked rural and tribal communities will be a focus of this joint agreement highlighting the fact that the Department of Interior would help reduce regulatory framework that outlines guidance for land transfers or leases to public housing authorities, nonprofits and local governments.

Turner has already committed to terminating the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule in February, repealing an expansion of the Fair Housing Act approved under the Obama administration to “overcome historic patterns of segregation.”

The rule’s termination will no longer require local zoning decisions to be determined after the completion of a 92-question grading tool that helps ensure federal housing funds are being used to further fair housing.

“An abundance of evidence from past eras of AFFH implementation shows that the absence of a rigorous, standardized fair housing planning framework will lead to broad variation in performance among grantees, with many grantees failing to identify or respond to even significant, commonly found problems or to document the regional fair housing impacts of their policies and activities,” National Community Reinvestment Center wrote of the rule.

“The pre-2015 AFFH framework (the widely discretionary Analysis of Impediments process) notoriously allowed for widespread neglect of fair housing planning, with numerous grantees doing little or no work to document issues, failing to produce documents on any timely cycle, and facing almost no accountability or oversight for substantive failures to AFFH or for materially inconsistent actions—and therefore rarely taking remedial action to disrupt segregation or to advance housing choice.”

BOWSER’S HOUSING GOALS

Despite conflicts with this provision, HUD and the Department of the Interior’s new measure is on par with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 2019 goal of adding 36,000 new housing units and 12,000 affordable units to the District by 2025.

According to Bowser’s website tracking progress, 10,515 affordable units have already been secured, meeting 88% of her target.

Turner’s federal agenda for affordable housing coincides with Bowser’s Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords Act (RENTAL Act), created to protect the District’s existing affordable housing.

The RENTAL Act, which has been highly protested, narrows the scope of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which grants tenants the rights to make the first offer on their

AROUND THE REGION

building if a landlord decides to sell it and receive an offer of sales notice.

Still, Bowser is seeking to preserve nearly 8,000 units of housing, of which over 7,700 are affordable through 69 projects to provide bridge, gap, and support funding to affordable multi-family projects. The D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development has partnered with the mayor on these efforts.

“Our collective citywide commitment to affordable housing has made D.C. a national model for success. But that hard-won progress is at risk,” said Bowser.

Bowser’s actions come as federal programs supporting the upkeep of existing affordable units have been terminated under Secretary Turner. HUD terminated its $1 billion Green and Resilient Retrofit Program in March which has already promised to award funds to support upgrades at 25,000 sites across the country leaving a hole in

5Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner is partnering with the Department of Interior on a project through the Joint Task Force to Reduce Housing Costs and Open Access to Underutilized Federal Lands Suitable for Residential Development. (Courtesy Photo/HUD)

budgets predestined to aid with repair of heating and cooling systems, floodproofing and insulation as outlined.

It was the first HUD program to focus on greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency in addition to green and healthy housing once approved by Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Bowser has highlighted the city’s efforts as a plea to preserve affordable

housing from disenfranchised residents in the District while urging citizens to act in favor of her new bill.

“We now must act with similar urgency to protect the affordable housing that is home to nearly 100,000 Washingtonians and ensure our ability to build more housing,” Bowser continued. “We do that by rebalancing our housing ecosystem and leveraging the right tools, the right investments, and the right policies to meet this moment.”

FREE GROCERIES FOR DC SENIORS!

If you’re

5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is aiming to reach her 2019 goal of 36,000 new housing units and 12,000 affordable units to the District by 2025. (WI File

Photo/Jacques Benovil)

AROUND THE REGION

In honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, the Reliving With CP team celebrates the 5th Annual Walk-A-Thon at Allen Pond Park in Bowie, Maryland. (Courtesy Photo)

Trudy Settles from Northwest, D.C.’s Petworth neighborhood reading The Washington Informer. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

OCTFME Hosts Second Annual Conversations with Women in Media and Entertainment

Panel speakers urge women to take charge of their destinies

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the D.C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) hosted its second annual Conversations with Women in Media and Entertainment on March 25. This series of panels featured some of the city’s most influential trailblazers, who spoke about the future of their industries and the value of representation and sisterhood.

“It’s important for us to celebrate the women here in Washington, D.C. leading the charge,” said OCTFME Director LaToya Foster to the audience. “We have a woman at the helm here in our city, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and you know she always says, ‘When women are at the helm, things get done.’”

Foster moderated two of the event’s five panels. The first was a conversation about women’s impact in sports and entertainment with D.C. United’s President of Business Operations Danita Johnson and President of Live Nation’s Washington office Kelly Flanigan. The second featured Teresa Carlson, the founding president of General Catalyst Institute, who spoke about the future of women, artificial intelligence and the economy.

In both conversations, the panelists were incredibly transparent with their audiences regarding the trials and tribulations they’ve experienced throughout their careers, urging young women to remain confident and determined, no matter what obstacles are thrown their way.

“To make it in this, you’ve got to be decisive,” Johnson told listeners. “If you’re not gonna do the work, it’s not gonna move you forward.”

MAKING SPACE FOR MORE WOMEN IN MEDIA, LIFTING ONE ANOTHER UP

Before the event, Johnson shared her excitement about fostering connectivity and creativity through these conversations and the potential impact sharing her experiences can have. She believes such an environment can

5D.C. United’s President of Business Operations Danita Johnson and Live Nation Entertainment’s Kelly Flanigan, president of Washington D.C. – U.S. Concerts emphasize the strength of allyship and support among women at the second annual Conversations with Women in Media and Entertainment on March 25. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)

“elevate” the sports and entertainment industries.

“I think it’s also important to hear the voices of women and to hear the voices of us as minorities talking about the impact that we can have in these spaces,” Johnson told The Informer. “It’s a great way for us to showcase what’s possible.”

Advocates are still working toward more women represented in media.

The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film states that women accounted for 26% of directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors and cinematographers for original U.S. films in 2022. Additionally, women only comprise 26.9% of executive positions in international sports federations, according to a 2023 survey by the Sport Integrity Global Alliance.

Statistics like these are why leaders like Johnson and Flanigan manage teams made up of mostly women. For example, Flanigan began her career at Live Nation almost 20 years ago as an intern, rose through the ranks and now leads a team that is 65% women.

A champion for solidarity between women, especially leaders in the District, Flanigan was one of the first people to call Johnson when she started her role at D.C. United, welcoming her and giving her insight to the opportunities she’d have access to.

“Help lift each other up and be the voice cheering each other on,” Flanigan said during the conversation. “It’s good when people around you are

speaking up for you.”

Since starting her role in 2020, Johnson has witnessed the sheer sisterhood between women in leadership positions in the city and admires the innovative possibilities this mutual support offers.

“We have an opportunity to do things in a very different way, and I think these women bring so much to the table,” Johnson told the audience. “How we get the job done and how we execute– it’s just magnificent.”

TAPPING INTO INNOVATIVE TOOLS, RESOURCES

During her segment, Carlson, a visionary leader in the technology industry, urged listeners to take charge of their destiny and remain receptive to new ideas and experiences, emphasizing the importance of pivoting and adapting when needed.

Carlson started her career as a speech pathologist but pivoted to technology when changes in healthcare made her job difficult.

Since working in this digital industry, she has held various leadership positions, including vice president of Federal Government businesses at Microsoft, president and chief growth officer at Splunk and vice president for Amazon Web Services’ worldwide public sector and industries businesses.

WI

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

COUNCILMEMBERS BURROUGHS AND ORIADHA ASCEND TO COUNCIL LEADERSHIP, IVEY VOTED OUT

In a history-making move, Councilmember Ed Burroughs III (DDistrict 8) was elevated to lead the County Council, and Councilmem-

ber Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7) was elected vice chair.

Burroughs is the youngest chair in council history, having represented District 8 on the legislative body since 2022 and served as vice chair since Dec. 3. The 32-year-old has been serving in elected office for over a decade, beginning with his tenure on the Board of Education.

“We look forward to working together and with our Council colleagues to advance policies that uplift our communities,” said Burroughs and Oriadha in a joint statement.

Both the chair and vice chair were early supporters of State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy’s campaign for Prince George’s County Executive. After Braveboy won the Democratic primary in early March, the legislators hope to enjoy a strong working relationship with the projected next county executive.

“Together, we will focus on expanding economic opportunities, improving public safety, and ensuring every resident can access quality services. We are committed to fostering collaboration, transparency, and equity in all we do.”

Councilmember Jolene Ivey (DAt Large), who dropped out of the special election for County Executive following health concerns, was voted out as the chair.

In the vote to replace Ivey, Councilmembers Tom Dernoga (D- District 1), Wanika Fisher (D- District 2), Eric Olson (D- District 3), Ingrid Watson (D- District 4), Wala Blegay (D- District 6), Oriadha, and Burroughs voted in favor while Councilmembers Calvin Hawkins (D) and Ivey abstained. Councilmember Sydney Harrison (D- District 9) was absent during the vote.

“I will be a fair chair,” said Burroughs. “At the end of the day, if raising property tax is not an option, we have to generate new revenue. I’m going to be working very hard to generate new revenue sources that do not involve raising property taxes.”

WI

SENATORS VAN HOLLEN AND ALSOBROOKS’ EFFORTS TO COMBAT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

With federal workers facing mass layoffs and the state budget severely endangered by the Trump administration’s efforts to cut federal spending, Maryland Democratic U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks are using their legislative power to fight back in defense of Marylanders.

Alsobrooks introduced her first bill on March 12: the Tariff Transparency Act of 2025, in order to help residents as prices for cars, gas, alcohol, and produce are expected to rise as a result of tariffs that have been aggressively implemented by the Trump Administration.

“Marylanders are struggling to put food on the table and afford the basic necessities as it is. The last thing we need are tariffs that will raise prices,” said Alsobrooks.

My bill will force a nonpartisan study on this administration’s tariffs and how they will impact everyday

Americans.”

Alsobrooks also noted the impact of firing over 10,000 workers from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), calling it “dangerous and deadly.” She also called out HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s statements during his confirmation hearing on Black people having stronger immune systems, considered a medically racist assumption.

“These mass layoffs at Health and Human Services will cost human lives. I warned America that confirming RFK Jr. would be a mistake,” she said on March 27.

Van Hollen called for the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following a widely-publicized and unprecedented leak of classified information.

“This administration’s gross disregard for the handling of classified information puts American lives at risk,” he said.

A longtime Maryland politician, representing Maryland’s eighth Congressional district from 20032017 before becoming senator, Van Hollen said while he applauds the investigation by the Armed Services Committee into Hegseth, that action alone is insufficient.

“If any other federal officials had been involved in this grave of a security breach, they would have been fired at once,” he said. “For the safety of our armed forces and for the security of our nation, I call on Secretary Hegseth and National Security Advisor Waltz to resign immediately.”

WI

5Councilmember Ed Burroughs III is the new vice chair for the Prince George’s County Council. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF TRAGIC KEY BRIDGE COLLAPS

It’s been one year since a container ship collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the structure to collapse and tragically killing six workers.

“At 1:28 am on March 26, 2024 — a year ago — a tragedy struck Maryland. A container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. While many were asleep, the Key Bridge collapsed into the icy waters, killing six Maryland men,” said U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) from the Senate floor on the one-year anniversary.

While the incident left many families and friends mourning the loss of six lives, the fatal collision also became trying for Maryland and other states due to disruptions in transportation and trading and routes. The Army Corps of Engineers spent months clearing Baltimore’s shipping channel of debris.

Further, there’s still work to be done before full redevelopment efforts are complete post the collision.

“Team Maryland will rebuild, and we won’t rest until it’s done. We won’t rest because we are doing it for all of Maryland,” Alsobrooks continued. “The six Marylanders that lost their lives that day: José Mynor López, Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, Carlos Daniel Hernández, and Miguel Ángel Luna González. The brave Marylanders that dove into the frigid water during the rescue operation. The strong Marylanders whose businesses and livelihoods were impacted by the collapse. The Marylanders who depend on our port for resources. The Marylanders who count on our infrastructure to stand strong.”

A November report highlighted that travel times have increased by

several minutes in the Baltimore metropolitan area, particularly for commuters using the Fort McHenry Tunnel, and more accidents have occurred along corresponding routes.

“That kind of leads to the conversation about how important the bridge was,” said Baltimore Metropolitan Council Transportation Planning Director Todd Lang. “Even though it was one of the harbor crossings that had less traffic, closing the bridge just meant additional pressures on the tunnels.”

In addition, business owners in South Baltimore and Dundalk have reported lower sales, while residents note higher fuel costs.

Dundalk resident Pam Moffett, who works at the University of Maryland, saw her commute significantly increase. She is now renting an apartment in Berwyn Heights, much closer to her workplace, but feels disjointed to live between two homes.

“This is a life changer,” said Moffett. “I never would have bought my house here so far from work without that bridge.”

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D) helped to secure the federal funding to rebuild the Key Bridge during the closing weeks of President Joe Biden’s (D) term.

In her speech from the Senate floor last week, Alsobrooks assured leaders and residents that the work to combat challenges as a result of the collision will serve as an inspiration for other jurisdictions.

“And when it’s completed, we will serve as an example, to the nation and the world,” Alsobrooks said, “of what teamwork and togetherness can achieve.” WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING SET TO OPEN IN CAPITOL HEIGHTS

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

The new Prince George’s Health and Human Services (HHS) building is set to open on April 1, aiding in the redevelopment of Capitol Heights’ Hampton Park.

The building will include several agencies, including the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, the Prince George’s County Health Department, and the State of Maryland Department of Social Services within one 115,000 square foot facility.

“This project embodies our vision of creating spaces that not only drive economic development but also serve the well-being of our community,” said Brandon Bellamy, CEO of The Velocity 5Baltimore’s Key Bridge after its collapse on March 26, 2024. While federal funding has been secured to rebuild the bridge, increased commute times and fuel spending have disrupted the lives of many Marylanders. (WI File

UPDATES Page 14

Prince George’s County Board of Education

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON BRANDYWINE AREA SCHOOL REORGANIZATION PLAN

The following school reorganization plan for the Brandywine area is recommended to the Prince George’s County Board of Education for adoption:

For school years 2025–26 and 2026–27, kindergarten students in the Brandywine Elementary School attendance area will attend Baden Elementary School.

Beginning school year 2027–28, the new Brandywine Area Academy will open to students. The Academy will be located on the site of Gwynn Park Middle School, which will be closed and demolished following the completion of the new facility. The new Academy will serve students in grades 6th to 8th in the current attendance area for Gwynn Park Middle School. Additionally, it will serve students in grades 3rd to 5th in the current attendance areas of Brandywine Elementary School and Baden Elementary School

Beginning school year 2027–28, Brandywine Elementary School will become an Early Learning Campus. It will serve students in grades Pre-K to 2nd in the current attendance areas for Brandywine Elementary School and Baden Elementary School. Baden Elementary School will close after the 2026-27 school year.

Additional information is available at tinyurl.com/pgcpsBoundary.

A Public hearing on the reorganization plan will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Persons wishing to testify at the public hearing should visit www.pgcps.org/offices/board-of-education for information about how to sign up to speak before 4 p.m. the day of the hearing. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. Written testimony may be submitted by email at testimony@pgcps.org or by postal mail to the Board of Education Office at 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Board of Education will vote on the reorganization plan during their Board meeting. Per Board Policy 2569, decisions will be guided by the following:

Public input obtained at the Public Hearing and other means

Consideration of the eight factors required by the Maryland State Board of Education

Parents and guardians of students in the impacted attendance areas will receive notice of the final decision. Per COMAR, the decision may be appealed to the Maryland State Board of Education within 30 days of the date of the decision.

Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

LOCAL

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Business Updates

WORK WHERE YOU PLAY, New Building Development and Acquisition in the County

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025, 12 NOON-6 PM

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MARYLAND’S FOURTH DISTRICT

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE MEMBER

Prince George’s County neighborhoods are now experiencing new building development and acquisition, including affordable housing and new homes.

Dominium Apartments, a Minneapolis-based housing developer, purchased a plot of land in Hyattsville for $4 million, with the goal of building 245 affordable rental units for those earning 60% or less of the area’s median income. This will be their first in the D.C. region.

“This project would provide high-quality affordable housing opportunities at a major transit stop without adding to sprawl, along with adding new office space to the area,” read an application filing for the development.

The application documents propose an L-shaped building between 183,000 to 392,000 square feet, up to five stories tall, with over 1,300 square feet of office space.

In addition, a block of townhouses near DeMatha High School is now listed for sale and will be welcoming new residents in May. The townhouses, called Hyatt View Townhomes, will be sold for roughly $725,000.

Some of the local amenities include Yes Organic Market, Busboys and Poets, a nearby Whole Foods and Franklin’s, a combination microbrewery, toy store, and restaurant.

“Nestled in the vibrant community of Hyattsville, Maryland, Hyatt View Townhomes offers an exclusive enclave of luxury homes designed for those who seek a sophisticated lifestyle combined with modern amenities,” according to the Hyatt View website.

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LOCAL from Page 13

Companies. “Through this public-private partnership, we are investing in infrastructure that shapes a healthier, more connected, and more prosperous future of Prince George’s County.”

This project is a welcome development for Prince George’s County officials, including Office of Central Services Director Jonathan Butler.

“The HHS Building at Hampton Park is the result of intentional collaboration between the County and the private sector,” said Butler. Hampton Park, a redevelopment site within the Blue Line corridor, will eventually add over 80,000 square feet of new retail, more than 400 market-rate residential units, a 120-room nationally branded hotel, and a variety of local amenities in conjunction with the new Health and Human Services building.

“This project reflects our continuing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality services,” said Butler, “while supporting local economic revitalization.”

WI

5New Hyattsville houses, called Hyatt View Townhomes, will be sold for roughly $725,000. (Courtesy Photo)

“Have You Thought About Moving Down South” Moving to the south is not just about finding a new home; it is about embracing a new lifestyle

By Jesse Wiles, Founder of APD Urban Planning & Development/Urban Development Services

In recent years, a growing number of African Americans have been making the move from the bustling cities of the North to the welcoming embrace of the South. Florence, South Carolina, has emerged as a prime destination for those seeking a blend of modern amenities and Southern charm. This migration trend is not just a coincidence; it is a testament to the unique appeal that southern cities like Florence offer to prospective homebuyers.

Florence is a city that beautifully balances the old and the new. With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and a strong sense of community, it provides an ideal environment for families and individuals looking to settle down. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Florence County Museum, the Florence Little Theatre, Arts and Cultural District and the historic Main Street entertainment district. These cultural and recreational amenities make Florence a lively and engaging place to live.

One of the most exciting developments in Florence is the new townhome project that is currently underway in East Florence within easy walking distance of the Arts and Cultural District and historic Main Street. This development is designed with modern living in mind, offering spacious and stylish homes that cater to the needs of today’s homeowners. The townhomes are perfect for empty nesters from the DC area who are looking to downsize without compromising on quality or comfort.

The move to Florence is not just about finding a new home; it is about embracing a new lifestyle. The city’s warm climate, friendly residents, and slower pace of life provide a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of Northern cities. Moreover, Florence’s cost of living is significantly lower than that of many Northern metropolitan areas, making it an attractive option for those looking to make their dollars go further.

In addition to the tangible benefits, there is a deeper, more personal reason why many African Americans are choosing to move South. For many, it is a return to their roots, a chance to reconnect with their heritage and build a life in a place that feels like home. Friends from the DC metro area who have already made the move to Flor-

ence speak highly of their experiences, highlighting the sense of belonging and community they have found in their new home.

As Florence continues to grow and develop, it remains committed to preserving its unique character and welcoming spirit. The new townhome, with development is just one example of how the city is evolving to meet the needs of its residents while maintaining the qualities that make it special.

