The Washington Informer - August 13, 2025 by The Washington Informer

President Trump Announces Takeover of MPD, While Residents Respond to Federal Law Enforcement Presence

By Sam P.K. Collins and Stacy M. Brown WI Staff Writers

Federal infringement on local affairs reached, what some would describe as, astronomical levels over the last several days.

More than a dozen federal law enforcement agencies encroached on District neighborhoods; a federal prosecutor demanded the reversal of legislation that has secured the early release of those sentenced to prison as youth; and on Monday, President Donald Trump announced he is seizing control of the Metropolitan Police

Department (MPD).

Although Trump explained his decision is about combating crime in D.C., “formally declaring a public safety emergency,” data from his own Justice Department reveals a different story. In 2024 the violent crime rate in the nation’s capital fell 35% from the year before, hitting a 30-year low.

He said that his announcement marked “Liberation Day for D.C.,” vowing to “wipe out crime, savagery, filth, and scum” in the capital.

Howeve, homicides dropped 32%, robberies: 39%, armed carjackings:

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Lydia Curtis has long been a

there many times throughout the years.

However, when she heard a few

weeks ago that the museum’s funding had been zeroed out by the Smithsonian Institution’s latest overall budget with the support of the Trump administration, she sprung into action. On Aug. 9, Curtis, a resident of Ward 1 in North-

A Grieving Mother Fears the Worst for D.C. Jail Residents

Former Resident Says D.C. Jail ‘Needs to be Shut Down Immediately’

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Despite those who believe otherwise, the District has experienced a significant decrease in violent crime in recent years, due partly to what local officials credit as the passage of emergency public safety legislation, and subsequently the Secure D.C. and Peace D.C. omnibus bills.

Such legislation, in turn, has caused the D.C. jail population to reach levels some advocates find unsustainable

DC JAIL Page 19

By Ve Wright WI Intern

While research shows that many LGBTQ+ youth are battling mental health crises, a major lifeline to help them has gone silent.

The Trump administration discontinued the LGBTQ+- youth specific “Press 3” option within the U.S 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on July 17, a move that many mental health advocates note is already causing a dangerous domino effect for queer youth, and the people working to help them.

“This is outrageous,” said Brad Becker, founder and president of LGBT National Help Center. “The folks that call 988 are obviously, by definition, in crisis. When LGBT folks call, it’s extremely helpful to have someone that they can speak to who has a personal understanding of what it’s like to be a member of the community.”

Since 2022, “Press 3” has provided LGBTQ+ youth, under the

LGBTQ Page 41

5Protestors with Free DC take to 16th Street, near the White House, after President Donald Trump’s announcement that he is seizing control of the Metropolitan Police Department. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

supporter of the Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) located in Ward 8 in Southeast Washington, visiting

5Washingtonians gather in front of the Anacostia Community Museum, holding up the “power” fist, during the Save Our Museum march and rally on Aug. 9. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

Obama Crushes Trump in New Poll as Former President Becomes DOJ Target

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

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor

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Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

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REPORTERS

Stacy Brown, National Reporter

Sam P.K. Collins, Political/Education Reporter

Brenda Siler, Lifestyle Reporter

Ed Hill, Sports Reporter

Jada Ingleton, Content Editor

Richard Elliott, Reporter

James Wright, Business Reporter

Skylar Nelson, Sports Reporter

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

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Roy Lewis, Jr.

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INTERNS

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Ve Wright, Summer Intern

Will Armstead, Summer Intern

5After years of questioning his citizenship, racists remarks and criticizing his leadership, President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is targeting former President Barack Obama and his administration again. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis)

Even before occupying the Oval Office for the first time in 2017, President Donald Trump has fixated on former President Barack Obama–from questioning if he was born in the U.S., to now examining his presidential tenure as official government policy.

Trump’s Justice Department has launched a federal grand jury investigation targeting former Obama administration officials. The investigation is apparently tied to the president’s long-standing

false claims that Obama and his team “manufactured” the Russia investigation to sabotage his presidency.

Many have opined that Trump ran for president not to save the country, but to save himself. After being convicted on 34 felony counts, found liable for sexual assault, and held civilly responsible for massive business fraud, Trump launched his 2024 campaign under legal siege– and it worked.

Now, he’s going after one man he’s long publicly despised: Obama.

Backed by a Supreme Court ruling that grants him immunity for “official acts,” Trump has unleashed his Justice Department to investigate Obama-era officials in what critics say is a dangerous political revenge plot.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has convened a federal grand jury to examine whether former CIA Director John Brennan, FBI Director James Comey, and Direc-

The Billion-Dollar Presidency: Trump’s Profits Soar in Office

President Donald Trump’s second stint in the White House has proven to be a gold mine — for his own wealth and dynasty.

An investigation by The New Yorker has tallied more than $1 billion in personal and family gains tied directly to his two presidencies, from foreign mega-projects to luxury perks and merchandise sales that blur, if not obliterate, the lines between public office and private profit.

When Trump first took office in 2017, he assured Americans he would not “destroy the company he built” but would turn daily operations over to his sons. He claimed such a handoff would avoid the appearance of exploiting the presidency. Eight years later, that

promise is in shreds.

The New Yorker reports that Trump and his family have reaped massive windfalls, including Persian Gulf real estate and golf course contracts in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, and Qatar that would be inconceivable without the presidency. Jared Kushner’s private-equity firm, Affinity Partners, secured a $2 billion investment from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s sovereign wealth fund, along with hundreds of millions more from the UAE and Qatar, generating hundreds of millions for Kushner personally. Mar-a-Lago’s revenues have quintupled since Trump entered politics, producing at least $125 million in extra profit from members willing to pay as much as $1 million to join.

Comptroller Lierman Announces Tax-Free Shopping Week for Back to School

From now until Aug. 16, Maryland consumers can purchase certain products sales tax-free, part of a law passed in 2007 to give families extra savings as the school year approaches. \

Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) celebrated this opportunity for local families to save while making essential purchases and supporting Maryland businesses. “As costs continue to go up, shopping during the sales tax holiday is a great way to keep money in the pockets of hardworking Marylanders and help their budgets go further,” Comptroller Lierman said. “I encourage everyone to shop in Maryland during the sales tax holiday, save money where you can, and support the local businesses that keep our state economy moving forward.”

Online purchases qualify if they’re ordered, paid for during the week, and ship immediately. The list of

items that are tax-free for this week includes: Clothing and footwear that is $100 or less; Sweaters, shirts, slacks, jeans, dresses, robes, underwear, belts, shoes and boots; and backpacks and bookbags. The first $40 is tax-exempt.

While Lierman wrote in a letter to The Baltimore Sun that Maryland will lose funds due to the week, she advocated to maintain the tax holiday amid other cost-cutting efforts to balance the state budget earlier this year.

“But I certainly think it’s worth it to help out Marylanders during tough times,” she said, according to a WFMD report. “And the state sees a projected revenue loss of $9-million this week.”

Tanger Outlets, located near the National Harbor, is also offering additional deals during tax-free week for

OBAMA Page 16

D.C. Attorney General Secures $1.2 Million from Opioid Drug Manufacturers

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Eight opioid drug manufacturers will pay the District approximately $1.2 million as part of a nationwide settlement resolving allegations that these companies contributed to and exacerbated the national opioid crisis, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced on Monday.

Under the terms of the settlement, seven of the eight defendants—Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikima, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus—are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products; prohibited from making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill; and are required to reform their corporate practices. The eighth defendant, Indivior, is prohibited from manufacturing or selling any opioid products for the next 10 years.

“We will not stop until every corporation that illegally profited from the opioid crisis is held accountable,” Schwalb wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

To date, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said it has secured nearly $104 million from companies that contributed to the opioid epidemic.

Mylan will pay the District

TRUMP from Page 4

Trump’s personal merchandising empire — separate from his campaign store — has brought in $27.7 million selling MAGA-style hats, koozies, and flip-flops. Donor-funded PACs have spent over $100 million covering his personal legal bills. The Emir of Qatar offered him a Boeing 747-8 as a “gift” for his use after leaving office, worth an estimated $150 million. A massive Hanoi golf and hotel complex, advanced by Vietnam’s Communist Party with “special attention” from the Trump administration, is projected to bring $40 million in licensing profits.

Major media companies — ABC, Meta, X, and CBS — have collective-

approximately $602,600, while Hikma will contribute about $188,800. Amneal is responsible for roughly $160,300, Apotex for $116,900, and Indivior for $71,100. Sun will pay about $56,900, Alvogen approximately $34,300, and Zydus about $27,200.

In total, these eight companies will pay $720 million to virtually every state and territory in the United States. In addition to these payments, several of the settlements allow states to receive free pharmaceutical products or cash instead of the products.

While the District is set to receive about $1.2 million, Virginia— with more than 8.8 million residents in comparison to D.C.’s more than 700,000— could receive up to $16.4 million as part of these settlements.

“Though no settlement can erase the heartbreak and lives lost to the opioid crisis,” said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, “I’m proud of my office for fighting to secure over $16 million to help Virginians heal, support recovery, and hold these companies accountable for the devastation they profited from.”

Schwalb said that between 2021 and 2024, 1,740 people died from opioid overdoses in the District. He said the settlement is the latest development in OAG’s continu-

ly paid $63 million to Trump’s presidential library foundation to settle defamation claims that legal experts described as baseless but were resolved under the weight of presidential power. Meanwhile, Trump and his family have dived into cryptocurrency, NFTs, and token sales, pocketing at least $14.4 million from licensing fees and digital currency holdings.

Ethics watchdog Fred Wertheimer told The New Yorker that “when it comes to using his public office to amass personal profits, Trump is a unicorn — no one else even comes close.” The total haul stands at roughly $1.02 billion — a sum no prior occupant of the Oval Office has approached.WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

AROUND THE REGION

ing efforts to address the opioid crisis, hold those responsible for it accountable, and secure relief for affected D.C. residents. To date, OAG reports that it has secured nearly $104 million for the District via settlements with drug manufacturers, distributors, and others for their roles in creating and profiting from the crisis.

The District’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission was established in 2022 to make recommendations for how to best

5 Eight opioid drug manufacturers will pay the District approximately $1.2 million as part of a nationwide settlement resolving allegations that these companies contributed to and exacerbated the national opioid crisis, according to an announcement by D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

OPIOID Page 8

black facts AROUND THE REGION

AUG.14 - 20, 2025

AUG. 14

1876 – Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black institution, is established in Prairie View, Texas.

1959 – Basketball great Earvin “Magic” Johnson is born in Lansing, Michigan.

1966 – Halle Berry, the first woman of color to win an Oscar for best actress, is born in Cleveland.

AUG. 15

1887 – Eatonville, Florida, one of the nation’s first self-governing all-Black municipalities and the hometown of famed author Zora Neale Hurston (below), is incorporated.

1938 – Longtime U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters is born in St. Louis.

AUG. 16

1887 – African American inventor Granville T. Woods patents electromechanical brake.

1922 – Louis E. Lomax, author and first African American television journalist, is born in Valdosta, Georgia.

2007 – Legendary jazz drummer Max Roach New York at 83.

AUG. 17

1887 – Political leader Marcus Garvey proponent of the Pan-Africanism movement and founder of the Black Star Line, is born in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica.

1938 – Blues icon and famed guitarist Robert John son dies in Greenwood, Mississippi, at 27.

1990 – Tony-winning actress and singer Pearl Bai ley dies in Philadelphia at 72.

AUG. 18

1934 – Baseball great Roberto Clemente

born in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

1963 – Civil rights activist James Meredith, the first African American admitted to the University of Mississippi, graduates.

1977 – Stephen Biko, anti-apartheid activist and leader of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, is arrested. He is severely beaten while in police custody and dies of his injuries weeks later.

AUG. 19

1954 – Ralph J. Bunche, the first Black winner of Nobel Peace Prize, named undersecretary of the United Nations.

AUG. 20

1942 – Soul music legend Isaac Hayes, best known for his Oscar-winning “Theme from Shaft,” is born in Memphis, Tennessee.

EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON (LEFT) HALLE BERRY (TOP) MAXINE WATERS (ABOVE) RALPH J. BUNCHE (ABOVE) PEARL BAILY (ABOVE)

P INT

BY ARIANNA-MARIE SOOKRAM

What do you think about Trump’s

announcement to seize control of the Metropolitan Police Department?

CHRISTINE MADISON / WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT FOR 56 YEARS (ORIGINALLY FROM SOUTH CAROLINA)

“I think he stinks. I have a son that’s with the D.C. Police Department. He doesn’t know what [the control shift] looks like. I don’t think that he is correct in doing it. Well, I can say a whole lot of it. But, no, I don’t go along with that.”

ALLIYAH SMITH / WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT FOR FIVE YEARS

(ORIGINALLY FROM DALLAS, TEXAS)

“I’m scared, concerned. You just have to pay more attention, a lot of people I know have been aimlessly hating Trump, but we actually have to be vigilant, because something could happen. If you don’t know the laws, then you could be taken in for something that you didn’t even know was illegal.”

NATALIE HOPKINSON / WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT FOR 25 YEARS (ORIGINALLY FROM ONTARIO, CANADA)

“I think it’s an abomination. To have the person who took out a full page ad in the New York Times calling for the execution of the children who were wrongfully accused of being the Central Park jogger killers back in the 80s— like to have that person take over our city is unacceptable.”

TAYLOR MOODY / WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT FOR THREE YEARS

(ORIGINALLY FROM PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA)

“Trump is definitely trying to strip Black people of their voices and rights by going through our communities and just trying to take over everything. He’s trying to dominate every state so that he will be able to control and dictate us, which is a problem.”

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.

AROUND THE REGION

Norton Vows to Block Return of Confederate Statue

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton announced that she will reintroduce legislation to permanently remove the statue of Confederate General Albert Pike from federal land in the District of Columbia, following news that the National Park Service intends to restore and reinstall the controversial monument near Judiciary Square.

“Given the NPS announcement that it will reinstall the statue, I plan to reintroduce my bill to remove the Pike statue and authorize the Secretary of the Interior to donate the statue to a museum or a similar entity,” Norton said. “A statue honoring a racist and a traitor has no place on the streets of D.C.”

The bronze statue of Pike was toppled by protesters in June 2020 during nationwide demonstrations following the police killing of George Floyd. It had long been a subject of protest and criticism, particularly in the District, where residents have repeatedly demanded its removal.

“[Albert Pike] was about as destructive and subversive to our country as they come,” one social media user said. “This is NOT a person we should be erecting a statue of, especially with taxpayer funds.”

Norton’s original bill to remove the statue was approved by the House Committee on Natural Resources following the 2020 demonstration but never became law.

“I’ve long believed Confederate statues should be placed in museums as historical artifacts, not remain in parks and locations that imply honor,” Norton said. “The decision to honor Albert Pike by reinstalling the Pike statue is as odd and indefensible as it is morally objectionable.”

Pike, a senior officer in the Confederate Army, also served as a high-ranking Freemason. His statue, unlike many Confederate monuments, depicted him in civilian attire to reflect his Masonic ties. Still, Norton said there is no justification for honoring someone with Pike’s record.

“Pike served dishonorably. He took up arms against the United States, misappropriated funds, and was ultimately captured and imprisoned by his own troops,” she said. “He resigned in disgrace after committing a war crime and dishonoring even his own Confed-

OPIOID from Page 5

use the anticipated $104 million in settlement funds to address the harm caused by the opioid epidemic. After five years of rising annual opioid fatalities in D.C., opioid deaths fell in 2024, when there were 344 opioid-related fatal overdoses, down from 516 the previous year. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 61 fatal opioid overdoses, a 33% decrease year-todate from the prior year.

erate military service. Even those who want Confederate statues to remain standing would have to justify awarding Pike any honor, considering his history.”

The National Park Service has not publicly explained the timing or rationale for reinstating the statue, which was originally installed in 1901 through congressional authorization sought by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Though the monument was located on federal land, it had long been a target of local protest and opposition, particularly in the nation’s capital, where residents have no voting representation in Congress.

Norton said she is committed to ensuring the statue is never re-erected on public land.

“Confederate symbols belong in museums, not public spaces where they suggest reverence,” she said.

“Tragically, hundreds of D.C. residents continue to lose their lives every year to opioid overdoses, and far too many members of our community struggle with opioid addiction,” Schwalb stated.

“This nationwide, bipartisan settlement holds companies accountable for putting profits over the health and well-being of D.C. residents and requires meaningful changes to their business practices so that this never happens again.” WI

5Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton will reintroduce legislation to permanently remove the statue of Confederate General Albert Pike from federal land in the District of Columbia. (WI File Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital Makes Its Mark With Historic Unveiling in Northwest, D.C.

Local Leaders, Troops Honor 113 Years of Shaping a Better World ‘the Girl Scouts’ Way’

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

After championing menstrual poverty with the Greater DC Diaper Bank last year, and working to advance life skills within her unit this past spring, 15-year-old Jewel Paige is entering her sophomore year of high school proud of her work as a Senior level Girl Scout.

Now, with the Aug. 5 unveiling of Girls Scouts’ Way on 3000 block of Veazey Terrace NW, she gets to add another bullet point to the growing list of milestones she’s celebrating.

“To me, it shows that Girl Scouts is more than just something you do when you’re younger, it’s something that goes beyond that,” Jewel told The Informer. “We do all these things that a lot of times go unnoticed, in my opinion, so I believe that it brings awareness to Girl Scouts. I’m looking forward [to walking on Girl Scouts’ Way].”

Fresh off the Van-Ness UDC Metro Station, Jewel counted among dozens of proud Girls Scouts, leaders and parents ringing the bells of sisterhood and service last Tuesday, to not only launch the local street sign but also celebrate a 113-year legacy still thriving abroad.

Amid stations of arts and crafts, giveaways, and customizable build-a-bears, the theme of lifelong membership and inclusivity was exemplified through the diverse crowd donning their vests, badges and stories with enthusiasm, including president of the UPS Foundation Nicole “Nikki” Clifton.

“[This unveiling] is more than exciting–it’s historic. It tells every Girl Scout who walks by that her voice, her leadership and her potential matter,” Clifton told the crowd on Aug. 5. “As Juliette Gordon Low, our founder, once said, ‘The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.’ Today, we’ve made

history together.”

Others joining the historic celebration include local officials and avid Girl Scouts’ Way champions, such as: Kim Ford, CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital; Ward 8 D.C. State Board of Education Rep. LaJoy Johnson-Law; and D.C. Council members and co-introducers of the congressional bill, Ward 1 Rep. Brianne Nadeau (D) and Matthew Frumin (D) of Ward 3, where the street sign and organization’s nearby main office is located.

Ahead of the unveiling, Ford noted the newly minted street represents far more than a deep history in D.C.— the original headquarters for Girl Scouts USA. A lifelong trooper, Ford emphasized Girl Scouts’ Way brings an opportunity to continue generations of impact that already thrives in the District, “the largest and strongest council in the Girl Scouts world.”

“The legacy for us, particularly in the nation’s capital, has been being at the forefront of diversity and inclusion,” Ford told The Informer. “When you talk about continuing that on, it’s making sure that that diversity, that inclusion continues for everyone.”

Thanks to the permanence of Girls Scouts’ Way, and its “living promise” to invest in the community, Ford hopes this moment will inspire others to grow a relationship with the broad movement shaping lives beyond seasonal treats.

“You see that this is an organization that is giving far more than cookies,” said the CEO, “to everyone that it touches.”

Honoring 113 Years of Empowerment, Service

For 46-year-old troop leader Octavais Brown, the inevitable pull to Girl Scouts started as a young girl, admiring Virginia troops lead blanket and food collections and hand out donations to support the underserved.

“So when I became an adult and had a daughter, that was the first thing I wanted to show her,” said Brown, “how [to] give back to a greater community with a group of people who are like-minded.”

While many may liken Girl Scouts to annual cookie sales, Brown, Ford and other local leaders underscored the true emphasis on community service.

Ford highlighted championing overlooked populations as a core component of the organization’s motto: building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

GIRL SCOUTS Page 11

5Ahead of the official unveiling of Girl Scouts’ Way, children and families partake in hands-on activities such as designing their own badges and participating in prize giveaways. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

Antonio Antomoli, president of the African Diamond Manufacturers Association, reads The Washington Informer, circulated at the UN Tourism/IAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, held recently in Luanda, Angola. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

Ken Martin, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Charles E. Wilson, DNC chair, pose at the Capital Cookout on Aug. 9 at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast, D.C., hosted by the DNC, DC Dems, Ward 7 Dems, and DC Young Dems. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

SCOUTS from Page 9

The girl-led entrepreneurship program — notably the largest in the world, and open to anyone who resonates with the Girl Scout experience — produces 70% of all women leaders, while propelling inclusivity in areas like STEM, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and outdoor appreciation.

As for D.C.’s local council, Ford emphasized a mission to work with residents to build the dreams of individuals, children and communities.

She noted some pivotal momentums gearing up in the city, including: co-creating more models and programs in Wards 7 and 8; marking the national headquarters in the recently launched augmented reality app 51 Steps to Freedom; and preparing to host the National Girl Scout Convention in July 2026.

