The Washington Informer - August 16, 2023

2022

Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 44 • August 17 - 23, 2023

Hundreds of Young People, Adults Pour their Hearts at Youth Summit

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Hundreds of young people and adults converged on THEARC in Southeast on Aug. 13 to reflect on the current state of affairs in the District and talk about what they believe to be solutions to the violence that has rocked their communities over the last several years.

For 14-year-old Gabriel Riley, the event, touted as the “The S.M.A.R.T. Collaborative’s Stop the Violence Youth Summit,” brought to mind memories of childhood peers who lost their lives to gun violence, including Karon Brown, his Stanton Elementary School classmate who

Charter School Summer Graduates Celebrate the Start of a New Chapter

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In June, Deonte Toatley learned that he wouldn’t graduate from Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy alongside classmates he had come to know and love over the last few years.

While they moved on to the next stage in their academic and professional endeavors, Toatley prepared to tackle a summer course load to help him accumulate the last few credits needed for his high school diploma.

Weeks later, Toatley finally got his chance to walk across the stage and

turn his tassel to the left. He did so with dozens of other young people from other schools across the Dis trict who had encountered similar situations.

Like many of them, he had his mother in his corner, cheering him on along the way.

“We’ve been through a lot. It felt

GRADUATION Page 25

4 Deadrian Davis, a Washington Leadership Academy summer graduate, said he wants to attend college and start his own business. (Marckell Williams/Washington Informer)

was killed at a Naylor Road gas station in 2019.

Gabriel, a quarterback and tight end in the Prince George’s Bears youth football team, has recognized football as a viable tool in avoiding violence and developing strategies to live a better life. He acknowledged his coach, Leroy Hall as a guiding light in his adolescent journey.

“I’m learning to become a better person and a better coach to myself,” Gabriel said. “[That means] stop throwing fits on the field and fixing my attitude. It's important off the field because people might not like you the way you think they do.”

SUMMIT Page 48

The Festival Center Installs Solar Panels Generating Five Households’ Worth of Power

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Lisbeth Melendez Rivera, director of arts and food justice at the Festival Center, likes to share a story about cooking in the Adams Morgan nonprofit’s new all-electric, energy efficient kitchen. One day, not long after the retrofitted Festival Center building opened in mid-June, Melendez Rivera put a pot of water on the shiny induction stovetop and wandered to the sink to wash another dish.

“So all the sudden I hear like ‘whoosh!’” she said, speaking at an Aug. 10 press conference celebrating the building’s newly-online solar panels. “It took five minutes to boil this

POWER Page 47

Celebrating 58 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

5 The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop on August 12 with a Block Party featuring interactive activities including graffiti art, double-dutch, and hula hooping. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer) See full story on Page 9

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Trump and 18 Co-Conspirators Indicted on Racketeering Charges in Georgia

Arrest Warrant Issued

A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia, indicted former President Donald Trump and more than a dozen associates for election fraud, racketeering, and other charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump, the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges, has been indicted four times this year for crimes tied to his presidency, perhaps the most divisive four years in American history.

Earlier this year, a civil jury found the twice-impeached former president guilty of sexual assault.

The latest 41-count indictment levels 13 new charges against Trump and brings the total of felony charges against the ex-president to an astonishing 91.

It also presents a real chance that Trump could end up in prison.

Fulton County District Attorney has given Trump and his alleged co-conspirators until noon on Aug. 25 to turn themselves in.

“Subsequent to the indictment, as is the normal process in Georgia law, the grand jury issued arrest warrants for those who were charged,” Willis said.

“I am giving the defendants the opportunity to voluntarily surrender no later than noon on Friday, the 25th day of August.”

She said the state’s role in the process is essential to the functioning of our democracy.

“Georgia, like every state, has laws that allow those who believe that results of the election are wrong, whether because of intentional wrongdoing or unintentional error, to challenge those results in state courts,” Willis said.

She asserted that Trump and 18 co-conspirators engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise over Georgia’s presidential election result. WI

Virginia Native Nichelle Lewis to Star as Dorothy in Broadway-Bound Production of ‘The Wiz’

Nichelle Lewis, a 24-year-old entertainer, known as a triple threat in theater, music, and social media, will star in the revival of “The Wiz” on Broadway.

A seasoned actress who has appeared in “Hairspray” and showcased her vocal prowess on “American Idol,” Lewis reportedly captivated casting agents with her creative TikTok escapades.

Now the Virginia native has seized the coveted role of Dorothy.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

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Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor

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REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

The role places her in the prestigious lineage of iconic performers like R&B superstar Stephanie Mills and pop icon Diana Ross.

“It’s been a pretty crazy journey,” Lewis conveyed in an Associated Press interview on Monday, Aug. 14.

“I’m honored to be making my debut as Dorothy. I know I’m following in some really big footsteps.”

“The Wiz” will soon begin a tour across the United States, starting in Baltimore this fall and heading to Broadway in 2024.

Lewis will act alongside Wayne Brady and Alan Min-

go Jr., who will take turns playing the mysterious character known as the Wiz.

Singer and actress Deborah Cox will grace the stage as Glinda.

The cast includes Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tin Man, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.

A graduate of Molloy University’s class of 2021, Lewis ingeniously harnessed the reach of her modest TikTok account to showcase her vocal range.

One of her renditions, “Home” from “The Wiz,” resounded far and wide, reaching the ears of astute casting agents who promptly beckoned her to audition.

“I’m so excited that this is a part of my story, because I feel like there’s so many people out there who started out with such a small following, and I feel like they’re hard on themselves about it,” she remarked.