If you are considering a move, Florence, SC, offers a compelling case for why it should be at the top of your list. With its blend of modern amenities, rich cultural heritage, and strong sense of community, it is a place where you can truly feel at home.

Call 404 718-7844 or email jwiles@apdurban.com to learn more about the Pine Street Townhomes in Florence SC

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

AJ JONES II JOINS MONUMENTAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced the appointment of AJ Jones II as executive vice president, chief strategic and corporate communications officer to its world-class leadership team.

In this role, Jones will be responsible for developing, executing and amplifying Monumental’s brand and corporate narrative; leading ownership, financial, investor, and community-based communications; overseeing the company’s broader investor relations and stakeholder engagement strategies; and serving as a member of the leadership team.

Jones will report directly to Ted Leonsis, MSE founder, chairman, managing partner, and chief executive officer.

“AJ is a renowned communications leader whose expertise spans Fortune 500 companies, national non-profits, government organizations, and multilateral agencies,” said Ted Leonsis. “As MSE continues to grow and evolve, AJ’s expansive senior executive experience across business sectors, industries, philanthropy, investor, and international relations will be invaluable. His deep knowledge of customer service and entertainment will also help us enhance and showcase the unforgettable moments we strive to create for fans of our teams.”

Jones joins MSE from Starbucks Coffee Company, where he served in multiple leadership roles, including executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer, and executive vice president and chief communications and public affairs officer. In those roles, Jones led the company’s global communications, partner and employee communications and social media platforms, corporate and investor communications, brand-product communications and experiences, Starbucks Entertainment, global government

briefs

affairs, Social Impact, and Starbucks Foundation teams worldwide.

He also played a pivotal role in Starbucks’ global growth by fostering public-private partnerships to spearhead economic development.

Additionally, Jones served as lead executive for the company’s Board of Directors Environmental, Partner, and Community Impact Committee, was an executive sponsor of the Armed Forces Partner Network and was a governing member of the Global Brand Council.

“The future of major league sports and media is increasingly global, with success driven by delivering highly personalized, premium services for consumers,” said Zach Leonsis, president of Media & New Enterprises for MSE. “AJ’s track record of working in senior communications roles with international brands that prioritize outstanding customer engagement makes him a perfect fit to contribute to our next phase of growth.”

Jones has worked internationally in Hong Kong, South Africa, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Switzerland. Before his tenure at Starbucks, Jones held senior executive roles in Fortune 500 companies, top-ranked agencies, and leading philanthropic and governmental intuitions.

The longtime business executive has also served as a member of the board of directors for the Mu Lambda Foundation, a nonprofit formed by the graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., based in the District. Additionally, he served as chairman of the chapter’s Public Policy Committee, and on its executive board.

The newly minted executive vice president said he looks forward to working with MSE.

“Monumental is one of the most valuable and forward-thinking sports and media-entertainment organizations in the world,” said Jones. “Ted and Zach Leonsis have built a company that is unrivaled in its ability to deliver best-in-class service to

fans. This has been driven by dynamic management, strong cultural values, and an unwavering commitment to the community. As someone who has lived and thrived in the D.C. metropolitan area and has an insatiable appetite for sports and media-entertainment, I’m thrilled to contribute to this exceptional organization.” WI

MOCO PUBLICPRIVATE INITIATIVE

Montgomery County, Maryland officials and key partners announced the formation of a strategic Public-Private Initiative aimed at strengthening the local economy and supporting businesses and employees affected by recent federal budget cuts.

The coalition, Mobilize Montgomery, includes Montgomery County Government, Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Gaithersburg, Rockville Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Women’s Business Center and Rockville Economic Development as well as additional local chambers.

“Montgomery County has long been home to thousands of federal workers and businesses that rely on federal contracts, and in this time of cuts and chaos from the federal government, those impacts can ripple through our economy,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Through Mobilize Montgomery, we are collaborating with private and public partners to provide resources and

3 AJ Jones II is the new executive vice president, chief strategic and corporate communications officer for Monumental Sports & Entertainment. (Courtesy Photo/ Monumental Sports & Entertainment)

6 Marc Elrich is the county executive of Montgomery County, Maryland. (File Courtesy Photo/Marc Elrich, X)

information to our residents. We are working together to help businesses stay open, keep people employed, and strengthen our local economy.”

Through its newly created microsite, mobilize-montgomery.com, the coalition will serve as a centralized resource hub ensuring that businesses, employees, and residents have access to critical information and support they need during this challenging time.

Designed to be a one-stop shop for resources, the microsite will feature webinars, job posting websites and business incentives available to the public.

Additionally, the microsite will allow local businesses to express their interest in participating in relevant events, as well as giving interested employees the option of being notified of updated resources and upcoming events.

As the county braces for additional federal budget cuts, Mobilize Montgomery is committed to working with Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) to provide support to our businesses and workforce, ensuring that Maryland’s economy remains resilient and vibrant.

“The drastic federal funding cuts and layoffs from the Trump administration are directly impacting our residents and forcing contractors and small businesses to scrap projects and announce layoffs due to unpaid invoices and the elimination of federal support,” said Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart. “Montgomery County is home to more than 77,000 dedicated and hard-working federal employees, and county leaders are committed to supporting our residents, federal contractors, and businesses during these uncertain and economically challenging times.”

Stewart emphasized the critical value of the initiative as Montgomery County residents navigate current challenges and concerns.

“This new collaboration among government and business leaders and workforce development organizations,” Stewart continued, “will provide guidance, resources, and support to help deal with the impact that these draconian federal cuts are having on our federal contractors and local businesses that fuel our economic engine.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

Target Stumbles as Black and Hispanic Shoppers Walk Away

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Target continues to face mounting financial and reputational fallout after reversing course on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The retail giant has lost more than $12.4 billion in revenue, seen its stock plunge by $27.27 per share, and is grappling with multiple lawsuits linked to its shifting DEI policies.

Separate but powerful actions from Black-led organizations and faith leaders have intensified pressure on the company.

The Rev. Jamal Bryant launched a national Target Fast, calling for continued community mobilization. Meanwhile, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the NAACP initiated public education and selective buying campaigns. While distinct in approach, the collective efforts

have amplified scrutiny and economic consequences for Target.

“Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of NNPA. “If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”

Early data from analytics firms Placer.ai and Numerator confirms a decline in consumer support. Numerator found that Black and Hispanic households are reducing their visits to Target at the highest rates. Placer.ai reported that on Feb. 28, the economic blackout day nationwide, Target saw an 11% decline in store traffic compared to average Friday visits.

Since the company’s Jan. 24 DEI reversal, Placer.ai data shows Target’s overall foot traffic has fallen every week.

In contrast, Costco has gained ground. The warehouse chain rejected a shareholder proposal to weaken its diversity programs and stayed firm in its DEI stance. Analysts say Costco’s consistency and longstanding commitment to high wages and strong employee benefits may attract consumers frustrated with Target’s retreat.

Costco’s shares have outperformed those of Walmart and Target over the same period.

Walmart has also seen a dip in foot traffic, though not as sharply as Target.

While grassroots boycotts are not always financially damaging in the long term, Target’s situation may prove different.

“Boycotts put a ‘negative spotlight’ on the company that can have reputational consequences,” Brayden King, professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, told Forbes.

He noted that consumer trust, closely tied to corporate reputation, plays a critical role in shopping habits.

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In addition to its woes, Target issued a string of recalls in 2025 involving products sold on shelves due to undeclared allergens and injury hazards. Affected items included Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Dorel Safety 1st Comfort Ride and Magic Squadchild car seats, Nuby stroller fans, Baby joy high chairs, Chomps beef and turkey sticks, and Pearl Milling Company pancake mix.

Bryant said the Target fast, in association with Lent, the 40 days and nights leading to Easter (April 20), has now mobilized more than 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. He urged continued focus and unity in holding the company accountable.

“It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy. It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” Bryant said.

WI

5 A Target store on Connecticut Avenue NW on Feb. 28, the date when activists called for a nationwide boycott of the department store chain in response to the company’s decision to cut diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Target continues to face mounting financial and reputational fallout after reversing course on DEI initiatives, having lost more than $12.4 billion in revenue. (WI File Photo/ Richard Elliott)

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NATIONAL

Black History Under Fire: Trump’s Executive Order Puts Smithsonian’s Future at Risk

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The memo from Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution, was as much a message of reassurance as a call to vigilance.

Following President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order targeting what he labeled “anti-American ideology” in cultural institutions, Bunch acknowledged the growing uncertainty and laid out a path forward.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to bring history, science, education, research, and the arts to all Americans,” he wrote to staff. “We will continue to showcase world-class exhibits, collections, and objects, rooted in expertise and accuracy.”

Trump’s order casts a long shadow over the Smithsonian, which, while not a federal agency, is a trust instrumentality of the U.S. government and operates under

the guidance of a Board of Regents, including the Chief Justice, Vice President, and members of Congress. The order directs Vice President J.D. Vance, an ex-officio regent, to work with the board on content oversight—an unprecedented move that has left many within the institution and across the Black community alarmed.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), opened in 2016 under Bunch’s leadership, was directly criticized in the executive order. Its mission to unearth and share America’s untold Black history, once praised as groundbreaking, is now being reframed by Trump as an example of what he sees as divisive, anti-patriotic content.

Bunch’s memo doubled down on the Smithsonian’s long-standing commitment to truth, transparency, and historical scholarship.

“As an Institution, our commitment to scholarship and research is unwavering and will always

serve as the guiding light for our content,” he stated.

“For more than 175 years, the Smithsonian has been an educational institution devoted to continuous learning with the public in mind and driven by our most important mission – the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” Bunch added. “We remain committed to telling the multi-faceted stories of this country’s extraordinary heritage.”

That commitment is under direct threat, Black scholars argue.

Writing for The Medium, education expert Dr. Jerry W. Washington called the order part of “the fight over American memory,” a political war that has in-

creasingly targeted race-based historical narratives.

“Over months of discussing cultural memory wars, the removal of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) content, and the nuances of racial dialogue, I’ve seen this gap widen,” Washington wrote. “It highlights a fundamental divergence not just in policy preference, but in how we interpret history, power, and truth itself.”

Washington and others see the executive order as an extension of Trump’s 2020 directive banning diversity training in federal agencies—an action that set the stage for a conservative backlash against critical race theory (CRT) and racial equity initiatives.

“CRT became a catch-all term—a manufactured villain used to silence any acknowledgment of systemic racism, white privilege, or the real struggles of marginalized communities,” Washington noted. “It was never about theory. It was about control.”

That control has since expanded. Dozens of states have enacted vague educational gag orders aimed at stifling classroom conversations about race and history. DEI programs have been dismantled across colleges and public institutions.

Now, with the Smithsonian— the keeper of the nation’s collective memory—under the mi-

3 Despite President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting “anti-American ideaology” in cultural institutions,” Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution is laying a path forward for staff. (File Courtesy Photo)

croscope, Black historians and curators fear a broader erasure.

“The campaign effectively poisoned the well,” Washington wrote. “Making any substantive discussion of systemic racism politically toxic.”

For many Black Americans, the concern is deeper than academic. It’s personal. The Smithsonian’s inclusive storytelling—exemplified by the NMAAHC—has provided generations with a long-denied mirror to see themselves in the American narrative. To have that narrative constrained or rewritten at the behest of political power is to have identity and truth under siege.

“As we have done throughout our history,” Bunch wrote, “the Smithsonian will work with the Board of Regents, including the Chief Justice, Vice President, and our congressional and citizen Regents.”

But he made clear that the Smithsonian’s compass remains unchanged: “The board understands and appreciates the Institution’s mission, as well as the importance of scholarship, expertise, and service to the American public.”

Still, the fight over who gets to define America’s story is far from over.

“The consequences are real,” Washington warned. “This is about more than exhibits. It’s about erasing the truths that make America whole.” WI

BREAKING: RFK Jr. Oversees Mass and Sudden Firings at FDA

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Thousands of federal health employees faced sudden job losses Tuesday as mass firings and forced resignations swept through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under a new directive from the Trump administration.

According to Endpoints News, some FDA staffers arriving at the agency’s White Oak campus in Maryland discovered their employment had ended when their security badges failed to activate. Guards then escorted them to gather their belongings. Witnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described a chaotic atmosphere as longtime employees were abruptly cut loose.

Those escorted out included individuals who had accepted buyouts and retirement packages, leaving them all the more perplexed and concerned about

whether the Trump administration will keep their word on the separation agreements.

“This is confusing,” said one individual who previously accepted a retirement package and was told their last day would be later in April. “Do I need a lawyer?” the individual wondered.

Among the affected was Dr. Peter Stein, director of the Office of New Drugs at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Stein said he was presented with a reassignment to a newly created position in “patient affairs” — or the option to leave. He rejected the offer, calling it “ridiculous,” and was placed on administrative leave.

The sweeping changes will affect roughly 3,500 FDA employees — nearly one-fifth of the agency’s workforce. The Bidenera leadership structure is being dismantled under the direction of Health and Human Services

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has installed new personnel and removed several high-ranking officials, including those working on cancer therapies and biologics.

Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine official and longtime director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, also resigned. He cited what he described as a dangerous erosion of public trust in science under Kennedy’s leadership.

“If Peter Marks does not want to get behind restoring science to its golden standard and promoting radical transparency, then he has no place at FDA under the strong leadership of Secretary Kennedy,” an HHS spokesperson said.

Marks, who led the FDA’s biologics division since 2016, played a central role in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversaw emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer-BioNTech and

Moderna vaccines and was instrumental in Operation Warp Speed — the Trump administration’s public-private partnership to develop and distribute vaccines.

In his resignation letter to acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, Marks condemned what he called the promotion of misinformation from the agency’s top levels.

“Undermining confidence in vaccines is irresponsible, detrimental to public health, and a clear danger to our nation’s health, safety, and security,” he wrote.

Marks said he had initially hoped to collaborate with Kennedy on efforts to improve vaccine transparency but became disillusioned.

“It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary,” Marks wrote.

“Rather, he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.” WI

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5 Thousands of federal health employees are now without jobs after mass firings and forced resignations swept the FDA under a new Trump administration directive. Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine official and longtime director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research is one of the employees who resigned. (Courtesy Photo)

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As the U.S. Pulls Back, Africa Builds Its Own Health Security

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Dr. Jean Kaseya remembers the moment a message alerted him to President Donald Trump’s plan to freeze nearly all U.S. foreign aid.

At the time, it sounded implausible.

“It was a joke,” said Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). “Then we realized it was not.”

Weeks later, what began as a freeze became a sweeping termination of foreign aid for most U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs—stripping away critical funding from health and humanitarian initiatives across Africa.

In 2024 alone, sub-Saharan Africa received more than $12.7 billion in U.S. foreign assistance, a figure that climbs higher when accounting for the U.S.-backed global health programs where African nations are primary beneficiaries.

The decision has left leaders across the continent scrambling. “[African] leaders are calling me,” Kaseya told NPR. “They are asking: ‘What can we do?’”

He tries to offer an answer.

“It’s like you are a child. You had a wealthy father. One day, you wake up, and they say, ‘Oh, your father had an accident. He passed on.’ Then you have to survive,” he explained. “You have to find a way to survive.”

And survival, Kaseya added, now depends on building internal resilience.

To help fill the gap and strengthen health systems, Africa CDC has launched a major new initiative focused on genomic surveillance and bioinformatics in partnership with the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) and the Mastercard Foundation.

Part of Phase II of the “Saving Lives and Livelihoods” initiative, the program aims to boost the continent’s pandemic preparedness by equipping countries with advanced laboratory infrastructure and data systems.

The initiative delivers cutting-edge molecular diagnostics equipment, genomic sequencing tools, and comprehensive training to healthcare professionals across African Union member states. It also includes the development of a continent-wide platform for pathogen data sharing—critical for early detection, monitoring, and coordinated responses to health threats.

“These investments are central to strengthening Africa’s ability to detect, monitor, and respond to public health threats in real-time,” Kaseya said. “This initiative ensures that no country is left behind.”

The program will also help grow a skilled workforce in genomics and bioinformatics, empowering local health systems to make data-driven decisions independently of foreign support.

Nqobile Ndlovu, CEO of ASLM, called the program a key moment in Africa’s health security efforts.

“We are entering a critical phase in Africa’s journey toward sustainable public health resilience,” Ndlovu stated.

Kaseya also noted that after Trump’s move, other nations quickly followed.

“What started in the U.S. was followed by other wealthy coun-

tries in the world, by European countries,” he said.

With funding from traditional partners drying up, African nations are now focusing on homegrown solutions, deeper regional cooperation, and long-term investments in infrastructure and innovation.

Kaseya also has a message for the U.S. and others who may overlook Africa’s future.

“Africa will be 2.5 billion people in 2050. It will be the largest population in the world,” he said. “And the U.S., they need that market. There are more middle-class people because more Africans are becoming educated, and they are making money. My message to my colleagues and friends in the U.S. is, ‘We are open.’ If they are looking for friends, Africa is there.”

He said it takes a whole-continent and global approach in truly combating widespread health challenges.

“And in the health area, one of the major lessons we learned from COVID is no one is protected if your neighbor is not [protected],” Kaseya explained. “A country-based approach will not solve the issue. An outbreak that will start somewhere will quickly be in other countries.”

WI

5 Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa CDC, champions initiatives to fill the gap caused by the USAID termination of foreign aid, saying they are central to strengthening the continent of Africa and ensuring no country is left behind. (Courtesy Photo)

The Impact of Transportation on Health Outcomes in Low-Income Communities

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC)

Reliable transportation is an important yet often forgotten factor in determining health outcomes. Without consistent access to transportation, individuals, particularly those in low-income communities, face significant challenges in getting necessary medical care. In cities like the District of Columbia where disparities in accessing transportation exist between neighborhoods, the consequences of these challenges can be severe.

BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE

Transportation challenges are a major reason many people miss or delay medical appointments. A 2017 study found that about 5.8 million Americans postponed health care because of transportation barriers.1 Low-income populations are more severely affected, as they are more likely to rely on public transit or do not have their own vehicles.

In the District, transit service disparities can add to these barriers. While the Metro and bus system widely serve residents across the city, those in lower-income neighborhoods often experience longer waiting times, fewer routes, and unreliable service.

THE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES

Lack of transportation has direct and indirect effects on health outcomes. When people cannot get to appointments, chronic conditions can go unmanaged, leading to complications that require emergency care. Missing preventive care increases the chances of undiagnosed diseases progressing to advanced stages. Those who depend on public transit for medical appointments may be forced to reschedule or not receive care altogether.

Emergency room visits and hospitalizations have become more common among people with transportation barriers. People in low-income populations without reliable transportation are more likely to

use the ER for conditions that could have been managed with regular outpatient care, which can lead to poor health outcomes.2

OVERCOMING TRANSPORTATION HURDLES

Addressing transportation barriers on a large scale requires policy changes and system improvements led by policymakers. However, there are cost-effective, practical strategies that can be used to navigate these challenges in your daily life:

• Schedule appointment times around the best availability. Schedule your doctor’s appointments during times when public transit is the most reliable. Try to avoid late evenings or weekends.

• Use public transit tools. Apps like Google Maps or Transit can help you plan the quickest and most reliable Metro or bus routes, showing real-time schedules and alerts.

• Explore no-cost or discounted transit programs. Check if you qualify for reduced fare programs offered by companies like Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for low-income residents, seniors, or people with disabilities.

Understanding transportation barriers is a step toward health equity. You can help yourself by staying informed, planning ahead, and using your local transportation options to reduce the impact of these barriers on your health.

Sources

1. Muhieddine Labban, MD, et al., “Disparities in Travel-Related Barriers to Accessing Health Care From the 2017 National Household Travel Survey,” JAMA Netw Open, Vol. 6, No. 7, July 27, 2023, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/ jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807664.