“We’re part of the community, [and] being in community means…being in conversation,” Ford told The Informer. “[Asking] ‘how do we actually understand your needs? How do you understand us? And then, how do we build things together?’”

A member for more than 16 years, Brown lauded the honorable unveiling and 113-year legacy as a “two-fold” celebration for an African American Girl Scout.

Reflecting on a history and reputation of the Girl Scouts being “exclusive back in the day,” and the current federal push back against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the Ward 8 Board of Education representative highlighted the urgency for a marker like Girl Scouts’ Way. She particularly applauded its placement in front of the historically Black University of the District of Columbia, the nation’s only exclusively urban landgrant university.

“Joy is an act of resistance, pushing is an act of resistance, inclusivity is still an act of resistance,” Johnson-Law told The Informer, lauding Ford as a Black woman heading the charge. “No matter what is going on in this world, there are folks who are saying, ‘These are my values, and I’m taking them wherever I go,’ and I love how [Ford’s] bringing those values right to Girl Scouts [Nation’s Capital].”

AROUND THE REGION

‘It’s Not Just Where We Are, It’s Who We Are’

Beyond communal impact, aspiring leaders such as Jewel and Jackson-Reed High School junior Avani Patel amplify the program as a critical propeller for leadership, lifelong skills, and character development within its membership.

Avani, who served as the Aug. 5 keynote speaker, shared how she earned her Girl Scout Gold Award working at a local orphanage in Indonesia, where she provided more than 40 children with a sustainable harvest. Additionally, she anticipates proudly representing the local council as a national delegate for the forthcoming National Girl Scout Convention.

Meanwhile, Jewel – on her way to securing her Gold Award through literacy-centered initiatives – celebrates numerous opportunities to branch out and learn how to navigate public and professional communications, taking initiative, and gaining an overall boost of confidence.

Touting an inclusive environment rooted in service and sisterhood, the sophomore said she considers Girl Scouts a pivotal path to self-sufficiency and self-discovery that she believes will help her find her “calling in life.”

“[Girl Scouts] made me realize that I could do something. You see all these things online [and you] want to help, but don’t know where to start,” Jewel explained. “Girl Scouts helps build that confidence of first, you can do something, and this is how you do it.”

With initiatives such as the Girl

Scout Promise Fund, assisting youth and volunteers with financial barriers to join Girl Scouts, and council forums addressing key areas of concern and reform, the well-rounded experience acts as a pillar for belonging and togetherness, said Johnson-Law, particularly needed in a society “where women are put against each other in a serious way.”

As the organization acts as a continuum of service for young people at all stages of life, Ford reminded that the only way to build a better world is to start by building better people, an effort begun in Girl Scouts.

“[It’s not only] the importance of entrepreneurship, respecting and appreciating the outdoors, the life skills, the STEM, but [it’s] being a good person,” Ford told The Informer, “being there for your sister, standing by her, their family and the communities during the good and the bad.”

While D.C. gears up to host next year’s convention, the CEO looks forward to showcasing the inaugural Girl Scouts’ Way for all councils across the nation to bask in with pride and joy. She highlighted the unveiling as “the beginning of a drum beat,” promising more of the entrepreneurial program in both action and 51 Steps’ augmented reality.

In the meantime, Girl Scouts’ Way makes its mark on the city, and Clifton hopes that same impact is felt among the courageous and confident changemakers it honors.

“To every Girl Scout past, present and future, walk this street with pride,” said the UPS Foundation president. “Girl Scouts’ Way isn’t just where we are – it’s who we are.”

5As the Aug. 5 unveiling of Girl Scouts’ Way brought dozens to Northwest, D.C., residents, Girl Scouts and elected officials from Ward 8 honor the historic milestone alongside program CEO Kim Ford (far right) and Ward 1 councilmember Brianne Nadeau (third from left). (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

HU BOMB from Page 1

GIRL

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Maryland Legislators Consider Mid-Decade Redistricting Ahead of Midterm Elections

Republicans Seek to Keep Congressional Majority, Hogan Criticizes Gerrymandering

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Maryland is among the states responding to Republican efforts to redistrict in order to bolster the Republican majority in Congress.

Following efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw their state’s congressional maps prior to the 2026 midterm elections— an effort specifically demanded by President Donald Trump in recent interviews— states led by both major political parties are now responding in turn with proposed legislation and ballot measures to expand their redistricting options.

In July, Trump told C-SPAN that Texas’ redistricting would potentially allow Republicans to add as many as five seats in the House of Representatives, while also noting that several states led by Democrats were likely to

redistrict in response.

Maryland, indeed, responded.

A plane flew above Maryland’s State Capitol on Aug. 4 with a trailing banner reading “Mess With Texas,” sending a clear reference to redistricting efforts demanded by President Donald Trump, and a call to action for Maryland legislators to step in.

Maryland has eight congressional districts, represented by seven Democrats and one Republican.

Some Maryland Democrats, including Del. Julian Ivey (D- District 47), have considered re-drawing the state’s congressional maps.

“Everything has to be on the table. Even if it takes amending our state constitution, we can’t keep playing nice with these MAGA Republicans,” Ivey told The Informer.

District 23 Del. Adrian Boafo emphasized the need to “put up some

fight in this moment.”

In addition, Del. David Moon (DDistrict 20) introduced a bill to give the governor or the General Assembly the authority to redraw Maryland’s congressional districts if any other state does mid-decade redistricting.

“If one of the 50 states decides to break from the norm and redistrict whenever they want, that’s just not a sustainable system, unless every other state also exercises that same right,” Moon, who recently saw several Texas legislators during the recent National Conference of State Legislatures meeting in Boston, told Maryland Matters. “Ideally, once everyone has the same power, nobody exercises it, because it’s destabilizing the Congress itself to have the prospect of redistricting happen every election cycle.”

Alexis Solis, who is running for Congress in the 5th Congressional District, said she is committed to supporting fair, transparent, and nonpartisan redistricting.

“As a candidate for Maryland’s 5th District, I believe we’re entering a critical moment in redistricting not just here in our state but nationally as well. Across the country, Republicans are pushing for mid decade map changes in states like Texas, Ohio, and Florida,” Solis told The Informer. “Democrats in places like California and New York are even considering similar, though legally fraught, counter moves.”

She also encouraged residents to stay vigilant, as re-drawing could shift them into a neighboring district.

“Our district remains safely Democratic, but any shifts in mapmaking rules could reshape regional dynamics and ultimately affect representation and accountability,” Solis continued. “When maps reflect communities instead of politics, everyone in our district benefits.”

Prior to the 2022 election, Maryland legislators approved a congressional map that was redone with some, including Judge Lynne Battaglia and Delegate Christopher Adams (R-District 37B), arguing that the original map was drawn with an intent to gerrymander.

Len Foxwell, a Democratic political consultant with long-standing roots on the Eastern Shore, opposes gerrymandering but doesn’t believe in unilateral disarmament.

“There is nothing good about gerrymandering. It erodes public confidence in our political system and diminishes the quality of our representation. That said, we may be left with no choice, given that Donald Trump is ready to lie, cheat and steal in order to protect

his House majority,” he said in an interview with The Informer.

He emphasized the urgency in overturning Republican efforts.

“We have to do whatever it takes, he continued, “to regain the House and hold Donald Trump and his acolytes fully accountable for ruining the economy, putting innocent lives at risk and destroying our democracy.”

Republican Leaders Push for Redistricting, Hogan Calls Gerrymandering ‘A Cancer on Our Democracy’

With the stakes raised and some Democratic leaders weighing their options, Republican lawmakers in several states have taken steps to begin mid-decade redistricting.

The White House and Vice President J.D. Vance (R) have been directly lobbying for Republicans to undertake this measure, and the option is being openly considered.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has hinted at redistricting, and Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez (R) has announced plans to begin congressional redistricting before the 2026 election.

“Exploring these questions now, at the mid-decade point, would potentially allow us to seek legal guidance from our Supreme Court without the uncertainty associated with deferring those questions until after the next decennial census and reapportionment,” Speaker Perez wrote in a memo shared with members of the Florida House of Representatives.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun (R) spoke with Vance last week and is more open to redistricting, which would likely target Rep. Frank Mr-

3Some Maryland legislators, including Del. Julian Ivey, are considering redistricting in response to the Trump administration’s push for redistricting in order to bolster the Republican majority in Congress. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

van (D- Ind.). Speaking at the Indiana Statehouse shortly after Vance’s visit, said he believes that redistricting is a “done deal.”

Indiana House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins (R) has also received a call from the White House to encourage redistricting.

This push has been enough for an Indiana Republican consultant to decry the escalating national stakes for both major political parties.

“They are completely rewriting the implied rule book. It’s a Pandora’s box, because if you do it in Texas, you do it here, you do it in some other red states,” said former Indiana Republican Party communications director Pete Seat. “What’s going to happen in the blue states? They’re going to respond in kind. And then you have a redistricting arms race, and I don’t know where that ends.”

Missouri Republicans are likely to redraw the seat currently held by Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D), a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus who represents the Kansas City metropolitan area. Missouri currently has six Republicans and two Democrats in their congressional delegation, including Cleaver and former St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) also said he was open to redistricting in the past week.

“Is Missouri represented properly in Washington, D.C.,” Kehoe questioned in an interview with Missouri’s Fox 2, “and quite frankly, what can we do to support President Trump’s agenda?”

In Maryland, Rep. Andy Harris, the sole Republican in the state’s congressional delegation, has welcomed re-districting efforts by national Republicans.

However, former Governor Larry Hogan (R) has decried gerrymandering as a stain on the political process.

“As governor, I called gerrymandering a cancer on our democracy. I still believe that it is,” Hogan wrote on Facebook Aug. 8. “It corrodes trust in government and pushes both parties further toward the fringes. It is one of the root causes of the toxic gridlock in Washington. And it has to end.”

To view Maryland’s congressional districts, visit the Maryland Department of Planning at planning.maryland.gov. WI

5Former governor Larry Hogan is against the redistricting plans calling gerrymandering a cancer on democracy and “one of the root causes of the toxic gridlock in Washington.” (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

PRINCE GEORGE’S POLITICAL UPDATES

Strike Force 311 Aims to Tackle Long-Standing Service Requests

By Shevry Lassiter WI Photo Editor

In a move aimed to enhance the quality of life for Prince Georgians, County Executive Aisha Braveboy unveiled the latest phase of her signature Project Elevate initiative: Strike Force 311. The new effort is designed to tackle long-standing service requests in the county’s PGC311 system, focusing on nuisance abatement complaints.

Braveboy announced the initiative while standing in front of a neglected lot at 7109 E. Ridge Drive, which was filled with more than 200 commercial tires. “

These are not just numbers. They reflect the real concerns of residents, and this initiative is about responsiveness, responsibility, and results,” Braveboy said. “It’s about restoring and renewing hope, and building the kind of Prince George’s County we all deserve to live in.”

The county executive emphasized that the initiative aims to eliminate the frustration caused by bureaucratic delays that have hindered progress in the past. She introduced Chanel Dickerson as the new director of the Office of Community Relations, which manages the PGC311 system and will oversee the Strike Force 311 operations.

Operating seven days a week for the next 60 days, Strike Force 311 will coordinate with various county agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Transportation

and the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement, to address more than 13,000 backlogged complaints in the system.

In addition, Braveboy highlighted that the two agencies alone have a surplus of 7,000 open cases, a situation she vowed would change under her administration.

To support these efforts, the county executive’s office has allocated $1 million in non-departmental funding to tackle nuisance abatement issues throughout the Prince George’s.

“This is not just about beautification; this is about elevation,” she said. “When we elevate each of these properties, we are elevating the spirit, the culture, and the quality of life in our communities.”

The Strike Force initiative also opens doors for local small businesses to partner with the County government in addressing issues such as potholes, overgrown trees, and debris removal. Braveboy urged local contractors specializing in services like landscaping and litter collection to explore opportunities through the County’s procurement portal.

County Employees Supporting Elevation

County Council Chair Ed Burroughs also spoke at the event, highlighting the accomplishments of county employees since the launch of Project Elevate and the Countywide Litter and Beautification Blitz in June.

He noted that more than 71,000

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

5Prince George’s County, County Executive Aisha Braveboy with government staff and officials at the unveiling of the latest phase of the signature Project Elevate initiative, introducing Strike Force 311, while standing in front of a neglected lot at 7109 E. Ridge Drive, in Landover, Maryland filled with more than 200 commercial tires. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

pounds of litter were collected, 513 acres of lawns mowed, and nearly half a million pounds of debris removed through the Residential Street Sweeping Program.

During his remarks, Burroughs expressed his gratitude to County Executive Braveboy for her commitment to improving the County’s services. “There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t get a call from my office about the lack of response in the past from 311 and the need to trim trees and to fix potholes, and you’ve heard from the people of Prince George’s County and you’re doing things to make it better,” he stated, acknowledging the strides made in addressing residents’ concerns.

Braveboy expressed gratitude to all partners involved, including various departments and agencies committed to the initiative.

She encouraged residents to continue submitting service requests through PGC311 during this operation, assuring that the task force’s work would not interfere with current resident needs.

County Executive Braveboy emphasized the need for accountability in addressing residents’ complaints, stating, “I was told that some of these complaints may take up to 365 days and I said ‘to pick up trash?’ I don’t think so. That’s why we are initiating this strike force so that we can have [a] rapid response, so that we can be responsive to the residents in Prince George’s County.”

For additional information about Project Elevate, residents can visit the County’s official website at mypgc.us/ projectelevate. WI

4Prince George’s County Council Chair Edward Burroughs watches as County Executive Aisha Braveboy introduces Strike Force 311, the latest phase of her signature Project Elevate Initiative. (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)

5A neglected lot filled with more than 200 commercial tires at 7109 E. Ridge Drive in Landover, Maryland. Strike 311, introduced by Project Elevate initiative, is part of Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s initiative to address such issues. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

briefs

Black Business Month

UDC Law School

Recognized for Excellence

The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) has once again earned national recognition, with top scores in three categories in The Princeton Review’s 2025 Best Law School rankings, according to a university news release.

Among 168 U.S. law schools considered by The Princeton Review, UDC Law, a historically Black institution, was named:

#1 Most Chosen by Older Students

#2 Greatest Resources for Minority Students

#9 Most Diverse Faculty

The rankings reflect student surveys as well as school data, underscoring the law school’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality legal education that meets the needs of its students, its community and the world.

“UDC Law stands proudly at the intersection of purpose and

progress,” said Interim Dean Angela Gilmore. “We serve students who come to us from all walks of life, often bringing with them years of real-world experience and a shared passion for justice. These rankings affirm our success and the extraordinary community we’ve built together.”

The school’s top ranking for “Most Chosen by Older Students” is based on the average age of entering students and the number of years students spent out of college before enrolling in law school. It reflects UDC Law’s unique appeal to mid-career professionals and nontraditional learners seeking the tools to make positive change under the law.

UDC Law also ranked second for “Greatest Resources for Minority Students,” a reflection of both school data and surveys, finding that students feel they are treated equally by their peers and instructors. The top 10 ranking for “Most Diverse Faculty,” UDC leaders note, further illustrates the school’s investment in build-

INVITATION FOR BIDS –

DCHFA-25-0052

Office Space Conversion

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) seeks qualified contractors for an office space conversion project at 815 Florida Avenue NW.

Mandatory Site Visit: August 14, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.

Bid Submission Deadline: September 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Interested firms must attend the site visit to be eligible.

Full IFB details available at www.DCHFA.org/about/business-opportunities. Submit bids to procurement@dchfa.org.

ing a faculty that mirrors its student body and the communities they will go on to serve.

“These rankings are a testament to the strength of UDC Law’s mission and the excellence of its faculty, students and alumni,” said UDC President Maurice D. Edington. “As the university prepares to celebrate the 175th anniversary of our founding, this recognition affirms our role as the flagship institution for the District and a model for urban higher education nationwide.”

Legal

Aid DC Set to Open New Office in Anacostia

Legal Aid DC announced that it will open a new street-level community office in Anacostia that will allow the organization to double its Southeast space and increase staffing to help meet the growing demand for free legal services.

Once open, Legal Aid DC’s new space will be the only storefront office for free legal services in Anacostia, making it easier for nearby residents to get legal help.

“We’re thrilled to soon open a new, bigger space in Anacostia to make free legal services more accessible for residents living and working east of the river,” said Vikram Swaruup, executive direc-

3 Angela Gilmore, interim dean of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke Law School, praises her institution for being nationally recognized by The Princeton Review’s 2025 Best Law Schools rankings. (Courtesy Photo/UDC)

tor of Legal Aid DC.

When it opens in 2026, the new office located at 1911 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE will replace the existing office in the Anacostia Professional Building, located at the site also known as the Big Chair. The new location will be 1,520 square feet, nearly double the size of the existing space of 832 square feet, and will sit at street level.

Legal Aid DC has seen an increase in demand for its services over the last several years. The organization conducted nearly 6,500 intakes in 2024 and is on track to reach close to 7,000 intakes in 2025. In 2026, with more than double the number of private offices at the new location, Legal Aid DC attorneys and staff will be able to assist even more residents, reduce wait times, and increase support to best serve those in need of legal services. With the larger space, the Anacostia office will also have expanded programming to further support clients, including serving as the home for the new DC Resource Bridge. The program, hosted by Legal Aid DC with support from the DC Bar Foundation, will provide low-income District residents with a single access point to quickly connect

5 Maurice Edington, president of the University of the District of Columbia, which is nearing its 175th anniversary in 2026, says national recognition from organizations such as The Princeton Review, illustrates the historically Black institution’s commitment to excellence. (Courtesy Photo/UDC)

BUSINESS from Page 14

them with the type of legal support they need through a referral network of free and low-cost legal service organizations. A grant from the DC Bar Foundation will cover a portion of the cost to build out the new Anacostia space and create a shared hub where residents can get legal help.

The new office is made possible by the record level of fundraising this year for Legal Aid DC from individual donors and organizations in the legal community, the DC Bar Foundation’s investment in the DC Resource Bridge, and the D.C. Council fully funded the Access to Justice program in its recently passed budget.

The Big Chair office originally opened in 2010 but closed for in-person client meetings in March 2020 when Legal Aid pivoted to online- and phone-based intakes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legal Aid DC then reopened an Anacostia office in June 2023 for in-person intakes.

Clients and community members will continue to be able to access legal services at Legal Aid’s Northwest office, located at 1331 H Street NW, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12:30 p.m. -4 p.m. and through Legal Aid’s online and phone systems.

“As we continue to see increased demand for legal services – whether someone is facing

August is National Make-A-Will Month, But for Black Families, That’s Just the Start

BY Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

Each August, National Make-A-Will Month reminds us of the importance of planning for the future. But at Life & Legacy Counselors, we know a will is just the beginning—not the end—of a solid estate plan.

For far too many Black families, estate planning feels overwhelming, unnecessary, or out of reach. That feeling is understandable—but dangerous. According to a recent Caring.com survey, over 75% of Black Americans do not have any estate planning documents in place. That means no will, no trust, no power of attorney—nothing. The result is chaos, confusion, and often loss of wealth when a loved one passes away.

Here’s what many people don’t realize: a will does not avoid probate. In fact, it guarantees it. Probate is a court process that becomes public record, opens the door for creditors and even distant family members to make claims, and often leads to unnecessary conflict and delay—especially when emotions are high and hearts are hurting.

For families already grieving, probate can feel like a second loss. And when we consider that Black Americans disproportionately suffer from wealth gaps, property loss, and systemic barriers to asset protection, the impact of not having a comprehensive plan is multiplied.

eviction, domestic violence, or challenges accessing government benefits like health insurance or food assistance,” Swaruup said, “we will continue to work to ensure residents can talk with a legal professional face-to-face.”

@JamesWrightJr10

At Life & Legacy Counselors, we are committed to educating our community beyond the basics. We believe in building strong communities one family at a time, and that means giving people the tools to pass on wealth—not just memories.

A will is a useful tool, but it is not enough. It does not protect assets from creditors or predators. It does not keep your affairs private. It does not guarantee that your family can avoid court intervention. And it does not cover disability or incapacity during life.

That’s where trust-based estate planning comes in. A well-drafted trust allows you to name beneficiaries, control how and when assets are distributed, avoid probate, reduce taxes, and protect generational wealth from division or depletion.

Many families avoid estate planning out of fear, confusion, or cost concerns. But knowledge is power. We want to dismantle the myths that estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful tools a working-class Black family can use to create economic security for the next generation.

During National Make-A-Will Month, don’t stop at just creating a will. Start a conversation with a trusted estate planning professional who understands your values, your vision, and your community. At Life & Legacy Counselors, we take pride in walking with you through that journey—educating, empowering, and building lasting legacies.

Don’t let limited knowledge or outdated assumptions freeze your progress. You deserve more than a will. You deserve a plan. Let us walk with you through the journey of building a legacy through estate planning.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

Life and Legacy Counselors

1401 Mercantile Lane, Ste 271, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste 440 Washington, DC 20015 1100 N. Glebe Road, Ste 1010, Arlington, VA 22201

www.yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481 connects all locations

5 Vikram Swaruup is the executive director of Legal Aid DC. (Courtesy Photo/Legal Aid DC)

NATIONAL

tor of National Intelligence James Clapper conspired to fabricate the Trump-Russia scandal.