“But I’m like, ‘You never know who's watching those videos.’ I never knew that ‘The Wiz’ was looking at my videos.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

New Film Looks at Isolation During Early Days of COVID-19

“Portal,” a new film, takes audiences back to the COVID-19 shutdown to look at the experiences of people living alone during the quarantine. Directed, produced, and edited by Rodney Evans, the short documentary follows two single, queer, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) friends, Evans and Homay King, who helped each other navigate the isolation and the complete lack of touch. The newest episode of Black Public Media’s (BPM) “AfroPoP Digital Shorts,” “Portal” premiers on Monday, Aug. 21.

Evans uses video, poetry, and audio from phone calls to tell his story with King. The two also wrote “Portal,” which features poetry written by Evans. The

documentary expresses what many people felt at the onset of the pandemic. The fear, adjustments to remote work and forced seclusion. But then, there is the hope they have for life in a post-pandemic world.

The pair also reminisce about how their support for one another, from a distance, helped them both endure.

Evans, who has tunnel vision due to the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa, also reveals what it was like living with a disability and navigating the early days of COVID-19. The director has been celebrated for his films

“Brother to Brother” (2004) and “The Happy Sad” (2013). He chronicled his journey to learn how his sight loss would affect his life and career as a director in 2019’s “Vision Portraits.” WI

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

Residents Tie Good Hope Road Killings to LongTerm Government Neglect Requests for Interagency Recovery Plan Went Unanswered, ANC Chair Says

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Updated at 7:03 on August 15, 2023

In the aftermath of a shooting that left three people dead along Good Hope Road in Southeast, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) said he’s reached the height of frustration with those who continue to perpetrate violence in his ward.

So much so, that he has recommended the dispatch of the D.C. National Guard, even going as far to contact D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith about the matter.

Even with what some consider such an egregious request, White hasn’t lightened up on his calls for what he

believes Ward 8 residents, particularly those living near Good Hope Road, deserve. He said those services include: fully engaged police officers, adequate outdoor lighting, clean streets, the removal of what was supposed to be a temporary methadone clinic, and the installment of a proximate recreation center.

“Ten of our recreation centers have been closed and we have the most children and most indigenous Blacks left in the city,” White said. “We’re not doing enough to fortify indigenous Black residents. A few small residents are wreaking havoc. If they don’t suffer the consequences, they’ll do the same thing over and over again.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Local leaders said that recent homicides on Good Hope Road in Southeast hint at the lack of a concerted multi-agency public health approach to curbing substance use that, in part, drives violent crime along the corridor. (Marckell Williams/Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

facts

AUG 17 - 23, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

is born in Memphis, Tennessee.

AUG. 21

1831 – Nat Turner leads a rebellion of slaves and free Blacks in Southampton County, Virginia, that resulted in the deaths more than 50 white people.

1904 – Count Basie, famed jazz pianist and bandleader, is born in Red Bank, New Jersey.

1932 – Melvin Van Peebles, actor, director and composer, is born in Chicago.

1936 – Basketball great Wilt Chamberlain, the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game, is born in Philadelphia.

AUG. 22

1917 – Famed blues singer and guitarist John Lee Hooker, known as the "King of the Boogie," is born in Mississippi.

1950 – Althea Gibson becomes the first African American on the U.S. tennis tour.

1978 – Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first prime minister, dies at 86.

1989 – Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, is shot and killed by a reputed drug dealer in Oakland, California.

AUG. 23

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 Johnson dies in Greenwood, Mississippi, at 27. 1990 – Tony-winning actress and singer Pearl Bailey dies in Philadelphia at 72.

AUG. 18

1934 – Baseball great Roberto Clemente is 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,"

1900 – The National Negro Business League, which was founded by Booker T. Washington, holds its first meeting in Boston.

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Following a conviction of three felony counts, artist Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The hip-hop community has had mixed reactions to the ruling.

What are your thoughts?

S. BRICK / MIAMI, FLA.

I don’t know about this one. Something about this does not sit well with me. I just don’t feel like justice was served here.

JANEE’ MAYERS / WASHINGTON, DC

He was on probation, carrying a gun, and shot at someone five times. Good riddance.

P. DUVERT / NEW YORK. N.Y. Justice for Megan.

JENNIFER LAUREN / WASHINGTON, DC

Yes, he should definitely be punished for this, but 10 years is a lot. There are child offenders that don’t even get two years. I’m sure his team is going to appeal this.

BARBARA AVENT / BALTIMORE, MD.

May he learn that you can’t go around shooting people.

Residents Receive Barry Farm Redevelopment Update

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Progress is being made on the Barry Farm redevelopment according to leaders of the organizations reinventing the Ward 8 neighborhood located in Southeast, D.C.

Forty residents gathered at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center on the campus of St. Elizabeths East on Aug. 9 to hear leaders of the Barry Farm effort talk about the latest developments. The meeting was convened by the 8C advisory neighborhood commission (ANC).

“A lot of residents aren’t aware of the development process,” said Salim Adofo, the chairman of 8C ANC.

Barry Farm is located east of the Anacostia River and bounded by the Southeast Freeway to the northwest, Suitland Parkway to the northeast and east, and St. Elizabeths Hospital to the South. The neighborhood was founded as a post-Civil War settlement for Blacks established by the Freedmen’s Bureau. In the 1940s, the neighborhood became the site for Barry Farm Dwellings, built by the National Capital Housing Authority. The preceding decades saw Barry Farm become more populated with impoverished residents. However, in 2006, the District government came up with a proposal—the Barry Farm, Park

Chester, Wade Road Development Plan—that was designed to upgrade the living standards of the neighborhood in conjunction with the Barry Farm Advisory Committee to “create a vibrant mixed-income neighborhood where residents have quality housing options, real economic opportunities and access to appropriate human services for children and adults.”