Victoria Udalova et al., “Who Makes More Preventable Visits to the ER?” United States Census Bureau, January 20, 2022, https://www.census. gov/library/stories/2022/01/who-makes-more-preventable-visits-to-emergency-rooms.html

All images are submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia and are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

Easy Rides for Better Health with AmeriHealth Caritas DC

When getting to your health care provider feels out of reach, AmeriHealth Caritas DC can help you access the care you need with reliable transportation. Whether it’s for a routine doctor’s appointment or a hospital discharge, transportation benefits are available to enrollees at no cost. Arranging your ride is easy — just provide your enrollee ID number, name, contact information, appointment date, and pickup location. Our team can also help you schedule a preferred

method of transportation, such as a Metrobus, van, wheelchair van, or stretcher van. For routine appointments, it’s best to schedule your ride at least 48 hours in advance, not including weekends or holidays.

Don’t let transportation challenges stand between you and the care you need. To schedule a ride or for more information about transportation benefits, call 1-800-315-3485 or visit our website at www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com.

HEALTH

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has announced a sweeping resolution to the controversial sale of the long-vacant Providence Hospital campus in Ward 5. Schwalb’s office said the resolution would secure millions in public health benefits for District residents, while allowing the long-stalled redevelopment to progress.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has approved the sale of the 22-acre site—largely dormant for six years—to Vision PH Associates,

a joint venture between developers EYA, LLC and the Menkiti Group. The developers plan to transform the campus into hundreds of new housing units, including affordable apartments, to help ease the District’s housing shortage.

However, the deal, initially proposed for just $1, was only approved after OAG intervened and imposed major conditions to protect the public interest.

Following a two-year review under the District’s Healthcare Entity Conversion Act (HECA), the OAG determined that the original terms did not reflect the true value of the

nonprofit hospital’s assets—assets built up over generations with support from District taxpayers.

“Ward 5 residents made clear that this deal must balance the need for additional housing and community development with continued access to health care services. Today’s agreement does exactly that — providing millions of dollars in public health resources and paving the way for significant residential and commercial expansion,” Schwalb stated.

KEY CONDITIONS

SECURED BY OAG INCLUDE:

• $5 million in public health funding: The parties must establish and fund a charitable healthcare trust (the DC Healthcare Access Trust) to directly support healthcare services in the District.

• A new urgent care center: Vision PH must include a family urgent care facility on the redeveloped campus, addressing an ongoing need in medically underserved Ward 5.

• Repurposing medical equipment: Millions of dollars in existing medical equipment must be transferred to the District or another healthcare nonprofit rather than discarded or lost.

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker said redeveloping Providence has been a priority since he took office in 2023.

“I appreciate Attorney General Schwalb’s partnership in these efforts by securing a deal that minimizes risks to the immediate Michigan Park community, maximizes benefits to the District, and creates a pathway for an inclusive development at this Ward 5 hub,” said Parker.

BEHIND THE PROVIDENCE REDEVELOPMENT

Under the original terms, Providence—a nonprofit Catholic healthcare institution—agreed to sell nearly all the campus to Vision PH for $1.

The plan involved demolishing vacant structures and redeveloping the site into housing.

While some facilities on the campus are still operational and will remain open throughout the transition, the community raised alarms about the closure of Providence’s urgent care and imaging centers in 2023 and the lack of plans for replacement services.

The District’s State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) referred the proposal to OAG for review, triggering a detailed examination under HECA. That law requires that charitable health care assets be adequately valued and preserved for public benefit, even when sold to a for-profit entity.

Though HECA does not require that health care continues to be provided on the property, it does require that the proceeds and resources from the sale continue to support public healthcare interests.

During its review, OAG found that the $1 purchase price did not reflect the actual value of the campus. Independent experts hired by the District estimated that the land—despite the significant demolition and remediation costs—was worth approximately $6 million more than Vision PH initially proposed. As it stood, the deal would have resulted in the loss of charitable assets built with public support.

“We rejected the initial $1 sale of the land,” Schwalb wrote on X,

formerly known as Twitter, “and now D.C. will get millions in public health resources along with new housing.”

Significantly, the deal will not impact the ongoing health services currently offered in several buildings on the campus operated by other providers. Those services will remain intact throughout and after the transition. Open facilities will include “a senior nursing home, a clinic for first responders, and two medical office buildings,” according to Schwalb’s post on X announcing the deal.

Schwalb’s office stated that its approval under HECA does not mean all other District agencies have approved the redevelopment plans. Final approvals from zoning and other bodies are still required.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT KEY IN REACHING AGREEMENT

Community engagement was a critical part of reaching the agreement.

“As the District’s independent Attorney General charged with protecting charitable assets, I am proud of the work we do with the business and nonprofit communities to secure the best possible outcomes for all Washingtonians,” the attorney continued. “I want to thank the dozens of community members who came forward to make their voices heard, as well as the teams at Providence and Vision PH, whose cooperation in our review helped achieve a universally beneficial resolution.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb says the new resolution for the long-vacant Providence Hospital campus in Ward 5 secures millions in public health benefits for District residents, while allowing the long-stalled redevelopment to progress. (File Courtesy Photo)

D.C. Joins $39.1M Generic Drug Price-Fixing Settlement, AG Schwalb

Urges Residents to Check Eligibility for Payouts

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb is urging residents to check whether they’re entitled to compensation as part of a proposed $39.1 million multistate settlement with generic drugmaker Apotex Corp. over alleged illegal price-fixing.

“For years, Apotex engaged in anticompetitive and illegal conduct, conspiring with other generic drug companies to inflate the costs of numerous prescription drugs,” Schwalb said. “Too many District residents pay too much for the medicines they need, and alongside a bipartisan coalition of AGs from nearly all states and territories, I’m working to make sure that every exploited patient gets their money back.”

The District joins 50 other states and territories in filing the settlement for preliminary approval Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Hartford, Connecticut. The court filing comes after all necessary signatories finalized their agreements with Apotex. The coalition is seeking court approval for the settlement terms, including injunctive relief to prevent future misconduct and a framework for distributing funds to impacted consumers.

Consumers who purchased certain generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for restitution. District residents can determine eligibility by calling toll-free at 1-866-290-0182, emailing info@AGGenericDrugs.com, or visiting AGGenericDrugs.com.

The allegations stem from a sweeping investigation into the generic pharmaceutical industry collusion.

According to court filings, Apotex and other manufacturers engaged in coordinated schemes to inflate prices, reduce competition, and restrain trade in a wide range of generic drugs. Authorities claim the conspiracies were supported by evidence, including over 20 million documents, phone records from over 600 individuals in the generics industry, and insider testimony.

The court documents describe a pattern of industry-wide collusion, with pharmaceutical executives allegedly meeting at industry dinners, cocktail parties, golf outings, and other social events to coordinate pricing strategies.

Company insiders used phrases like “fair share,” “playing nice in the sandbox,” and “responsible competitor” to describe the illegal

5 District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb is urging residents to check whether they’re entitled to compensation as part of a multistate settlement with generic drugmaker Apotex Corp. over alleged illegal price-fixing. (File Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

National Women in Agriculture Day sounds alarm over USDA’s $1 billion cuts for local farm programs

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

The National Women in Agriculture Association gathered a group of global women who have sown seeds in every part of the world to discuss the Trump administration’s new policies and its impact on their ability to harness fresh food from the earth’s soil on March 26.

The convening was held in the Cannon House Office Building for National Women in Agriculture Day, where speakers discussed government matters with callers from around the nation and world weighing in.

“We’re in a corporate government model now and we are trying to get constitutional principles back. We’re one nation under God. Nature is of God, and humans are of nature,”

Deanna O’Connell, who represents

Kentucky Women in Agriculture, said. “We’ve got to get back to some just basic foundational principles of how we’re not just taxpayers, we’re not just landowners, we’re not just small farmers. We’re literally, you know, natural beings of God.”

Held at the end of Women’s History Month, the event was not only about empowering women, but addressing challenges. The meeting comes weeks after the U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed two programs known as the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA).

The LFS was set to supply $660 million to municipalities in 2025 for fresh produce to be delivered to schools and child care facilities, while the second program would have allocated $500 million this year to food

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banks who purchase local goods. In addition, LFPA reimburses states who buy food from farmers within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination.

Event speakers highlighted the importance of both programs, which ensure that specialty crop farmers can help provide access to non-toxic foods with secure financial support from the federal government.

Farmers who participated in the two terminated programs were required to grow products free of pesticides.

“They don’t want us to use any more chemical fertilizers, which means that it’s more expensive, except that it’s healthier, which is good for the growing long run and helps bring down health care costs. That’s fine,”

Sharleen O. Jean Baptiste said. “We decided, let’s make sure that the pricing is right for the farmers.”

Baptiste runs the Giving Grace Farmers & Fishermen Cooperative in Louisiana, which aids small farmers in selling their products to food banks that were previously supported by government funds to purchase locally grown food.

Baptiste used her cost analysis research to ensure each producer was able to be paid a fair living wage for their work. The LFPA often used the non-profit’s numbers to determine price charts.

“We made the pricing right. We negotiated the price with Greater bank, Mutual Bank. We made that and so we were able to pay the farmer $2 for example, $2.50 per pound for green leafies, okra, $3 a pound,” she told attendees.

ADVOCATING FOR FARMERS ACROSS THE SOUTH

Baptiste’s non-profit was asked to advocate for farmers in Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas due to their success in Louisiana.

She found that Mississippi guidelines were fickle and ineffective for the communities they serve.

The directive of the cooperative also emphasized the low pay rates for farmers seeking to sell to local food banks.

“I can’t pay those farmers $.63 per pound, and that’s all LFPA under Mississippi was able to pay me,” Baptiste explained. “And I said, ‘I’m not going to be able to do that,’ which means I’m not going to be able to grow my co-op on $.63 a pound.”

Participants explained that stable pricing is essential to maintaining a sound local farm which oftentimes operates as a small business.

“In Alabama, the LFPA kept changing the price of produce after contracts were signed. It makes it really difficult to do business with the state,” Audrey Haskin of Demopolis, Alabama said during the event.

COMBATING CHALLENGES

Now that the LFPA has been terminated nationwide, growers are forced to turn to other resources to support their farms.

“I think the most important thing that most people don’t realize is that

small farmers, when you go to the store, you buy everything. What price do you pay? Retail. Everything you buy is retail. You don’t get any wholesale prices,” Kelly Jackson, a Florida farmer said. “Only if you’re a large farmer, you get wholesale prices. So everything that I buy is retail… Now when I sell it, what prices do I get? Wholesale. And that’s what’s most important, is everybody’s worried about cost. And that’s where these USDA programs come in.”

Many farmers, especially women, struggle to make ends meet with low payouts during harvest seasons.

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, more than half of all farms (56%), had a female producer, while 9% of farms were run entirely by women. These female-operated farms accounted for 38% of U.S. agriculture sales and 43% of U.S. farmland.

Women led farmers earn 40% less than farms operated by men according to the American Farmland Trust.

The Women in Agriculture group aim to change that and are now pushing for a closed door meeting with President Donald Trump to explain their needs with hopes of opening up more opportunities.

“Small farm operators, we need help all the time. We might need a couple loads of dirt. We might have a pump that broke or other issues,” Jackson said. “We need a line of credit or, maybe some kind of stipend for beginning borrowers to help get them started for basic infrastructure stuff.” WI

5 Agriculturists, farmers and allies of the National Women in Agriculture Association (NWIAA) join forces at the Cannon House Office Building for National Women in Agriculture Day on March 26. The gathering featured discussions on policies, challenges, and how to empower voices in the continued effort to increase federal support for women in agronomy. (Courtesy Photo/National Women in Agriculture Association, Instagram)

OUR EARTH

In EPA’s War on Environmental Justice, the Dems Go on Offense

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is Leading a Group of Lawmakers who Want to Know if EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is Acting Illegally in Clawing Back Funds Meant to Help Minority Communities

By Willy Blackmore Word in Black

This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation’s leading Black news publishers (of which the Informer is a member).

Since taking office a few months ago, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin has worked to recoup or cancel billions of dollars in federal grants because they are linked to environmental justice — the concept that, because pollution and climate change disproportionately harms Black and brown communities, those communities need extra government help.

But a group of Senate Democrats believe that, in clawing back that money, Zeldin and the Trump administration is knowingly and intentionally breaking the law.

The nine Democrats who sit on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works have been investigating the EPA’s move to cut $1.5 billion in grants funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, President Joe Biden’s signature law intended to mitigate climate change. The Democrats sent a letter to Zeldin last Monday demanding additional information on the grants, and on the staffing cuts the agency has made in offices focused on environmental justice.

The money, the Democrats argue, is intended for communities and organizations working on environmental issues in marginalized, mostly minority communities.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, told the

Associated Press that the “illegal” moves by Zeldin “violates a series of congressional appropriations laws, contractual agreements, and multiple court orders.”

But it also will have a real-world effect, Whitehouse said, by undermining “essential programs aimed at eliminating childhood lead poisoning, reducing toxic air pollution, and mitigating health risks from heat and wildfires.”

Zeldin’s cuts are part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing crusade against government programs and initiatives that seem related to racial diversity, equity and inclusion. Earlier this month, he issued a memo declaring the EPA will close 10 of its Environmental Justice Divisions in regions around the country.

The closures dovetailed with an announcement that the agency will end all “diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental justice offices and positions.”

In its investigation, the Democratic senators obtained both a list detailing some 400 grants, along with emails from an EPA counsel that said the agency committed a “significant error” in cancelling them. According to the emails, the EPA contracts for the grants can’t be cancelled due to a change in agency priorities.

The EPA grant list only includes short descriptions of what the money was awarded for, but a review of the document indicates that, among other priorities, the grants were significantly funding work in communities vulnerable to extreme weather events fueled by climate change.

Childhood Lead Action Project received $500,000 for a “community-based lead poisoning

recoup or cancel billions of dollars in federal grants because they are linked to environmental justice — the concept that, because pollution and climate change disproportionately harms Black and brown communities, those communities need extra government help.

prevention project;” The Bronx Is Blooming, a project that supports urban forestry, received $150,000 for its workforce development program; United Congregations of Metro received around $500,000 to monitor air pollution in and around East St. Louis, Ill; and the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, one of the key environmental jus-

tice organizations working in the River Parishes won a $500,000 grant.

“The vast majority of the targeted grant awards were made using funds appropriated by Congress with a statutory mandate that they be distributed to disadvantaged communities,” the senators wrote in the letter.

There has yet to be a response. EPA efforts to specifically address disproportionate pollution in Black and brown communities effectively ground to a halt last year, due to a red-state lawsuit challenging the EPA’s method for investigating civil rights-related pollution cases. WI

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5 Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is working to

(WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

EDUCATION

Howard University Students Revive HU News Service With Bold Flare And New Podcast Launch

By Skylar Nelson WI Intern

With new and improved programming, Howard University students have officially relaunched Howard University News Service (HUNS), a platform dedicated to producing strong stories that resonate across campus, the nation’s capital and world.

Originally established in 2001 to train student journalists in local and national reporting, HUNS has long served as a vital resource within media, as much of the work is used for inclusion in District

and nationwide publications.

The relaunch was implemented through the Center for Journalism and Democracy, through which Howard was awarded nearly $200,000 as one of 10 historically Black institutions chosen through the Democracy’s Newsroom Innovative Challenge. The purpose of the funding is to provide new innovative opportunities and spaces for journalism students.

Now under the leadership of Dr. Yanick Rice Lamb, who teaches Howard’s Capstone Print and Digital course, students have fully redesigned the platform.

Notice of Intent to Return Remains

The National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution plans to return the remains of Moses Boone to a family member.

Moses Boone was born in Washington, DC in 1902 and lived at 514 Rickets Court in the Northwest quadrant of the city. He died at the age of 21 months on February 27, 1904 in the Children’s Hospital of the District of Columbia (now, Children’s National Hospital) after which an autopsy was performed by biological anthropologist, Ales Hrdlicka. Subsequently, partial human remains were accessioned by the Department of Anthropology in the U.S. National Museum (USNM), the predecessor of the National Museum of Natural History. Moses Boone’s body was interred at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

A member of the Boone family has requested the return of the remains of Moses Boone. After a thorough review, the Smithsonian has determined that the claimant has sufficient standing to receive the remains.

For further information, please contact Jim Wood before May 5, 2025, at (202) 633-5122, Human Dignity Office Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, NMNH MRC 112, Washington, D. C. 200137012.

“While we’re in class, Professor Lamb really does develop us to be good journalists and she makes sure that we know the foundations of journalism,” said capstone student Asia Alexander Alexander.

Senior journalism student and HUNS Editor in Chief Serenity Armstrong emphasized the importance of the media outlet.

“A lot of people don’t realize that we exist and when they do know that we exist, they think that we are specifically for Howard. But the news service itself started as the Black college view,” Armstrong said during the relaunch celebration on March 21. “We cover a range of different things. Our goal right now is to become hyperlocal outside of campus to get our name out there.”

This relaunch also reintroduces the innovative integration of broadcast and print journalism

with the Capstone News Vision Broadcast course, led by associate professor Jennifer Thomas, contributing dynamic video reporting alongside impactful written stories.

While Howard University has various student media platforms such as The Hilltop Newspaper, Spotlight Network, Cover 2 Cover Magazine, and The Dig, Alexander reflected o how HUNS not only adds to and uplifts the others, but creates a redefining experience for graduating seniors.

“HU News Service is an authentic newspaper from the seniors here at Howard,” Alexander said. “We have contributing writers but it’s majority seniors who are putting this together and we’re doing this in class. The work that we are putting out is something that we’re taking with us to our next jobs. This is just a way for us to show

what the school of communications has taught us.”

NEW PODCAST EXPANDS OUTLET’S REACH

Adding to the excitement of the relaunch, students announced a new podcast that, with more multimedia elements, further expands Howard University News Service’s reach and engagement.

With this revitalization, HU News Service is not just evolving, it’s setting a new standard for student journalism.

“Students are able to come in with no experience at all,” said Armstrong, who is helping spearhead efforts with the podcast. “We teach them, we mentor them, and we give them the skills that they need to go out and cover anything in life.”

The relaunch couldn’t have come at a better time as the Cathy Hughes School of Communications prepares for a major move next fall from what was originally the Washington Metropolitan High School, to the newly renovated and prestigious WHUT Television Station on Howard’s campus.

As the next generation of storytellers take the rein in the newsroom, HU News Service is equipped to amplify the voices of the community, reshape narratives, and make a lasting impact on the media landscape.

“Our motto is ‘Your Nation, Your Neighborhood, Your News.’ We want to be that for people, …we want people to remember that we’re here, [and] to acknowledge our goals and to see that we’re moving in a new direction,” Armstrong said. “We want to be more than just Howard University, we want to be the news station.”

WI

5 Serenity Armstrong, Howard University News Service (HUNS) editor in chief, and HUNS Podcast Director Taylor Issacs unveil a new podcast during the relaunch for the media outlet on March 21. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Dr. Yanick Rice Lamb and Professor Jennifer Thomas speak to attendees at the relaunch for Howard University News Service on March 21. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

Youth Improv Slam Shows Storytelling and Self-Expression through ‘Artivism’

By Tait Manning WI Reporting Intern

Canady Foundation for the Arts (CFA) held its second Youth Improv Slam on March 29, showcasing local students’ creativity, performance skills and comedic chops. Performers were part of the 2025 Youth Improv Residency, a two-week theater arts program encouraging creative expression among young people in District middle and high schools.