But Trump hasn’t stopped at the officials. He’s now publicly named Obama, accusing him of treason and demanding criminal prosecution.

“Look, he’s guilty. It’s not a question,” Trump declared from the Oval Office. “This was treason. It’s time to go after people.”

Obama’s team responded forcefully: “These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.”

However, some political experts argue the distractions may be a cover for something far more sinister.

Trump has reportedly posted memes depicting Obama behind bars. He’s shared edited videos suggesting Obama should be jailed. Even once posting an AI doctored video of Obama on his knees before Trump, who has openly fantasized

about imprisoning his predecessor.

With a Justice Department under his control and no constitutional guardrails he’s willing to respect, the fear is no longer hypothetical: Obama could become the first former U.S. president to be criminally targeted by his successor, not for crimes, but for political vengeance.

Many note Trump’s obsession with Obama has always been racial and personal. He launched his political career by pushing the false “birther” conspiracy.

His former attorney Michael Cohen said Trump’s hatred is “purely racial… solely predicated on the fact that Barack Obama is Black.”

Hypothetic Third Term Match

Up: Obama vs. Trump

And here’s what might hurt Trump the most: a new national poll shows that in a hypothetical 2028 third-term matchup for both presidents; Obama would beat him handily.

A survey by Daily Mail and J.L. Partners found Obama leading

Social Justice PCS has posted multiple requests for proposals under notice # N141769 via DCRegs.dc.gov to request proposals for the following services for the 2025-2026 school year

Trump 52% to 41%, well beyond the margin of error. Obama dominates across key demographics, winning 73% of Hispanic voters, 68% of Black voters, and 50% of independents.

No other Democrat fares as well. Trump narrowly defeats both former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in similar hypothetical matchups.

But when it comes to Obama,

Social Justice PCS has posted multiple requests for proposals under notice # N141769 via DCRegs.dc.gov to request proposals for the following services for the 2025-2026 school year

1. AV/IT- Low voltage camera installation

2. FF &E- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

3. Project Manager- Building renovation liaison between school and construction PM

4. Student Data Analysis and Coaching Consultant

Trump loses—and he knows it.

That may explain why Trump continues to float extra-constitutional schemes. Despite the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit, Trump told NBC News in March he was “not joking” about seeking a third term.

“There are methods which you could do it,” he said, pointing to Vice President JD Vance potentially running and handing the presi-

3 After years of questioning his citizenship, racists remarks and criticizing his leadership, President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is targeting former President Barack Obama and his administration again— this time through a Justice Department federal grand jury investigation. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

as Twitter. “It is so obvious what Trump is doing. WI

Steve Bannon predicted Trump “will run and win again in 2028.”

And the White House posted a meme of Trump wearing a crown with the caption “LONG LIVE THE KING.” dency back to him.

His allies are onboard.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has introduced legislation to remove presidential term limits.

Steve Bannon predicted Trump “will run and win again in 2028.”

And the White House posted a meme of Trump wearing a crown with the caption “LONG LIVE THE KING.”

One social media user said that

4. Student Data Analysis and Coaching Consultant

5.Special Education- Contracted Services

6. Substitute Teacher/ Guest Educator

Proposal submission details are available via Notice #N141769.

OBAMA from Page 4

Poll Finds Rising DEI Skepticism as Black Communities Confront Threats from Project 2025 and Historic Racist Agendas

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows growing public skepticism toward the effectiveness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Conducted July 10–14, the survey of 1,437 U.S. adults revealed that only about one-third believe DEI efforts reduce discrimination against women, Hispanic people, or Asian Americans.

While four in 10 say DEI initiatives help address bias against Black people, nearly 30% believe these initiatives actually increase discrimination, including against white people.

The AP-NORC poll also noted a sharp drop in the number of Americans who acknowledge racial discrimination against Black and Asian people. In 2021, 61% said Black Americans faced a great deal or quite a bit of discrimination. That figure now stands at 40%. For Asian Americans, it dropped from 46% to 30%.

Despite this decline in perception, 74% of Black respondents say their communities continue to experience significant discrimination.

The polling results come amid escalating concerns about Project 2025, a sweeping 900-page policy blueprint published by The Heritage Foundation and widely viewed as a roadmap for a second Trump administration. According to the Legal Defense Fund’s (LDF) Thurgood Marshall Institute, Project 2025 poses a direct threat to Black communities by proposing to dismantle civil rights protections, privatize education, and

expand executive power with minimal oversight.

The LDF’s report, “Attack on Our Power and Dignity: What Project 2025 Means for Black Communities,” warns that the agenda would eliminate racial data collection in federal agencies, weaken anti-discrimination laws, and roll back protections for workers, students, and voters.

“The assault on Black communities envisioned by Project 2025 will almost certainly condemn us to demise,” said LDF President Janai Nelson.

‘Substandard Education Is A Small Cost For Maintaining Racism’

Education is a central battleground.

Project 2025 calls for eliminating the Department of Education and replacing federal oversight with state control, even in states with a documented history of racial discrimination. It also seeks to defund school programs that address systemic racism or acknowledge white privilege. These efforts echo past segregationist rhetoric.

In a February 2025 Newsweek opinion piece, Dr. Stephanie R. Toliver of the University of Illinois cited former North Carolina Justice I. Beverly Lake’s 1954 warning that inferior education was preferable to racial integration.

Toliver drew a chilling parallel to the present.

“Just as Justice Lake once saw inferior education as an acceptable price to pay for preserving racial purity,”

Tolliver wrote, “today’s rhetoric proposes that a substandard education is a small cost for maintaining racism, homophobia, trans violence, and antiblackness.”

Human Rights Watch also issued a 2025 statement linking the rollback of DEI initiatives to the broader global assault on anti-racism efforts. The organization called the Trumpera movement against DEI a “clear example” of mainstream racism, urging governments to reckon with the legacies of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid by adopting reparations and structural reforms.

As perceptions of discrimination wane and support for DEI programs declines, civil rights advocates warn that these attitudes reflect not progress, but apathy, denial, and a dangerous rewriting of history.

“Our democracy stands at a

5 An activist holds a sign that reads “Don’t Criminalize DEI” at the #HandsOff OurHistory march in May. A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals growing public skepticism toward the effectiveness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

crossroads,” Nelson said. “A path of infinite promise towards a more inclusive, equitable, and durable democracy on the one hand, and

one of immeasurable and, potentially, irretrievable demise on the other” WI

NATIONAL

Trump Claims Immigrants Are Built for Farm Work

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Donald Trump has sparked new outrage after declaring that undocumented immigrants are “naturally” inclined to perform grueling farm labor.

The comment, made Tuesday on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” echoes centuries-old racist tropes and comes one year after Trump infamously told Black journalists that immigrants were “taking Black jobs.”

“These people do it naturally,” Trump said, referring to undocumented laborers, primarily of Hispanic descent. “People that live in the inner city are not doing that work. They’ve tried — we’ve tried, everybody tried. They don’t do it.”

Trump continued, quoting a farmer who claimed that if a worker gets a bad back, “they die,” before adding: “In many ways they’re very, very special people.”

The remarks are consistent with

Trump’s long record of dehumanizing immigrants while pitting racial groups against each other. During his campaign last year, he told a room full of Black journalists, “Millions and millions of people [immigrants] happen to be taking Black jobs,” later attempting to clean up his statement by saying, “A Black job is anybody that has a job.”

There is no such thing as a “Black job.” Federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, and Black Americans, like all Americans, work across every sector — from agriculture and service industries to tech, finance, and the White House itself.

Now back in power, Trump’s administration has resumed mass deportations and expanded third-country agreements, sending immigrants to nations like Rwanda and Eswatini.

Meanwhile, ICE raids have ramped up across farms and food processing plants, despite Trump admitting that farmers need the very

labor force he’s targeting.

“[They are] people that you can’t replace very easily,” Trump acknowledged, before asserting he wants to help farmers “keep” migrant workers, while still vowing to expand removals.

Experts warn that Trump’s framing is not only racist but also dangerous. Assigning certain jobs to specific races or ethnicities echoes a legacy of slavery and segregation, and it directly fuels policies that target the most vulnerable.

“There is nothing ‘natural’ about being forced into low-wage, dangerous work because of your immigration status,” said one labor rights advocate. “This is exploitation, not admiration.”

Critics say the president’s rhetoric is designed to divide — scapegoating immigrants while invoking stereotypes of Black laziness to shore up political support.

“This is plantation logic wrapped in a 21st-century soundbite,” one la-

bor leader stated.

And with Trump doubling down on both mass deportations and race-baiting narratives, many fear the administration’s policies will follow

the same trajectory as his words.

“We’ve heard this before,” said a Black journalist who attended Trump’s NABJ session last year. “And we know exactly where it leads.” WI

Trump Administration Enacts Visa Bond Pilot to Curb Overstays and Tighten Vetting

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Donald Trump has sparked new outrage after declaring that undocumented immigrants are “naturally” inclined to perform grueling farm labor.

Trump continued, quoting a farmer who claimed that if a worker gets a bad back, “they die,” before adding: “In many ways they’re very, very special people.”

The remarks are consistent with Trump’s long record of dehumaniz-

ing immigrants while pitting racial groups against each other. During his campaign last year, he told a room full of Black journalists, “Millions and millions of people [immigrants] happen to be taking Black jobs,” later attempting to clean up his statement by saying, “A Black job is anybody that has a job.”

Now back in power, Trump’s administration has resumed mass deportations and expanded third-country agreements, sending immigrants to nations like Rwanda and Eswatini.

3 The U.S. Department of State has announced the launch of a new Visa Bond Pilot Program, requiring certain applicants for B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas to post bonds of up to $15,000 as a condition of receiving a visa. (Courtesy Photo)

“These people do it naturally,” Trump said, referring to undocumented laborers, primarily of Hispanic descent.

“People that live in the inner city are not doing that work. They’ve tried — we’ve tried, everybody tried. They don’t do it.”

Meanwhile, ICE raids have ramped up across farms and food processing plants, despite Trump admitting that farmers need the very labor force he’s targeting.

“[They are] people that you can’t replace very easily,” Trump acknowledged, before asserting he wants to help farmers “keep” migrant workers, while still vowing to expand removals.

“There is nothing ‘natural’ about being forced into low-wage, dangerous work because of your immigration status,” said one labor rights advocate. “This is exploitation, not admiration.”

Critics say the president’s rhetoric is designed to divide — scapegoating immigrants while invoking stereotypes of Black laziness to shore up political support.

“This is plantation logic wrapped in a 21st-century soundbite,” one labor leader stated.

And with Trump doubling down on both mass deportations and race-baiting narratives, many fear the administration’s policies will follow the same trajectory as his words.

“We’ve heard this before,” said a Black journalist who attended Trump’s NABJ session last year. “And we know exactly where it leads.”

5 President Donald Trump’s comments suggesting immigrants are naturally built for farm work is sparking national outrage. (WI File Photo)

DC JAIL from Page 1

amid a staffing shortage. That’s why, for Connisea O’Neal, the Trump administration’s takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has sparked concern about what’s to come for those currently under custody of the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC).

“I just pray for my Black young brothers,” said O’Neal, a D.C. resident and mother, as she reflected on President Donald J. Trump’s evocation of Section 740 of the Home Rule Act. “That’s what all that is for. It’s not to harm other races. All that is just for the Black race. And I just pray for other parents that y’all just stay involved and keep y’all kids safe. Parents [with] sons or daughters that’s incarcerated, stay involved. Do your best when they call, answer, ask questions and just listen.”

On May 13, 2022, DOC reported the death of O’Neal’s son, Ramone O’Neal. An autopsy conducted by the D.C. Office of the Chief Examiner designated the cause of death as the “combined toxic effects of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and xylazinean.”

O’Neal said she suspects foul play, and has since explored avenues for legal action.

“Whatever they’re saying they found in the system, it was put in there,” O’Neal said. “My son had a heart murmur. He’s not going to smoke or drink things that’s going to mess with his heart. He’s been like that ever since he knew he had a heart murmur as a child.”

Ramone O’Neal’s death preceded that of Sean Lee, who jail officials said succumbed under similar circumstances. Those incidents took place months after the U.S. Marshals Service, after a surprise visit to the facility, issued a memo and entered a memorandum of understanding with DOC to address what residents and advocates described as deplorable conditions.

Though O’Neal said she refuses to believe the findings of the autopsy, she questioned how DOC continues to allow the flow of illicit substances and correctional officers’ mistreatment of D.C. Jail residents.

“If what the jail is saying is true, what are y’all doing to prevent somebody from doing that again? Apparently nothing,” O’Neal told The Informer. “I don’t care what the charges are, God decides when you leave this earth. But they decided for my son, and I’m not going to let that go, because I know my child, and he did not want to be dead.”

O’Neal told The Informer that, on the night before he died, her son, who she described as jovial and easygoing, called her with a disposition deviating from the norm. She said ongoing conflicts with correctional officers and a co-defendent weighed deeply on his mind, especially after, according to her, he was stabbed on the way to the showers and correctional officers allowed a physical altercation to transpire between him and the co-defendent.

“He sounded really sad,” O’Neal said about her son. “He kept asking me to call Mayor Bowser. He calling me saying how [the correctional officers] are treating him and the other inmates. I kept saying that Bowser ain’t going to do nothing.”

Upon learning about her son’s death, she and his children’s mother converged on the Central Detention Facility (CDF) where they knocked on the door for several minutes to no avail, O’Neal said.

Later, the mother explained, she made an unsuccessful attempt to view her son’s body at the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

“They told us we could come

around and view his body, but when we got down there they would not let us in,” she told The Informer. “They started saying it’s [because of] COVID, but you knew it was COVID when we was on the phone. So what changed from the time on the phone [to when] I came to view his body?”

With all the back and forth, O’Neal said she and her family were not able to view her son’s body until they visited the funeral home.

“Before you could get up on him, you could see all the bruises on his face, his forehead, his lip, his cheek,” O’Neal recounted. “I cried and said “My son don’t have no trauma to his face. Is this trauma?” and [the funeral home employees] said yes.”

Concerns Persist about Pre-Trial Detention and Staffing Shortages

In the minutes and hours after Trump announced the federal takeover of MPD, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and members of the D.C. Council spoke, and released statements, about the strides they made in significantly quelling crime.

DC JAIL Page 51

Joe Madison (The Black Eagle)

After spending five months behind bars and jury acquittal, Taya Johnson, says that the D.C. Jail “needs to be shut down immediately” due to inadequate conditions. (Courtesy Photo)

n Brochures

n Business Cards

n Banners

n Canvas Bags

n Color Copies

n Contracts & Vouchers

n Church Fans

n Fax & Scan

n Posters & Signs

n Tithe Envelopes

n Tickets & Flyers

n T-Shirts n Mugs & Glassware

n Notary

Caribana: A Canadian Celebration of Resilience and Freedom

Thousands Mark Emancipation Day Amid Attacks of Canada’s Autonomy from President Trump

By Maven McGann WI Intern

Amid concerns about tariffs, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and immigration fears in the United States, 1.3 million people from around the world took to Toronto, Canada, where there was colorful feathers, bedazzled costumes, loud music, and dancing for “Caribana” (July 31-Aug. 4), a celebration of culture and freedom.

While there are many celebrations across the Caribbean, West Indies and world that commemorate Aug. 1, 1834, when the British Parliament voted to end slavery across the empire, Toronto’s festival, since its start in 1967, has grown into a massive event, lasting days and featuring a parade and parties with a purpose.

“It’s celebrating us and Black independence and us becoming all together and having something better than what we had before,” said Shauntel O. Clarke, a Toronto resident with Jamaican roots.

Clarke, 23, woke up at 12:30 a.m. to begin doing makeup for a masquerade band celebrating a 40th birthday in the parade on Saturday, Aug. 2, part of the festival that started July 31 and concluded Aug. 4.

Her outfit was elaborate, bright and beautiful, featuring pink and purple wings spanning wide, with a perfectly matching sequined bikini and light pink crocs.

Many parade participants spend between $350 - $1,000 on costumes alone in the quest to be crowned queen or king of Caribana.

For Clarke, dressing up for Caribana is an opportunity to showcase her passion for aesthetics.

“I do make up for a living. So it’s pretty much what I’ve been doing since I’ve been young,” she told The Informer. “It’s just my fashion, my art and what I do.”

‘Canada Not For Sale’

While Caribana is one of Canada’s biggest tourist attractions, often drawing more than a million visitors that enrich the local economy, some people noted that attendance did not

seem as robust as in years past, citing concerns about immigration and hassles crossing the border back into the U.S. as possible reasons for lower participation.

Miles away from the Caribana celebration, Gloria Chafe, a 77-year-old school bus driver, who lives in Ajax, a Toronto suburb, used her home as a form of protest against U.S. President Donald Trump and his policies.

On her front porch a wire wreath reads “True North Strong & Free,” while another flag waving from a pole reads: “Canada--Not for Sale.”

She said she ordered the flag from Amazon when “Mr. Trump decided he was going to take us,” referring to the president repeatedly calling Canada “the 51st state.”

“I don’t want to bite my tongue, but Trump, ain’t getting us,” Chafe told The Informer. “It’s too bad that he didn’t get lost somewhere in space… He’s vindictive. I’m not going to say too much more about him because he might come after me.”

Chafe is encouraged that despite Trump’s threat, Canadians seem to be rallying together– including businesses. Area supermarkets are hanging signs announcing the local response to the tariffs, and there are stickers reading “proudly Canadian” affixed to locally-made products. Further, other stickers clearly indicate when products are impact-

ed by Trump’s tariffs.

“People really seem unified around Canada, all the provinces, territories have all come together. We’re not giving up. We’ve had our battles over the years, wars and everything, and had them with the States, and we won,” she said. “This time, we are going to win. Canada is strong, and we’re going to stay free.”

‘No Tariffs’

Back on the parade route, Diana Grant bounced from side to side, arms in the air, cheering on the parade procession.

“No tariffs,” Grant said, giggling and raising her hands defensively.

A social worker, poet and self-described “senior” Grant attended the parade to showcase her cultural pride, donning an a hot pink body suit beneath denim shorts, bright, bedazzled, blue peacock and sequins around her neck and an umbrella hat with a red and white Canadian maple leaf flag.

“We love our food. We have our dance, our music, our culture. It’s a kind of unity. We welcome all. We welcome you here, [wherever] you are from. It’s one love,” she said. “We just came from different ships.”

5 Diana Grant encourages parade participants. (Maven McGann/The Washington Informer)

5 Gloria Chafe proudly stands in front of her house and flags.

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HEALTH

By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer

A decade after its acclaimed debut, the award-winning documentary “Even Me” returns with a powerful sequel, “Even Me 2.0: Unfinished Business.” Debuting on Prime, the new film revisits the lives of older African American women living with HIV, an often-overlooked group at the center of a crisis that still grips Black communities across the United States.

Created by San Diego State

University researcher and filmmaker Dr. Megan Ebor, “Even Me 2.0” follows a suspenseful journey to reconnect with the original cast, capturing the emotional and, at times, heartbreaking outcomes of their stories. The film provides a rare longitudinal lens into the evolving HIV epidemic and confronts the persistent stigma and systemic inequities that continue to shape the lives of Black women aging with HIV.

“Older adults are often left out of these conversations, leading to misinformation and a lack of

support or treatment,” Ebor said in a recent interview. “By openly talking about sexual health, we encourage testing, prevention, and support for people living with HIV, regardless of age.”

The timing of the film’s release coincides with a troubling reality highlighted by the latest data from AIDSVu, a leading public resource that visualizes HIV-related data to promote informed public health decisions. Although Black Americans comprise just 12% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 38% of new HIV diagnoses and 39% of people living with HIV (PLWH) in 2022.

Black men and women had the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among all racial and ethnic groups in 2022. For youth aged 13–24, Black Americans made up half of

all new HIV diagnoses, far outpacing other demographics. Despite these alarming figures, Black individuals represented only 14% of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) users in 2023, pointing to a dangerous gap in prevention access.

The problem goes beyond treatment access. According to AIDSVu data, Black people living with HIV report the highest levels of stigma and the lowest rates of viral suppression. In 2022, 22% of Black PLWH in the U.S. also reported unstable housing or homelessness—the highest rate among all races and ethnicities.

Dr. Ebor’s research explores how these structural and social barriers intersect with age, race, and gender. Through her film and faith-based partnerships, she seeks to advance HIV education

3A decade after its acclaimed debut, the award-winning documentary “Even Me” returns with a powerful sequel, “Even Me 2.0: Unfinished Business,” by Dr.

eliminate stigma. She described her work as a departure from the top-down approach, instead elevating the voices of those directly impacted.

“This approach is about amplifying lived experience to promote health and wellness within their communities,” she said.