In 2013, the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), the District of Columbia Housing Authority and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development launched a New Communities Initiative for Barry Farm. Residents created a Planned Urban Development (PUD) for Barry Farm. In 2014, the District’s zoning commission approved the Barry Farm PUD. In subsequent years, plans were made to relocate Barry Farm residents when development was completed, and the first phase of construction started in November 2020.

On September 26, 2022, POAH, the lead developer of Barry Farm, broke ground on the first building of the project: The Asberry, named after the late Asberry Sanker Jr., a leader in the neighborhood.

POAH INFORMS RESIDENTS

Maia Shanklin Roberts works as the vice president of real estate development for POAH. She served as the main speaker on the Barry Farm development.

“We want to make sure we have quality conversations on what is going on at Barry Farm,” Roberts, 38, said. “I know that some of you are interested in moving into the neighborhood and you are concerned about housing status. In the future, we will talk about people’s individual agendas, but not today.”

Evan Watson, who works for POAH and is the design construction project manager for Barry Farm, said The Asberry will have 108 affordable homes for seniors, noting that it is specifically tailored for residents 55 and older. He said 77 of the units will be

5 POAH vice president of real estate development Maia Shanklin Roberts talks to residents about Barry Farm. designated for former Barry Farm residents and noted the facility will feature 5,096 square feet of retail space, a landscaped courtyard, a wellness room, a fitness center, a community room, and a rooftop amenity space.

Watson, 42, said each floor will have a laundry room with coin machines.

Roberts said The Asberry is scheduled to be open in the summer of 2024. She also noted that the neighborhood’s second building will start construction in the fall.

“Development takes a long time,” she said. “Each building has to be planned and designed. Construction on each building takes about two years. We will work simultaneously on these projects.”

Roberts said the next meeting with community members will likely take place in November as the second building takes shape and a clearer picture emerges as to the direction of the project’s construction. She said the goal is to complete Barry Farm construction by 2030. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

Smithsonian Celebrates Hip Hop's 50th with All Star Block Party on the National Mall

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

From engaging music, to dancing, food offerings and clothing choices–such as Kangols, Adidas, and hats to the back– the National Mall was transformed into a celebration of hip-hop culture on Aug. 12, as a crowd of over 10,000 people flocked to the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s (NMAAHC) Hip Hop Block Party. Major artists such as Kid Capri, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Remy Ma, and Sugar Bear rocked the stage to the delight of attendees of all ages and cultures – with people traveling from near and far to commemorate 50 years of hip hop.

With 85,000 square feet of museum exhibition space and performance areas located on the grounds of the Washington Monument, the incredible talent roster was only the

start of the entertainment experience. Spanning a 12-hour period from 11:00am-11:00pm, hip hop themed activations included; hip hop yoga, the art of rhyme, hip hop trivia, film screenings, design your own bling, and a live sneaker cleaning & foot expo. The food court offered hip hop themed signature dishes created specifically for the event, each named after a notable moment within the musical genre.

Jenney Fazande was one of the event attendees and stressed the importance of a national celebration of 50 years of hip hop.

“Hip hop was not originally respected as a form of music or expression. Yet, if you know the history of music, it all has African roots. Hip hop has expertly mixed sounds from all genres of music. That in part is the secret of its longevity,” Fazande, 39, said.

Watching the intergenerational

celebration offered a sense of nostalgia for some attendees like Suntrana Allen.

“Looking at the little kids dance to music from hip hop legends, watching people all around me recite lines to the hip hop classics I love, it’s just a vibe, it’s a culture,” Allen, 46. “It’s so nostalgic the way that music takes us back to where we were when we first heard it and how it made us feel.”

Though she is a fan of hip hop legends like Biz Markie, Kool Moe D and Lil’ Kim, Allen expressed hope for the current state of hip hop.

“Although it could hold more substance, we have to let this generation have their form of hip hop remembering that our parents similarly frowned upon our form of hip hop,” she said.

VIP guests were treated to a private reception hosted by media person-

More enhancements to the grid. More resiliency.

Through our work installing 10 miles of underground transmission cable and other resiliency initiatives, we’re powering the pathway to a stronger and smarter energy grid for Maryland and the District of Columbia. Learn more about this and other ways we’re delivering more reliability and affordability to our customers at  pepco.com/MoreThanEnergy.

5 The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop on Aug. 12 with a Block Party featuring interactive activities including graffiti art, double-dutch, and hula hooping. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

HIP HOP Page 46

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Dr. Darrell Gray II (center), president of Wellpoint Maryland presented a $10,000.00 check to Christine Keppel, executive director of Weekend Backpack on August 10, during an event where associates and volunteers helped stuff backpacks to provide school supplies to homeless children. Wellpoint is one of Maryland’s largest managed care organizations and Weekend Backpack is a nonprofit that provides meals for food-insecure families. (Courtesy photo/Wellpoint)

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Norman Nixon reads the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

WORDS TO LIVE BY

– Ralph Bunche

“The well-being and the hopes of the peoples of the world can never be served until peace - as well as freedom, honor and self-respect - is secure.”

F.H.M. Murray, Alexandria’s Obscure Civil Rights Champion

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

When discussing civil and human rights leaders of the past, names such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells and Mary McLeod Bethune often come up in conversation and are the subject of programs, documentaries and books.

However, writer Anita Hackley-Lambert recently penned a book about her great grandfather Freeman Henry Morris Murray, who conducted his civil rights activities, entrepreneurial pursuits, and artistic projects largely out of Alexandria, Virginia.