The showcase, held at 1770 Euclid Street NW, included a competition between three participating schools— Duke Ellington School of the Arts, which won first place, and second and place winners Perry Street Preparatory Charter School and Washington Leadership Academy. Each team was led by one of CFA’s teaching artists, who, during the residency, hosted

workshops on improvisation, theater arts and comedic storytelling.

On Saturday, students competed in a series of games that tested their creative thinking, teamwork and improv skills.

“What we see is a culmination of the games that they’ve learned, the skills that they’ve learned, and also a little bit of fun, a little bit of competition,” said Marjuan Canady, CFA founder and executive director.

Hillary Jones served as the event host, while judges included Angie Angie, legendary radio personality and Howard University’s WHUT director of content; John Johnson, a poet, playwright and Verbal Gymnastics Theatre Company founder; and Reginald L. Douglas, artistic director of D.C.’s Mosaic Theatre Company.

“Whatever your plan is, throw out the plan, because you never know

what you’re going to get from the other person, and that’s the beauty and the fun that comes with improv, it’s: where is this going to go next,” said Angie Ange, encouraging the students about how she has used improv in her professional career, particularly when conducting interviews. “It’s cool to see you all doing that naturally and keep working at it.”

THE POWER OF CFA PROGRAMMING, BUILDING ARTIVISTS

Founded in 2015, Canady Foundation for the Arts was created to empower youth of color through storytelling and performance, implementing elements of arts activism and social justice.

“Our students have been learning from our in-house teaching artists at their school learning about improv theater,” Canady explained, “but also connecting the skills that they’re learning to issues in their own community and how theater can be used to address injustices in the world.”

During the competition, games ranged from scene work, in which students acted out a short scene based on prompts from the judges, to “Justice Jam,” where each team tackled social issues through improvised scenes, portraying problems such as inflated egg prices and racial profiling.

Teaching artist Chelsea Harrison developed the curriculum, combining theatrical storytelling with arts and activism, what she calls “artivism,” and using comedic performance as an avenue to explore socio-political topics. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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5 Students strike a pose while participating in a game of “Simon Says” during the first round of the Youth Improv Slam competition. (Tait Manning/The Washington Informer)

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Special Guests

Princess Ariel, Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort, the Most Magical Place on Earth

Enjoy blossom bliss in DC at the Nation’s most beloved springtime parade, featuring a star-studded line-up:

• Grand Marshal Ken Jennings, host of Jeopardy!

• House music diva Crystal Waters

• The legendary Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge and Family

• Iconic music group Quad City DJ’s

• Funk masters CAMEO

• Asher HaVon, season 25 first LGBTQ+ winner of NBC, The Voice

• American Idol Season 19 Contestant Mary Jo Young

• From Broadway’s “Hamilton”, Deejay Young

• Over 20 marching bands from around the country

• Mesmerizing helium balloons including Shrek, Smurfette, Hello Kitty and more

Make plans to enjoy the spectacle for FREE by standing along the Parade route between 9th and 15th Streets. Scan QR code to learn more or visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.

57 Years After the Assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Time for Action

Still Working Toward the Promised Land

On the evening of Thursday, April 4, 1968, at 6:01 p.m. CST, James Earl Ray fired the fatal shot that killed the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

The bullet entered through King’s right cheek, breaking his jaw and several vertebrae as it traveled through his spinal cord, severing his jugular vein and significant arteries in the process before lodging in his right shoulder. He was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m.

Ray murdered a celebrated activist for civil rights and justice for all, but that’s not where King’s legacy ends. As the 57th anniversary of his death approaches, it’s best to remember his life and call for peace, justice and equity for all people.

Despite being an American hero, if King were alive and fighting for freedom today, he would be viewed as a man wrongly promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and his “wokeness” would be seen as a dire threat to the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda.

As he prepared to pull the trigger that took King’s life at 39 and changed the course of human history, did Ray

see a son, brother, husband, and father; a person who skipped the ninth and 12th grades and entered Morehouse College at 15; or someone who had traveled to India to visit the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and rededicate himself to nonviolence?

Did he see an activist who proclaimed his “dream” at the March on Washington in August 1963 and called for America to withdraw from Vietnam during the war?

When he saw King open his hotel door, was he viewing a man in Memphis solely to support a strike by Black sanitation workers for fair wages and working conditions, or a prophet who had received more than 400 honorary degrees and awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize?

Less than 24 hours before his death, King delivered his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” to an audience of 3,000 at the Masonic Temple. In those remarks, amid death threats and several attempts, he reflected on his life’s work, concluding with the words, “So, I’m happy tonight, I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

With King known as a great orator, as profound as those words were, they

were not the only memorable ones in his last speech.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr. King guided the audience through “a panoramic view of the whole of human history,” referencing: the assembly of Aristotle, Plato, and Sacrotes assembled at the Parthenon; the Great Depression and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s declaration to Americans that, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” As the sanitation’s workers were protesting in Memphis, he also mentioned the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the 1963 March on Washington, and rallies for freedom in Birmingham earlier that spring.

However, his most prophetic words came when he said: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”

While King foreshadows his own death, he also offers shares with audi-

EDITORIAL Page 35

Local Black Men Help with an Often Forgotten Rite of Passage: Learning to Tie a Necktie

As boys and girls leave behind childhood antics and advance toward adulthood, they must contend with society’s rites of passage.

In the past, little boys sported their first pair of long pants and put away their shorts as a sign of pending manhood, while others took on their first jobs delivering papers, shining shoes or tending to lawns. And while technology has quickened the pace for humanity, the art of tying a necktie or bowtie remains a cornerstone of professional attire— an essential in both formal and informal settings— and a centuries old rite of passage for boys.

Sure, “how to” lessons abound on YouTube for those eager to learn. But the best way to master the art of tying an intricate Windsor Knot remains the way it’s always been – under the

tutelage of a man who has proven that he knows what he’s doing.

That’s where a team of Black men from the Greater Washington Area recently stepped in on behalf of boys who attend Andrew Jackson Academy in District Heights, Maryland.

During an innovative “tie-ology” course, Andrew Jackson Academy Principal Warren Tweedy, Prince George’s County Sheriff John D.B. Carr and David Smith, vice president at 100 Fathers, Inc., alon with members of their respective staffs, helped an estimated 130 boys learn how to tie men’s neckwear. The 100 Fathers also donated ties for all the participating youth.

The men filled in for fathers who due to their own decisions or circumstances beyond their control, have

been or currently are missing in action and unable to help their sons in this male rite of passage.

The Rev. Franklyn Malone, president and CEO of 100 Fathers, Inc., said watching how eager the boys were to learn reminded him of the importance of providing ways for older and younger Black men to interact and learn together.

When Tweedy first took the helm at the middle school, many of the boys had already been identified as troublemakers, some even having been involved with local police and sheriff because of certain infractions. Tweedy changed all that with discipline, love, and incentives. And with the assistance of the County’s sheriff’s office, an officer has been assigned to the school to help maintain order.

TO THE EDITOR

Congratulations to the Washington Informer for 60 years in business serving the residents of the District and beyond! Wow! What a legacy and a history! I know Dr. Calvin Rolark is proud. Here’s to sixty more!

Yvette Ronan Washington, D.C.

However, it seems there’s a new attitude at Andrew Jackson Academy –one that was long overdue and sorely needed. Most important, through collaborative means of intervention and mentoring, Black boys whose futures were tentative at best have been redirected toward roads and decisions that will lead to more positive outcomes.

With city-wide efforts toward anti-violence prevention, athletic, artistic and academic initiatives to keep students off the streets, and rites of passage programs throughout the area, there are still simple efforts that can change a life— like a man teaching a boy how to properly tie a necktie.

It’s a lesson that engages in one-onone time, teaches valuable skills and shows care for individuals’ lives and futures.

“We wanted the boys to know that we care – something that actions confirm far more than just

I thoroughly appreciate the political updates out of Prince George’s County. I love how the paper, while based in Washington, knows our community extends far greater, and what happens in the suburbs of Washington, i.e., Maryland, impacts us all. Appreciate it!

Upper Marlboro, Md.

words,” Malone said.

Like Tweedy, Malone, Carr, Smith and the other participants in the “tie-ology” course, we all, no matter gender, race or socio-economic class, find ways to help young people. Even mentoring one person, taking them under your wing, exposing them to new opportunities, helping them with an application, or showing them how to tie a necktie can make a huge difference.

“As long as we can keep the doors of education open and reach our boys in their formative years, we can close the doors of incarceration,” Malone told The Informer. “We can show our boys that they have more options than they’ve seen or that society says are available for little Black boys.”

Indeed, we can all open the doors to the paths of positive possibilities for their lives and future, being changemakers for young people in communities in the DMV and nationwide. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Trump Loves the Poorly Educated

Education.

Julianne Malveaux

After he won the Nevada Republican caucuses in 2016, the current president crowed his victory. “We won with young. We won with old. We won with highly educated. We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated.” Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) reflected on this comment as he asked Republicans to join Democrats in preserving the Department of

Within weeks, the Trump administration has ousted dozens of career officials, undone decades of policy aimed at removing barriers for Black inclusion, and signaled a return to patronage rather than merit. The recent wave of federal firings and policy shifts under the Trump administration represents a dismantling of government policy and practice that has led the

Trust is a powerful word. It involves relying on someone to be honest and reliable. It becomes a belief in a person’s character and actions. Trust is crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships. Therefore, the so-called “blue wall of silence” can never be taken lightly, as it undermines the critical level of trust between law enforcement agents and the public they are sworn to

The 47th president loves the poorly educated because he knows how to manipulate them, and because the less you know, the more you can be persuaded by false rhetoric. The cuts in education, including cuts in educational services for the differently abled – both physically and intellectual, will likely have a long-term deleterious effect on the condition of education in our country.

The president’s reason for cutting the Department of Education is poor

test scores, but the first phase of cuts, separating at least 1,300 workers from their jobs, will also likely reduce the amount of educational data that is available. So, we may not learn, from the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR), which academic areas we need to boost. We are not able to follow graduates over time to analyze career trends. Fewer employees collecting data may impact data accuracy.

Given this president’s anti-DEI stance, we may not measure achievement gaps appropriately. Many of my researcher colleagues are concerned

that this anti-detail-oriented president and his motley crew of incompetents prefer aggregate numbers to disaggregated ones. That means they may continue to report an overall unemployment rate, but fail to report changes in Black, Latino and Asian unemployment. Data collection costs money, and the president’s aim is to cut budgets. That includes more than $600 million in grants, many which go to benefit the “least and the left out.”

Further, many are concerned that the Office of Civil Rights has reduced effectiveness because of staff cuts. The

Office of Civil Rights lost at least 240 employees, including 180 staff attorneys. Regional offices have been closed, making it more difficult for people to file civil rights complaints. People aren’t taking this action lying down. The National Education Association (NEA), the NAACP and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) are all suing the Department of Education to prevent its closure. According to the NEA, “If the Education Department is broken apart,

Federal Workers Threatens Both Current and Future Black Generations

private sector in opportunities for African Americans. Much of the private sector still lags greatly behind the government — the largest employer in our economy — in including African Americans at all levels of their workforce. As leaders from different generations, we see this attack on the government workforce from two critical vantage points: its immediate threat to current federal workers, and its chilling effect on the next generation of public servants.

For decades, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ re-

search has shown that federal employment has been transformative for Black Americans. These positions offer significantly better benefits, anti-discrimination protections, and, traditionally, job security. Though wages in government positions are often less than in the private sector, the combination of job security and better benefits have proven to be a stronger path to wealth building than similar work in the private sector. As the Center for American Progress reports, Black workers in the private sector have only about 10 percent of the wealth

W. Marshall

of white workers, but Black workers in the public sector have almost half the wealth of white workers. The radical changes in government policy proposed by the new Department of Government Efficiency threaten the progress found in the public sector and threaten to erase the public sector as an opportunity for greater African American economic security.

Yet these numbers only scratch the surface of the personal impact these jobs have on real lives. As a college se-

nior preparing to graduate this spring, I’ve watched with growing alarm as my classmates reconsider their career paths. Many of us grew up watching our parents and grandparents build careers in federal service, whether it was in the U.S. Postal Service, where Black employees make up 27 percent of the workforce, or in other federal agencies. The U.S. government has historically led the way in providing workforce opportunities for Black Americans. The military and the government

protect. This unofficial and unwritten rule encourages police officers not to report on a colleague’s errors, misconduct or illegal activity.

While certain officers have proven trustworthy and refused to be a brick in that blue wall, the wall of silence can tarnish the reputation of an entire department where good officers are guilty by association in the eyes of a frustrated and fearful community. This feeling of mistrust has no boundaries. It applies to law enforcement officers regardless of race. It applies to members of local and state police departments. The desire for

law enforcement officials to continue to protect each other from misconduct hinders accountability. As a result, we live in a never-ending pattern of cruelty that transcends generations. Police brutality and corruption targeting communities of color will always be a timeless stain on American history.

In a matter of hours after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the new administration revoked a Biden-era policy that prohibited arrests at places deemed to be “sensitive locations.”

The previous policy, signed by former Homeland Security Secretary Alejan-

dro Mayorkas, instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refrain from apprehending unauthorized immigrants at or near locations “that would restrain people’s access to essential services or engagement in essential activities.”

Those sensitive locations included schools, courthouses, places of worship, hospitals, health care facilities, shelters and relief centers. By revoking a policy intended to prevent intimidation, the reversal of these protections has left immigrant communities vulnerable to en-

forcement actions in spaces where they should generally feel safe. This shift has already created an environment of fear and uncertainty, discouraging individuals from seeking medical care, pursuing education, accessing legal resources or engaging with law enforcement.

In a statement defending the termination of the Biden administration rule, the Department of Homeland Security said the Trump administration “will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them

David

Tyler Mitchell and Dedrick Asante-Muhammad Trump’s War on

MALVEAUX

Guest Columnists

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Why We’re Not Equal — A Painful American Truth Black Communities Still Endure

incarceration, and the calculated destruction of over 60 thriving Black towns. The pain is historical, but the oppression is ongoing.

Black Americans have survived what no other group in the United States has had to endure — a targeted, generational campaign of systemic injustice that spans slavery to the present day.

The historic African American experience includes Black Codes, convict leasing, Jim Crow, redlining, sundown towns, COINTELPRO, mass

A striking image circulating on social media drives home this point. It lists horrors that Black communities have endured: the assassination of Black leaders, CIA-linked crack cocaine flooding neighborhoods, police lynchings, denial of GI Bill benefits, FHA loan exclusion, media demonization, and the theft of land from Black farmers. The post ends with a haunting question: “And you still ask

why we’re not ‘equal’?”

Despite this irrefutable record of injustice, the Trump administration and its allies have not only refused to reckon with the truth — they’ve launched a full-fledged assault on any progress toward justice.

Once considered essential to workplace fairness and civic equity, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has now been made into a political target. In Trump’s rhetoric and in his policies, DEI is no longer a path forward but a so-called threat to traditional America. The term has been villain-

Revisiting an American Prayer

Now that Women’s History Month has concluded, there’s been one more broad attack on methods of sharing our nation’s history: On March 27, President Donald Trump issued a new executive order affecting the 21 museums and 14 education and research centers that are part of the Smithsonian Institution, including: the American Women’s History

Dorothy Gibbs chanted “save our parks” from her wheelchair while holding a sign that read “97 years old, still fighting for public lands!”

She was among an estimated 900 protesters who turned out at Rocky Mountain National Park on March 1 to protest the Trump administration’s mass firings of National Park Service staff last month, conducted through

Museum, which is still years away from breaking ground on its official site; the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and the National Zoo. According to the order, the Smithsonian Institution is “under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology,” which falls under a larger “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. Under this historical revision, our Nation’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty,

individual rights, and human happiness is reconstructed as inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise “irredeemably flawed.”

The order says, “Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn — not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history,” and assigns Vice President JD Vance to work with Congress to deny funding for exhibitions or programs that “degrade shared American values” and “divide Americans based on race.” Another

ized to the point where, for many on the right, it’s become the new curse word.

In addition, for many Trump supporters and members of the GOP, the word “woke” has taken on the weight of the N-word — weaponized to silence and shame those who demand equality.

Trump has repeatedly mocked the idea of anti-racism, attacking education and corporate programs that seek to rectify centuries of bias. Under his influence, state governments have banned discussions of race,

critical race theory, and Black history from classrooms. And that war on memory has now moved from the classroom to the cemetery.

In one of the most chilling moves to date, the Trump administration has purged Black military legends from the Department of Defense website and Arlington National Cemetery tributes. These weren’t just names. They were patriots who served a country that too often failed to serve them. Their erasure is not co-

piece of the order seeks to “determine whether, since January 1, 2020, public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties within the Department of the Interior’s jurisdiction have been removed or changed to perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, or include any other improper partisan ideology” and “take action to reinstate” them, allowing tributes to white supremacist Confederate generals and others that were removed in the last

five years to be brought back to former positions of glory.

Five years ago on the same date, March 27, our nation lost the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement,” the Rev. Joseph Lowery. When Joe was about 11 years old in 1930s Alabama, a policeman hit him in the stomach with a bully stick for being in a white man’s way. He responded by trying to run home to get his father’s gun. His father stopped him from retaliating that day, but Joe made it his

the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk. Those 900 were among thousands of Americans who joined protests across the country that day at hundreds of national parks and monuments.

Gibbs, perhaps the oldest protester out that day, said for her, “it’s personal.” She has volunteered with the National Park Service for 22 years and says her grandfather, Charles F. Scott, built Rocky Mountain National Park’s oldest remaining cabin. And she — like millions of others across the coun-

try — is concerned about the public’s ability to access our national parks.

That access is every American’s birthright. These sanctuaries offer more than breathtaking landscapes; they provide a refuge for the soul, a place where individuals from all walks of life can find solace, inspiration and a connection to something greater than themselves in nature.

However, the recent mass firings within the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service have cast a shadow over these treasured lands. One of the opening salvos of the DOGE-led

assault on our public lands was to terminate approximately 1,000 NPS employees and 3,400 Forest Service workers. This decision threatens not only the livelihoods of dedicated public servants but also the very essence of our national parks.

The importance of our national parks cannot be overstated. They serve as living classrooms, offering educational programs that enlighten visitors about ecology, history and conservation. They are economic engines, attracting millions of tourists annually and supporting local communities

— not to mention providing a vital revenue source for the government. Most important, they are democratic spaces where every American, regardless of background, can experience the healing power of nature.

In fact, diversity in our national parks is a tradition as old as the parks themselves. It was the famed African American Buffalo Soldiers who served as the first rangers for America’s early national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia.

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

Stacy M. Brown

Preserving Our Natural Wonders Is a Patriotic Cause Worth Fighting For

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Tait Manning WI Intern

April is here and so is the height of cherry blossom season in D.C., with plenty of festivities to mark the occasion.

From a day-long celebration of cherry blossom-themed events, to a “Jazz and Blossoms” jam, check out a handful of the many events happening to keep your spirit – and social life – lit.

To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar to stay up-to-date on DMV happenings year round.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3

Time Capsule 2040: A Link To The Future

6:30 p.m. | Free TreeHouse, 4722 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20011

Time Capsule 2040: A Link to the Future is an invitation to journey through time, offering attendees the opportunity to leave their mark on hip-hop’s evolving legacy. Through the creation of a time capsule, participants can send a message directly to the hip-hop community of 2040, bridging generations through storytelling,

sound and collective memory.

Immersive and interactive experiences will guide attendees through hip-hop’s past, present and future— honoring its roots, amplifying its current voices and envisioning what lies ahead.

This event is both an archive and a prophecy.