The return of “Even Me” comes as advocates and researchers urge a renewed national focus on Black communities in the HIV response. Earlier this year, during National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, AIDSVu Principal Scientist and Emory University Professor Patrick Sullivan stressed the need to remain focused.

“Our role is to make sure there’s a transparent view,” Sullivan remarked, “and to just keep shining that light.” WI

Megan Ebor. (Courtesy Photo)

Measles Cases Reported in D.C., Maryland, Virginia as Johns Hopkins Team Deploys Outbreak Tools

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Washington, D.C., has confirmed a measles case involving an international traveler who visited several locations in the city last month, part of an outbreak that has prompted the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security’s Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI) to ramp up assistance for health departments nationwide.

According to D.C. Health, the infected person traveled through Dulles International Airport and used the Silver Line Metro before arriving at MedStar Health Pediatrics in Tenleytown in early to mid

TAKEOVER from Page 1

53%, and assaults with a dangerous weapon: 27%. Even now, D.C. police report violent crime is down another 26% from last year.

While D.C. residents, like Dee Dwyer, acknowledge that some young people are running amok in the streets, she sees the situation less as an issue of law enforcement and parental upbringing and more of an indication that District youth lack the confidence that they— like the droves of transplants pouring into the city— can thrive under rapid gentrification.

“Everybody is blaming the parents [but] it was the environment, and it was also a scarcity of resources, of knowledge,” said Dwyer, an educator and prolific photographer who hails from Southeast. “And then also taking these kids outside of their communities and showing them the world.”

Amid the president’s criticism of a city he says is filthy, full of slums and homelessness, graffiti, and crime-ridden, on Saturday, Dwyer hosted the Chocolate City Experience at the old AutoZone On H Street NE— an hours-long event that brought together various elements of indigenous D.C. culture.

Featuring, double-dutch, spades, checkers, and a go-go photo booth ran by Mr. G, a locally renowned camera man known for his iconic photos, Dwyer told The Informer that this event— coordinated in conjunction with H Street Main Street— builds

June. Maryland health authorities have reported three measles cases this year, all connected to international travel. Virginia has also confirmed three cases, including a recent infection in the state’s Northwest Region involving a child linked to a prior case.

Across the United States, at least 1,277 measles cases have been reported in 38 states and the District of Columbia. This is the highest total since 1992, when more than 2,100 cases were recorded.

The Johns Hopkins CORI initiative is working to support local health departments as they respond to the rising number of infections. CORI has developed analytical platforms, outbreak

upon her thought-provoking 2019 photo exhibit titled “The Last Bite of Chocolate City?”

She also shouted out her former students at the now-shuttered Democracy Prep Congress Heights Public Charter School as a source of inspiration, due mostly to what she described as their inability to have the quintessential D.C. childhood.

“They didn’t really have any playgrounds that [were] usable…and then they also expressed to me that [there’s] a lot of crime in their community,” Dwyer told The Informer as she recounted past efforts to have her students go on playground swings.

“I wanted to add this art activation where I’m recreating a beautiful day in a Chocolate City neighborhood and just bring joy to the community, create a safe space, and have activities that I used to do.”

Joy and Sorrow Co-Exist Amid Federal Law Enforcement of D.C.

Streets

In the aftermath of an alleged attack and attempted carjacking of Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) official known as “Big Balls,” Trump expressed a desire to federalize youth offenses and increase federal law enforcement presence in the District.

Later, in a bevy of posts made on Truth Social, Trump, once again, alluded to a takeover of D.C., going as far as demanding the removal of the

simulation tools, and risk assessments to help jurisdictions detect and control measles outbreaks.

“These tools are designed, tested, and refined to ensure they are practical and useful in real-world public health settings,” CORI states on its website.

The center has released a national scenario-based assessment categorizing the current situation as Scenario 4, which is defined by multiple large outbreaks or at least one extra-large outbreak with more than 300 cases. CORI also provides decision-support resources, clinical guidance documents, and modeling outputs that health officials can use to plan responses and monitor the spread of disease.

homeless population.

These proclamations set the stage for the president’s Monday announcement.

Standing at the podium in the White House press briefing room, Trump, flanked by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro, among other administration officials, revealed his plans to dispatch hundreds of National Guard troops to the District and evoke Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act that brings MPD under federal control for 30 days.

Trump said Terry Cole, administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, will serve as the interim federal commissioner of MPD, under Bondi’s guidance.

“This city will no longer be a sanctuary for illegal alien criminals. We will have full, seamless, integrated cooperation at all levels of law enforcement. And we’ll deploy officers across the District with an overwhelming presence. You’ll have more police, and you’ll be so happy because you’ll be safe,” Trump said. “When you walk down the street, you’re going to see police, or you’re going to see FBI agents. We’re going to have a lot of agents on the street. You’re going to have a lot of, essentially, military, we will bring in the military if needed.”

On Monday afternoon, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith

TAKEOVER

In addition to analytic tools, CORI coordinates a Community of Practice that connects state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to share lessons learned and strengthen outbreak readiness.

“Our mission is to improve the speed, accuracy, and use of data and analytics during public health emergencies,” CORI states. Virginia State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano said earlier that vaccination remains the best defense against measles.

“And it’s a safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks,” Forlano stated.

5With measles cases reported in the DMV region and around the country, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security’s Center for Outbreak Response Innovation is ramping up assistance for health departments nationwide. (Courtesy Photo)

Positively Caviar Offers Opportunity for Students to ‘Flourish & Grow’ in Back-to-School Wellness Workshop

Sessions Offer Tools for Expression, Emotional Regulation, Finding Safe Spaces

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

With the school year fast approaching, DMV-based nonprofit Positively Caviar Inc., is inviting Washingtonians to add another priority to the backto-school checklist–supporting mental health literacy in middle school students.

In its D.C. debut, the fourth annual back-to-school summer wellness workshop, “Flourish & Grow,” is set to take place at the R.I.S.E Demonstration Center in Southeast on Saturday, Aug. 16, empowering young scholars with the practical tools to manage stress, establish healthy habits, and build mental resilience that lasts beyond adolescence.

“The long term implications

that people don’t realize with mental health is poor school performance, higher dropout rates, shorter life expectancy, and especially in some of these underserved communities, mental health plays a huge role in every facet of your life,” said Chazz Scott, executive director and chief creative optimist of Positively Caviar. “We’re really trying to help people understand that mental wellness is a full suite of life.”

From tackling decision-making skills and relaxation techniques, to encouraging vulnerability in discussions of mental health, Positively Caviar is giving away more than free school supplies to equip middle schoolers in and out of the classroom. The day will include immersive educational experiences from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with

a packed itinerary featuring affirmation exercises, healing techniques, and even a presentation from a nutritionist during lunch.

As the organization gears up for a Southeast takeover, Positively Caviar co-founder Nikki Abraham boosts the experience as a potential “game-changer” for youth in D.C., where nearly 3,000 adolescents between the ages of 12-17 experience major depressive episodes annually, with

more than a third receiving no treatment at all.

“This age group is facing a mental health crisis, so to speak,” Abraham told The Informer. “Everything [we’re doing is] playing a part in shifting the mindset…and I’m excited to meet new kids and see how our workshop can affect them in their day to day.”

Teaching Adolescents to Prioritize Mental Health:

‘We

Speak to Where They Are’

While reflecting on the forthcoming day of events, Scott, Abraham and chief program officer Shama Sulaiman say tackling mental health is a universal mission not limited to a specific population or demographic.

However, given the impressionable age of middle school students, coupled with the crucial period of brain development, Scott told The Informer a proactive initiative like Flourish & Grow would have benefitted him as a growing adolescent.

“I wish I knew all this stuff when I was younger…it would have completely transformed my life,” the executive director admitted. “The exposure is just a start; you have to actively go seek these resources…but imagine getting [them] earlier in life and having something to fall back on.”

Some of these pivotal resources range from methods of mindfulness, such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, to positive practices strengthening the values of self-worth, identity and confidence.

To build better external relationships, scholars can look forward to activities rooted in

5 Positively Caviar is hosting its fourth annual back-to-school mental wellness workshop in Southeast on Aug. 16, marking its D.C. debut with a focus on building community, mental resilience, and healthy habits in youth grades 6-8. (Courtesy of Positively Caviar)

5 Through Positively Caviar’s Flourish & Grow wellness workshop, set for Aug. 16, DMV middle schoolers learn positive techniques to manage daily stress and cope with emotional overwhelm. (Courtesy of Positively Caviar)

EARTH OUR

Sacred Grounds: Bridging Faith and Flora to Shape A Better Planet

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

Whether looking to simply beautify an outdoor space, or reverse damage caused by a summer of frequent rain and flooding, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF)’s Sacred Grounds program is helping local churches sow the seeds of stewardship through investing in native plants.

Defined by NWF as naturally occurring for years without human introduction, native plants mutually benefit humans and wildlife through community betterment and environmental restoration, further propelling what Naomi Edelson, senior director for wildlife partnerships, calls “an oasis for people and wildlife.”

“Right now every choice we make for the earth is about choosing life. What we plant in our yards is a matter of choosing life, and Sacred Grounds is really almost that simple,” said Edelson during a virtual July 17 information webinar.

In a three-step process that officially begins in October, Sacred Grounds Growing Joy strives to compel the municipalities of Washington, D.C., and Maryland’s Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, with the tools and knowledge to tackle pressing outdoor issues while championing an overall healthier planet.

Funded by Chesapeake Bay Trust, and all three municipality governments, the collaborative effort hosts a series of virtual information sessions, in-person demonstrations and tours, and community resources to ensure a successful and well-rounded experience for participants.

Edelson touts the program to the tune of climate resilience and creation care, while Interfaith Power and Light DMV Program

Associate Ethan Lucas, a partnering organization of the project, also lauds it as a vital path for spiritual alignment, something he says all participants can take away from the year-long process.

“The Sacred Grounds program also comes with a bigger spiritual lesson I think we all can relate to, about our interdependence with each other and the ecosystems we share,” Lucas said during the virtual information session. “My mind has been completely opened to how crucial native plants are to our environment, our ecosystems and our communities...and I know that it will do the same for all of your congregations.”

Sowing the Seeds to Native Plant Education

The first of three steps toward growing joy in one’s own sacred ground is all about learning and exploring the benefits of native plants.

According to the July 17 presentation, and support from the National Wildlife Federation, native plants not only act as an essential host for about 90% of insects, but can also be used to combat flooding, stormwater runoff, and maintain a healthy soil structure – all challenges that persist in the DMV region amid an abnormal Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to Nov. 30).

One of several faith institutions to benefit from creation care is Jones Memorial United Methodist Church (UMC) in Southeast, D.C., whose flooded sanctuary was eventually restored through

5 The IMAAM Center, a mosque in Silver Spring, Maryland, is one of dozens of local congregations benefitting from the use of a native plant garden, having used the outdoor space to stop flooding from a neighboring institution. (Courtesy Photo)

the use of a rain garden and native plant garden.

Beginning in October, Jones Memorial UMC, Dayspring Retreat Center in Germantown, Maryland, and Prince George’s Reid Temple A.M.E Church will each host four-hour in-person workshops to enlighten attendees with personal experiences, scientific data on the importance of native plants, and a brief introduction into the beginnings of starting a garden.

“Our theology is that God is creator of all. And so everything begins with God as creator. And God has called us to be stewards,” the Rev. Cary James Jr., senior pastor of Jones Memorial UMC, told Faith & Leadership in 2024. “What it means to be a steward is to be a caretaker of God’s creation in all forms, I tell people — the air, the land and the sea.”

Introducing Hands-on Support

A six-month trek based on inspiration and action, Edelson highlights this stage as vital to engaging members of the church.

From November 2025 to May 2026, institution leaders will partake in numerous initiatives to guide transformation, including river boat tours and a virtual how-to session that breaks down key factors to create a native plant garden.

Culminating this stretch of the journey is the Caring for Mother Earth Native Plant Giveaway, slated for May 9-10, 2026, where

every congregation will be given free plants to distribute to members who’ve taken the Native Plant Pledge on the National Federation Website.

Since the program’s inception, Sacred Grounds has provided more than 9,000 native plants to 2,500 homes in the DMV. Some native plant selections include the Butterfly Milkweed, Black-eyed Susan, Golden Ragwort, among others.

“It’s an opportunity to also teach people a little bit more about doing this,” Edelson said. “We’ve had a lot of fun, a lot of success. And people come, rain or shine.”

Celebrating the Final Home Stretch

After months of preparations, congregations can finally revitalize their base with a garden plan, which consists of a design and planting list, coupled with the opportunity to seek support from their regional government.

In a two-part in-person workshop, participants will learn how to apply for rebate programs, offering up to $20,000 per congregation and $7,000 per home.

Moreover, this stage serves as a proponent of Lucas’ major takeaway: connecting faith and environment.

Beyond enhancing self-sufficiency, Sacred Grounds aims to build communities in tandem with spiritual alignment, thus encouraging congregation leaders to engage members through a blessing of the garden, a sermon on caring for creation, or some sort of coordinated activity with the affiliated religious school.

As the transformative program prepares for its final virtual webinar on Sept. 4, Edelson touts hopes to inspire a lifelong change that can serve a broader impact for humanity at large.

“People really want to make sure we have these beautiful rivers, beautiful wildlife and beautiful families in our lives,” said Edelson, “and we can do this for now and for the future.”

EDUCATION

WELLNESS from Page 24

team-building and problem-solving, touted in tandem with the importance of developing empathy, communication skills and connection.

What sets Positively Caviar apart from the average youth initiative, Scott notes, is the organization’s added focus of supporting vulnerable populations in a culturally relevant way.

Despite a plethora of resources available to youth of all ages and backgrounds, the chief creative optimist admits part of the disconnect for young African Americans lies in the shortcomings of reactive responses, cultural incompetence, or simply not addressing the long-time stigmas preventing youth from seeking help.

“We speak to where they are. We understand the language,” he continued, “and we know some of the struggles that they’ve been

through because we’ve been in those same shoes.”

Abraham points to the wellness organization as a pillar of breaking generational barriers around mental health and the proper ways to address it. Rather than chopping therapy up to something “you can go to the gym or church for,” she said more communities of color should learn to celebrate the resource for what it is: a strength— notably one that can assist with prevention.

“[By] showing adolescents that there’s other avenues, and…getting in there early to create space for them to express themselves, we can prevent all of these negative thoughts or feelings,” Abraham highlighted, “or just regulate emotions, ultimately.”

‘A Doorway to the Community’

With the Aug. 16 programming in mind, Sulaiman told The Informer part of the goal is to fos-

ter a collective environment with youth advocacy at the forefront.

“[Flourish & Grow] is a doorway to the community. We’re working with these kids, but we’re hoping to be in those schools…to really connect and reach out,” she said, before adding that Positively Caviar acts as a complement to existing mental health structures, not a replacement.

In addition to the organization’s own year round initiatives, community outreach plays a vital role in maintaining relationships with workshop attendees and ensuring that mental wellness is a priority beyond the summer experience.

Abraham highlighted a focus on staying connected with scholars and institutions through local partnerships, post-event surveys, and positive social media interactions. Meanwhile, Scott noted the importance of gauging parents and schools alike in the effort to truly uphold the age-old adage of “it takes a village to raise a child.”

“A lot of the time the parents aren’t mentally sound, they’ve got a lot of stress and a lot of demands and distractions, so they also need assistance,” the organization’s director told The Informer, “and that affects their children’s mental health.”

In a February article, Child Mind Institute author Rosa Klein-Bear, with support from licensed clinical social worker Grace Berman, emphasizes the need for parents to prioritize their wellness, “How to Model Healthy Coping Skills.” Among the list of positive practices for parents to

5Shama Sulaiman, chief program officer for Positively Caviar, says she’s looking forward to seeing youth have their “aha” moment during Saturday’s immersive day of programming. (Courtesy of Positively Caviar) WELLNESS

5By promoting optimism, transparency, and cultural competence, the Flourish & Grow summer wellness program strives to debunk mental health stigmas against youth, particularly in communities of color. (Courtesy of Positively Caviar)

EDUCATION

WELLNESS

from Page 26

lead by example include: taking space after a tense interaction, practicing paced breathing amid inconveniences, or having a daily yoga practice.

As for garnering continuous support from academic institutions, the CDC’s 2024 mental health and well-being action guide offered critical findings in support of prioritizing mental wellness in schools:

• After implementing meditation for 15 minutes a day, high school students reported lower anxiety and increased resilience at the end of the school year.

• Middle and high school students experiencing mild to moderate depression benefit from small-group mindfulness interventions.

• Research shows lower levels of self-reported depressive symptoms and negative coping behaviors (i.e.: disengagement, denial, substance abuse, self-blame) among middle school students.

Further, Scott touted the importance of allowing youth to express themselves without risk

LIERMAN from Page 4

members of the Tanger Club.

Tanger Assistant Marketing Director Lauren Smith noted that some deals are being doubled during taxfree week and recommended that shoppers arrive early if they want to save big.

“This week, you get to double up on those savings so you want to make sure you take advantage of that. Come early, get your shopping done early,” she said in an interview with NBC4.

Del. Jazz Lewis (D- District 24), who has strongly advocated for the Blue Line corridor, stated his praise for Tax-Free Week’s opportunity for local business.

“Maryland’s Tax-Free Week not only boosts local retail but is a strategic move to increase consumer spending and stimulate our economy,” Lewis wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Real economic growth begins at the community level.”

CereTax CEO Mike Sanders is a business owner who sees the value of family savings during Tax-Free Week.

of shame or judgement while navigating extreme feelings, even in the more crucial cases of depression, suicide or feelings of self-deprecation.

“That’s the problem,” he told The Informer. “When we feel like we’re going to be judged…we’re not going to continue to express how we feel to get the help that we need.”

For Scott, the ideal solution is creating a space for comfort and validation, only to be followed up with the right tools to address it, which is a system he applauds in the work of both Positively Caviar and Flourish & Grow.

Touting his excitement for the Aug. 16 wellness event, Scott told The Informer the journey to ensure all youth thrive mentally is a work in progress; however, it’s a mission that will continue to prosper throughout D.C.

“This [is] something that parents get, kids need, and we’re starting to see a lot of interest in terms of sponsorships,” said Scott. “The community knows the importance, so we’re trying to continue to push.”

5The 2025 Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs from Sunday, August 10, to Saturday, August 16. Shoppers receive savings on back-to-school clothing and supplies. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

“A family shopping during TaxFree Week can save a meaningful amount, especially on big-ticket items like electronics or back-toschool supplies. Those savings often go right back into the local economy, supporting small and mid-sized businesses,” Sanders told The Informer. “Tax-Free Week is a reminder of how sales tax policy directly shapes consumer behavior and business outcomes.”

For more information, visit the Comptroller’s Maryland Tax-Free page. WI

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As Classes Resume, Parents Should Brace Themselves for the Changes, Challenges That Lie Ahead

School bells will soon begin to ring as classes resume on Monday, Aug. 25, in D.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 26, in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, and on dates between Aug. 18-25 in various nearby Virginia counties.

And, as in every new school year, parents face a series of changes and challenges that they would be wise to prepare for as soon as possible.

These issues include tackling learning losses that may have occurred over the summer break, navigating funding pressures on or financial cutbacks in education, and securing needed support for students’ mental health and well-being.

In addition, there’s great concern, not only in the DMV but across the nation, that shortages in teachers, the impact of AI and other forms of technology on student learning, and deficiencies in communication between teachers and parents, may hamper students’ ability to master coursework and perform adequately on standardized tests.

Things could become even more complicated if a child is moving to a new school or isn’t simply being promoted up one grade level within the same school. So, parents are urged to

make a check list now and to check it twice at the very least.

In the District, beginning fall 2025, public school students (Pre-K through grade 12) will be required to have their cell phones turned off throughout the school day. Recent reports reveal that cell phones serve as a major distraction and contribute to declines in academic performance, which have led to the change in policy.

Don’t be surprised if a student comes home one day sans cell phone after being caught texting during class— a teacher may have confiscated the device.

To improve transportation for parents who require assistance, a new parent portal was recently released online by The Office of the State Superintendent of Education Division of Transportation (OSSE-DOT). The online program helps parents whose children ride school buses to more easily set or revise pick-up and drop-off details. There’s even a $400 stipend for parents who register on the OSSE Parents Portal and chose the self-transporting option.

Finally, seven DCPS elementary schools will be closed to students with classes temporarily relocated for

the 2025-2026 school year, including: Brent, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X in Southeast, John Burroughs, J.O. Wilson, and Thomas in Northeast and Harriet Tubman in Northwest .

In Montgomery County, students in grades 6-12 will now be graded on a revised scale and there is a new reporting policy. Final grades for students will be calculated differently and based on the average of numeric grades from each marking period. Parents can review a more thorough description of the grading and reporting policy in Montgomery County Public Schools by signing up for ParentVUE, which will allow them to stay up to date on their child’s grades.

Finally, while the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required in D.C., Maryland or Virginia public schools, there are immunizations that are still required for attending public school.

Parents should check with their respective county to know health and immunization requirements, unless their students have approved medical or religious exemptions.

Summer’s almost over – make sure you and your child are ready to make this your best year ever. WI

TRUMP, STOP LYING ABOUT D.C.!