Murray was a colleague of some of the nation’s leading African American leaders in the late 19th and early to mid20th centuries but hasn’t received the notoriety that they have had. Hackley-Lambert’s book, “F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer For Civil Justice,” talks about the life and contributions of this Alexandrian.

“This book is the first biography ever written about Murray, who crossed the color line during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to play an important role in the advancement of what he called his ‘beloved African American race,’” writes Hackley-Lambert, 76, in the book’s Preface.

Lambert said her mother, Florence Luckett Hackley, unofficially sanctioned her to write a book about her noted ancestor.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MURRAY’S LIFE

Murray was born September 22, 1859, in Cleveland, Ohio to a white man of Scottish descent,

John M. Murray, and a Black woman, Martha Bentley. When his father died, his mother moved the family to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Murray attended Mount Pleasant Academy to train to be an educator, graduating in 1875.

Bentley’s father, Daniel, ran a whitewashing and painting business and secretly ran an operation known as the “Underground Railroad” before and after slavery to help Blacks escape from oppression to better opportunities.

“One of the reasons why I think my great grandfather did not reach prominence had to do with the Underground Railroad,” Hackley-Lambert said. “If it were known that Freeman Murray was part of the Underground Railroad, he and his family would have been hanged.”

In 1883, Murray married Laura Hamilton with the union producing five children. The next year, Murray passed the civil service exam in Ohio and moved to the

Washington, D.C. area, where he was appointed to a position in the Pension Division of the War Department. The appointment made him the first Black person from Ohio to be appointed to a federal position. He moved to Alexandria and started a real estate business and continued the Underground Railroad activities. He eventually started a business, Murray Brothers Printers and Publishing Company.

Murray got involved in the Niagara Movement in 1906, which was founded to improve the political and economic positions of Black people. The Niagara Movement, with scholar W.E.B. DuBois as a primary leader, was the forerunner of the NAACP.

Murray also edited a social and political publication, Horizon.

Murray edited and managed newspapers such as the Home News and the Washington Tribune. He became the Washington correspondent for the Boston Guardian as well as other Black newspapers and journals.

In 1916, he wrote a book, “Emancipation and the Freed American in Sculpture,” which discusses Black Americans and their role in sculpture

Murray knew five languages and played a role in the development of U Street in the District as a business and entertainment mecca. He died on February 20, 1950.

REMEMBERING

MURRARY AND HIS LEGACY

Hackley-Lambert said markers exist in Alexandria honoring Murray, but plans are in the works for a street to be named in his honor and both of his house sites to be noted by historical markers. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 The cover of F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY WEEKLY UPDATES

Maryland Tax-free Week, Bowie Regal Theatre Closes for Maryland, Grease Musical

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

TAX-FREE WEEK HERE FOR MARYLANDERS

Maryland’s Tax-free week is in effect Aug. 13– 19, and applies to clothing purchases under $100, along with the first $40 of backpack costs. The tax free savings can

Senators

be combined with coupons and other discounts, and can even be used with online sales if the merchant accepts the order during taxfree week.

“As families across the state prepare to head back to school, Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is an excellent opportunity for all our residents to save on their purchases,” said Maryland Comptroller

Cardin and

5 With the closing of the Bowie Regal theater, there are fewer options for Prince Georgians to see films before they go to streaming. Unfortunately, more theater closures are likely on the horizon.

Brooke Lierman (D) in an email to promote the week. “I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to shop tax-free, and I encourage you to support small businesses and local retailers this week as well!”

BOWIE REGAL THEATER CLOSES AS PART OF NATIONAL TREND

Prince Georgians have had the option of stopping by the Regal movie theater when they finished

Van Hollen Have Funding Victories

Maryland Senators Sponsor Legislation to Ban Ghost Guns

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

During this legislative session, Democratic Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen have used their tenure and committee assignments to use federal dollars for community projects in Maryland. Nearly $10,000,000 was announced by the Senators on July 17, including $726,000 for gun violence research at the University of Maryland, College Park, and $275,000 for violence intervention programs at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center.

“In Congress, one of my top priorities is securing federal investments to support our communities. And these funds will help advance promising initiatives to tackle pressing challenges our state faces – including improving public safety, addressing the causes and consequences of gun violence, and confronting climate change," said Senator Van Hollen.

Alongside Congressman Steny Hoyer (D– District 5) on July 24, the Senators announced over $26 million in

federal funding to improve bike paths across the County and presented a check for $819,500 to The Arc Prince George’s, the largest and oldest provider of disability services in the County.

The money for The Arc was part of nearly $1.8 million in federal assistance for neurodivergent communities in Maryland and was presented during the 33rd anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hoyer was instrumental in passing the ADA in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush.

Both Cardin and Van Hollen signed on as co-sponsors to a bill to ban ghost guns, requiring those selling gun-making kits to comply with federal firearms laws and for purchasers to pass a background check.

“Undetectable and untraceable firearms are a significant danger to our society. We need to get these deadly and far too easy-to-make ghost guns off our streets to keep our communities safe. This critical legislation would bring us one step closer to ending our country’s gun violence epidemic,” said Van Hollen.

“The Biden administration took decisive action to close this dangerous ghost gun loophole, and unfortunately the courts have delayed its implementation,” said Cardin. “Untraceable firearms are a growing risk in our communities facing gun violence. Congress should act quickly to permanently codify the ATF’s authority to help keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, Van Hollen was joined by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkely (D) and New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D) in the Russell Senate Building to re-introduce legislation that will ban preferential admissions treatment for the families of alumni and donors. Both Amherst and Johns Hopkins University have dropped their policy of legacy admissions in recent years, prior to the Supreme Court decision.