THE PEOPLE’S PARTY: A NIGHT

OF LIVE MUSIC, ARTS & ACTIVISM

7 p.m. - 11 p.m. | $15.00+

Songbyrd, 540 Penn Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

Featuring Lena Traynham, Riz Tha Great, and Amin tMK, “The People’s Party” is a night to bring together local artists and activists.

It will connect artists of all mediums, ranging from music, poetry, painting and photography directly to activists and organizations who need their help.

Further, 20% of ticket sales will be donated to families in Gaza, Sudan and The Congo.

Join Songbyrd to party and platform local activists and community organizers by providing a stage to spread awareness for important local

5Petalpalooza hosts a full day celebration of spring along the banks of the Anacostia River on April 5, highlighting live music, interactive art installations, family-friendly hands-on activities, and more. (Courtesy Photo/National Cherry Blossom Festival)

and global causes.

There will be performances with guest speakers woven in between sets, as well as a live artist and local vendors to check out and support.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4

Cecily: Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | $15.00+

Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road Hyattsville, MD 20784

Head to Prince George’s Publick Playhouse for a live tribute to Gil Scott-Heron, the renowned American jazz poet, singer and musician celebrated for his impactful spoken-word performances during the 1970s and 1980s.

This event features D.C.-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, who is praised for her agile soprano and honest lyrics.

Her sound, characterized by a soothing richness, draws inspiration from mid-century soul, jazz, 1990s R&B and reimagined folk music.

Her debut album “Songs of Love and Freedom” earned her a 2019 Wammie Award for Best Soul Album. This tribute promises to honor Scott-Heron’s influential music, which significantly shaped the hiphop and neo-soul genres.

This performance will feature an alllive band with performances by Cecily, Wes Felton, Kim Jordan, Ka’Ba SoulSinger and Saleem Waters.

Make Tacos with Chef Adrian at Aslin Beer

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $55.00

Aslin Beer Co, 1740 14th StreetNW, Washington, D.C., 20009

Coastal flavors are just a bite away in this exciting hands-on cooking class

activities!

This day-long, all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, roaming entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River.

The evening is capped by the dazzling choreographed Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music, starting at 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

Grounded in Nature: A Hiking Journey to Deeper Connections

9 a.m. - Noon | $15.00

Peirce Mill, 2401 Tilden Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20008

from Chef Adrian, who will guide participants in a kitchen session where sweet seafood and tangy citrus lead the menu.

Attendees will begin by creating their own homemade tortillas from scratch using fresh ingredients and a hearty helping of traditional magic. Then, they will transform shrimp into a sizzling taco filling sensation with a tantalizing lime-mojito tingle, topped with black bean and mango salad for a taste of the tropics attendees can enjoy without leaving home.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

KIKI Comedy: Spring Fling

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $15.00+ 915 U St NW, 915 U Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Get ready to laugh your floral prints off at “Kiki Comedy: Spring Fling - A Totally Blossomed Night of Laughs.” Hosted by the fabulous Bombshell, this Spring Fling-themed night is serving up cocktails, comedy and bloom-worthy fun.

Kiki is bringing an all-star lineup of comedians to keep attendees gagging all night: Elizabeth Brooks Houston, Anthony Oakes, Kenny Rooter, Rakafella, and Howl Cooper!

Attendees should dust off their pastels, grab a drink and get ready for a night that’ll have them cackling like it’s prom season.

Fling into spring the funniest way possible - only at Kiki!

Petalpalooza

9 a.m. | Free Busboys and Poets- Anacostia, 2004

Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE, Washington, D.C., 20020

Celebrate spring at Petalpalooza, a full day of live music and engaging

Join Adose Wellness for a rejuvenating experience at Grounded in Nature: A Hiking Journey to Deeper Connections.

This unique gathering invites attendees to embrace the outdoors while deepening their connection with nature and plants. Through gentle hiking and thoughtful guidance, attendees will embark on a journey of reflection, creativity and inner growth. Experience a peaceful, incremental silent hike along scenic trails, allowing the beauty of nature to guide an inward journey. The silence fosters an opportunity for deeper personal reflection and connection with the environment.

Discover how immersion in nature and connection with plants can work together to heighten one’s awareness, deepen one’s connection to the environment, and promote a sense of inner peace and well-being.

Jazz & Blossoms

Noon - 7:30 p.m. | Free Franklin Square Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

Don’t miss the ultimate spring celebration at the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Jazz & Blossoms Park Jam!

This family-friendly event will immerse attendees in the fusion of hiphop and jazz, with music headliners Arrested Development, Masta Ace with band Sound of the City, Kokayi, Black Folks Don’t Swim? and Ra Brown.

DJ Stylus the Vibe Conductor will be on the turntables and your hosts are the legendary POEM-CEES.

Explore the art zones and activities for all-ages including live art installations, lawn games, and more.

WI

5 Prince George’s Publick Playhouse will host a live tribute to Gil Scott-Heron on Friday, April 4, featuring D.C.-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily (pictured), who is praised for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. (Courtesy Photo)

UPLIFTING WOMEN VOICES IN

Washington Women in Jazz Festival Provides Platform, Offers Community

By Tait Manning WI Reporting Intern

Closing out Women’s History Month, the 15th annual Washington Women in Jazz Festival (WWJF) was held March 29-30, celebrating women and non-binary artists in The District’s jazz community.

Held at the historic Pen Arts Mansion in Northwest, D.C., the festival included history lectures, workshops, live performances, an emerging artist showcase and a closing improvisation jam session open to all attendees.

WWJF was created in 2011 by pianist, vocalist and composer Amy K. Bormet. Feeling isolated after years of navigating male-dominated jazz spaces, Bormet sought a network of other jazzwomen.

“A lot of performance opportunities have been shifted away from women

musicians historically, and there’s also an overwriting erasure and lack of visibility of women musicians,” said Bormet. “Having a space that is not focused on cis men is super important. The ability for women and others to take full creative control is something that hasn’t historically been possible.”

As of 2021, women made up about 27% of jazz musicians, an increase from 9% in 2012, according to Jazz Empowers.

Flutist and vocalist Alex Hamburger, one of this year’s artists in residence, first got involved with WWJF during her freshman year in college as part of its 2014 emerging artists showcase. As one of the few women in her school’s jazz program, Hamburger found a home in WWJF.

“It’s important for us to see each other–both figuratively and literally–represented on these stages,” she said.

“It’s important for us to get chances to talk about our experiences, relate and create this community together. It’s not about excluding, it’s about creating a space where it’s safe for us to be ourselves together and really learn and listen to each other.”

‘CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC’

The festival is community-focused, with heavy audience engagement.

“It’s not just performance, it’s also informing and teaching and mentoring and shedding light – not just the end result of performance, but how we get there,” said cellist and vocalist Shana Tucker. “Creating community through music is essential for women in the music industry, especially in jazz.”

Audience member Malachiah Blamon said that she was moved to tears by Tucker’s performance.

“Women are so versatile and dynamic that when you bring them all into one space, you’re not just hearing one sound, you’re hearing different voices,” she said. “It’s important to

show all facets of women, especially for women of color because we lack that representation.”

Bormet emphasized the need for community among women jazz musicians, especially with only one remaining full-time jazz club in the city.

“It’s more than just a festival. Being able to create this community and create these workshops and jam sessions and to make sure that people are hav-

ing a place to come together and meet is really crucial,” said Bormet. “We lost a lot of those spaces that I had when I was a teenager in D.C. The clubs that I went to, none of those exist anymore, other than Blue’s Alley. Being able to have an alternative space where we can really get together is important not just for the women but also for the community at large.”

WI

5Pianist and event founder Amy K. Bormet plays alongside vocalist Shana Tucker during the 15th annual Washington Women in Jazz Festival (WWJF) on March 30, held at the historic Pen Arts Mansion in Northwest, D.C. (Tait Manning/The Washington Informer)

DMV Fine Arts Honor Awards Coming to Historic Thurgood Marshall Center, April 5

Inaugural Event Represents Exciting Schedule of Programs Appropriate for Families, Young Adults

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer

The District, Maryland and Virginia greater Washington area— often called the DMV— has long been a region where Black excellence has become expected and revered in multiple professions.

On Saturday, April 5, audiences will celebrate the beauty and

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR MODIFICATION OF DCHA’S ADMISSIONS AND CONTINUED OCCUPANCY PLAN

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is providing notice of a Public Hearing and Comment Period to solicit comments on its proposed Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan(ACOP).

To download a copy of the proposed ACOP, please visit the DCHA website at https://www.dchousing.org/ plans-and-reports. To request a copy of the proposed ACOP, send an email to publiccomments@dchousing.org or call 771-240-4377.

The Virtual Public Hearing will take place online at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14.

To speak during the Virtual Public Hearing, register online at https://bit.ly/RegisterACOPPublicHearing.

To join the live event, at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14, please visit https://bit.ly/ACOPPublicHearing. This event will also be live streamed on the DCHA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dchousing/.

Comments

Written comments regarding the proposed ACOP will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 20. Email your comments to publiccomments@dchousing.org.

Alternatively, you can mail comments to:

District of Columbia Housing Authority

Office of the General Counsel

Attn: General Counsel

300 7th Street, SW - 10th Floor Washington, DC 20024

Requesting

a Reasonable Accommodation

DCHA strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. It is the policy of DCHA that all agency-sponsored public meetings and events are accessible to people with disabilities. DCHA is committed to providing equal access to events for all participants & residents with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or assistance in participating in a meeting or event due to a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact our ADA/504 Program Office at 202-535-1000 or at ADA504@dchousing.org with your complete request. Every reasonable effort will be made to meet your request.

If you need a sign language interpreter or foreign language interpretation or translation, please contact our Office of Customer Engagement at 202-535-1000 or go to www.dchousing.org/language. Please allow at least 3 business days to make the necessary arrangements.

breadth of the Washington metropolitan area’s African American community when Portraits of Excellence (PORT), in conjunction with Thurgood Marshall Center Trust (TMCT), Inc., present the DMV Fine Arts Honor Awards.

Honorees include Virginia Ali, co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl; Grammy-nominated gospel artist Anthony Brown; R&B artist and radio host Raheem DeVaughn; motivational life coaches Willie and Dee Jolley; Wanda Lockridge of the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation; Stan and Chereace Richards of the Richards Group; Lafayette Barnes and Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes; Joe Clair of FOX5 DMV Zone and 96.3 WHUR-FM; Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott of Experience Unlimited; community leader Barbara Jones; composer and performer Rickey Payton; and Glenn Singleton, president of Courageous Conversations.

While the awards concept was first conceived in 2023 by PORT, a fine arts leadership training organization, this is the first year for the red-carpet youth scholarship fundraising event.

“The PORT aims to nurture, celebrate, and empower youth and marginalized communities through fine arts education and creative wellness solutions,” PORT said in a statement. “Our vision invites youth to experience the immersive magic of art by celebrating untapped emerging talent, while providing alternatives to address depression, drugs, bullying and anger.”

During the program, hosted by Dr. Justine Love, students from DC Prep, KIPP DC, the Urban Hip Hop Choir and Duke Ellington School of the Arts, will provide entertainment.

The high schools they represent, as well as youth affiliated with the Lockridge Foundation, will be the beneficiaries of scholarships to support them as they pursue further training toward

college or even professional careers in the arts.

As the 12 leaders, teams or organizations from the DMV receive their awards, PORT will unveil the premier release of its 2025 calendar which highlights original portraits of the honorees by celebrity portrait artist Keith Tate.

Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, located on 1816 12th Street Northwest, is excited to host the awards recognizing community leaders.

“With this being the inaugural event, we couldn’t be prouder to serve as the host venue,” said Stacy Palmer, executive assistant and community outreach coordinator at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage. “But we’re equally excited about our lineup of events that we have planned now through June here at the TMCT.”

Palmer, speaking on behalf of TMCT’s president and CEO, Thomasina Yearwood, emphasized that while they–like others–were forced to shutter their doors and suspend all activities during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now back in full force, anxious to welcome the community for fun and fellowship.

“From a three-part lecture series on the Black Press, Women in Media, and our annual tribute to the Honorable Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall–each to take place now through June–to Black Folkways: A Celebration of Food, Storytelling and Resilience, held in partnership with Georgetown and Howard universities on April 3, we have a lineup this spring that we believe is the best we’ve ever offered,” Palmer said. “Come see for yourselves.” For more information about the DMV Fine Arts Honor Awards, visit portexcellence.org. For additional information about TMCT and its lineup of programs and events, visit tmcsh.org. WI

5Audiences will celebrate the beauty and breadth of the Washington metropolitan area’s African American community when Portraits of Excellence, in conjunction with Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, Inc., present the DMV Fine Arts Honor Awards on April 5. Honorees include Washington Informer Denise Rolark Barnes and her husband Lafayette Barnes. (WI File Photo)

Journalists Caught In Web of Sensationalism in the Film ‘Opus’

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A24 brings a spine-chilling cinematic experience to movie theaters nationwide with its latest release, “Opus” – a film following a young entertainment journalist looking to pen a breakthrough story on a reclusive pop star.

In this thrilling blend of artistry and horror, Emmy award-winning actress Ayo Edebiri plays Ariel Ecton, a budding writer who joins a controversial group on a desert resort in hopes of getting an exclusive on musical icon Alfred Moretti (portrayed by John Malkovich), who hasn’t released new music in more than 30 years.

Despite days of great wine and sumptuous meals, luxuries fail to divert attention from some peculiar incidents that start to take place.

“It’s a film about these people that we idolize and how, for a lot of people, that idolization has become their identity,” said “Opus” writer, director and former journalist Mark Anthony Green in an interview with Essence.

Ariel quickly grows suspicious of Moretti’s reclaim to fame, coupled with the surroundings of drunken reporters, synophant fans, and a mysterious staff. Not to mention, a few disappearances along the way.

Edebiri reportedly shared that, much

EDITORIAL from Page 29

ences in Memphis and people today a vision of a “promised land.” Like the people of enslaved Hebrews of Israel, who reached the Promised Land without Moses, King offers hope that one day Black people, and Americans overall, will reach a true moment of freedom and equity, even if he’s not alive to see it.

He died the next day.

In this modern era, in which President Donald Trump has eliminated federal DEI programming, threatened to revoke funding for teaching critical race theory, and mandated erasing parts of Black and Native American history in all Smithsonian institutions, it’s clear Americans have yet to reach King’s promised land.

Nonetheless, may we today embrace the social, economic, and political challenges, using his nonviolent philosophy of courage, conviction, and determination.

like her on-screen character, she is constantly taking notes.

“Through Mark Anthony and talking with some of my friends from school who went into journalism, I learned a few things,” said Edebiri, who also stars in “The Bear” on Hulu.

“Opus” is now playing in theaters with predictions to eventually stream on Max, thanks to A24’s theater-to-streaming deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, who owns and operates the streaming service. WI

@bcscomm

5Mark Anthony Green’s directorial debut “Opus” is now playing in theaters, a thrilling cinema about entertainment journalists in the mix of stardom. Featured in the movie is John Malkovich, who plays a legendary pop icon, and Emmy award-winning actress Ayo Edebiri, a young reporter hoping to get a scoop. (Courtesy Photo/A24 Films)

We must remember King’s advice throughout his ministry and on April 3, 1968, the day before his death, calling all people to speak out against hate and injustice.

“Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness, let us stand with a greater determination, and let us move on in these powerful days,” King said, “these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be.”

Trump’s efforts threaten to erase King’s work and progress, and are reminiscent of a time when America was not “great” but permitted hateful and racist policies and emphasized division.

Despite trials, we can, like the fallen civil rights martyr, fight against injustices through boycotting racist companies and systems, speak out for freedom and march for peace and justice.

Just as King said 57 years ago: “We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.”

LEADERSHIP HONOR AWARDS

WI

Portraits

LIFESTYLE

LEGACY BUSINESS PANEL HIGHLIGHTS HONOREES, FAMILY VALUES IN COMMUNITY BUILDING

Rolark Barnes said, beyond a night of fun, she hoped attendees would leave the gala reaffirmed in the number one institution in the community: family.

“It all starts with family,” Rolark Barnes told the room on March 28. “We are, as my daddy used to say, ‘all we got.’”

During a legacy panel hosted in the library’s auditorium, six individuals received recognition and a customized award for continuing decades of generational leadership throughout the DMV area.

Among the honorees were: Adam Levin, Stacie Lee Banks, Kamal Ali, Stefan Lockridge, Cheryl A. Lofton, and B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., who were also profiled, respectively, in the paper’s 60th special edition.

1958 on H Street NE.

As the seats of the auditorium filled with local supporters, like Levin, each owner hoisted the honor with pride, while sharing their truths on owning a legacy business.

Lofton revealed her inspiration to continue the family tailoring business through Cheryl A. Lofton & Associates, noting a vision to make “people walking billboards,” while Rolark Barnes and Ali of Ben’s Chili Bowl emphasized the importance of innovation and communication to sustain a family business.

INFORMER from Page 1

60th Anniversary Legacy Gala on March 28 celebrated six decades of the Black-owned news outlet and the unequivocal contributions of family businesses to the District’s history and vibrant culture.

With many guests inspired by the riddled theme “What’s black, white, and read (red) all over,” hundreds gathered at the historic Martin Luther King. Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest, D.C., for the Informer’s celebration, themed: “Legacy, Culture, Vision.” Through a panel, photo exhibit and award presentations, the event showcased years of community service and unwavering allegiance to uplifting the District.

While she had been considering how to celebrate 60 years for quite some time, Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes noted her inspiration for the publication’s anniversary affair: the importance of family values and legacy businesses.

“To me, people don’t always understand legacy and why it’s important for family institutions to survive. This is about who we are – storytellers,” said Rolark Barnes during a panel at the gala, hosted by NBC Washington’s Molette Green and featuring the event’s Legacy Award honorees. “I just

thought this was a moment to tell a story, to let others tell their story.”

In a culmination of two years of brainstorming and months of preparation, The Washington Informer’s 60th anniversary gala welcomed a cultural celebration of excellence, featuring fine dining, music, and a “Legacy, Culture, Vision” photo exhibit featuring highlights from the extensive Washington Informer archive.

While attendees— from community leaders and longtime readers, to current and former staff of The Informer— basked in the night of fun, the evening also honored six individuals and organizations whose generational leadership has paved paths for many visiting and living in the Washington metropolitan area.

In a speech post the panel, during the 60th celebration Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green said the event celebrated “businesses, organizations and individuals who have contributed to sustaining and strengthening the beauty and breadth of District culture.”

In a surprise, the event also honored Rolark Barnes, who has served as publisher since 1994, taking over the role after the death of her father Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, who founded The Washington In-

former on October 16, 1964.

Guests such as Ibrahim Mumin, a former colleague of Dr. Rolark, honored the momentous occasion with gratitude and reflections.

“I told Denise, she may have decided that she wanted to be a ballet dancer or something else, but she chose to support the family business, and those of us in Washington, we are the beneficiaries, we’re grateful,” said Mumin, who added he was “so excited” to see how the “classy” celebration honored the publication’s legacy.

Further, in a video message presented before the panel, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser congratulated The Informer, as well as the six honorees, for being “champions of D.C.”

“For six decades, The Informer has been telling stories of the real Washington, ensuring that Black voices and achievements are not only recognized but celebrated,” Bowser said, before she thanked Rolark Barnes and the entire Informer staff for an “unwavering commitment to the truth and storytelling.”

The mayor also lauded the publication’s profound role in empowering Washingtonians.

“Your work is invaluable, and our city is stronger because of it,” she said. “Here’s to many more years keeping D.C. educated and informed.”

“Coming to a room like this, the gravity of it and the importance of it, and the people I’ve shared the stage with, having those little moments like that really means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to my family,” said Levin, co-owner of Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center, founded in

Meanwhile, Levin and Mitchell, president of Industrial Bank, expressed gratitude for the community’s role in supporting their respective institutions through the tests of time. Violent uprisings after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., pushed the Levins to relocate the Washington Music Center to its current location in Wheaton, Maryland; while Industrial Bank has survived the storied evolutions of U Street for 90 years.