The District of Columbia is many things, but calling it the “most dangerous city in the world” is an outright lie. President Donald Trump needs to stop spreading this falsehood about the nation’s capital.

Are crimes committed in D.C.? Yes. Do innocent people get hurt? Yes. Even with a reportedly record decrease in violent crimes, are there still too many victims of gun violence? Absolutely — including children. Are there too many guns on our streets? Without question. And are the perpetrators of crimes getting younger? Sadly, yes.

D.C. residents want a safer city. And like other cities Trump targets — Baltimore, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Oakland — all led by Black mayors, there are proven strategies for prevention, intervention, and suppression of violence. Despite

challenges, programs that engage formerly incarcerated individuals in violence interruption have helped reduce violence without relying solely on heavy-handed policing.

Yet Trump promises an instant transformation. Just as he claims he can eliminate violent gangs of undocumented immigrants nationwide, he says he can target D.C.’s gangs and turn this “very bad, very bad place” into a “safe, beautiful, and prosperous area” through crime prevention, punishment, maintaining order, protecting monuments, and promoting beautification.

His D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force pulls together nearly 10 law enforcement agencies — which must coordinate with dozens of others already operating here, from the U.S. Capitol Police to the National Zoo Police. D.C. is arguably the most heavily

policed city in the nation.

Some residents may welcome his pledge. But his plan largely echoes what D.C.’s own leaders already know: true public safety comes from investments in education, living-wage jobs, decent housing, quality healthcare, affordable transit, and mental health services — not just officers with military-style weapons on street corners.

A crime-free city cannot be sustained by fear, force, or federal optics. It requires trust, opportunity, and consistent local engagement. Making D.C. clean, safe, and vibrant is — and must remain — the District’s work. And we don’t need political stunts or empty slogans to get there. What we need is the truth, the will, the unity, and the resources to make safety real for everyone who calls D.C. home.

TO THE EDITOR

“So many dreams, plans, and futures suddenly thrown into uncertainty doesn’t just feel unsettling—it’s personal for countless families and professionals who mapped out their goals well in advance.

It’s more than policy on paper. Students planning on starting or continuing their programs are being forced to reconsider everything—from financial aid to living arrangements. Professionals with job offers or business travel lined up now face serious disruptions. And ordinary travelers hoping to visit loved ones are stuck in limbo, constrained by short-term, single-entry visas that make multiple trips almost impossible.

That’s why the global reaction matters, as noted in the article [Local Nigerians Discuss Trump Administration’s Latest Visa Restrictions ]. Nigeria’s request for the U.S. to revisit these moves isn’t complaining— it’s a plea for the flexibility and mutual respect that historic partnership warrants.”

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

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

A Solemn Anniversary

Japanese term for “atom.” This work inspired the searing 2004 documentary with the same name.

This month marks the solemn 80th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the first and only time nuclear weapons have been used in war. In 1962, Trappist monk and social justice and peace activist Thomas Merton published the prose poem “Original Child Bomb,” the title using a rough translation of the root characters in the

Merton subtitled his “anti-poem” “Points for meditation to be scratched in the walls of a cave,” and it consists of a numbered list of 41 comments on the bomb’s creation, the decision to drop the first bomb on Hiroshima and the aftermath, including these:

“3: President Truman formed a committee of men to tell him if this bomb would work, and if so, what he should do with it. Some mem-

The recent announcement from Donald Trump and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro to federalize policing in Washington, D.C., is a regressive move that prioritizes surveillance and control over the deeper work of community safety. True public safety is not rooted in punitive systems. It requires ad-

Despite passage of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) in 1968, housing discrimination persists in the United States. Fair housing complaints have increased in recent years, reaching 33,007 — the highest ever reported — in 2022, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Further, the year’s complaint data also

Marian

Wright Edelman

bers of this committee felt that the bomb would jeopardize the future of civilization. They were against its use. Others wanted it to be used in demonstration on a forest of cryptomeria trees, but not against a civilian or military target. Many atomic scientists warned that the use of atomic power in war would be difficult and even impossible to control. The danger would be very great. Finally, there were others who believed that if the bomb were used just once or twice, on one or two Japanese cities, there would be no more war. They be-

Guest Columnists

lieved the new bomb would produce eternal peace.”

“32: The bomb exploded within 100 feet of the aiming point. The fireball was 18,000 feet across. The temperature at the center of the fireball was 100 million degrees. The people who were near the center became nothing. The whole city was blown to bits and the ruins all caught fire instantly everywhere, burning briskly. Seventy thousand people were killed right away or died within a few hours. Those who did not die at once suffered great pain. Few of

them were soldiers.”

“33: The men in the plane perceived that the raid had been successful, but they thought of the people in the city and they were not perfectly happy. Some felt they had done wrong. But in any case they had obeyed orders. ‘It was war.’”

It was war, and despite the reaction U.S. Air Force bomber Enola Gay co-pilot Capt. Robert Lewis wrote in his log after dropping the bomb on Hiroshima — “My God, what have we done?” — pilots and crew mem-

Dear Trump: Build Public Safety Through Community Investment, Not Police Militarization

dressing the structural conditions that drive harm: primarily poverty, housing insecurity, underemployment (with current levels similar to the pre-Depression era), environmental injustice and a lack of opportunity. Crime rates in the United States have been steadily declining on average since the 1990s, yet policymakers continue to double down on investing in policing. The social justice and safety budget in D.C. for 2025 is $1.9 billion with

5.9 police officers per 1,000 residents, more than double the national average. Statistics show that policing does not increase safety; community resilience does. This is achieved through holistic measures for community wellness.

The preservation of home rule is central to safeguarding the District’s ability to address community needs without interference from Congress. While residents pay federal taxes and serve in the military, their locally passed laws and

budget remain subject to federal oversight, which undermines democratic self-determination. Preserving and strengthening home rule ensures that decisions on public safety, housing, education and economic development are made by the people who live here and understand the city’s unique challenges, rather than by legislators with no direct accountability to D.C. voters. This fight for local autonomy is inseparable from the broader push for D.C. statehood,

which would permanently protect the District’s right to govern itself. My vision for a safer, stronger D.C. begins with investment in people. That includes programs to help justice-impacted people reduce barriers to housing and employment, and sealing records to help returning citizens live safer lives and lay the foundation for a safer community. I champion community-based programs that

showed that private fair housing organizations — not the federal government — continued to process the majority of housing discrimination complaints reported throughout the country.

This vital work can continue due to a recent federal court ordering the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release nearly $32 million in already-appropriated funds to organizations that support fair housing enforcement, to ensure that all

people have equal access to home sales and rentals, finance, insurance, appraisals and more.

After a June 24 lawsuit challenged HUD’s refusal to release the funds, U.S. District Court Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan on July 29 ordered HUD to release withheld multi-year grants and other payments from HUD’s Fair Housing Initiative Program (FHIP) that supports the work of 75 fair housing organizations that combat illegal housing discrimination based

on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or other protected status.

Referring to plaintiffs, Judge Sooknanan wrote: “HUD’s failure to issue new grants by the deadline will rob (plaintiffs) of the opportunity for funding. … And they have argued that this harm is imminent because HUD does not even contend that the process to administer the awards has advanced to the stage necessary to make the awards on a permissible schedule prior to the appropriations deadline. The

Court agrees.”

On Aug. 5, in compliance with the first of two court-imposed deadlines, HUD outlined an expedited approach on how existing grants would be distributed. With its publication on July 29 of four new notices of funding opportunity (NOFO), a 23-day grant application period began. On or around Sept. 15 — just five days before the current federal fiscal year ends

Page 53

Charlene Crowell

Rep. Oye Owolewa and Leah Bogan

CROWELL

Guest Columnist

Guest

Trump Tantrum Overshadows Black Women’s Losses

The July 2025 unemployment report, released Aug. 1, did not meet expectations. Instead of addressing the deficiencies caused by his own misguided policies, the president of the United States reacted in predictable fashion. He fired Dr. Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of Labor Statistics, because he didn’t like the report and accused the economist

of rigging the data. Her appointment was approved by a Senate vote of 86-8. A bipartisan group, friends of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which includes former labor commissioners, economists and statisticians, strongly supported her confirmation. Even Trump acolytes like Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) supported her confirmation. Hard-line Trump supporters like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) were among those opposing her nomination, but their num-

bers were few.

There has been widespread protest to Dr. McEntarfer’s firing because it was nothing more than an autocratic tantrum from a misguided so-called “leader” whose sole purpose seems to be to create chaos and destroy our infrastructure including, in the words of Heidi Shierholz, “one of the most respected statistical agencies in the world, known for its methodological rigor, independence and transparency.” The president seems unwilling or unable to understand the process

of producing the monthly Employment Situation report, which many (myself included) look forward to reading on the first Friday of each month. Data addicts eagerly examine the report looking for fluctuations and, yes, adjustments in the data because they very often happen.

Why? The data comes from businesses and other establishments (like government agencies), large and small. Many report data promptly, mostly because they have the apparatus to do so. Smaller

businesses, a large part of our economy, may report on a delayed basis, hence the adjustments. Further, the BLS workforce of about 2,300 people is 8% lower than it was in 2010. Moving forward, the 2026 budget will be lower by another 8%. Even with the cuts, BLS proceeds with precision and accuracy, something that this president has little value for. If he had even a modicum of respect for the agency, it would not have received cuts — it’s already

Jasmine Crockett Is the Voice of a New Generation, and She Is Ready for the Moment

understands the stakes, challenges the status quo and delivers for those most often left behind.

In Texas, that leadership has a name: Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

“When you have people that are this extreme, they will do anything and everything to maintain power. The only thing that will stop them is us.” — Rep. Jasmine Crockett

We are living through a moment that demands clarity, resolve and truth. Across this country, communities are calling for leadership that

Since stepping onto the national stage, Rep. Crockett has made it clear that she is not in Washington to warm a seat. She is there to fight for justice, for access and for the voices too often silenced in our democracy. She speaks not for spectacle, but for substance. She represents a new generation of Black leaders who combine deep community roots with

There’s an old saying in the hiphop community: “Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.” In this political climate of lies, corruption and misinformation, working families deserve numbers that work in their favor, especially when it comes to the economy and their wallets.

But the latest numbers tell a hard truth that Democrats can’t

legislative rigor and moral clarity.

In the tradition of mayors like Brandon Scott in Baltimore and Justin Bibb in Cleveland, Rep. Crockett reflects a growing movement of bold and accountable public servants who are shifting the center of gravity in American politics. They understand that justice is not an abstract idea. It is measured in policies, in budgets and in how power is distributed and shared.

Rep. Crockett’s background as a civil rights attorney, her experience in the Texas House of Representatives

and now her sharp, principled voice in Congress all point to one truth: She is ready. And she is meeting the moment.

In recent months, as political theater has taken center stage in congressional hearings, Rep. Crockett has brought facts, law and moral urgency. Her lines go viral, yes, but her purpose is deeper. She challenges misinformation with precision. She demands answers on behalf of those who do not get a seat at the table. And she reminds the nation that Black women are not only the

How Democrats Can Use August Recess to Save Their Brand

ignore. A recent Wall Street Journal poll shows that out of every 10 Americans, more than six view the Democratic Party unfavorably. That’s the worst showing in over 30 years. Put simply: For every person who likes what Democrats are doing, two others don’t.

This should keep every Democrat awake at night: Even when voters don’t like how Trump handles the economy, they still trust Republicans more than Democrats to fix it. It’s like saying you

don’t trust the mechanic who broke your car, but you’d still rather have him work on it than the other guy.

As Democratic pollster John Anzalone bluntly admitted: “The Democratic brand is so bad that they don’t have the credibility to be a critic of Trump or the Republican Party.”

No wonder Democrats lost ground in the 2024 election with every demographic except Black women. Trump made historic inroads with Black and brown voters, which says more about declining

trust in the Democratic Party than any real enthusiasm for Trump.

Despite dismal favorability numbers, there’s hope. The Wall Street Journal poll also found voters are willing to give Democrats another chance if the party can prove it deserves one.

Congress is now in August recess, when members return home to reconnect with constituents. For Democrats, this month isn’t vacation time; it’s a lifeline. While Republicans flee tough questions, Democrats can prove

backbone of our democracy; they are its future.

But her work is not only about rhetoric. It is about results.

She is a consistent advocate for protecting voting rights, advancing economic equity and defending public education from coordinated attacks. She is raising the alarm about housing, health care and the wealth gap, all while staying rooted in the needs of her district. She listens. She shows up. She leads with

they’re listening through town halls, door-knocking and direct engagement with working families who’ve lost faith in the party. To prove our value, Democrats must remember that being anti-Trump isn’t enough. We’ve run on that message for three presidential elections, losing twice while Republicans secured governing majorities. Instead, Democrats need to say what we’re for and what we’ll

Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel

Guest Columnists

Julianne Malveaux

Columnist

Marc H. Morial

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

The DMV has got the music and family-friendly festivities prepped and ready to set the tone for the end of summer – from Motown tributes and Erykah Badu with The Alchemist, to commemorating the biggest Halal event of the season with the 12th Annual Halal Food Festival.

Looking for something more calm? Dive into the history of Black ancestry that built the streets of Georgetown, or tap into a new skillset with Baltimore’s Hairpiece Making Class on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Check out a handful of the many events taking over the region this weekend, and don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar to keep up with all the fun!

THURSDAY, AUG. 14

Harriet’s Wildest Dreams General Info Session

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Free Virtual event

Harriet’s Wildest Dreams is preparing to host its Aug. 14 general information session with a set agenda in mind: fighting for home rule, gender liberation, and a world beyond cages and control.

A Black-led community defense hub, Harriet’s Wildest Dreams believes Washingtonians deserve safety that isn’t rooted in police, housing that doesn’t come with harm, and care that doesn’t come with conditions.

If feeling heavy watching what’s happening in D.C., join this session to learn how to get plugged

into the work, including organization insights from legal empowerment and community care to direct action and abolitionist organizing.

Motor City Live

7:30 p.m. | $24.00+

The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

MGM National Harbor presents Motor City Live! A Motown Tribute back by popular demand.

Featuring a highly talented cast of singers, dancers and musicians performing the greatest hits from The Temptations, The Supremes, The Jacksons, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so much more, this event creates a true celebration live on stage of the music that transformed America.

Don’t miss out on Motor City Live: See it, hear it, feel it.

FRIDAY, AUG. 15

Music on the Lawn

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Free Accelerando Music @ The Barn, 2001 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306

‘Tis the season for a fun way to end the summer with Music on the Lawn.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for live music that’ll have both kids and adults dancing! Enjoy lawn games, grab a bite from a local food truck, and soak in the summer vibes with your whole crew.

Bohemia, Blossom and Gemini Soulstice Presents: Fire & Bloom

9 p.m. | $17.49+

SAX Dinner Theater and Lounge, 734 11th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Brought to you by Bohemia DC, Gemini Soulstice, Blossom, and Sax DC, Fire & Bloom hosts a night of dance music and live aerial and fire performances.

Additional event features include Blossom Espresso Martinis by Blossom Beverages, and intimate live DJ sets inside a former theatre turned nightclub in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Get your spot and groove to a range of melodic house, tech, UKG, and classic cuts by Ms. Behave (Gemini Soulstice), Snugs (Gemini Soulstice), Lady J (Bohemia), and Nonchalant (Bohemia).

SATURDAY, AUG. 16

History of Black Georgetown Walking Tour

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $30.00 Georgetown, Wisconsin Ave, Washington, D.C.

Before it was a part of Washington, D.C., Georgetown was an independent, bustling port city that boasted thriving trades in many goods, including slaves. Descendants of enslaved peo-

ples and free Black folk have lived in Georgetown for generations (at one point African Americans counted for as much as 30% of the population), but their contributions to its history do not often receive recognition.

This tour will reveal the stories of the Black citizens who made their mark on one of D.C.’s oldest neighborhoods.

The tour starts at 3206 O Street NW DC and ends at the Mt. Zion/Female Union Band Cemetery at 2501 Mill Road NW, with a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet Shop for a bathroom break and refreshment.

12th Annual Halal Food Festival

Noon | $14.27+

Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville, MD 21032

The goal is simple: uniting the Ummah (Muslim community) through delicious food.

Established in 2012, the Halal Food Fest (HFF) – recognized as the biggest Halal event of the summer – is a day-long food festival designed by Al-Rahmah School Educational Trust (ASET) to bring families together.

Each year, HFF brings together top-rated halal food vendors,

popular restaurants, food trucks, dessert specialists, and more than 50 bazaar vendors in a lively grand indoor bazaar. Beyond food, the festival features exciting entertainment for kids, live performances, and even a fireworks show, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all ages.

Join the fun and enjoy a safe and enjoyable environment, featuring the best halal cuisine in the DMV area.

SUNDAY, AUG. 17

Hairpiece Making Class 12:30 p.m. | $520.29

Home2 Suites by Hilton Arundel Mills BWI Airport, 7545 Teague Rd, Hanover, MD 21076

No prior experience needed. This hands-on class is perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

In a session hosted through Weave Genius Academy, participants will learn how to craft four custom hairpieces using a sewing machine, guided step-by-step by expert hair extensionist, educator and former seamstress Rhonda Robinson.

Learn how to create: Hula hairpiece (clip-in style for volume or highlights); enclosed topper (for

5In a grand return to Maryland’s MGM National Harbor, Motor City Live (pictured in 2018) welcomes a cast of singers, dancers and musicians performing Motown classics, including the greatest hits from The Temptations, The Jacksons, Smokey Robinson, and so much more. (Courtesy Photo)

TO DO from Page 32 thinning or crown coverage); ponytail hairpiece (sleek, quick style option); bang hairpiece (custom fringe on demand).

Whether looking to expand hair services, build a new stream of income, or address personal needs, this class will provide the knowledge and confidence to deliver high-demand pieces for people with alopecia, thinning hair, or protective styling needs.

For more information on class requirements, direct deposits and financing options, visit Eventbrite.

Erykah Badu and The Alchemist present Abi and Alan 9 p.m. | $124.00+

Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Two influential forces in hiphop and neo-soul come together for a one-night performance at The Fillmore Silver Spring

in Maryland.

Erykah Badu and The Alchemist present Abi + Alan, an immersive live experience built around their new collaborative album. The tour’s title, drawn from their birth names, Erica Abi Wright and Alan Maman, reflects the personal and creative connection behind the project.

Backed by Badu’s band, The Cannabinoids, the performance reimagines the album’s studio tracks through live instrumentation, digital textures and The Alchemist’s signature production style, while taking audiences on a multisensory journey through layered rhythms, lyricism and sonic experimentation.

To help folks stay present and truly enjoy the moment, this will be a phone-free event. Upon arrival, all devices will be secured in Yondr pouches, which attendees will keep with them at all times and can unlock at designated phone-use areas if needed.

5Bask in the DMV’s best Halal cuisine, businesses and vendors during the 12th Annual Halal Food Festival on Aug. 16, presented by Al-Rahmah School Educational Trust. (Courtesy Photo)

LIFESTYLE

Trump’s Authoritarian Agenda: Media Takeover, BET’s Dismantling, the Whitewashing of America ‘Little By Little,

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

They’re Going To Take BET Away From Us’

In President Donald Trump’s first eight months back in the White House, he is not just following the Project 2025 playbook — the authoritarian blueprint he once claimed to know nothing about — he’s executing it.

From purging diversity programs to steamrolling media independence, Trump has unleashed several discriminatory policies under the guise of federal power.

And now, with the blessing of federal regulators, he has the media — including Black-owned and Black-centered platforms — under his heel.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently approved the $8 billion acquisition

of Paramount Global — parent company of CBS and BET — by Skydance Media. The merger was greenlit just days after Paramount paid a $16 million settlement to Trump, resolving a lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” interview with then-candidate and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Critics say the timing was no coincidence.

During a PBS interview, journalist Dylan Byers said plainly: “It certainly seems that way. All available evidence suggests that this was a payoff dressed up as a settlement.”

The fear, said Byers, is that this is the new cost of doing business in Trump’s America.

“If you need any deal to get done, any merger, any acquisition, you might be forced to cough up

— the number seems to be — $16 million to the Trump Presidential Library.”

Further, the deal required: the gutting of DEI initiatives, the installation of a political ombudsman to monitor “bias,” and an additional $20 million in PSAs dedicated to causes “near and dear to the president’s heart.” One lone FCC commissioner voted against the deal, citing “overreach by the FCC and capitulation by Paramount.”

Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman, was blunt in his public remarks.