Senator Van Hollen also joined Massachusetts Democrats Elizabeth Warren, Ayanna Pressley and Stephen Lynch (all D) on legislation to give Americans quicker access to their banked dollars. The Payments Mod-

their shopping at Bowie Town Center to see the summer blockbuster of their choice for well over a decade. However, Regal 14 shuttered its doors for good in late April, leaving behind memories of past viewings— from the Harry Potter to the Avengers series.

The Bowie Regal was one of 39 Regal theaters to close nationally, including another in Rockville. According to reports, leases are being cut to save Cineworld, Regal’s parent company, roughly $22 million following their September 2022 bankruptcy filing. Regal theaters in Bel Air and Columbia also closed in late July.

Some remaining movie theaters in Prince George’s include Largo’s AMC Magic Johnson, Hyattsville’s Regal Theater and AMC Academy 8, located inside of Greenbelt Mall.

The ongoing strike by both actors and writers in Hollywood has delayed numerous films scheduled to release later this year and with declining box office sales at movie theaters this summer, it is likely that more theaters will close in coming years.

ernization Act would make funds deposited into your account immediately available, significantly reducing overdraft fees and other banking charges.

“In a time when you can move money with a simple click of a button, it makes no sense that it can still take days for deposited funds to show up in Americans’ bank accounts. Those delays come at a cost – often in excessive overdraft fees that rob hardworking Americans of billions of dollars annually,” Van Hollen said. “This bill will require banks to make cash deposits available immediately, so folks have access to their money in real-time, not on the banks’ time.” WI

(Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

4 Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (top) are using federal dollars for community projects in Maryland.

PRINCE GEORGE’S POLITICAL

UPDATES

Elderly Property Tax Credit, Backpack Giveaway, Reparations Support

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

ELDERLY PROPERTY TAX CREDIT APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

A property tax credit passed last year is now available online for potential applicants. This tax credit will cover 20% of the property tax bill for senior homeowners with a home value of $500,000 or less, and can be used for up to five years. To qualify, you must have occupied the home for at least the past 10 years.

The tax credit was sponsored by Councilman Edward Burroughs (D– District 8) shortly after he won his seat via special election, with the goal of maintaining affordability and keeping seniors in the County.

“They are trying to financially balance the cost of prescription drugs, gas prices, and various other responsibilities, which in many instances is extremely difficult,” Burroughs said after the bill passed. “I am grateful to my Council colleagues, and countless residents who voiced their support for this important measure.”

The link for the tax credit is available here. Applications are due by Oct. 1 to be considered. WI

COUNCILMAN HAWKINS, SHERIFF CAR HOST BACKPACK GIVEAWAY

Donors flocked to Suitland, Maryland to drop backpacks in collection bins for 2023 Operation Backpack, a joint effort by Prince George’s AtLarge Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D) and Sheriff John Carr (D). The event collected school supplies and backpacks to help ensure students have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.

“Our kids are our future. Our partnership with Sheriff Carr is an example of our commitment to

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

responsibility of looking at the local jurisdictions in the state and determine the best way to move forward."

the future of our children in Prince George’s County,” Hawkins told the Informer. “We collected over 200 backpacks and a plethora of school supplies. Not to mention, we still have members in our community who will be donating this week. Preparation is key for success, and every child who receives a backpack with supplies this week will be poised for success.”

As the flier for Operation Backpack denoted, middle and high school students will require clear backpacks this upcoming school year and several will have metal detectors.

PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II said that clear backpacks will be given away by the school system at events held prior to the start of the new school year. The Excellence in Education Foundation collected $97,000 in donations in order to give away 20,000 backpacks on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Flowers, High Point and Oxon Hill High School. WI

CAUCUS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERS UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORT REPARATIONS PROPOSAL

The Caucus of African American Leaders of Anne Arundel County (CAAL), a statewide advocacy organization led by lifetime activist Carl Snowden, unanimously voted to present a reparations proposal to Governor Wes Moore (D) and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (D). They have already given their presentation to Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley (D). One aspect of these proposals is compensation for those affected by racist housing policies.

“What we're hoping is that those elected officials would agree that this is important,” Snowden said in an interview on the morning of the vote. “To look at this issue, they will undoubtedly appoint a committee or commission which would have the

Snowden served on the Annapolis City Council and was supported by Jesse Jackson during his first campaign. Jackson called Snowden “a coworker in the struggle” of those locked out of the political system during Snowden’s first campaign in 1985. Snowden and many members of CAAL supported Moore during his campaign and helped him to win Anne Arundel County.

Prior to the proposal, CAAL members met with former Evanston Alderwoman Robin Rue Simmons virtually to discuss her experiences and expertise in spearheading the reparations legislation on her Council.

The CAAL is also planning several events in Annapolis on Aug. 26 and 27 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington including a youth program, march reenactment and a worship service.

5 Councilman Edward Burroughs sponsored legislation last year to grant a property tax credit to seniors. The online application for the tax credit is now online. Applications are due by Oct. 1. (Courtesy Photo)

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS briefs

Black Women Lag in Equal Pay, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Takes Break, Celebrating Black Women Entrepreneurs

BLACK WOMEN LAG IN EQUAL PAY STATUS: STUDY

A recently released study said the wealth gap between nonwhite and white families has increased by $40,000 since the March on Washington took place on August 28, 1963.

The study was conducted by the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, an anti-poverty, policy, and advocacy organization based in New York City. The organization’s CEO, Jennifer Jones Austin, said the gap is disturbing, noting the observance of

a day—July 23-- dedicated to African American women workers getting their fair share of pay.