“I think that the perseverance that all of our businesses have had speaks to the importance of community in difficult times like today,” Levin said. “We look inside INFORMER Page 37

5Stefan Lockridge, Kamal Ali, Stacie Lee Banks, Molette Green (panel moderator), Micheline Bowman (emcee), B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., Cheryl A. Lofton, and Adam Levin during a panel part of The Washington Informer’s Legacy Gala on March 28 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest, D.C. (Kea Dupree/Washington Informer Gala Photographer)

5Washington Informer Social Media Manager Anthony Tilghman, Desmond Barnes, legacy award recipient Stefan Lockridge, WI Bridge Publisher Lafayette Barnes, and Washington Informer Senior Writer Sam P.K. Collins on the rooftop of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library during The Informer’s 60th Anniversary Gala on March 28. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

INFORMER from Page 36

of our communities, and that’s where we’ll find strength.”

Notably, the audience was pleased to learn of the interconnectedness of these varied institutions and how it speaks to their broader imprint.

Just before noting that she met her husband at Industrial Bank, Banks, who now owns the 80-year-old Lee’s Flower and Card Shop, Inc. on U Street, shared her personal connections to some of the other honorees on the stage.

“When I was at D.C. Youth Orchestra, we used to rent our instruments from [Chuck Levin’s] Washington Music Center, and of course we eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl; get our garments mended at Cheryl Lofton Tailoring, and we’ve been banking with Industrial Bank for the whole 80 years,” Banks said.

Lockridge, a teacher who currently teaches at KIPP DC and is the son and nephew of former District school board members William O. Lockridge and Calvin Lockridge, said he was grateful for the experience to listen to the longtime entrepreneurs.

The legacy educator shared his gratitude for the news publication of 60 years, which he called his “extended family,” as he highlighted The Informer’s continued commitment to report Black news with positivity and inclusivity.

“I’m just super excited to actually be an honoree for this evening,” Lockridge told The Informer, “and I thank them for everything they’ve done in the community.”

As a Washingtonian of 20 years, and customer of many of these businesses, Giselle Hunt told The Informer that the panel left her “galvanized” and “inspired.”

“Watching that panel and hearing the stories of all of the legacy business owners…was really beautiful,” Hunt said. “It just feels like the spirit of D.C. It feels like everything that The Washington Informer really stands for, and so I was glad to be in the room.”

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER: 60 YEARS OF BEING A VOICE FOR BLACK WASHINGTONIANS

Beyond honoring the genera-

tional leadership of others, Mumin said the gala showcased the treasured legacy of its founder, as well as that of the Black Press.

He applauded Rolark Barnes for not only continuing, but building upon her father’s legacy of spreading “positivity,” such as with The Informer’s weekly live talk show, “Let’s Talk.”

“Especially given what happened last November (with the election of President Donald Trump), and what we’re going through now, it’s important to have papers like The Informer and [Let’s Talk WINTV] that tells the positive story, and helps us to remember we’ve seen this movie before in terms of the rise of white supremacy,” Mumin told The Informer.

Meanwhile, the event’s mistress of ceremonies Micheline Bowman spoke highly of the value of investing in the Black Press. She counted The Informer as a “prime example” of the importance of continuing legacies that uplift the fearlessness of African Americans, especially in a time where Black culture is being threatened.

“Unfortunately, if somebody who doesn’t look like me tells our narrative…they can never understand what it feels like to be a Black person,” said Bowman, CEO of Bowman Media Group, LLC. “It’s important that we have Black people telling Black stories – the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Rolark Barnes told guests during the panel that The Washington Informer strives to execute that very vision: being the bearer of Black history in Washington, D.C., despite the reality that the publication can only do so much.

As the newspaper celebrates 60 years of changemaking, the Informer publisher remains rooted in a mission to champion Black stories for decades to come, ensuring that the legacy of local community leaders and trailblazers will forever exist in The Washington Informer.

“We know that 100 years from now, when people want to look back at Washington to know what were people doing, we know one of the first places they’re going to come to is The Washington Informer,” said Rolark Barnes. “We want to be able to say what each and every one of you have done to contribute to this community.” WI

COUNCIL REPORT from Page 1

will finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and accompanying Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act.

However, the council had more than enough business to handle during its April 1 legislative meeting. This edition of The Collins Council Report explores council deliberations that centered on: transparency, D.C. Public Charter School Board leadership, and emergency rental assistance. We also explore the re-election bid of former Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, who was expelled from the council nearly two months ago.

AN EXPELLED TRAYON WHITE LAUNCHES

RE-ELECTION BID

As supporters, and even some detractors, speculated, former Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White threw his hat into the ring for the very seat that he lost after catching a federal bribery charge.

On March 30, on the celebration of Eid-al-Fitr, former Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember White announced his re-election bid in an Instagram post.

A subsequent post, on March 31, showed White picking up petitions from the D.C. Board of Elections. He now joins at least 18 other candidates -- including Sheila Bunn, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, and more recently, his confidant Jauhar Abraham -- vying for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat.

If White wins the special election -scheduled for July 15 -- he will, once again, become an elected official. However, he still has hanging over his head an early 2026 trial and possible 15-year prison sentence.

White also has a contingent of Ward 8 residents who are skeptical, and even angry, about his leap back into politics. Some people, including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Robbie Woodland, have gone as far as mentioning, on Facebook, Congressional Republicans’ allusion to White’s bribery charge in their attempt to revoke District home rule.

However, White said he remains focused on the more positive aspects of this electoral battle.

“I have some detractors, but the love and support has been overwhelming,” White told The Informer in an Instagram direct message. “I’m so humbled and appreciative. On July 15, the peo-

LIFESTYLE

ple will decide who will lead Ward 8.”

White ended his statement by focusing on the rapport he’s established over the years.

“People know my work and my heart, and I’m hopeful that will be reflected on the ballot,” he said.

On April 1, Just as the council was wrapping up its legislative meeting, White and members of his campaign team posted up in front of Giant on Alabama Avenue in Southeast with petitions in hand.

Regina Pixley, a Ward 8 community member and civic leader who has been standing in solidarity with White since his August 19, 2024 arrest, counted among those who collected signatures on behalf of the former council member.

For her, Ward 8’s future depends on White’s return to the Wilson Building.

“We’ve been in a state of emergency,” Pixley said. “This is a very inopportune time for the city council to expel our council members. It’s budget season. We’re already suffering. We’re already the least of and the less of.”

THE CONTROVERSY AROUND OPEN MEETINGS

As the second Trump administration bullies the White House press corps and pushes constitutional boundaries, the D.C. Council has perturbed local journalists and open government advocates with its approval of emergency legislation exempting the legislative body from the Open Meetings Act under certain circumstances.

On April 1, the emergency legislation, titled the Open Meetings Clari-

fication Emergency Act, passed with only D.C. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) voting in opposition. With the meaning of “open meeting” adjusted, the council, when not taking any official action, doesn’t have to provide the public advanced notice about private meetings involving a quorum of council members.

While D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) successfully shepherded an amendment editing the legislation’s language, Allen failed to convince his council colleagues to narrow the scope of the emergency bill.

Though there were hints of support on the morning of April 1, the council ultimately struck down Allen’s amendment by a 4-to-8 vote, with only D.C. Councilmembers Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), and Christina Henderson (I-At large) backing Allen.

Had Allen’s amendment passed, the council would only be able to conduct private meetings when speaking about federal government affairs and economic development negotiations. Though he acknowledged the need for the emergency legislation, Allen warned against going too far in jeopardizing the public trust.

“What’s being presented is actually to essentially exempt the council from all of these [Open Meetings Act] requirements,” Allen told The Informer before the council’s legislative meeting. “So I think the bill goes too far, which is why my amendment narrows it down to the very legitimate things where we need to be able to get the people’s work

COUNCIL REPORT Page 38

5D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and the D.C. Council is taking heat after he shepherded an amendment editing the language Open Meetings Clarification Emergency Act. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

violence during the 1990s and 2000s. Parker’s efforts, and that of other anti-violence juggernauts of his time, have set the stage for a situation where violence interruption is almost exclusively in the hands of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)’s Cure the Streets.

With the D.C. Council to soon consider a bill that gives the mayor even more purview over violence interruption by absorbing Cure the Streets into ONSE, Parker counts among those calling for less— not more— government control in anti-violence affairs.

“Man, there’s too much politics in it,” Parker told The Informer. “D.C. Councilmember [Brooke] Pinto is trying to assign [violence interruption] to ONSE but it should be an independent agency that would be able to function… It doesn’t have to be subject to the mayor or anyone else. You just run the program.”

During the latter part of March, as Pinto announced her introduction of the Peace D.C. package that, among other things, facilitates Cure the Streets’ absorption into ONSE, Parker, a returning citizen and violence interruption veteran, was planning promotional events across the D.C. metropolitan area for his new autobiography: “The Man, the Message and the Mission that Helped to Save the Nation’s Capital.”

With book talks at The Episcopal Church of the Atonement on East Capitol Street and Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast under his belt, Parker is scheduled to appear at Ben’s Chili Bowl in Northwest in April. As the clock winds down to this highly anticipated event, Parker continues to make the case for a boots-onthe-ground violence reduction strategy, like what he’s currently executing.

“It’s all about outreach,” Parker said. “You got to be willing to go into these places to talk to people that need to be talked to and bring them out.”

At the height of ACM’s existence, Parker worked with young crew leaders to settle beef that had the Benning Terrace community under siege in the 1990s. Decades later, in the post-pandemic era, Parker collaborates with Nation of Islam’s Mosque No.4 in Southeast and C.R.E.W.S. to host a safe passage program that operates near John Philip Sousa Middle School before and after-school hours.

That project, Parker said, immersed him deeply in the community, giving him enough rapport to negotiate

a truce between two neighborhood groups warring near Sousa Middle School and Kimball Elementary School, both in Southeast. Similar results, he told The Informer, could unfold in other parts of the District once the D.C. government places more trust in the activists with a proven record of grassroots violence interruption.

“If you’re going to have that natural resource that’s in these communities, they will bring to the table the real challenges that can be,” Parker said. “But government programs don’t work like that. They rely on somebody to tell them what’s going on. We’re functioning as an independent agency with its own autonomy, own budget, that’s not attached to the ONSE office.”

IN PEACE D.C. BILL, PINTO FOCUSES ON VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION AND RETURNING CITIZENS

Last fall, Pinto, chair of the council’s Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, conducted oversight hearings for ONSE, an entity named, along with the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services, in a federal bribery indictment against former Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D).

By that time, the Office of the D.C. Auditor had published a report proposing a merger between OAG’s Cure the Streets with ONSE, which D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) attempted to take on via the Safe Neighborhoods Amendment Act. Months later, Pinto calls the merging of the two violence interruption programs under ONSE the best means of helping returning citizens who are placed in a unique position to serve their community.

done, but not shut the door on the public and the press in the process.”

The Open Meetings Act, approved in 2010, places the D.C. Council among one of the nation’s more transparent governments. It requires that any public body, including the council, provides 48-hour notice or two business days, whichever is greater, for meetings where a quorum of members are discussing public business.

on legislators to be able to talk to each other because of these constraints.”

On the dais, D.C. Councilmembers Robert White (D-At large) and Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) recounted instances when they couldn’t plan visits outside of the John A. Wilson Building -- such as tours to public housing communities or meeting with agencies -- without fear of violating the Open Meetings Act.

This undertaking, she said, would be facilitated by an advisory committee over three years.

“It makes much more sense to have [violence interruption] based out of a mayoral agency and in one place so that we can have more wraparound support offered to people,” Pinto told The Informer. “We would have consistent training for individuals both on how to do this work, but also cognitive behavioral therapy… and also how to do some of the more business related functions like writing a grant proposal or responding to reporting requirements about what you use the dollars for.”

As it relates to returning citizens, a group that often takes on violence interruption work, Pinto’s Peace D.C. plan builds upon her Secure D.C. omnibus bill. The plan seeks to lead returning citizens to stable housing, along with public and private sector employment. Another provision would allow D.C. residents in the Federal Bureau of Prisons to serve the final six months of their sentence at D.C. Department of Corrections.

At a time when the District faces budget constraints created, in part, by the loss of tax revenue from the hemorrhaging of the federal government, Pinto, echoing a point often repeated by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), said it’s important now, more than ever, to invest in public safety, economic resiliency, and education.

“Peace D.C. falls really in all those categories,” Pinto said. “Violence interruption is an important part of our public safety ecosystem, and that includes paying the people who do this often-dangerous work appropriately and making sure that we are recognizing some of the challenges in addition to pay, like housing and [lack of] avenues to other forms of employment.”

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Per the Rules of Organization and Procedure for the Council of the District of Columbia, Council Period 26, Resolution of 2025, a quorum equals the majority of council (seven members) and council committees (three members). The notice for a public meeting must include time, date, location and agenda.

Meetings covered in the policy include: hearings, roundtables, and regular, special, and emergency meetings. One can also include the council breakfast among the meetings covered.

The mayor’s cabinet, D.C. Courts, and advisory neighborhood commissions are exempt.

In ecent days, open government advocates spoke in opposition to the Open Meetings Clarification Emergency Act. Mendelson also had to answer to the press; during his March 31 press briefing, The Informer, along with other local media organizations, vehemently questioned the chairman’s rationale in moving the broad measure without public input.

Mendelson, in response to reporters, noted that a permanent version of this bill is currently making its way through the legislative process. During the April 1 legislative meeting, he expressed plans to move on the permanent legislation during the later of April or sometime in May -- despite the uncertainty around the council’s budget approval timeline.

In defending the emergency bill, Mendelson told reporters that, as long as the District is at the mercy of Congress and the Trump administration, the council needs more latitude to discuss political strategies with the mayor, Office of the Attorney General, and other parties.

Mendelson also brought up instances when a quorum of council members couldn’t conduct business outside of council chambers.

“Our ability to hold a retreat where members can informally discuss their personal views affecting policy is arguably prohibited, and we no longer have monthly mayor council breakfasts because neither side wants to publicly air disagreements,” Mendelson told reporters. “It is really hard

Frumin, though empathetic to their experiences, looked to the near future, while making his position on the matter clear.

“I do hope that through the hearing process we can have a very thoughtful conversation about where this should ultimately land,” Frumin said. “We are putting our weight on a very broad approach. And maybe that’s right, but I don’t want to suggest that by voting for this bill I necessarily will vote for it in the same form as the permanent legislation.”

THE COUNCIL DELIBERATES ON EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE

On its first reading, the D.C. Council approved the Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Amendment Act of 2025 -- but not without questions about whether the legislation would make the rental housing market collapse more imminent, or if it even addresses the root cause of housing insecurity.

The legislation, as originally intended, builds upon an emergency bill the council passed last fall to narrow eligibility for emergency rental assistance. It keeps that provision intact while permitting courts to enter a stay of eviction upon a tenant’s submission of an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application.

D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3), chair of the council’s Committee on Human Services, sparked discussion -- and mayoral opposition -- with a committee print that: incentivizes landlord participation in the emergency rental assistance application process via a court order in the early stages of eviction proceedings; allows first-time ERAP applicants to delay eviction; and mandates Department of Human Services’ circulation of information to service providers that clarifies the qualifications of a rental emergency.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5Tyrone Parker discussing his new book “The Man, the Message and the Mission that Helped to Save the Nation’s Capital” with Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Feb. 28. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Blink! Blink! Blink!

Camels have lovely, long lashes to help keep sand out of their eyes. But that’s not all. Camels have another interesting eye feature that helps keep the sand out of their eyes. Circle every other letter to find out what it is.

Fast or Slow?

What’s in the Hump?

Camels usually take their time walking in the hot desert. How fast can a camel run?

Add up the numbers on the correct path through this maze to discover the answer.

Togetherness

Camels are social animals that like to be in groups called herds. Can you find each camel’s exact twin?

Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.

A camel’s hump is not filled with water. Hold this page up to a mirror to see what’s inside a camel’s hump.

One Hump, Two Humps

Do the math. The camel with an even-numbered answer is a BACTRIAN camel. The one with an odd-numbered answer is a DROMEDARY.

Designed for the Desert

Oops! The hot desert sun melted some of the words in this paragraph. Can you replace them?

Camels have _________, tough feet that help them _______ on hot, sandy deserts. These wide feet keep them from sinking in the _______ and, surprisingly, make them excellent swimmers!

When it’s windy in the desert, camels can pinch their nostrils _________ to keep out sand and dust.

Reading: Use context clues to determine vocabulary

Desert

Description

Look through today’s newspaper to find 10 adjectives that describe a desert.

Standards Link: Language Arts: Identify adjectives.

Desert Deal

Look at the advertisements in today’s newspaper. Write an ad describing all the great features of camels. Draw a cool picture of a camel for your ad, too.

Fact and Opinion

Describe a camel with three facts and one opinion. Label each one.

Standards

using supporting details.

© 2025 by Vicki Whiting,

review wi book

“The

Trouble of Color: An American Family Memoir”

By Martha S. Jones

c.2025, Basic Books

$30

309 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Who do you think you are?

That’s a question that can be taken a multiple of ways. It’s in-your-face, aggressive, angry. Or it’s inquisitive and open, asking for introspection. Where did your family come from, and who do you think you are? Or, as in these books, is that question to be answered?

For author Martha S. Jones, issues of identity were already understood: she’d grown up knowing that there were Black ancestors in her lineage, full-stop. She never thought it was anything but obvious — until a college classmate questioned Jones’ heritage.

In her book, “The Trouble of Color” (Basic Books, $30), Jones writes of untangling her truth. Color obviously mattered differently to Jones’ three-timesgreat-grandmother than it did for her parents. Color didn’t draw a smooth line through history, it didn’t stay in one place or even in one century. The story of living as someone of color weaved all along Jones’ family tree, often revealing nuggets of pride, strength and surprise.

There’s a journey inside this book that begs readers to go along — and you’ll be glad you did. It takes you from city to country to find Jones’ ancestors, and it’s both comfortingly familiar and quite astounding. If you’ve ever delved into your own heritage, had your DNA tested, or looked into your ancestry and discovered unexpected things, this is a book to read.

If you’ve done those things, then you know the delight you feel when you found someone who was lost — and you’ll understand the heavy sadness and urgency inside the stories in “Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families” by Judith Giesberg (Simon & Schuster, $29.99).

One of the most heinous practices of slave owners in America was the separating of families. Children could be, and were, sold away from their parents. Siblings were divided. Husbands and wives were sold apart, with no idea if or when they might see one another again. After Emancipation, it was common to see advertisements in newspapers, classified ads, editorials and posters in search of missing loved ones and separated relatives.

In this heart-wrenching, sometimes happy, always powerful book, Geisberg profiles a tiny handful of those stories. Once he found them, for instance, Tally Miller changed his surname so that no one could ever take his family away from him again. Hagar Outlaw struggled to find as many of her nine children as she could once she was freed. Time never stopped husbands from looking for their wives (or the other way around), or siblings from finding each other.

This book explodes the imagination, and it’ll make you glad for the research methods we have at our disposal today. Readers who’ve hit a dead end on their own genealogical searches will want to read this important slice of devastating American history.