“President Trump is fundamentally reshaping the media landscape,” he said, applauding Trump’s direct attacks on legacy media giants like ABC, NBC, and TRUMP Page 35

EDDIE PALMIERI TRIBUTE • BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET • MARCUS MILLER • LALAH HATHAWAY • RON CARTER QUARTET • THE STRING QUEENS THE JOHN SCOFIELD TRIO • THE BAYLOR PROJECT • CECILE MCLORIN SALVANT • EMMET COHEN TRIO • GARY BARTZ NTU TROOP

SUN RA ARKESTRA • KEYON HARROLD • CORCORAN HOLT SUPERGROUP FEAT. GEORGE CABLES, STEVE TURRE, SEAN JONES, BILLY HARPER, & JEFF "TAIN" WATTS • THE JAZZDC ALL-STAR ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY ALLYN JOHNSON • DADO MORONI • MAKOTO OZONE & GREGOIRE MARET JONGKUK KIM • THE JAZZMEIA HORN QUARTET • STEVE WILSON • MATTHEW WHITAKER • BIRCKHEAD • CORCORAN HOLT QUINTET

PAUL CARR & VANESSA RUBIN • CHRISTIE DASHIELL • BRANDEE YOUNGER • ERIC BYRD TRIO • TONY MARTUCCI EARTH TONES • HIRUY TIRFE QUARTET AKUA ALLRICH & THE TRIBE! • BRASS-A-HOLICS • NEXT JAZZ LEGACY • BENJIE PORECKI • TODD MARCUS QUARTET • LYLE LINK ALLAN HARRIS • HERB SCOTT • LEIGH PILZER STARTET • JOSHUA BAYER • ORGAN SUMMIT FEAT. CHARLES COVINGTON &

• DC JAZZPRIX FINALS: FRIENDSHIP, THE SMOOGIES, JOSÉ LUIZ MARTINS, DAVE MEDER 'NEW AMERICAN HYMNAL' QUARTET • AND MORE

5Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds presenting an award during the 2022 BET Awards. President Donald Trump will now have control of Black-owned media and Black-centered platforms with the recent $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global, suspending televised awards shows like the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards.

(WI File Photo/Micha Green)

CBS, now effectively under his influence.

‘This is About Trump Making the Guillotine Whiter’

The president’s influence extends to content and culture.

BET — a pillar of Black music, film, and storytelling — has abruptly suspended both the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards indefinitely. It’s a blow many in the Black community see as part of a larger strategy: silencing Black voices while making the media whiter, safer, and Trump-approved.

A viral video by Tik Tok user @ TalkUrShxxtNene has ignited online conversations by connecting the dots that mainstream outlets have tiptoed around.

“So, BET has suspended BET Hip Hop and the Soul Train Awards indefinitely,” the video begins. “Now I want everyone to pay attention to this s**t.”

The post breaks down the timeline and details of the Paramount-Skydance merger, pointing out the suspicious coincidence of Stephen Colbert’s show being canceled, CBS executives changing their messaging, and the networks now reportedly having a “CC monitor for Trump.”

“This is about Trump making the guillotine whiter,” she says in the video. “Only white people should be seen. And they’re going to dismantle BET whether we realize it or not.”

She offers a warning.

“Little by little, they’re going to take BET away from us,” she declared.

Her video points to a larger agenda: the erasure of Black visibility in media, the collapse of Black cultural programming, and the sanitization of entertainment to reflect Trump’s white nationalist vision.

“They’re eroding everyone else and leaving the white people there to sit,” she said. “Blue eyes and blonde hair are not the architects of beauty. That’s racism. That’s eugenics. And they’re going to keep throwing that in the entertainment space because everything is there. The media controls everything. And right now, Trump has it under his boot.”

Under Skydance’s takeover — and with Trump’s hand guiding every major federal agency — CBS, BET, and other Paramount properties are being forced to undergo “comprehensive reviews” to ensure “viewpoint diversity.” Translated: no more liberal, inclusive, or racially conscious content that could offend MAGA sensibilities.

During the same PBS segment, anchor Geoff Bennett asked Byers:“Is this sort of the new template for future media deals — this sort of new era of political appeasement?”

Byers answered “yes.”

“As long as everyone plays ball — pay the settlement, dismantle DEI, install a political censor — then your deal goes through,” Byers said. “This is the way deals get done, at least so long as Trump is in office.”

5Artist Mary J. Blige at the 2022 BET Awards. While the BET Awards are currently safe, President Donald Trump will now have control of Black-centered platforms with the acquisition of Paramount Global, suspending televised awards shows like the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. (WI File Photo/Micha Green)

Island Pride Shines at MOCCA’s Third Annual Caribbean Cultural Concert

D.C. Continues to Keep Caribbean Cultures Alive Through Authentic Celebration

By Mya Trujillo and Arianna-Marie Sookram

Despite a federal push to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion and immigration tensions nationwide, District leaders are emphasizing the importance of highlighting various cultures to educate, engage and empower Washingtonians, through programming like the Mayor’s Office for Caribbean Community Affairs’ (MOCCA) Third Annual Caribbean Cultural Concert at Freedom Plaza.

Promoting Caribbean pride through music, parades, food and activities, the seven-hour event included performances by The Image Band, the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra, Trinidadian artist Diann Marshall, Latin band Sol y Rumba, Soka Tribe and East Coast Limers.

“The importance of having these Caribbean cultural events is

to connect the Caribbean community to the community at large in the DMV, but also for… Washingtonians to help connect to the Caribbean,” said MOCCA Executive Director Natalie Snider.

When she was 5 years old, Snider left her hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, and arrived in Washington. Since her formative years, Snider has had a deep appreciation for celebrations of Caribbean culture in the city, especially the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Parade, which occurred annually on Georgia Avenue NW from 1993 to 2011– an event that made her feel like she was back home in Jamaica.

While D.C. hasn’t had the carnival in 14 years, MOCCA’s mission is to engage younger generations of Caribbean Americans with their ancestry and go back to the kind of D.C. programming Snider grew up loving. This year’s Caribbean Cultural Concert included the

40th Pastoral Anniversary

Berean Baptist Church of Washington, DC will celebrate the 40th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Robert G. Childs throughout the month of September 2025.

An anniversary dinner will be held Sunday, September 21st from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Kellogg Conference Center on the campus of Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20002.

This momentous occasion will also honor Rev. Childs’ 50 years of preaching the Gospel; 40 years as an esteemed educator; and his 70th birthday.

Call the church office, 202) 829-8454 or email, bereanbc1877@aol.com, to reserve your seat at $125.00 per patron and to request an ad in the souvenir journal. You may also visit Eventbrite.com and Givelify.com.

inaugural Kiddie’s Carnival— a parade featuring children ages 3 to 13 from the Maryland-based costume band East Coast Limers.

During the display, participants sported ensembles typically seen at the annual Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, where about 100,000 people gathered in Carnival Village in 2024, according to Trinidad Express.

“One of the things we know is that when you are born in the Caribbean and come to America, sometimes you lose a little of your roots, and sometimes when the children are born in the U.S., you lose a little bit of the culture,” Snider told The Informer. “We want to make sure that for the young people, we are constantly connecting you back to your roots.”

Caribbean Roots Meet American Soil

Berean Baptist Church

924 Madison St NW Washington, DC 20011

Approximately 83,400 Caribbean immigrants live in the Washington Metropolitan Area, according to the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University, with the most hailing from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago,. District resident, Michael Yates, who was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States when he was 12, is one of the thousands of people with Caribbean roots who calls the nation’s capital home.

Even though he’s lived away from his birthplace for more than four decades, Yates, 59, still acknowledges his Jamaican roots.

During the concert, Yates, 59, emphasized events like Saturday’s concert are necessary in preserving and highlighting Caribbean culture.

“If you don’t know where you’re coming from, then you don’t know where you’re going,” Yates told The Informer. “You need to be grounded, and I’m grounded in the Caribbean culture, so I bring it along with me.”

Yates actively celebrates his identity by frequently traveling to the Caribbean and visiting restaurants in the District that serve cuisine from the various islands that comprise the tropical region.

“Caribbean culture is everywhere in Washington. It’s spread like wildfire,” Yates told The Informer. “D.C. has embraced the Caribbean.”

Maryland resident Sarah Ross, a first generation Trinidadian-Amer-

ican, also works to remain grounded in her heritage. By frequenting Caribbean parties, festivals and restaurants, the 37-year-old is constantly showcasing pride for not only her ethnicity, but the vastness of Caribbean culture.

“When I go to Trinidad, I feel so free and at home,” Ross told The Informer, “so it’s nice to have a little bit of that here.”

Ross has always been unapologetically proud of her identity and the similarities and differences that are present across different Caribbean communities. She said celebrations like MOCCA’s annual concert are necessary for fostering a sense of unity across the African diaspora and conserving Caribbean culture and history in the U.S.

The Migration Policy Institute reported that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey, the Caribbean diaspora in the U.S. is made up of 8.5 million people who were either born in the region or have Caribbean ancestry.

Ross believes that this large concentration of Caribbean individuals warrants recognition that the demographic is an integral and influential part of U.S. history and culture.

“We’re part of the threads of this country,” Ross emphasized. “Many things that have developed in America and around the world are because of Caribbean people, and I’m so proud of having that history.”

5Attendees at the Third Annual Caribbean Cultural Concert dance to the sound of the steel drums during a performance from the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra, a band that has highlighted steel band music in Washington for forty years. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)

MUSEUM from Page 1

west, traveled across the city to participate in a march sponsored by the ad hoc group, Save Our Museum.

“I love the museum,” Curtis, 68, said. “I come here a lot. It is an important institution. It chronicles the history of the Black community. It would be a tragedy if the museum is closed.”

Curtis was among 30 Washington area residents who showed up at the Anacostia Community Museum’s site in the Fort Stanton neighborhood of Ward 8 for the march. Most of the marchers donned black, gray, green or white t-shirts with “Save Our Museum” on the front that were distributed by volunteers of the Anacostia Coordinating Council.

The march comes as the Trump administration imposes its will on the District, to the chagrin of many residents and local leaders.

A few days earlier, the National Park Service announced a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike in Judiciary Square that was taken down in June 2020 by Black Lives Matter activists will be reinstalled without the support of District of-

ficials.

On Aug. 11, Trump announced the federalization of the District’s Metropolitan Police Department and the use of the National Guard to fight crime in the city, even though statistics reveal that criminal activity has declined significantly the past few years.

Additionally, the Republican-led U.S. Congress has not passed a bill allowing the District to spend its own generated money, thereby leaving the local government with a $1.1 billion hole for the rest of fiscal year 2025.

James H. Walker, who also resides in Ward 1, showed up at the museum, the starting point of the march and pointed the finger at Trump for the negativity that is impacting the District.

“He is acting like a dictator,” said Walker. “The people want this museum to stay open. This museum represents my people and its history.”

March Generates Community Support

Catherine Buell, a former exec-

utive director of the St. Elizabeths East project in the District’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, serves as the co-chair of the “Save Our Museum” committee, which is working to inform the public about the plight of ACM.

She said the march was one of many ways the committee is working to garner more public support.

“We are starting a social media campaign about the effort to save the museum and working on spreading awareness,” said Buell, 45.

For Buell, ACM has been critical to her professional and personal life. One of the museum’s scholars, senior historian Dr. Gloria Lowe, convinced Buell that she was called to work to improve housing and living conditions in Ward 8 communities, such as Anacostia.

“I learned from Dr. Lowe that the problems Anacostia had were systemic,” Buell told The Informer. “It was the way she laid it out. I decided to get involved after that.”

While the museum’s funding is currently under question, Buell said there is language in a U.S. Senate

Appropriations subcommittee legislation that would restore the $3 million cut.

Additionally, she said the office of D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) is working to restore funding to the ACM through the House processes.

“We are beating a continuing steady drumbeat,” she said.

As party of the march and rally, Buell and most of the activists

walked the 1.3 miles route from ACM to the Go-Go Museum and Café near the intersection of Marion Barry and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenues SE. Onlookers cheered, offered thumbs up, and other affirmations as the marchers walked west on Morris Road SE and proceeded north on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, chanting “Save Our Muse-

MUSEUM Page 38

The Future Depends on Us

DC PLUG is a multi-year project that is designed to protect the District’s most vulnerable power lines by placing them underground and improving grid resiliency where you

Save Our Museum” marchers walk to their destination, the Go-Go Museum and Café on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. on Aug. 9. (Robert R. Roberts/Washington Informer)

LIFESTYLE

um.”

Pearl Eni, the march coordinator, walked quickly alongside participants and made sure the procession went along smoothly to the Go-Go Museum. After congregating at the site that highlights D.C.’s official music, marchers went one block south, for the rally to Busboys & Poets Anacostia, owned by “Save Our Museum” co-chair Andy Shallal.

“It is great to see rising stars in our community,” Shallal said of Eni, who was sitting nearby. “This highlights the best of humanity and the best of people.”

Ward 7 resident Jacqueline Stallworth walked the entire route steadily and with determination, noting “walking is invigorating.”

“I am walking because we have a right to have a say in our community,” said Stallworth, 54. “There were parts of the walk that were hilly, but I was up to it. That is just how important keeping that museum open is to me.”

Rally Reveals Museum’s Struggle Part of a Larger Picture

During the rally, held in Busboys Anacostia’s Marion Barry Room, Salim Adofo, chair of the 8C Advisory Neighborhood Commission Chair, emphasized ACM serves several purposes for Washingtonians

beyond entertainment.

“This museum is a place where you can learn about Black history, purchase fresh fruits from the farmer’s market, participate in Kwanzaa activities and children can learn about their history,” Adofo, 47, said. “There is no place else like it. It is a place where people can commune. And talk about social ills.”

Shallal, speaking at the rally, said the defunding of the ACM is a part of the overall agenda by Trump and his allies to turn the clock back on civil and human rights.

“They are trying to bring back the Confederacy,” he said. “What they do is chip away (at civil rights advancements) and the more they get away with, the more they will do. I gained citizenship in this country in 1983, and I believe in the idea of America. I am working for this country to become a more perfect union.”

The entrepreneur said the closure of the museum “is about the erasure of history and the erasure of communities.”

Despite the negativity of the Trump administration, Shallal is optimistic about the amount of community support behind Anacostia Community Museum.

“This is one of the most successful marches I have been involved in,” Shallal said. “It had a handful of people who care.”

@JamesWrightJr10

5Pearl Eni, coordinator of the “Save Our Museum” march speaks to rally participants at the Anacostia location of Busboys & Poets on Aug. 9. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

The presentation of Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest at The Phillips Collection is made possible, in part, by the Linda Lichtenberg Kaplan Exhibition Fund.

generous support of Anne and Gus Edwards and of Reid Walker.

Vivian Browne, Bini Apron, 1973, Acrylic on canvas 49 3/4 x 51 3/4 in., The Phillips Collection, Gift of Adobe Krow Archives for Vivian Browne, Los Angeles, 2024

TAKEOVER from Page 23

spoke about what she called opportunities for MPD to collaborate with the federal government, especially as both parties prepare an operational plan that leverages the federal government’s ability to execute warrants and enhances agents’ presence in areas designated in a homicide reduction partnership plan developed in prior years.

“The other thing is that most of you know we have a nightlife task force,” Smith said. “We have a lot of tourists, residents, individuals who come into our city on a Thursday night, Friday night or Saturday night and enjoy the nightlife culture. We will also be able to utilize that enhanced presence in and around that area and any other crime trends that we might see that will go forward. We have our drug-free zones where we also align our federal partners in those spaces as well as our juvenile curfew zones.”

Despite Trump’s claims that the District is becoming more unsafe, this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that violent crime is the lowest it has been in three decades. Year-to-date data compiled by MPD on Monday shows a 28% overall decrease in violent crime, which includes assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, sex abuse, and homicides.

During her Sunday morning appearance on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Bowser refuted claims that crime in the District was out of control. She

however stopped short of decrying Trump’s use of federal forces to support the local public safety ecosystem.

“The president is very aware of our efforts,” Bowser told Eugene Daniels and Jonathan Capehart. “He established a task force, which our police department and agencies support with information and anything else they ask us for… it is always the president’s prerogative to use federal law enforcement or the National Guard.”

On Monday, hours after the president’s announcement, Bowser took on what some may consider more of a pointed tone toward what she called Trump’s intrusion on D.C.’s home rule. Though she expressed a desire to cooperate with federal authorities within the letter of the law, Bowser didn’t mince words about what has always been at stake for D.C. residents.

“If people are concerned about a president’s ability to have MPD be responsive to the Department of Justice, the time to address that is when we’re talking about statehood for D.C.,” Bowser said. “If people are concerned about the president being able to move the National Guard into our city, the time to do that would have been when the Congress had a bill that…could have given control of the D.C. National Guard to D.C. So there are things that when a city is not a state and not fully autonomous, it doesn’t have senators, that the federal government can do.”

Since last week, District residents have spotted U.S. Park Police and the FBI, along with other federal agencies, throughout the District, including near Georgia Avenue in Northwest, Eastern Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast, and Martin Luther King Avenue in Southeast.

Local organizers have also

delved into the history of the statehood movement, noting D.C. Mayor for Life Marion S. Barry, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Anise Jenkins of Stand Up! For Democracy in DC as key figures of the movement.

They also drew parallels between the current state of affairs and the Reconstruction Era, a period of white backlash against Black political advancement.

them.”

Jeanine Pirro Targets D.C. Council

taken to social media, alerting followers to federal law enforcement sightings and providing safety tips. On Saturday night, at least one elected official— Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Anthony Lorenzo Green— reported what he called violent encounters sparked by MPD, the Metro Transit Police Department, FBI, ICE, DEA, and ICE.

Green told The Informer that, as of Monday, he has yet to confirm the location or status of the two people detained by authorities.

The last word I had was yesterday they were still at 6D,” Green said. “Today, you would think because it happened over the weekend, particularly on Sunday, they will be brought up for arraignment today. I don’t see their names on the list.”

As he recounted, federal authorities fired their weapon while pursuing someone they identified as a suspect. They later, in collaboration with MPD and MTPD, closed off the scene near the corner of 48th Street NE and Kane Street NE as neighbors demanded answers about what transpired.

For Green, the encounter further confirmed what he and others knew about Trump and those of his ilk.

“The data and the facts just don’t seem to matter to this crowd at all, so it’s a shame that my city is being forced under these conditions with this imposter president,” Green told The Informer as he stressed the need for solidarity among D.C. residents and elected officials at this time.. “We also as a city have to understand our place in history and what we may need to do to push back. We can’t just stay and take it, and we certainly can’t allow people who represent us…to remain quiet in our names.”

Hours before Green’s post, the Free DC movement and Harriet’s Wildest Dreams conducted a teach-in at the old AutoZone on H Street NE that preceded the Chocolate City Experience event.

For an hour on Saturday, organizers

In her presentation, Samantha Davis, founder of Black Swan Academy and a member of the Free DC movement, advised against falling victim to “divide and conquer” tactics that the Trump administration would use. She later told The Informer that, since Trump’s return to the Oval Office, she and her comrades have prioritized joy, unity, and disruption of the status quo in their organizing work.

Also central to their ethos, Davis said, was an insistence that District officials not “obey in advance” — especially when it comes to how they address problems concerning the city’s youngest residents.

On Monday, as Trump announced the federal takeover of MPD, hundreds of people converged on 16th Street NW, feet from the White House, in opposition to his recent efforts.

“We also know Trump has said some things around prosecuting 14-year-olds as adults. [They] are children, they are not adults,” Davis told The Informer. “We’re continuing to wrap our young people around with love and support and resources, and that we’re making a really clear signal to Trump that we don’t need our young people to be criminalized. We don’t need our communities to be policed, and for young people to hear loudly that we love them, that we care for

By Monday, at least three five members of the D.C. Council -- D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and D.C. Councilmembers Christina Henderson (I-At large), Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) -- released statements decrying the federal takeover of MPD.

A common theme among council members centers on what they believe the Trump administration could do better in terms of filling judicial vacancies. Frumin said just as much in his statement.

“We have consistently urged the federal government to nominate and confirm our judges, to strengthen prosecutions, and to support us as we contend with the special burdens of hosting the seat of government,” Frumin’s statement read. “Ironically, we have a long history of working in partnership with federal law enforcement. We remain more than open to continuing and building on that partnership.”

For weeks, as District officials tackled mass gatherings of youth in commercial districts with an emergency curfew, Trump administration officials have set their sights on a group over which they have no prosecutorial jurisdiction. On Aug. 6, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro sent a letter to members of the D.C. Council asking that they “reconsider” the Second Chance Amendment Act, the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act, and the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act.

How to Pay When Buying From Someone You Don’t Know: Keep These Tips In Mind to Help Avoid Scams

Sponsored By JPMorganChase

Credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, wires or sending money to others using a P2P (person-to-person) payment app are examples of the many ways consumers can pay for everyday transactions. To help protect their money from scammers, it’s important for people to understand that how they pay matters, especially when buying something from someone they don’t know or trust.

Checks:

Although declining in usage, many people still regularly use checks, particularly for business transactions. Check fraud can happen in various ways, such as writing bad checks, stealing and altering someone else’s check, forging a check, or depositing the same check twice (once through a mobile app and again at a branch).

• Here’s What You Can Do: Never make checks out to “cash.” Use permanent ink, and write the amount in numbers and words. Don’t leave a check book unattended and always send a check directly from the post office or through secured mailboxes; don’t leave them for pickup in your mailbox at home. When possible, opt for

electronic payment methods instead of checks.