“As we observe Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, we bring attention to the fact that denying Black and Brown women fair and equitable wages represents one of the most insidious manifestations of racial and gender prejudice in our country, given its effects on children, families, and communities. Even with advanced educational degrees or high-powered positions, Black women still trail behind their white and male counterparts in receiving ample compensation for their work. Our latest deep dive into the numbers

reveals this stark racial gap: Black and Brown women earn $0.64 and $0.55, respectively, for every $1 white men earn.”

Austin said the wage inequality doesn’t allow women of color to invest in their families they want to and hinders them from buying a home, starting or investing in a business or paying for their children’s education.

Austin said her organization is working to level the pay gap between the genders and the races by

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) Bid Opportunities

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Marketing Services to plan, promote and enhance the “Events DC” brand, raising its public profile in local, national and international markets by communicating the corporate brand identity for the purpose of increasing business revenue in all lines of business.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) has a thirty-five percent (35%) set-aside for a Certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) as required under the provisions of “The Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Amendment Act of 2014” (the Act), effective June 10, 2014. Interested parties can view a copy of the RFP by accessing Event DC’s e-procurement website at www. wcsapex.com.

Key Dates

RFP Release Date:                                                            Thursday, August 17, 2023

RFP Questions Due Date:                                               12:00 PM  EST, Monday, August 28, 2023

Proposal Due Date:                                                          5:00 PM    EST, Monday, September 18, 2023

Primary Contact

Name: Gerald Green

Email: ggreen@eventsdc.com

Phone: (202) 249-3028

“As we observe Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, we bring attention to the fact that denying Black and Brown women fair and equitable wages represents one of the most insidious manifestations of racial and gender prejudice in our country, given its effects on children, families, and communities."

eliminating wage and occupational segregation, increase wages and enforce pay equity laws. WI

D.C. BAR PRO BONO CENTER TAKES A BREAK

From Aug. 14 to 25, intake for all nonprofit and small business legal help at D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center will be closed so that the staff can recharge.

Please note emails and phone calls to the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center may not be answered until after Aug. 25. During that time, people may visit lawhelp.org for free on-demand resources or register for the next Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic on September 6.

If your business has a legal matter with a court date during the intake closure, you can try exploring DC Refers, www.dcrefers.org, a different organization that refers to attorneys who charge qualified clients below-market rates.

Wells Fargo Announces $10,000 Homebuyer Grants

Wells Fargo Home Lending announced recently that it will offer $10,000 Homebuyer Access grants that will be applied toward the down payment for eligible homebuyers who currently live in or are purchasing homes in certain underserved communities in eight metropolitan areas, including the Washington, D.C. region.

“Homeownership is central to building wealth but has been out

of reach for many minority families as a result of systemic inequalities in housing and finance,” said Kevin Reen, head of Wells Fargo Home Lending. “One of the biggest barriers to achieving homeownership is coming up with the down payment. We’re proud to make this dream a reality for families through our new $10,000 Homebuyer Access grant.”

The grants are available to homebuyers who earn a combined 120% or less of the area median income in the county where the subject property is located. The grant funds can only be used toward the downpayment on a Wells Fargo fixed-rate conventional loan secured by a property that will be the purchaser’s primary residence. For more information, visit wellsfargo.com. WI

RECOGNIZING BLACK FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

Join us in recognizing the outstanding achievements of Black women business owners.

The Buy From a Black Woman Business Awards was created as a way to showcase and celebrate the exceptional contributions African American female entrepreneurs are making. The organization and awards invites people to nominate a Black woman business owner that is part of the Buy From a Black Woman Online Directory and has made significant contributions to industry and community.

To fill out the nomination form, visit: buyfromablackwomandirectory.org. For more information on the nonprofit, email info@buyfromablackbusinesswoman.org. WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Jennifer Jones Austin serves as the president of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies.

White, Ward 8 Leaders Seek to Keep Local Giant Open

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White said he will work with officials with the Giant corporation and District government to keep that chain’s food store on Alabama Avenue SE open and encourage his constituents and customers to behave lawfully in the facility.

White made his comments at the parking lot of the Giant while a resource fair that featured District government agencies and nonprofits offering services to residents took place. The Ward 8 Councilmember was joined by several community and union leaders at his news conference encouraging Giant to remain at the l ocation.

“We have one grocery store for 80,000 people while other wards have seven,” White, 39, said. “Seventy-five percent of people don’t have cars. For some people, it takes one hour to get to the grocery store. I am standing in solidarity with others to keep the Giant.”

In a statement on the matter, Giant said it doesn’t have “any current plans” to close the Alabama Avenue SE store. However, the statement said its stores need to be run “safely and profitably.”

“The reality is that theft and violence at this store is significant, and getting worse, not better,” the statement said. “As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to operate under these conditions. We have invested in a host of measures to mitigate the issue at this store, and across many stores, but we also need the help and partner-

Harmonizing Hip-Hop and Business: Shawn M. Graham's Journey from B-Girl to Boardroom

ship from the community and local officials to truly combat the theft and violence that continues to escalate.”

White stressed the Giant store has suffered $500,000 in product losses, about 20% of the sales. He noted that the company has spent over $300,000 for security at the store to combat theft and shoplifting. The council member mentioned a few programs that are sponsored by such nonprofits as Martha’s Table, Bread for the City and DC Central Kitchen, which give out free food to needy residents. Additionally, he talked about Giant’s Produce RX program where qualified residents get a $20 per week voucher to purchase fruits and vegetables at the store.

“You don’t have to steal out of the grocery store,” White said. “Taking from the store is taking from yourself.”