Of course, these books will make you want more, and you’ll get it by heading for your favorite bookstore or library. There, you’ll find what you need, and who maybe you think you are. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

APRIL 3 - 9, 2025

ARIES Dynamic energy propels you forward as Mars emboldens your personal sector, bringing opportunities for decisive action and bold new beginnings. Career advancements materialize through courageous initiatives that showcase your leadership capabilities. Financial prospects improve midweek when you follow through on calculated risks that align with your authentic vision. Lucky Numbers: 7, 19, 31

TAURUS Abundant manifestation unfolds as Venus enhances your resource sector, bringing material improvements through patient cultivation of valuable opportunities. Professional recognition comes from demonstrating unwavering reliability during challenging transitions. Creative inspiration deepens midweek when connecting with sensory experiences that ground your practical imagination. Relationship harmony develops through shared appreciation of life’s simple pleasures and tangible comforts. Lucky Numbers: 4, 16, 28

GEMINI Mental agility accelerates as Mercury activates your communication sector, bringing brilliant solutions to complex problems requiring versatile thinking. Networking opportunities multiply, particularly involving collaborations that stimulate your intellectual curiosity. Learning breakthroughs occur midweek through exposure to information that challenges established thought patterns. Lucky Numbers: 3, 15, 33

CANCER Emotional wisdom guides important decisions as the Moon illuminates your intuitive sector, bringing clarity to situations requiring subtle discernment. Family connections strengthen through nurturing gestures that acknowledge unexpressed needs. Financial security improves midweek through careful resource management that honors your need for emotional safety. Lucky Numbers: 2, 18, 40

LEO Magnetic presence attracts favorable attention as the Sun empowers your expression, bringing recognition from those who appreciate your generous spirit. Leadership opportunities emerge through situations showcasing your ability to inspire collective enthusiasm. Creative projects gain momentum midweek when you allow authentic self-expression without self-criticism. Lucky Numbers: 1, 13, 25

VIRGO Analytical brilliance resolves persistent challenges as Mercury enhances your problem-solving abilities, bringing elegant solutions through meticulous attention to overlooked details. Health improvements result from systematic adjustments to daily routines. Organizational projects reach completion midweek through methodical approaches that transform complexity into manageable systems. Lucky Numbers: 6, 20, 42

LIBRA Harmonious connections deepen as Venus graces your relationship sector, bringing meaningful developments with important people in both personal and professional spheres. Negotiation skills prove invaluable in situations requiring balanced consideration of competing perspectives. Aesthetic decisions reach satisfying resolutions midweek, particularly involving shared environments. Lucky Numbers: 5, 17, 29

SCORPIO Transformative insights reveal hidden patterns as Pluto enhances your perceptive abilities, bringing strategic advantages in situations requiring psychological understanding. Research yields valuable discoveries midweek that significantly influence your long-term direction. Healing conversations allow release of past tensions when approached with emotional honesty. Lucky Numbers: 9, 21, 39

SAGITTARIUS Expansive horizons beckon as Jupiter amplifies your visionary thinking, bringing exciting opportunities through educational pursuits or philosophical exploration. Travel plans develop favorably, particularly journeys combining adventure with meaningful discovery. Teaching opportunities materialize midweek involving subjects that ignite your passionate interest. Lucky Numbers: 8, 24, 36

CAPRICORN Professional achievement builds as Saturn rewards your disciplined efforts, bringing recognition from authority figures who value your consistent performance. Organizational responsibilities highlight your leadership abilities during complex transitions. Resource management skills prove invaluable midweek during circumstances demanding careful allocation. Legacy planning benefits from long-term perspective that balances present obligations with future aspirations. Lucky Numbers: 10, 22, 41

AQUARIUS Innovative solutions gain traction as Uranus activates your forward-thinking abilities, bringing opportunities to implement progressive ideas addressing collective challenges. Technological insights allow navigation of developments others find disruptive with remarkable ease. Friendship networks expand midweek through unexpected circumstances connecting you with kindred spirits. Lucky Numbers: 11, 27, 38

PISCES Intuitive guidance illuminates your path as Neptune enhances your spiritual receptivity, bringing clarity to situations requiring compassionate discernment. Creative inspiration flows abundantly, especially for artistic endeavors expressing emotional nuance. Healing connections develop midweek through your ability to sense unspoken needs without becoming overwhelmed. Financial intuition proves accurate when you trust subtle impressions about timing and opportunity. Lucky Numbers: 12, 23, 35

SPORTS

Major Excitement Around HBCU Football Programs, Former Standouts Turned Coaches

3 Key Things to Check Out: Michael Vick at Norfolk State, DeSean Jackson at Delaware State, Howard Prepares for

By Skylar Nelson WI Intern

Football within the realm of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is experiencing a wave of excitement, and the start of spring training has set the stage for a thrilling 2025 season.

“We’re excited about the upcoming season and the opportunity for our student-athletes to be on big stages to demonstrate the competitive excellence that we know they’re capable of,” said Howard University Head Coach Larry Scott, when announcing the upcoming season.

NFL Legend Deion Sanders sparked a movement to elevate HBCU football programs when he became the head coach of Jackson State University in 2020, and now, continuing his coaching journey at the University of Colorado.

Sanders’ groundbreaking path has earned admiration from NFL greats and college football legends alike, as they join him in reshaping the history of college football.

“Deion Sanders is doing what every former Black NFL star who coaches should do…Go to an HBCU…get top national recruits… build a program and level the playing field…change HBCU football forever,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

From program revamps to standout HBCU alums stepping into prominent roles, and players having the opportunity to gain valuable support and embark on new forms of player development, the buzz in the air is becoming undeniable.

With programs reaching new

New Season

heights and competition intensifying, the upcoming season could mark the beginning of a new era of growth for HBCU stature, especially within the NFL draft.

“Every HBCU player that gets drafted or signed to play in any professional football league is progress,” Gerald Huggins, director of football operations and video coordinator at Morgan State University, wrote on X in 2023.

Below are three key HBCU football highlights that are propelling the momentum this offseason.

Stay tuned for more coverage as spring season gets underway.

1. Michael Vick Reshapes Norfolk State Spartans Football With Powerhouse Coaching Additions.

Michael Vick is reshaping Norfolk State University’s football program with a powerhouse staff of coaches, paving the way for a new era of excellence for the Spartans.

The legendary quarterback, former No. 1 NFL draft pick and four-time Pro Bowl selection, was appointed as the 19th head coach of Norfolk state, after receiving unanimous approval by the Board of Visitors in December of 2024.

His leadership, along with a deep connection to the Hampton Roads area, is set to enhance the program’s recruiting efforts and overall performance.

“Coach Vick is one of the most electric athletes to ever come out of Virginia,” said Norfolk State Athletics Director Dr. Melanie Webb. “From humble beginnings to massive stardom, we hope that his story will translate to student-athletes here at

Norfolk State.”

One of Vick’s most notable coaching additions is Tory Woodbury, who joins the Spartans as special teams coordinator. Woodbury brings a vast amount of experience, having previously served at Howard University in 2024, where he made a major impact on the Bison’s Special Teams.

With Woodbury and other seasoned coaches like former NFL players Terence Garvin and Elton Brown joining Vick’s staff, Norfolk State football is poised for an exciting future in college football.

The addition of these football professionals marks a transformative step for the Spartans as they work to build back a sustainable yet competitive football program.

“I am confident,” Webb continued, “that our football program will establish sustainable recruiting pipelines in the state of Virginia and across the country with this hire.”

2. Delaware State Hornets Set for a Positive Rebuild Under DeSean Jackson’s Leadership

NFL great and former wide receiver Desean Jackson is set to lead the Delaware State University football program into a new era of rebuild and success.

Announced as the Hornet’s head coach by Delaware State Athletic Director Tony Tucker in December 2024, Jackson’s leadership promises to instill the team with discipline, energy, and a focus on student-athletes.

“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution – incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused

home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, this will be the first of three consecutive weeks Howard plays in professional stadiums. The Bison will also play against Temple University at the home field of the Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, and the following week take on Morehouse College in the the HBCU NY Classic, which will be held at MetLife Stadium, where the New York Jets and New York Giants call home.

on the fundamentals of the institution: STUDENTS FIRST,” said Tucker, who is also senior associate vice president for athletics and wellness, in a statement.

The former Philadelphia Eagles star, known for his speed and record-breaking play making, is considered to be a strong advocate for HBCUs and their influence on professional sports. Jackson’s mission is to build a wavelength of championship culture in the Hornet’s program by fostering mentorship, growth, and accountability.

Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, brings a significant wealth of football knowledge and a deep connection to various recruiting regions for Delaware State such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

“I stand here today humbled and ready to embrace the responsibility of developing our student- athletes,” Jackson said when accepting the position in December. “My commitment is to instill in them the value of hard work, discipline, and pride as they represent this prestigious university.

We will be a team that emphasizes excellence on and off the field.”

3. Howard University to Play in NFL Stadiums, Historic Match-Ups

In the 2025 season, the Howard University Bison are set to play against Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic, the first time participating in the special game since 1974.

While the Orange Blossom Classic will be played at Hard Rock Stadium,

“For the last several years, Howard University has seen a renaissance within our athletics programs, with our student athletes winning championships in multiple sports,” said Howard University Athletic Director Kery Davis. “This schedule will allow people in different regions to see the caliber of student-athletes we have and hopefully inspire students to consider coming to Howard where they can get a great education and compete in high-quality NCAA competition.”

4. Big Ten School Hires Howard Football Legend As Offensive Coordinator

The University of Maryland football program made a significant move in their coaching staff with an exciting new addition. Howard University football legend and NFL Coaching veteran, Pep Hamilton will join the Terrapins football staff as the new offensive coordinator.

Hamilton brings a unique and impressive reach of experience, including 15 years in the NFL and a successful coaching career of 25 years.

He is known best for developing strong quarterbacks, having worked with top talents such as Andrew Luck, Justin Herbetm and even Davis Mills. Hamilton’s coaching journey includes leading teams to have record-breaking offenses as offensive coordinator with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. With his notable coaching, he even helped Herbet win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and Mills set a franchise record for passing yards as a rookie.

Hamilton’s coaching legacy and impact on the game didn’t just stop on the professional level before heading to Maryland. He even coached at Stanford where he mentored Andrew Luck to a Heisman-worthy season. The former Howard quarterback is set to creates a new and exciting era for Maryland’s offense as they are set to welcome in a powerhouse 2025 recruiting class.

WI

5Howard Football Coach Larry Scott is excited for the upcoming season, which has games scheduled at NFL stadiums for three consecutive weeks. (Courtesy Photo/Howard University)

CAPTURE the moment

The Washington Informer hosted its 60th Anniversary Legacy Gala, themed ‘Legacy, Culture, Vision,’ at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on March 28. The celebratory evening brought hundreds of attendees to Northwest, D.C., in honor of family institutions, community service, and 60 years of The Washington Informer. (Photos by Jacques Benovil, Shevry Lassiter, and Washington Informer Gala Photographer Kea Dupree)

RELIGION

EID-AL-FITR from Page 1

tion of a month of fasting, prayer and self-discipline. It is a day to rejoice in the mercy of Allah, to strengthen our commitment to righteousness, and to celebrate with family and community,” said Imam Talib Shareef of Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque, in Southeast, D.C., in a March 31 statement.

Falling on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, Eid-alFitr is one of two main festivals in Islam, with the other being El-al-Adha (celebrated on the first day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar).

With social media, the popularity of Eid-al-Fitr, known widely as Eid, is seen by the mainstream as a celebration after the sacrifices made during Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.

However, while Eid-al-Fitr is certainly a moment for jubilee, as people gather, eat, and flock to the mosque in festive attire, it’s about more than just partying, dining and donning the fanciest traditional Muslim garb.

It’s about using the lessons learned during Ramadan and the joy fostered through the festive moment, to give back and strengthen society.

From former Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White announcing his reelection campaign on Eid, to Washingtonians sharing their celebrations through social media posts, many Muslims use the festival as a moment to reflect on their lessons, share gratitude and spread wisdom with the community along the way.

“After fasting and prayer I feel stronger than ever,” White told The Informer, after announcing his intent to run for the same D.C. Council seat from which he was expelled less than two months ago. “I have made tremendous progress with this ward, and I know that God is not finished with me yet. So I’m putting the vote in the hands of the people.”

With thousands of Washingtonians who are practicing Muslims and millions worldwide, Ramadan and the Eid-al-Fitr celebration is not only an

important time on the Islamic calendar. Through Muslims’ service to their families and the community, this religious season is critical as the positive lessons and values gleaned can spread across the nation and world.

“May this day bring you joy, blessings, and prosperity,” Shareef said, “and may our collective efforts foster a spirit of unity, divinity and responsibility in our communities.”

THE RAMADAN SEASON: A ‘RESET,’ ‘A GUIDE TO MANKIND’

From Feb. 28-March 29, Muslims around the world honored Ramadan by participating in communal prayer while fasting from sunup to sundown. Islam teaches to use the time of prayer and fasting as a moment to clear one’s mind, body and spirit in order to tackle any of life’s challenges with confidence and strength from Allah.

“Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Quran as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgement between right and wrong,” says Quran 2:185 (Surah-Al Baqarah, verse 185)

Native Washingtonian Mike Newby, who attends The Nation’s Mosque, explained why Ramadan is such an important part of the year.

“Ramadan is the most wonderful time of the year to be honest. It’s that time of the year where the Muslims realize how truly capable and in control of things they really are on top of being a season of compassion and softened hearts,” Newby told The Informer.

Walid Raifiq, owner of Maiwand Grill, considers Ramadan “a deeply anticipated month” and “a spiritual reset button.”

“The daily rhythm changes dramatically,” Rafiq said. “Waking before dawn for Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) brings a quiet stillness, a moment of intention before the day’s fast begins.”

He explained the beauty that comes from experiencing sacrifice during Ramadan.

“Navigating the hours without food or water isn’t just about physical endurance; it redirects my focus inward. It fosters patience and a heightened awareness of the blessings often taken for granted,” Rafiq explained. “That first sip of water at Iftar (breaking the fast) as the sun sets is a moment of pure gratitude, often shared joyfully with family or community.”

Similarly to Rafiq, this year also offered Dr. Marwa Hamidi, DDS, a chance to “reset” and refocus.

“I loved that Ramadan this year gave me a chance to reset my goals for my mental and physical health,” Hamidi said. “There is a warm sense of community and feeling supported by that community leaves a lasting impact.”

WASHINGTONIANS CELEBRATE

EID-AL-FITR, TRAYON WHITE ANNOUNCES REELECTION CAMPAIGN

During the Eid-al-Fitr, Washingtonians marked the festival by spreading joy and their sense of renewal with others.

“Seeing the results of our efforts sustained during Ramadan makes spending Eid with community worth it,” Newby said. “Everyone’s glowing and beautiful, and the children are all reveling in new toys. I love it.”

While children might enjoy new

toys during Eid, adults often celebrate their restored sense of purpose.

In the case of White, who represented Ward 8 on the D.C. Council until he was expelled on Feb. 7, after federal bribery allegations and charges, Eid was a moment to rededicate his commitment to political service.

White celebrated the breaking of the fast, posting “Eid Mubarak” on Instagram on Sunday, March 31. Yet in the same post, he also made a big announcement.

“Reelection campaign starts tomorrow,” he continued.

On the following day, still during the Eid festival, White officially announced his bid to fill his former D.C. Council seat, posting a video of him filling out paperwork to be added to the ballot, accompanied by the 2015 Andra Day song “Rise Up.”

“God has more work for us to do,” he wrote in the caption, before soliciting people to sign a petition to get the 1,500 necessary signatures to be on the ballot in the Ward 8 special election on July 15. “United we stand divided we fall.”

Political strategist, community activist and D.C. native Carl Thomas said White announcing his reelection campaign during Eid-al-Fitr is fitting during the festive religiou season.

“I think during the month of Ramadan all things are forgiven for he who fasts and all those that follow the deen,” said Thomas. “There would no better time for Trayon to announce his candidacy than on the

heels of the great fast, armed with the blessings of gratitude and reflection.”

For Thomas, this Ramadan and Eid held “deep spiritual, familial, and communal significance.”

“As a father, it is my hope that my children use the fast of Ramadan to develop greater self discipline, understanding, and spiritual renewal. Iftar—the breaking of the fast— provides an amazing opportunity to connect with family and friends and of course as a native Washingtonian, we have ample opportunity to engage in community based events, which allow the space to show my children the beauty of giving back,” Thomas told The Informer.

He also recognizes this moment as time to acknowledge resilience and strength for the work of uplifting society.

“Finally, after what could be a challenging month, Eid gives me the chance to celebrate a successful fast and show my gratitude for all I’m blessed with by being a blessing to others,” Thomas explained.

As someone invested in strengthening D.C.’s future, Thomas emphasized the wisdom gained during Ramadan and Eid extends beyond the religious community.

“D.C. is uniquely diverse and often we are able to celebrate not only with our Muslim brothers and sisters but also a much broader community that may not have otherwise been privy to such blessings,” Thomas said. “In this way, Ramadan and Eid become so much more than religious observances.” WI

5Imam Talib Shareef leads an Eid service on March 30 at Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque in Southeast, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/Melanie Bilal)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

Spring seems to always come on a Saturday, because even if it came on Tuesday, rest assured, Mother Fannie Estelle Grant would put every child to work on that first weekend of spring. We had to rake the yard, wash windows, inside and out, we washed fingerprints off the walls and doors, you name it, and every man who had a hand, had a right. We did it as a family.

Yet, when it was all over, we could breathe a sigh of relief. It felt good for everything to be so clean! The smell of furniture polish, window washer and scented detergents, including bleach filled the air. Everything was spotless. You know the saying, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

When those of us who grew up cleaning for spring, we pretty much will keep that tradition going in our own lives. I sure do. In fact, a couple weeks ago, I found myself washing windows and started throwing out junk from closets and drawers. I’m thankful my mother instilled this sense of cleanliness in me. She would say often, “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Spiritual Spring Cleaning 2025! the religion corner

This reminds me of the Bible story of when Jesus was cleansing the temple. Let us compare and contrast the spring cleaning of our home to the cleansing of the temple. Jesus made everyone get out of the house of God, and he cleansed it of its corruption and disorder. He stood against the sinful trappings which worked their way into the house of worship. The practices of the people of his day were under attack, and in order to make the temple pure and holy once more, Jesus cleansed the temple.

In this article, allow that story to resonate. Pay special attention to how it speaks to us today. The story begins, “The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem ...” (John 2:13).

During Passover, they were celebrating how so many homes had a blood stain over the door, had been spared. These were Jews who felt thankful for being saved. However, the crowds would enlarge, with so many attendees, it doubled and tripled in size, compared to its normal capacity.

We can compare Passover to the Christmas season, people busy shopping, lots of activities everywhere! But somehow, they lost control at the space inside the temple.

In the New Testament of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus accuses the merchants of cheating the people. He says, “My house shall

be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13).

Perhaps there were some merchants who were raising their prices, but this is not the focus of Jesus’ anger, according to John. As far as John is concerned, Jesus is upset because all this buying and selling intruded upon the sacred space for worship. In John’s gospel, Jesus says, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace (a house of commerce)” (John 2:16).

This is a good example of how good intentions often get out of hand, when one merchant with pure intentions sets up a table, just a small corner of the temple, hoping that a few worshipers might stop by on their way home, and maybe buy a couple items, then another businessman does the same thing, then another and another, until, before you know it, the temple has turned into a small shopping mall.