Person-to-Person Payments:

Person-to-person payments through services like Zelle® can be quick and convenient ways to send money to others you know and trust (e.g., friends and family or your dogwalker). Don’t use Zelle to buy things online, especially through social media marketplaces or messaging apps. If you send money for something that turns out to be a scam, it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to get it back.

• Here’s What You Can Do: If you are purchasing goods or merchandise, including things like concert tickets, a credit or debit card that offers purchase protection may be a better option. If at any time you feel pressured, the deal seems too good to be true, or you otherwise suspect it’s a scam, don’t proceed with the purchase.

Credit and Debit Cards:

When you pay with a credit or debit card, you are not responsible for unauthorized charges if your card is lost, stolen or fraudulently used, as long as you report unauthorized charges promptly. Use your card’s security features to help keep it safe.

• Here’s What You Can Do: Two-factor authentication can help

block anyone who gets your banking information from using it, and setting up credit monitoring helps you know if your card is used fraudulently. Keep your card safe. If you misplace it or think it is lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately, and lock your card from additional charges.

Scammers may try to get you to send a payment to them to pay for something (like concert tickets) that you then never receive. Credit and debit cards may offer some protections that can help you get your money back for purchases you make if you don’t receive what you paid for. If you pay with a credit card, your bank will likely reimburse you for your payment if you don’t receive the goods. If you paid with a debit card, your bank will try to get your money back from the scammer’s bank, but if the scammer has disappeared with your money, they won’t be able to get the funds back, and your bank is not required to reimburse you.

• Here’s What You Can Do: Watch out for sellers who require forms of payment that do not provide purchase protection. Before you pay, always ask yourself: “Am I sure this is not a scam?” Always remember: If you’re unsure, walk away.

Wire Transfers:

Wire transfers are convenient and secure, and they work like cash. Only send a wire when you know the details of the recipient and never feel pressured or urged to send one. Wire transfers are a target for scammers because they are often used for high dollar transactions— like homes or cars—and once sent, they cannot be reversed. Scammers can impersonate companies, banks, and government agencies to quickly receive your hard-earned money, move it to another account and disappear.

• Here’s What You Can Do: Never provide your bank account

details to unfamiliar or suspicious individuals and avoid wiring money to people or businesses you are unfamiliar with, especially if prompted by suspicious phone calls or emails.

In a world of growing payment options, it’s important that people make informed choices about how to pay for purchases, especially when buying from a person or business you aren’t familiar with, to help keep their money safe.

Learn more about protecting your finances at chase.com/digital/ resources/privacy-security

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable,

but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

age of 25, with crisis counselors trained specifically to address queer challenges, particularly as LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their cisgender, heterosexual peers, according to The Trevor Project.

Further The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People reported that 39% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide in 2024.

Local LGBTQ+ advocates say that the shutdown of the “Press 3” option does more than limit access to crisis support, it sends the message that queer youth struggles are invisible. They warn that the loss of affirming resources can deepen isolation and reinforce the feeling that safe spaces are disappearing.

“If anything, this line going away is just a continued erasure and acknowledgement of the queer community across the board, but specifically for youth,” says Erin Whelan, executive director of the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL), headquartered in Southeast, D.C. “[The youth] are already feeling like they have to strive for places in this world and acknowledgement.”

Advocates note that without counselors who understand their experiences, many queer youth will feel isolated.

“At the end of the day, the story is—[LGBTQ+] youth won’t get the services they need,” Whelan told The Informer. “They’re not

going to be affirmed and they might not seek services out because of that.”

Despite queer youth facing continued challenges, a spokesperson for the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that the dedicated LGBTQ+ line was closed due to a lack of continued Congressional funding.

“Coutinued operation of Press 3 would have required [the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAM-

HSA)] to reallocate funds away from supporting the main 988 Lifeline thereby compromising the entire system. SAMHSA made a critical decision that sustained the entire 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, utilizing remaining FY25 dollars to support all individuals with culturally competent crisis support.”

SAMHSA reports that more than $33 million was spent on “Press 3” between 2022 and 2025, money the agency says was fully exhausted. The 988 hotline will still serve all callers, HHS maintains, but no longer with a dedicated LGBTQ+ option.

While HHS maintains the 988 is still for “all Americans,” advocates say general access isn’t the same as affirming care.

“Just because funding has been removed from 988 doesn’t mean people are no longer in crisis,” Becker said. “There’s still a need for these [LGBTQ+] people to get support.”

Organizations Still Serving LGBTQ+ Youth: ‘We’ve Got Your Back’

Although the Press 3 is no longer an option, there are several organizations such as the LBTQ National Help Center and SMYAL still working to provide support

our callers.”

Because of the influx of calls their hotline has been receiving, there’s been wait times and even missed calls.

“The reality is that there are a lot of people trying to reach us that are not always able to get through right away and that’s the last thing we want to see happen,” the center’s founder noted.

For queer youth feeling abandoned by the system, Becker has a message about LBTQ National Help Center: “We haven’t gone anywhere.”

“We are doing everything we possibly can,” he continued, “to step up and be there for people who need help.”

While SYMAL does not operate its own crisis line, the organization works to support local LGBTQ+ youth through mental health counseling, school-based programs, and resource referrals.

“We’ve built a network of parents and support people who know the resources to direct people to,” said Hancie Stokes, communications director for SYMAL.

and empower LGBTQ+ youth.

However, Press 3’s discontinuation did not only leave queer youth more vulnerable, it also placed immense pressure on under-resourced nonprofits to pick up the pieces.

Having never received government funding, the LGBT National Help Center, one of the few national hotlines still providing queer-specific support, has seen a significant increase in calls and not enough people to answer them.

“It puts so much additional strain on us as well as other nonprofits to be able to pick up that enormous slack that had been provided by 988,” Becker told The Informer. “We are working extra hard to add more volunteers onto the hotline.”

Becker said that this isn’t easy, as volunteers go through a three month-long training process to ensure that they’re able to provide the necessary care.

“It’s not like, overnight, we can throw in 100 more volunteers onto the phones. We have to make sure that they are adequately trained,” Becker explained. “We’re working very hard to get as many volunteers as we possibly can trained to get onto the phone. [We’re] making sure they are equipped to be able to deal with the trauma that we’re hearing on the phone from

SYMAL offers resources like hosting therapy groups directly in local schools and providing affirming after-school programs. The organization also partnered with a school in Prince George’s County where more than 90 young people participated in weekly sessions.

“If you ever tried to get a high schooler to go to anything consistently, you know how hard it is. They showed up consistently every single week for nine weeks,” Stokes explained. “That [shows] us that there’s such a need for this.”

In addition to the successful turnout, Stokes also emphasized SYMAL works to build trust and a strong, reliable reputation with local youth.

“[Young people] expect us to be right there with them, helping to create access so that their voices can be heard,” Stokes told The Informer. “We really want to create spaces that say ‘We’ve got your back.’”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. LGBTQ+ people can also reach out to the National LGBT Help Center at 1-888-843-4564 or visit lgbthotline.org for peer support and resources.

5A multigenerational group participates in the 2023 Capital Pride Parade. While research shows that many queer youth are battling mental health crises, the Trump administration discontinued the LGBTQ+-specific “Press 3” option within the U.S. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on July 17, a move that many mental health advocates note is already causing a dangerous domino effect. (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts)

5Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL), headquartered in Southeast, D.C. works to support local LGBTQ+ youth through mental health counseling, school-based programs, and resource referrals. (Courtesy Photo)

review wi book

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: A Veteran’s

Memoir”

By Khadijah Queen

c.2025, Legacy Lit

$30

348 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Keep your head down.

Stay steady, mind your business, and don’t compare yourself to others. You are where you are for a reason, don’t lose sight of it. There’s a prize at the end, and endurance is the only way to get it. You have a job to do and, as in the new memoir “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” by Khadijah Queen, you’ll do it until you can’t.

Khadijah Queen hated Inkster, Michigan. She had begged to stay in L.A. but her mother ignored her pleas and moved the family to Inkster to take care of the at-risk children of Queen’s addicted eldest sister. Not old enough to stay in “Cali” by herself, but old enough to work and contribute to the household, Queen rushed to sign up for classes at a local Michigan college because she knew education was the only way to escape the situations that had her family in a stranglehold.

Alcoholism, drug abuse, no money, problems came like storms and when those problems forced her to drop her classes, she decided to join the Navy. A few years of service, she knew, and her college education would be free.

Happily, boot camp wasn’t so bad.

There were a handful of Black recruits and personnel who held Queen up when she felt sad and they gave her hope. She learned in Navy boot camp that she was a leader, but she wasn’t fully ready for it. She wanted to serve on a submarine and once there, she tried to just do her job but her white male shipmates made it difficult.

She endured their hazing and sexual harassment. She endured their racism and juvenile jokes. She endured a noose left laying on her study manuals.

Less than six months aboard, she says, “my anger had become a living thing, and even though I didn’t want it, I kept that anger close. It leapt ahead of me when it had to.”

Prepared to be stunned.

From the first few pages to this books’ roaring end, “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go. You plainly see author Khadijah Queen’s need to get away from near-poverty; it paces like a lion in a small cage. You’ll cringe at her maturity that doesn’t quite go far enough because you’ve probably been there, too. When she’s about to get in trouble for speaking her mind or because she’s impatient, you’ll squirm, knowing what’s coming. Authentic language puts you in uniform. Tragedy will hurt your heart. So will some of the people in this book when you learn what happens to them, but the story would be lesser without the rich presence of each of them and without Queen’s no-nonsense-ness, her boiling impatience, and her profanity-laced honesty.

Veterans may have some things to say about this one-of-a-kind book, as will feminists, and neither of them, nor you, should miss it. Start “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” and it’ll keep your head down good.

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

AUG. 14 - 20, 2025

ARIES Pioneering energy channels through strategic partnerships as Mars energizes your collaboration sector, bringing advancement when bold initiatives merge with diplomatic finesse creating powerful alliances compromising independent vision. Leadership opportunities multiply when decisive communication inspires collective action toward shared objectives.

TAURUS Steady progress accumulates lasting value as Venus stabilizes your resource sector, bringing abundance patient cultivation transforms modest investments into substantial returns maintaining ethical business practices. Partnership dynamics strengthen when mutual respect honors individual contributions within shared enterprises. Lucky Numbers: 3, 19, 36

GEMINI Communication mastery opens multiple pathways as Mercury illuminates your networking sector, bringing connections through versatile engagement bridging diverse communities maintaining authentic personal expression. Educational pursuits expand intellectual curiosity explores emerging technologies applicable to traditional industries. Lucky Numbers: 16, 32, 47

CANCER Intuitive guidance directs practical applications as lunar wisdom enhances your domestic sector, bringing security through nurturing environments supporting both individual growth and family harmony while building sustainable foundations. Home-based ventures prosper when emotional intelligence creates welcoming atmospheres encouraging loyal customer relationships. Lucky Numbers: 9, 24, 38

LEO Radiant creativity commands attention as solar power magnifies your expression sector, bringing recognition through generous performance inspiring audiences while conveying meaningful messages transcending entertainment toward educational impact. Business presentations succeed when charismatic delivery transforms technical information into compelling narratives attracting investment support. Lucky Numbers: 5, 21, 44

VIRGO Methodical refinement produces exceptional results as earth energy perfects your service sector, bringing advancement through systematic analysis optimizing efficiency while maintaining quality throughout organizational processes. Professional recognition arrives when consistent excellence demonstrates reliability inspiring supervisory confidence in expanded responsibilities. Lucky Numbers: 12, 28, 43

LIBRA Elegant diplomacy creates win-win outcomes as Venus harmonizes your relationship sector, bringing partnership success through balanced negotiation respecting individual needs while achieving collective objectives without sacrificing personal integrity. Lucky Numbers: 7, 23, 39

SCORPIO Transformative investigation reveals hidden potential as Pluto intensifies your research sector, bringing breakthrough discoveries when persistent analysis uncovers opportunities within complex systems requiring patient exploration over superficial assessment. Psychological insights advance when intuitive perception guides methodical investigation exposing unconscious patterns affecting performance outcomes. Lucky Numbers: 14, 29, 45

SAGITTARIUS Expansive vision guides practical implementation as Jupiter broadens your adventure sector, bringing wisdom through experiential learning applying diverse cultural approaches while identifying universal principles transcending regional limitations. International opportunities develop when flexible adaptation enables navigation within different business cultures maintaining operational standards. Lucky Numbers: 2, 18, 35

CAPRICORN Structured achievement builds permanent success as Saturn reinforces your ambition sector, bringing recognition through disciplined construction creating lasting infrastructure rather than temporary solutions requiring constant maintenance. Administrative excellence expands when proven competence qualifies for managing increased organizational complexity while preserving quality standards. Lucky Numbers: 11, 26, 42

PISCES Compassionate service enhances practical effectiveness as Neptune clarifies your healing sector, bringing fulfillment through therapeutic practices strengthening community engagement rather than encouraging isolated withdrawal from worldly responsibilities. Lucky Numbers: 15, 31, 46

AQUARIUS Innovative collaboration serves community advancement as Uranus revolutionizes your group sector, bringing progress through unconventional solutions addressing collective needs while honoring individual creative contributions within democratic frameworks. Lucky Numbers: 6, 22, 48

SPORTS

Washington Mystics Trade Veteran Guard Brittney Sykes And Forward Aaliyah Edwards Ahead Of Trade Deadline

By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer

In a major move ahead of the WNBA trade deadline, the Washington Mystics have traded 2025 veteran guard Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm and now forward Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun.

Washington Mystics Trade

Veteran Guard Brittney

Sykes To Seattle Storm

All-Star Sykes was traded to the Seattle Storm in exchange for veterans Alysha Clark and Zia Cooke, and Seattle’s 2026 first-round pick.

To finalize the deal, Washington waived forward Sike Koné and later released Cooke.

Sykes, 31, was in her third season with the Mystics and is coming off a strong campaign that earned her first All-Star selection and a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive First Team. Affectionately called “Slim,” Sykes averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game during her time in Washington.

“We’re grateful for Slim’s contributions this season as she played a key role in our growth,” said Mystics General Manager Jamila Wideman.

“We’re proud of the individual success she achieved during her time with us, including earning her first

All-Star selection. This allows Slim the opportunity to join a team that is expected to contend for a championship this season.”

With this trade, the Storm has now added a dynamic two-way guard to a playoff-ready roster that already features guard Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Gabby Williams.

Returning to Washington is Clark, a three-time WNBA champion and 2023 Sixth Player of the Year. Clark signed with the Mystics in 2021, but missed the season due to a Lisfranc injury in her right foot.

The 13-year veteran forward made her Mystics debut in 2022 and recorded career averages of 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Clark is bringing her elite resume on both ends of the floor back to Washington.

Washington now holds three firstround picks in the 2025 draft and additional assets in 2026. The Mystics will have plenty of options next season to bolster their roster with emerging talent.

Some of those options include

3Forward Aaliyah Edwards attempting to block second-year guard Jacy Sheldon in the Washington Mystics’ 104-67 Commissioner Cup win against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, June 8. Following the Aug. 7 WNBA trade deadline, Edwards was sent to the Connecticut team in exchange for Sheldon. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

3Veteran guard Brittney Sykes, pictured at the free throw line during June’s Commissioner Cup matchup, joins the Seattle Storm following the recent WNBA trade. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

arc placing 11th in the WNBA. She is bringing valuable floor spacing and shooting to the Mystics, a team ranked near the bottom in three-point percentage (32.2%) and is without Sykes, Washington’s leading scorer, who was just traded to Seattle.

A former Ohio State standout and the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Sheldon has proven herself to be a smart two-way contributor. Though she started her rookie campaign in Dallas before joining the Sun before the 2025 season, she carved out a rotation spot early with her defensive awareness, efficient shot selection (47% FG), and ability to create plays for her teammates.

This season, Sheldon has been averaging 7.5 points and 2.5 assists in just 24 minutes per game.

UCLA center Lauren Betts, Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, or they may even have the opportunity to bring University of Connecticut guard Azzi Fudd back home to the DMV.

The Sykes-Clark trade further emphasizes Washington’s clear focus on reshaping the long-term development for the franchise.

“This was a great opportunity to continue building our program and move us closer to our long-term goals,” said Wideman. “Alysha brings veteran leadership that is invaluable as our team continues to develop and grow.”

Washington Mystics Trade Forward Aaliyah Edwards To Connecticut Sun

With the 2025 trade deadline looming (Aug. 7), the Washington Mystics made their second notable twist in the trade pool, sending forward to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon and 2026 first-round draft picks, which were previously picks that belong to Minnesota Lynx’s and New York Liberty’s

This move marks Sheldon’s third team in just over a year, but this deal offers the 5-foot-10 guard a fresh opportunity to make an impact. Sheldon is quietly emerging as one of the league’s most top-tier perimeter threats, shooting 41.2% beyond the

In return, Connetcuit received Aaliyah Edwards, a physical yet dominant forward who was selected sixth overall in 2024, just one pick after Sheldon. Edwards has been a bright spot in an emerging Washington lineup providing toughness, rebounding, and inside scoring.

Known for her energy and versatility, Edwards departs from Washington averaging 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Her potential to grow into a two-way force in the paint makes her a strong long-term addition for the Sun, who continue to build their frontcourt around youth and athleticism.

The Sykes-Clark and Edwards-Sheldon trade further signals Washington’s clear focus on reshaping the long-term development for the franchise.

“My career outside of basketball, I think, have represented some aspects of what I’ve hoped to be in the world, which is somebody who can support other people, advocate for other people. If you can find moments to listen and understand other people, I think I’m actually most comfortable when I can become invisible and watch a space that I’ve been apart of helping to create and look at how other people’s people’s talents can thrive in that space,” said Wideman. “I think Coach Syd [Sydney Johnson] and I share some of the same DNA.”

CAPTURE the moment

n an immersive homage to D.C. culture, residents and community leaders alike gathered on H Street NE for Saturday’s family-friendly event, The Chocolate City Experience: WheelsUpDC Edition on Aug. 9 in the Old Auto Zone parking lot. Presented by Southeast creative Dee Dwyer, the cultural celebration included rollerskating, food vendors, live DJ’s, and educational workshops on the history of Black August, thanks to the Free DC Project.

(Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Fighting Gerrymandering That Threatens to Suppress Voters

Black Voters Under Attack in Texas, Rev. Angela Ravin-Anderson Says Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church is Standing Firm for Justice

By Rev. Dorothy Boulware 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).

When the Rev. Dr. William Alexander Lawson and 13 faithful companions gathered in 1962 to form Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (WABC) in Houston’s Third Ward, they did so rooted in the spirit of social justice — strengthened by the company of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whom Lawson welcomed when others turned their backs on King’s vision of justice. Justice was never an addendum to their ministry; it was, and remains, central to their work — just as it was for Jesus, in whose name the faith is held.

It is no surprise, then, that the plight of the “least of these” is at the center of every bit of ministry that flows from Wheeler Avenue, now led by Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby.

It’s also no surprise that the Rev. Angela Ravin-Anderson, WABC’s director of social justice, stood her ground on July 29 and testified before the House Select Committee for Redistricting in opposition to their “attempt to silence our voice and take our power by racist gerrymandering,” as she wrote on her Instagram page.

“Our governor, instead of abid-

ing by the constitution, wants to give the president five new Republican districts before the midterm election by decimating districts that have been the seed and foundation of power for Black and Brown communities throughout Texas,” Ravin-Anderson wrote.

Ravin-Anderson tells Word In Black that the pillars of democracy — and the communities WABC serves — are under siege. But despite the political climate in Texas and nationally, the Black church, she says, will always hold the line.

A Lack of Moral Fortitude

The way redistricting was added to the state’s special legislative session — not as a priority from lawmakers, but at the urging of President Donald Trump — “smacks of when he was losing and called Georgia, and asked for 11,000 more votes,” Ravin-Anderson says.

In that Jan. 2021 instance, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger “had the moral fortitude to stand and say, that doesn’t happen. I can’t do that,” she says. “Unfortunately, what we’ve had here in Texas is someone willing to bow down to that.”

She points to the way the issue of redistricting was introduced into the legislative process.

“This was not an agenda item for the Texas House. It was added even after the special session was announced, and it was added to the agenda at the behest of the presi-

dent,” she says.

And the consequences, she says, were clear — and targeted.

“What’s interesting about it is in the enactment of following these wishes, the areas that were targeted were the Black and Brown districts that have traditionally been seats of power for our voice.”

It’s a move that strips vital resources from these communities — districts that “were either contracted so that they’re much smaller and tighter,” or the “economic engines were removed,” she says.

Does Government Work for Us?

The need for Ravin-Anderson’s testimony is even more concerning because if the Supreme Court hadn’t removed protective sections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and if the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 had been passed, Texas leaders would have had to seek approval from the Department of Justice for this move.

It’s the one thing that most disappoints Ravin-Anderson about the Biden administration, that President Biden didn’t use the tool of executive order to enact the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

“We wouldn’t be in this place had he done that, and a lot of people really don’t understand why this is so important at this time,” she says.

Now “the trust of the people has been broken,” she says. “The government is supposed to work for us, we the people, and that is not the case. And specifically for Black and Brown communities, it is especially not working. It’s harming us. And when there is an intentional decision to use government to hurt us, that is very traumatic.”