White said he has talked with the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development about the matter, saying they will work with the community to keep the store open.

Jo Patterson, an anti-violence activist, praised White for his efforts and noted the necessity of keeping the store open.

“Violence comes in different ways,” Patterson said. “We need to keep this store because people are going to survive by any means necessary.”

The Rev. Anthony Motley, a longtime community activist on behalf of neighborhoods located east of the Anacostia River, said residents and customers in the store must be respectful and lawful.

“People have to stop being irresponsible,” Motley said. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

By DC Black MBA

Hip-hop was born during a Bronx house party in August 1973 with DJ Kool Herc getting the credit for its birth. Where were you when hip-hop was born? While Shawn M. Graham missed that party, she was at Cedar Park for many park jams where DJ Kool Herc used to deejay. She was taken in by the rhythmic pulse and style of this new sound – hip-hop. “I was entrenched in hip hop as a young girl. During my earlier years growing up in the Bronx near Cedar Park where DJ Kool Herc played,” she reminiscences. “So hip hop was an integral part of my childhood.”

Growing up watching rappers and groups like Cold Crush Brothers and Grandmaster Caz, Funky 4 + 1, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, the Crash Crew, Kool Moe Dee and the Treacherous Three, to name a few, gave Shawn a sense of how the freedom of rhythm and flow when mixed just right can create a bridge to success. This flow would carry over into her professional career.

Stepping into the NBMBAA, Graham's presence is magnetic, an embodiment of the fusion between hip-hop's vibrant spirit and strategic acumen. A petite yet powerful business professional, she embodies the ideals championed by hip-hop pioneer’s half a century ago, now finding their crescendo within the hallowed walls of the association. As the CFO and Interim CEO, Graham embodies the essence of hip-hop's message—breaking barriers, defying expectations, and forging a path that transcends limitations.

Her knowledge as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the foundation she uses for the management of the financial complexities of NBMBAA while infusing the raw energy of hip-hop to balance books and beats. The result of this unique combination is both innovative and inspiring attracting professionals seeking to bridge the gap between artistic expression and commerce.

However, Graham's journey stretches far beyond balance sheets and board meetings. Rooted in the vibrant history of hip-hop's birthplace, the Bronx, she personifies the transformative evolution of this genre. Hailing from Soundview, another Bronx neighborhood that witnessed the birth of hip-hop 50 years ago, Graham's story becomes a living tribute to the movement's resilience, creativity, and unyielding spirit.

Her breakdancing roots, as a B-Girl in the Bronx, have imprinted an indelible mark on her leadership style. Just as hip-hop artists defied conventions with their innovative beats, Graham dances through corporate challenges with the same audacity. "It's about making every move count," she affirms, a mantra that echoes through her career trajectory. The same tenacity that once drove her dance moves now fuels her fearless approach to tackling corporate complexities.

Yet, Graham's influence extends beyond her dynamic leadership style; it is a guiding force of mentorship and empowerment. Just as hip-hop has been a platform for amplifying marginalized voices, Graham uses her position to empower the next generation of leaders. Through mentorship, she encourages them to embrace their aspirations and authenticity, nurturing a harmonious blend of creativity and professionalism.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop's inception, we find its spirit alive and thriving within Shawn M. Graham. Her journey—from a B-Girl dancing to a rhythm that would change the world, to a dynamic leader steering the course of an influential association—is a testament to the harmonious marriage of hip-hop culture and business excellence.

As the curtain rises on the 45th National Black MBA 2023 Annual Conference in Philadelphia from September 12 – 16, 2023, anticipation reverberates through the air. The theme, "Thrusting Forward: The Evolution of Excellence," is a tribute to the conference's mission but also to Graham's remarkable journey. For more information, visit www.nbmbaa.org.

5 Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White talks about keeping the Giant grocery store on Alabama Avenue, in Southeast open while community leaders listen during a press conference held on August 11. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 Shawn M. Graham is the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the National Black MBA Association, Inc.

America’s Demographic Shifts and the Racial Generation Gap

A Spark for Political Tensions

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

It’s been a poorly kept secret that the underlying reason for much of America’s hate seen in recent years revolves around the fear that white people are fast losing their grip on the nation’s majority.

That fear has resonated and is ever-present politically and socially.

The Jan. 6 insurrection, former Pres-

ident Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ assault on Black history, the uptick in hate crimes, including police brutality against African Americans, and the continued wave of “Karens” and “Kens.”

Indeed, white supremacists and white nationalists, and the politicians who fuel them, see a new majority–people of color– and that has served to spark what’s more and more beginning

5 Non-white residents accounted for all the gains in post-baby-boomer populations. more detailed census information that shows a fuller picture of the population as it stood during the once-a-decade headcount.

to look like an all-out civil war – or more pointedly, a race war.

In April 2021, the Census Bureau released the first set of results from the 2020 decennial census, providing a snapshot of the U.S. population for use in congressional reapportionment and redistricting.

But recently, the agency released

“These new statistics make plain that substantial old-young racial gaps exist in much of the country, and are likely to persist in the near term,” William H. Frey, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, wrote.

“This is reflected in a cultural generation gap that underlies many aspects of the nation’s social fabric and politics, including views about the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action and state proposals to limit teaching about race and diversity in public schools,” Frey wrote in new researched released by the Brookings Institution.

The statistics show that the nation continues to age, with the fastest population growth occurring among the older population while the youth population declines.

Brookings’s data shows white Americans contributed substantially to older population gains compared to younger and middle-aged populations, which registered white declines.

Non-white residents accounted for all the gains in post-baby-boomer populations.

Although all race and ethnic groups are aging to some degree, the median age of white Americans is higher than all others in most geographic areas, researchers wrote.