The Passover season comes during spring, March and April, in fact, it leads up to Easter and warmer weather. Remember as you clean your home, be sure to include cleansing your temple, your body is indeed a temple. Fast, pray and think of God and all of his goodness; maintain control. We have all been indoors for the most part; we had a brutally cold winter this year! WI

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RELIGION

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

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant

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

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

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

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

Purpose

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001564

Margaret Brooks Decedent

Beverly Henderson, Esq. 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

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

Brenda L. Smith and Beverly Henderson, whose addresses are 443 Valley Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20032 and 120 Kenilworth Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Margaret Brooks who died on July 2, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Beverly Henderson 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

2024 ADM 001562

Bobbie Toran Decedent

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

Wanda Tindal, whose address is 15 T Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bobbie Toran who died on 8/11/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Wanda Tindal Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000801

William Edward Taylor Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of William Edward Taylor who died on 2/22/2024 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. 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 2025 ADM 000161

Constance Y. Crawford Decedent

Mahsa Alaeian Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

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

Henry W. Crawford III, whose address is 5036 12th St., NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Constance Y. Crawford who died on April 25, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Henry W. Crawford III 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

2024 ADM 000847

Dorothy Duncan Baker Decedent

Howard Haley, Esq.

The Haley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave., NW #416 Washington, DC 20012

Attorney

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

Charles A. Baker III, whose address is 5309 Chillum Pl., NE, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Duncan Baker who died on January 20, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Charles A. Baker, III 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

2024 ADM 1387

Bennie Mae Daniels Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney

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

Brian L. Kass, whose address is 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bennie Mae Daniels who died on October 27, 2010 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Brian L. Kass 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

2025 ADM 174

Daisy Louise Irby Decedent

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

Janice Jackson, whose address is 15413 Wylie Rd., Brandywine, MD 20613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Daisy Louise Irby who died on January 21, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Janice Jackson 15413 Wylie Rd. Brandywine, MD 20613 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

2024 ADM 001270

Robert Lee Ware, Sr. Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Personal Rep. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney

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

Brian L. Kass, whose address is 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Lee Ware, Sr. who died on November 26, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Brian L. Kass 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

2025 ADM 000183

Helen W. Patterson Decedent

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

Deneice E. Patterson, whose address is 2006 Rosecroft Blvd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen W. Patterson who died on November 22, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Deneice E. Patterson

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

2025 ADM 000163

Franchot L. White Decedent

Mahsa Alaeian Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049

Attorney

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

Maria A. White, whose address is 1309 I Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Franchot L. White who died on July 4, 2013 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Maria A. White

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000155

Janet Elizabeth Ryan

Decedent

Valerie Edwards, Esq. 1725 DeSales Street NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036

Attorney

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

Susan Ryan, whose address is 239 West Jamison Court, Littleton, CO 80120, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janet Elizabeth Ryan who died on December 14, 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., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Susan Ryan 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

2025 ADM 000200

Hattie Mae Harris Decedent

Tina Smith Nelson, Esq. Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

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

Mae Phillip, whose address is 708 Randolph St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hattie Mae Harris who died on 4/03/2015 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/27/2025. 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 9/27/2025, 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: 3/27/2025

Mae Phillip Personal Representative TRUE

of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001291

Alton Sylvan Rhoden Decedent

Jamar W. Creech, Esq.

312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 900 Laurel, MD 20707

Attorney

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

Janise Driskell, whose address is 1512 Kings Hill, St Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alton Sylvan Rhoden who died on 8/12/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Janise Driskell 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 2025 ADM 000207

Odele L. Mouzon Decedent

Bradley A. Thomas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Jan E. Mouzon, whose address is 4217 19th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Odele L. Mouzon who died on January 10, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/27/2025. 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 9/27/2025, 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: 3/27/2025

Jan E. Mouzon

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

2025 ADM 000182

Alexander Vincent Chase Decedent

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

Esther Stevenson Chase, whose address is 913 Chatsworth Drive, Accokeek, MD 20607, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alexander Vincent Chase who died on 2/8/2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Esther Stevenson Chase 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

2024 ADM 001451

Ruby Alene Robinson Decedent

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

Milton Robinson & Michele Robinson, whose addresses are 303 Cedar Point Drive, Glen Burnie, MD 21060, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Ruby Alene Robinson who died on September 16, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/27/2025. 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 9/27/2025, 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: 3/27/2025

Milton Robinson Michele Robinson 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

2025 ADM 000173

Adenrele Kennith Anifalaje Decedent

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

Monica Singleton, whose address is 637 Gallatin Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Adenrele Kennith Anifalaje who died on 4/18/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Monica Singleton 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 2025 ADM 000213

Stephen A. Beland Decedent

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

Brian D. Beland, whose address is 17 Mills Path, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen A. Beland who died on February 27, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/27/2025. 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 9/27/2025, 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: 3/27/2025

Brian D. Beland 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

2025 ADM 000185

Linda J. Beckles

Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. ProbateLawDC 1308 Ninth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

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

Vincent Beckles, whose address is 2843 Catalina Street, Clermont, FL. 34711, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Linda J. Beckles who died on December 5, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/20/2025. 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 9/20/2025, 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: 3/20/2025

Vincent Beckles 2843 Catalina Street Clermont, FL 34711

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

2024 ADM 001175

Walter Jordan Decedent

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

Gregory Jordan, whose address is 1448 Congress Pl., SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter Jordan who died on 8/4/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/27/2025. 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 9/27/2025, 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: 3/27/2025

Gregory Jordan Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000199

Mamie J. Inge

Decedent

Mahsa Alaeian

Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049

Attorney

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

Cassandra Lewis, whose address is 513 Ingraham St., NW, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mamie J. Inge who died on November 9, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/27/2025. 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 9/27/2025, 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: 3/27/2025

Cassandra Lewis 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

2025 ADM 000241

Martha J. Morris Decedent

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

Fred D. Morris Jr. and Ronald D. Morris, whose addresses are 1736 Verbena St., NW, Washington DC 20012 & 847 Hilltop Terr. SE Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Martha J. Morris who died on 02/03/2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Fred D. Morris Jr.

Ronald D. Morris

Personal Representative

Nicole

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000251

Estate of Bernice Smith

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Kevin E. Smith for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 3/27/2025

Kevin E. Smith 4625 Nash Street NE Washington, DC 20019

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001338

Mildred S. Sims Decedent

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

Linus Sims, whose address is 4725 Queens Chapel Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mildred S. Sims who died on October 9, 1989 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Linus Sims 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

2024 ADM 000246

Estate of Willie Gold Wooten, Sr. aka Willie G. Wooten, Sr.

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Christopher Wooten for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 3/27/2025

Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G Street SE, Ste. A Washington, DC 20003

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000204

Daniel Warren Decedent

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

Jetheda Warren Hernandez, whose address is 5202 Eliots Oak Road, Columbia MD 21044, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Daniel Warren who died on January 31, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Jetheda Warren Hernandez 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

2025 ADM 000167

Alma M. Pryor aka Alma Mae Pryor Decedent

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Christina Pryor and Robert Pryor, whose addresses are 632 Edgewood Street. NE, Washington DC 20017, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Alma M. Pryor aka Alma Mae Pryor who died on April 28, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Christina Pryor Robert Pryor 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

2025 ADM 000221

Harold S. Johnson Decedent

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

Harold S. Anderson, whose address is 4419 A Street SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harold S. Johnson who died on December 19, 2019 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Harold S. Anderson 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

2024 ADM 1535

Marc John DuBois Decedent

George A. Teitelbaum, Esq. 2416 Blueridge Ave., Suite 200 Wheaton, MD 20902

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Pu Kyong Tuite, whose address is 616 A Street, #6, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marc John DuBois who died on November 23, 2024, with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Pu Kyong Tuite 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 2025 ADM 229

William C. Barron Decedent

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

Quanita M. Bryant, whose address is 7901 Shadow Oaks Drive #1011 Charlotte, NC 20269, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William C. Barron who died on April 18, 2019 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Quanita M. Bryant 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

2025 ADM 000255

Elvira Stamp Decedent

Yvonne Davis Smith 2501 Northampton Street NW Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

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

Jessica O. Stamp, whose address is 7532 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elvira Stamp who died on December 11, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Jessica O. Stamp 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

2025 ADM 000232

Charles Allen Best Decedent

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

Teresa Brown, whose address is 7776 Shertall Street Fairburn GA 30213, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Allen Best who died on 3/5/2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000197

Jeffrey Bruce Norman Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, 400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Robin Norman Depaoli, whose address is 8317 Stonewall Drive, Vienna, VA 22180, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jeffrey Bruce Norman who died on January 5, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Robin Norman Depaoli 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

2025 ADM 000248

Grace Emiko Watanabe Decedent

Andre O. McDonald, Esq. 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 420 Columbia, Maryland 21044 Attorney

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

Keiko M. Doyle, whose address is 4008 N 195th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Grace Emiko Watanabe who died on November 15, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Keiko M. Doyle 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

2024 ADM 001293

Lynell Maria Rouse Decedent

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

Donna June Rouse, whose address is 6704 Weston Avenue Capitol Heights MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lynell Maria Rouse who died on 7/23/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Donna June Rouse 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

2025 ADM 000233

Leithella C. Rose Decedent

Damon Adams 1507 Hadden Manor Ct. Silver Spring, MD 20904 Attorney

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

Dwight A. Smith, Sr., whose address is 717 Jefferson Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leithella C. Rose who died on December 21, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Dwight A. Smith, Sr. 717 Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000244

Vickie A. Pessagno aka Vickie Anne Pessagno Decedent

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

Catherine P. Ferguson, whose address is PO Box 1014, Leonardtown, MD 20650, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vickie A. Pessagno aka Vickie Anne Pessagno who died on February 2, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/3/2025. 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 10/3/2025, 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: 4/3/2025

Catherine P. Ferguson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

from Page 23

arrangements.

The Apotex settlement follows a previously announced $10 million agreement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals. Both companies have agreed to implement internal reforms and measures to ensure compliance with antitrust laws.

Additionally, six pharmaceutical executives and two former Heritage executives, Jeffery Glazer and Jason Malek, have entered settlement agreements and are cooperating with state investigators.

“As the District’s Attorney General, my office will continue to fight to protect consumers and level the playing field for law-abiding companies,” Schwalb declared.

The settlement represents a portion of a broader legal effort that began in 2016 when attorneys general filed the first of three sweeping antitrust complaints. The initial lawsuit included Heritage and 17 other companies, while subsequent complaints have expanded to include Teva Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz, among others. The complaints cover at least 80 topical generic drugs and name over 50 corporate and individual defendants.

The preliminary settlement filed Wednesday seeks court approval for Huntington Bank to serve as an escrow agent and Rust Consulting Inc. to administer notices and claims. If approved, a portion of the $39.1 million will be allocated to consumer restitution, with additional funds reserved for state agencies.

A final approval hearing will be scheduled following the court’s review of the settlement plan.

Pharmaceutical price gouging continues to be a concern throughout the District and nation, as citizens seek more action from federal leaders.

“Investigate pharmaceutical companies for price gouging the American people for life saving drugs (i.e. insulin, cancer treatment),” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to Elon Musk, owner of X and director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), asking what someone would do in their first day in office if elected president. “Analyze the costs of healthcare on the American citizen and look at how those costs can be lowered.” WI

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MALVEAUX from Page 30

the rights of students, particularly our most vulnerable – to an education that imparts academic lessons, civil rights protections, and prepares them for their future, will be undercut.”

In addition, with fewer worker protections, and an indifference to safety net supports, people will be forced into low-wage work instead of workforce development activities that will better prepare them for good jobs in the future. This president loves the poorly educated because they are most easily exploited. We are headed into a dystopian nightmare unless Democrats are willing to take some action.

MITCHELL from Page 30

sector more broadly has often set standards for racial progress that the private sector took decades to approach. For example, President Truman in 1948 produced two executive orders that would shift employment practices nationwide for the following generations. Executive order 9980 and 9981 ordered the desegregation of the federal workforce and the armed forces. This tradition of merit-based advancement in federal service set a norm that the private sector would gradually integrate. These jobs laid the basis for a Black middle class. The radical shake up of government employment and the adjoining attack on diversity, equity and inclusion threaten to turn back

MARSHALL from Page 30

to use common sense.” In a separate presidential executive order, officials are directed to increase agreements with local police authorities so they can arrest and detain unauthorized immigrants as deputized immigration officers. Knowing that a “blue wall of silence” exists, can we truly trust that ICE and local police officers can work together to use common sense in every situation and hold each other accountable? Can we trust that their decisions and behavior will be fair and unbiased regarding children attending school or a family going to a place of worship?

The new DHS policy gives authority to enter any house of worship nationwide. It allows field agents to use “common sense” and “discretion” to conduct immigration enforcement operations at houses of worship without a supervisor’s approval. Any house of worship in any community is a holy space, and its sanctity should always be respected. Having ICE and deputized local police officers disrupt a house of worship in

This president and his allies, assisted by a woman who used to lead Worldwide Wrestling (great preparation to lead the Department of Education) ,will reorganize or eliminate many critical functions of the Department of Education. Our young people will be the ones to pay.

This year 3.9 million young people are slated to graduate from high school. About 62 percent of them will enroll in either two- or four-year colleges. What will be the atmosphere on campuses this fall? Unless some of the lawsuits are successful, lower-income students, differently abled students, and those in need of extra services will be sidelined. DEI programs that

some of the gains of a growing Black middle class in the final decades of the 20th century.

The unprecedented firing of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) commissioners and National Labor Relations Board officials, including Gwynne Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the labor board, signals a dramatic shift in worker protections. On campus, we’re already seeing the effects. Talented students who once dreamed of careers in public service are now looking elsewhere. “Why invest years preparing for a government career if they can just fire you for political reasons?” one classmate recently asked. The very features that attracted top talent to federal service are now under attack. Under-

any manner violates the reverence and peace it rightfully deserves. A house of worship provides individuals with spiritual support, encouragement and guidance at a time when many people are living in fear. A church is a refuge and a safe haven that should always be protected and honored. This place of refuge should never be under the threat of being taken away when people become afraid to attend church in person. There were specific reasons the previous policy was in place. Latino ministry leaders say they have never seen such elevated fear and caution within churches. They attribute much of it to the administration’s decision to allow immigration enforcement in churches.

Drawn by Donald Trump’s messages on the economy and traditional stances on issues like abortion and sexuality, Latino evangelicals overwhelmingly supported him during the 2024 presidential election. Some Latino pastors now feel betrayed by the federal government’s harsh enforcement efforts. Agustin Quiles heads an advocacy organization for Latino evangelicals in Flor-

offered counseling and solace to some students are likely to be dismantled. Tens of thousands of students, if not millions, will be disadvantaged by the way the Department of Education is being transformed to the Department of MisEducation.

This is the era of the MisEducation of the Marginalized. Scrubbing our history books of reference to Black, Brown and other patriots is just a first step to dismantling any notion of critical thinking. This current president and his minions are dedicated to ignorance, and indeed they love the “poorly educated.” What does this mean for our nation’s future?

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mining these protections doesn’t just harm current employees; it discourages the next generation of Black civil servants before we even begin our careers.

Economist Steven C. Pitts documented in his research prior to the Great Recession that public administration was among the five most common occupations for Black workers, with Black workers in the public sector earning “20 percent to 50 percent more than in the other four most common occupations.” The data showed what many Black families already knew from experience: federal jobs offered not just employment, but a genuine path to greater economic security.

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Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com.

ida, and he has been monitoring the anxiety of pastors throughout his state. He hears the unease of pastors who are worried about youth who don’t want to go to school out of fear that immigration agents might intercept them. He hears pastors say that another family stopped going to church because it was no longer safe. For several years, Quiles led church leaders on trips to Montgomery, Alabama, to study the civil rights movement and the nation’s dark history of white supremacy.

“I never lived that,” Quiles said. “But it feels like they are trying to go back to those times where you would lynch anyone for any given reason. Is that the same spirit? Is that the same sin that we’ve never dealt with, where we have an obsession with just automatically adding the death penalty to someone who is undocumented?” The answer to Quiles’ question is yes. It is the same spirit and the same sin that has terrorized Blacks for generations. So, what will Latino evangelicals do once the dots are connected?

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AIRLINE CAREERS

BROWN from Page 31

incidental — it’s ideological. It signals a return to a sanitized version of American history where Black contributions are omitted and white supremacy is coddled.

And while the erasure is symbolic, the policy consequences are all too real. Black veterans were denied GI Bill benefits after World War II, cutting off access to the middle class. Black families continue to be denied home loans at far higher rates than white families. Black farmers have had millions of acres stolen or taken through discriminatory USDA prac-

EDELMAN from Page 31

mission to fight back against injustice when he grew up, and he remained a courageous warrior for justice all of his life. The Rev. Lowery was a constant companion to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the march from Selma to Montgomery, and a cofounder and later long-term president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He fought against apartheid in South Africa and for LGBTQ rights and marriage equality at home. And many Americans remember his moving benediction at the end of President Barack Obama’s first inauguration, and his prayer for our nation that day.

The Rev. Lowery began by quoting from the final verse of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing:” “God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way, Thou who has by thy might led us into the

JEALOUS

from Page 31

The writer and historian Wallace Stegner said, “The national parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

Our national parks stand as a testament to America’s commitment to preserving the natural splendor and cultural heritage that define our nation.

The rangers and staff who steward these lands are the backbone of the park experience. Their knowledge, passion and commitment ensure that visitors can safely and meaningfully engage with these natural wonders. The recent layoffs have led to concerns about maintenance, operating hours and public safety within the parks. Reduced staffing means fewer educa-

tices — losses that ripple through generations.

Meanwhile, Trump and many in his party continue to peddle dangerous racial tropes. His rallies are filled with dog whistles and overt calls to “take our country back.” Cities with high Black populations are routinely labeled “crime-ridden” and “lost.” News outlets that challenge these narratives are dismissed as biased, and those who speak out are told to “go back” where they came from.

It’s not just rhetoric — it’s a strategy, one that seeks to delegitimize Black pain, erase Black history, and destroy the tools designed to close

light, keep us forever in the path we pray…” He continued by acknowledging a moment of national and global financial uncertainty: “Because we know You’ve got the whole world in Your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills. For we know that, Lord, You are able, and You’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds, and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor, of the least of these, and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.”

He asked forgiveness for sowing “seeds of greed and corruption” that led to reaping “the whirlwind of social and economic disruption,” and prayed that Americans would be willing “to make sacrifices, to respect Your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.” And he prayed: “Help us to make choices on the side of love, not

tional programs, delayed maintenance and diminished visitor services, all of which undermine the foundational purpose of the NPS.

The March 1 day of action was in response to these alarming developments. At Yosemite National Park, demonstrators expressed their dismay over the staff reductions, emphasizing the critical role rangers play in preserving the park’s integrity. Similarly, at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, hundreds braved harsh weather to support NPS and Forest Service employees, highlighting the deep connection communities have with these public lands.

Troy Riling-Anderson is an ecologist whose job offer at North Cascades National Park in Washington state was rescinded before the mass firings in February, two days after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. He

racial gaps.

The question isn’t why Black people aren’t “equal.” It’s why this country is still doing everything in its power to make sure they never are.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once warned that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” But in Trump’s America, that arc is being yanked backward — pulled by those who see equality not as a goal, but as a threat.

And as the social media post so painfully reminds us, until this country confronts its past — and stops repeating it — equality will remain a promise still denied. WI

hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance. And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek Your will…We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know You will not leave us alone. With Your hands of power and Your heart of love, help us then now, Lord, to work for that day when nations shall not lift up sword against nations; when tanks will be beaten into tractors; when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

Some Americans might see that prayer today as degrading or divisive, yet many others might still say: Amen. WI

expressed concern that this is about a land grab by corporations.

“The public lands are an American value, and they’re trying to get rid of that value by getting rid of the offices and the people,” said Riling-Anderson. “If that value doesn’t exist, there’s not really any way to stop them from selling off land.”

The Sierra Club and other groups are suing DOGE over these illegal mass firings in an effort to protect not only our treasured public lands and the stewards of those lands but also Americans’ access to the great outdoors.

Let us remember that the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage is not a partisan issue but a patriotic one. It is our collective responsibility to ensure our national parks and forests endure for generations to come. WI

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