The Collapse of Democracy

Ravin-Anderson says what’s happening in Texas isn’t just policy — it’s a slow-motion unraveling of democracy itself.

“We are scrambling to utilize whatever methods we can employ through our democratic means,” she says. “What we are seeing is what happens when a nation’s democracy collapses. What I did not realize is that for a democracy to exist, the players must desire for a democracy to exist. And there are certain things that are understood as the rules that are going to govern us, and we are going to abide by those rules.”

But now, she says, those rules are being rewritten — or discarded entirely.

“We now have a situation where we see there’s no desire for democracy to exist. There’s a desire for an authoritarian government to exist,” Ravin-Anderson notes. “There’s a desire for an oligarchy to exist. And so now we have a tiered tearing apart

at the very fabric of our country.”

In the face of that unraveling, however, one institution remains central to community resilience and resistance: the church.

Standing for Justice

WABC has, in 62 years, expanded into a 12,000-member congregation with far-reaching arms through as many as 72 ministries, including Matthew 25, which helps members with food and emergency housing needs. Indeed, the neighborhood needs constant attention and care.

“It’s an urban area in Houston, and it has experienced all the trauma that urban areas experience. So it keeps us on the front line of what goes on,” she says. And “in a time where we experience increasing inflation, we know that that’s going to be an issue for those who are in our neighborhood.”

No matter what the Trump administration or the Texas legislature does, the church’s identity will always be rooted in spiritual principles and action.

“To stand for justice, to stand for the disenfranchised, to speak out when we we see that things are not in the public sphere, when we see that things are not being done in a fair and just manner for all the people,” she says, “but especially for our community where we’re planted, which is the heart of Third Ward.” WI

5The Rev. Angela Ravin-Anderson, director of social justice at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church says the congregation is standing firm for justice and fighting against gerrymandering and voter suppression. (Courtesy Photo)

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? — James 2:14 (NKJV)

True faith is more than just words or wishful thinking. It’s more than writing down your dreams or speaking about your goals. Real faith is a spiritual conviction so strong that it pushes you to act — to take the steps necessary to bring your desires into reality.

Scripture tells us plainly: “Faith without works is dead.” Many people talk about what they hope to achieve, but deep down, they don’t believe they’re worthy of it.

That lack of belief can cancel out their faith before it even has a chance to work. Mark 11:24 reminds us: “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

The first step toward living by faith is to trust God — and to believe in yourself. You were born with complete control over your own mind and the power to direct your thoughts.

Don’t let doubt or outside opinions rob you of that gift. Never merely hope; know. When you believe, truly believe, your mind becomes a powerful tool that can help create the life you desire — but belief must be paired with ac-

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Faith Without Works Is Dead the religion corner

tion.

Know what you want, ask God for it, thank him for it as though you’ve already received it, and then work toward it. Like the old hymn says: “It is no secret what God can do. What he’s done for others, he’ll do for you.”

Practice gratitude in the present tense:

• “Lord, I thank you for my new home.”

• “Lord, I thank you for my new car.”

• “Lord, I thank you for my children’s success.”

Your words of faith set spiritual forces into motion that prepare the way for your blessing. I’ve seen it in my own life. When I opened a small family business on Georgia Avenue, I had no savings and was living on unemployment.

An investor gave me $500 for the first month’s rent — and that little shop stayed open for nine

years. Later, that season prepared me for my work with the D.C. Council, leading a project that has since become a national monument.

Faith is not passive. Remain open to inspiration, act on your ideas immediately, and view setbacks as challenges to overcome rather than reasons to quit. A burning desire is the foundation of faith. If your vision is unclear, your belief will waver — and without belief and persistent action, your goals will remain out of reach.

When doubt creeps in, remember: “Whatever a man believes, that shall he also receive.” Fear is simply faith turned backward. Faith looks forward with expectation; fear clings to the disappointments of the past. Your life will always reflect your thoughts, your attitude and your willingness to put your faith in God into motion.

RELIGION

1st Sunday

School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

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

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic

Mary’s Episcopal Church Promised

Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000747

Balfour Jones Decedent

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

John Jones, whose address is 908 Hamilton Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Balfour Jones who died on April 11, 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 1/31/2026. 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 1/31/2026, 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:

7/31/2025

John Jones

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000736

Alice Evelin Gregory Decedent

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

Felicia Ann Gregory, whose address is 1439 Spring Rd., NW, #304, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alice Evelin Gregory who died on 3/2/2014 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 1/31/2026. 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 1/31/2026, 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: 7/31/2025

Felicia Ann Gregory 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 773

Abdulah Muhammad Decedent

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

Hadiyah Muhammad, whose address is 1876 Bryant Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Abdulah Muhammad who died on April 10, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/7/2026. 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 2/7/2026, 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: 8/7/2025

Hadiyah Muhammad Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2025 ADM 000446

Anthony C. Stone, Sr. Decedent

Darrel S. Parker, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #440 Washington, DC 20015-2052 Attorney

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

Darrel S. Parker, whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW # 440, Washington, DC 20015-2052, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony C. Stone, Sr. who died on May 27, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 2/7/2026. 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 2/7/2026, 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: 8/7/2025

Darrel S. Parker 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 000646

Frances F. Wharton aka Frances Felten Wharton Decedent

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

Shiree Slade, whose address is 8200 Arundel Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frances F. Wharton aka Frances Felten Wharton who died on September 8, 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 1/31/2026. 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 1/31/2026, 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: 7/31/2025

Shiree Slade

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2019 ADM 693

Arthur William Stanley Jr. Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arthur William Stanley Jr. who died on June 5, 2019 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 2/7/2026. 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 2/7/2026, 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: 8/7/2025

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

2024 ADM 0000208

Glenn E. Crenshaw Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Julius P. Terrell, whose address is 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Glenn E. Crenshaw who died on 5/12/2021 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 (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 1/31/2026. 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 1/31/2026, 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: 7/31/2025

Julius P. Terrell 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 FEP 000090

October 28, 2024

Date of Death

Henry Christopher Lamb Hermans Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Jennifer Lamb Egner whose address is Plot 17578 Mogodiri Drive, Gaborone, Botswana was appointed personal representative of the estate of Henry Christopher Lamb Hermans, deceased, by the High Court for State of Republic of Botswana, on May 26, 2025.

Service of process may be made upon Zora Hermans 2701 Connecticut Ave., Apt. 408, Washington, DC 20008 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: August 7, 2025

Jennifer Lamb Egner Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 000036

Lee Bridges aka Lee N. Bridges, Jr. Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Suite 400

Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Julius P. Terrell, whose address is 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lee Bridges aka Lee N. Bridges, Jr. who died on 8/14/2024 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 (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 1/31/2026. 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 1/31/2026, 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: 7/31/2025

Julius P. Terrell

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

2019 ADM 001158

LaNelle L. Daughtry aka LaNelle Leevette Daughtry Decedent

Anna Nathanson Norris Law Group 600 14th Street NW, Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

Kaamalah Lucas, whose address is 1637 Hauiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96819, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LaNelle L. Daughtry aka LaNelle Leevette Daughtry who died on 9/15/2018 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 2/7/2026. 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 2/7/2026, 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: 8/7/2025

Kaamalah Lucas

Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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

2025 ADM 000780

Margaret LaVerne Paige Decedent

Maria K. Day-Marshall 6329 Joslyn Place Cheverly, Maryland 20785

Attorney

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

David R. Paige, whose address is 6331 Joslyn Place, Cheverly, Maryland 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret LaVerne Paige who died on February 3, 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 2/7/2026. 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 2/7/2026, 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: 8/7/2025

David R. Paige 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 000622

James Henry Smith, Sr. Decedent

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

Terry Smith, whose address is 5814 Cheryl Lane, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Henry Smith, Sr. who died on June 18, 2015 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/14/2026. 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 2/14/2026, 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: 8/14/2025

Terry Smith

Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000829

Estate of Pearlena Rogers

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Alberta Lindsay 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.

Admit to probate the will dated July 23, 1997 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 8/7/2025

Alberta Lindsay 1331 5th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2025 ADM 000766

Barbara Harris Decedent

Vernon M. Williams whose address is 125 Oglethorpe Street NE, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Harris who died on June 16, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/7/2026. 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 2/7/2026, 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: 8/7/2025

Vernon M. Williams

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 001469

Isabella V. Farrell aka Isabella Farrell aka Isabella Vashita Jefferson Farrell Decedent

Stephanie L. Royal, Esq. The Royal Legal Group. PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Shena Marie Thompson-Jones and Gregory Douglass Farrell, whose addresses are 3436 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Frederick MD 21704 and 4405 Silverbrook LN, #G303, Owings Mill MD 21115, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Isabella V. Farrell aka Isabella Farrell aka Isabella Vashita Jefferson Farrell who died on 1/10/2020 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 2/14/2026. 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 2/14/2026, 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: 8/14/2025

Shena Marie Thompson-Jones Gregory Douglass Farrell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Earlier this summer, on July 1, the D.C. Council approved the Peace D.C. Emergency Omnibus Amendment Act, which, among other things, extended the expansion of pre-trial detention eligibility made possible through the passage of the Secure D.C. omnibus bill and, before that, emergency public safety legislation shaped by Bowser and D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2).

The council didn’t pass Peace D.C. without questions about the effectiveness of pre-trial detention expansion and discussion about the conditions that residents face at D.C. Jail while waiting for their day in court.

A May report released by the Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA), in partnership with the Council for Court Excellence (CCE), included findings showing the rate of in-custody deaths at DOC’s CDF and Central Treatment Facility at more than 3.5 times the national average.

The report, which includes data compiled between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, also noted the occurrence of overdose-related deaths at 10 times more than that reported in U.S. jails overall.

Of relevance to DOC staffing was what ODCA and CCE noted as a “heavy reliance” on staff overtime in the midst of staff vacancies. They also found that DOC’s staff training budget shrank significantly while the agency didn’t implement a plan to increase attendance and gauge what trained attendees had learned.

DOC didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about staffing.

Tracy Velazquez, policy director for CCE, told The Informer that staffing at DOC has been an issue since the pandemic. She went on to note that, during the audit period, staff vacancies increased as the jail resident population increased, which exacerbated conflicts between both parties.

“The facility is not well staffed [and] that’s leading to some of the problems we’re seeing there,” Velazquez said. “We hear that a lot of use of force involves pepper spray. One in four uses of force were during some fight or assault between residents. Three in four didn’t involve a fight, so it was more about staff managing resident behavior. The understaffing is contributing to this.”

In total, ODCA and CCE noted more than 400 instances of staff member use of force in their report. Official documents referenced in the report show that residents and their

families pursued legal action for jail deaths, discrimination by staff, and inadequate health care. According to the report, D.C. Jail residents experienced these conditions while awaiting trial for a length of time triple that of residents experience in other detention facilities.

“We’re seeing the number of people going in and people staying in is leading to the rise in the jail population,” Velazquez said, while making note of other factors beyond the D.C. government’s control. “We [also] know the average case processing length has grown because of court vacancies, which is the result of the U.S. Senate not confirming our judges.”

Velazquez stressed that D.C. Jail residents, regardless of their charge, end up getting the short end of the stick during a prolonged stay in a facility that’s not amenable to their wellbeing.

“In terms of thinking about choosing to hold someone pre-trial, it’s important to recognize that a number of these individuals won’t be convicted,” Velazquez told The Informer, “and lengthening case processing times exposes individuals to these conditions, and separation from families.”

Taya Johnson Tells Her Story

In June, as the D.C. Council mulled whether to extend the expansion of pre-trial detention, a jury acquitted Taya Johnson of charges related to a violent encounter she and her children had with an Empower driver earlier this year.

Johnson, 26, spent five months behind bars as she rejected the offer of a lesser charge, demanded the review of the footage from the evening in question, and almost crumbled under the stress of being away from her children.

“I was basically wondering [if] my kids [are] going to be good,” Johnson told The Informer. “I cried the whole time. I stopped crying every night, but I was still crying.”

As Johnson recounted, she didn’t get to see her children until they visited the Central Treatment Facility during a family day event in March. She told The Informer that the days and nights leading up to that moment proved frustrating, as her family had little means of replacing the lost income or addressing the mental and emotional toll that her absence took on her two toddlers.

WI Read

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EDELMAN from Page 30

bers stressed again and again they believed they did what they had to do. But the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki did not produce eternal peace. Instead, they opened a Pandora’s box that can never be fully locked back up. I have visited Hiroshima with my family, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), created from the ruins of the only structure left standing near the bomb’s hypocenter, is a reminder of how far we still have to go to make this a world worthy of and safe for all of our children.

In 1945, Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer and University of Chicago scientists who helped develop the technology used in the atomic bomb founded the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and two years later they created the “Doomsday Clock,” a metaphorical countdown to midnight that warns the public about how close we are to destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making. Beginning that year, the clock’s hands were moved

OWOLEWA/IRAHETA from Page 30

break down barriers to opportunity and foster leadership from within. I’ve helped create pathways out of poverty and toward long-term stability. When we invest in our most marginalized, we not only strengthen families but

CROWELL from Page 30

on Sept. 30 — the agency intends to complete all application reviews, determine new awards, and issue obligation letters. However, actual grant start dates will be the result of negotiated terms between the agency and each grantee.

On Sept. 30, the second court deadline will detail the agency’s plan to make new grants available.

The lawsuit was brought by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), which works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equitable housing opportunities for all people and communities on behalf of its 170 member organizations, and the Nashville-based Tennessee Fair Housing Council, a recipient of 15 FHIP grants since 1995.

NFHA still cheered the victory but warned that fair housing enforcement remains under assault.

“The court recognized the real

every January based on scientists’ evaluation of whether global events were pushing humanity closer to or further from nuclear apocalypse; since 2007, they have also considered climate change and other man-made threats that might lead to global catastrophe. This January brought an ominous message: It is just 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. The Bulletin says: “The 2025 Clock time signals that the world is on a course of unprecedented risk, and that continuing on the current path is a form of madness. The United States, China and Russia have the prime responsibility to pull the world back from the brink. The world depends on immediate action.”

The same year “Original Child Bomb” was published, Thomas Merton also wrote this in the essay “Nuclear War and Christian Responsibility”: “There can be no doubt that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were, though not fully deliberate crimes, nevertheless crimes. And who was responsible? No one. Or ‘history.’ We cannot go on playing with nuclear

also reinforce the social fabric that keeps communities safe. President Trump is placing his trust in antiquated theories of over-policing. Federalizing our police ignores the lessons of decades of community advocacy: that safety grows from stability, opportunity and trust, not from militarization.

and immediate harm that HUD’s actions are causing to fair housing organizations and the communities that depend on them as the nation continues to grapple with a fair and affordable housing crisis,” said Lisa Rice, NFHA president and CEO.

Rice also termed the court decision “a crucial step in restoring the fair housing infrastructure that millions of people across the country rely on to challenge illegal housing and lending policies and practices and access justice.”

When FHIP became a permanent HUD program in 1992, the authorizing legislation gave the program explicit duties to: implement testing programs; establish new fair housing organizations or expand capacity of existing ones; conduct special projects to respond to new or sophisticated forms of housing discrimination; undertake larger, long-term enforcement activities through

fire and shrugging off the results as ‘history.’ We are the ones concerned. We are the ones responsible. History does not make us, we make it — or end it.” The young people writing the world’s next chapter will have the chance to make new choices.

This January brought an ominous message: It is just 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been.

The Bulletin says: “The 2025 Clock time signals that the world is on a course of unprecedented risk, and that continuing on the current path is a form of madness.”

Washington, D.C., should be leading the nation in creating sustainable, equitable and community-driven models for public safety. My plan rejects fear-based politics in favor of a vision rooted in care, resilience and shared prosperity. I hope our leaders, elected or not, continue to also push back. WI

multi-year funding agreements; and bring enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the FHA.

But since this January, FHIP — like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — and student loan forgiveness programs seem to be fighting extinction.

“The Trump administration has been intentional in its efforts to chip away at, delay and deny critical civil rights that are codified into law,” Rice noted when the lawsuit was originally filed. “Fair Housing has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support but now, the Trump administration is refusing to abide by the budget appropriations decisions taken by Congress, which it is required to do.”

“This is a civil rights emergency, and the government is standing by when it should be taking action,” said Reed Colfax, co-managing partner at Relman Colfax, who is representing the fair housing advocates. WI

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MALVEAUX from Page 31

lean and mean. Further, he would not have fired a BLS commissioner whose work has been exemplary.

MORIAL from Page 31

The Aug. 1 firing of the BLS commissioner diverted attention from the actual contents of the report. In a tantrum using loaded words like “rigged,” our feckless leader has undermined confidence in the fundamentals of our economy. EPI’s Shierholz states, “The economy runs on reliable data. The Federal Reserve uses the data to set interest rates. State and local governments use them to plan budgets. If policymakers and the public can’t trust the data — or suspect the data is being manipulated — confidence collapses and reasonable economic decision making becomes impossible.” Shierholz likened using faulty data to driving a car blindfolded. Unfortunately, this administration, like bulls in a china shop, is managing the economy blindfolded, as with tariffs. Let the chips fall where they may. The citizens feel authenticity.

At the National Urban League, we believe in building pipelines of transformative leadership. We invest in civic engagement, economic opportunity and the power of Black communities to drive change from the ground up. Rep. Crockett embodies

HARRIS/MCDANIEL from Page 31

do once we have power again. In 2006, Rep. Nancy Pelosi led Democrats back to power with her brilliant “Six for ‘06” campaign, focusing on wages, retirement security, affordable health care and college.

Democrats must meet voters where they are. This means maintaining a consistent drumbeat message on affordability instead of responding to daily Trump controversies. Working-class voters, including Black and brown Americans who form the backbone of our coalition, are stressed about rising costs. We can’t only oppose tariffs because Trump supports them, we must oppose them because they make everything from groceries to cars more expensive. We can’t just oppose ICE raids because they’re cruel, we must oppose them because they disrupt supply chains and raise prices for

the pinch of rising prices and federal layoffs, and that’s the price of electing incompetence.

The president’s tantrum overshadows the losses that Black women experience from this report. Language in the report says that most of the indicators “changed little,” whether we are addressing the unemployment rate, the employment population ratio or the labor force participation rate.

The summary does note that the employment population ratio has dropped by four-tenths of a percent over the last year. But the summary does not highlight the fact that only Black women saw their employment population ratio (or the percentage of the population with jobs) drop significantly. While most groups (white men, white women, Black men) saw drops of a tenth of a percentage point, Black women’s employment population ratio dropped from 59.5% to 56.7%, or 2.8 percentage points. That’s an extremely concerning drop and it is one that has not been highlighted.

those same values in Congress, a fierce advocate who knows the law, knows the people and knows how to move policy forward.

As we continue to confront challenges to civil rights, reproductive freedom and democratic norms, we must also lift up the leaders who are lighting the path forward. Jasmine Crockett is one of them. She

working families.

Democrats need to model courage over fear. Pete Buttigieg recently noted Democrats have been “too attached to a status quo that has been failing us.” He’s right. Democrats should stop letting fear police our messaging and start taking bold positions that serve working families and communities of color. It’s time to be unapologetic about who we’re fighting for.

While Democrats debate messaging, Republicans are executing a comprehensive strategy to lock in power for decades. Trump’s team is putting “maximum pressure” on red states to redraw congressional maps before 2026, with Vice President JD Vance personally visiting Indiana to push redistricting efforts. Beyond Texas, Republicans are targeting Ohio, Missouri, Florida and other states, potentially netting 10 or more House seats through gerrymandering alone.

Even more concerning, Trump

Why? Too much attention has been placed on the toxic tantrum, and not enough on a population that is the backbone of the Black community. And it is possible that future reports will further de-emphasize this significant change.

When looking at labor market data, most labor economists suggest that month-to-month fluctuations should be taken contextually, considering the possibility of adjustment. But these employment population ratio changes are over the year from July 2024 through July 2025.

We need to read the fine print and forget about the tantrums. We must pay attention to the appointment of the next commissioner of Labor Statistics. If the new commissioner is a sycophantic loyalist, like Attorney General Pam Bondi, we might look forward to only seeing data that this president approves of. Driving a car blindfolded, crashing everywhere, with data on Black women as collateral damage.

reminds us that democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires participation, vigilance and voices like hers: clear, courageous and committed. To be equal, we must not only defend the progress we have made. We must expand it and invest in leaders who carry the struggle forward with vision and action.

has announced plans for a new census designed to exclude undocumented immigrants from congressional apportionment, a move that would fundamentally reshape representation and strip seats from diverse, Democratic-leaning areas.

This is the Republican playbook: Change the rules when you can’t win the game fairly. While they’re playing chess, too many Democrats are still playing checkers.

This August recess isn’t just an opportunity; it’s time to make a stand. Democrats must use this month to build the coalition and trust needed to counter an unprecedented assault on democratic representation. The question isn’t whether Democrats can recover. The question is: When will we start capitalizing on Trump’s overreach by speaking plainly about what we’re for, who we’re for and what we’ll do if we have power again?