They said these patterns have led to a “racial generation gap,” in which the younger population—more influenced by immigration in recent decades—is far more diverse than older age groups.

This demographic phenomenon

has been shown to underlie many aspects of American social life, including its politics, Frey wrote.

“Generation Z will be the last generation of Americans with a white majority, according to census data,” Daniel De Vise wrote for The Hill.

“The nation’s so-called majority minority arrived with Generation Alpha, those born since about 2010.”

De Vise added that, “barely two decades from now, around 2045, non-Hispanic white people will fall below half a share of the overall U.S. population.”

The journalist concluded that “America’s white majority, and its numbered days, is a lightning-rod topic, given the nation’s history of slavery and enduring patterns of discrimination against minorities and immigrants.”

Additionally, “Race is the most complicated variable in the census, and it’s the one that draws people like moths to the flame,” Dowell Myers, a professor of policy, planning and demography at the University of Southern California, told The Hill.

Justin Gest, a professor at George Mason University’s Scholar School of Policy and Government, observed that, “In this environment, nationalism has experienced a rebirth.”

In an op-ed, Gest wrote that in the face of destabilizing demographic change and the uncertainties of globalization, nationalism is a familiar security blanket.

“In democracies particularly, nationalism asserts precisely what demographic change threatens: a specific ethno-religious people’s social dominance and entitlement to the state,” Gest concluded. WI

With Trump Facing as Much as 641 Years in Prison Experts Don’t Have Definitive Answer if a Former President Can Be Jailed

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Former President Donald Trump once famously said he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and go unpunished.

“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose voters,” he boasted during a 2016 rally in Iowa.

Seven years, two impeachments later, a civil sexual assault conviction, three indictments, and a fourth coming soon —Trump just may have been right.

The GOP’s 2024 presidential frontrunner currently faces a staggering 78 felony charges spanning three criminal cases, many of which carry the potential for significant prison time.

Having faced judges in Florida, New York, and Washington, Trump hasn’t been required to take the standard mugshot, be perp walked, or even post bail or bond.

For example, he faces 34 criminal charges in New York where the average cash bail amount for a felony is approximately $39,000 per offense, or, in his case, a total of $1.36 million.

Typically, federal bail for felonies could run as much as $200,000 per felony, according to the Bail Agents Network.

That means that an individual seeking bail on 44 felony charges could have to ante up as much as $8.8 million to remain free pending trial.

Meanwhile, if Trump is convicted on all 78 counts, assuming he receives the maximum statutory penalties, he could face an astonishing 641 years in prison.

But there remains the Fifth Avenue question.

Could a judge legally sentence the former president to a prison cell?

A major obstacle could be a law that guarantees lifetime Secret Service protection to all ex-presidents.

President Obama signed an updated version of that law in 2012, granting protection to minor children until the age of 16 and spouses unless and until they remarry.

The law could mean that Trump may have some say in his incarceration and the safety measures taken during any potential prison sentence.

Since 1965, lifetime protection has been afforded to former presidents, except for Richard Nixon, who waived it 11 years after his resignation.

Chuck Rosenberg, a former top federal prosecutor, and counsel to then-FBI Director James B. Comey, offered his insights.

“Any federal district judge ought to understand it raises enormous and unprecedented logistical issues,” Rosenberg told the Washington Post.

He said probation, fines, community service, and home confinement are all alternatives.

According to Rosenberg, the possibility of Trump serving prison time is “theoretically, yes and practically, no.”

On the Secret Service’s role, experts and commentators have varying opinions.

Mike Lawlor, an associate professor at the University of New Haven, suggested that Trump would likely have “one or two secret service details sitting outside his cell with the correctional officers” if he were to serve prison time.

Michele Deitch, an expert on prison oversight at the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs, told Business Insider that a former president would “have a target on his back” and be closely monitored by the Secret Service.

Ronald Kessler, an author specializing in the Secret Service, provided further insights into the potential security arrangements.

He estimated that Trump’s current Secret Security detail could consist of up to 30 officers, with 10 to 12 agents on duty at any time.

Kessler dismissed the notion of just two agents posted at a prison, deeming it “crazy” given the dangerous environment. “Just think it through,” he told freelance journalist Dave Roos.

“What would just two agents do in such a dangerous environment?”

However, Kessler emphasized that if Trump were imprisoned, he would receive no other special treatment and would not be granted access to privileges like a telephone.

“[The prison] would have to serve him meals in his cell,” Kes-

Could a judge legally sentence the former president to a prison cell?

A major obstacle could be a law that guarantees lifetime Secret Service protection to all ex-presidents.

sler said. “It would just be pure protection.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Former President Donald Trump seated in the back of the Suburban and being escorted away from the D.C. Courthouse following his arraignment on Aug 3, 2023/ Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer

africa now

Rwanda’s First Lady Calls on Men to Have an Equal Share in Parenting

Rwanda’s First Lady Jeannette Kagame encouraged men and women to demonstrate equal responsibilities in parenting, and not push their children down the path they think they should pursue, but rather pull them by being exemplary.

She was speaking at Young Leaders Prayer Breakfast, on Aug. 13, an event that aims at instilling good values in leadership, bringing together leaders from different spheres of the country.

5 Rwanda’s First Lady Jeannette Kagame speaking at Rwanda’s Young Leaders Prayer Breakfast, on Sunday, Aug. 13. (Courtesy Photo)

Organized by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF), the event themed “Young Leaders and Parenting Today” brought together young people in government, the private sector, and civil society to discuss how to navigate parenting amidst other responsibilities.

“I suspect that you never really know the strength that gets you through juggling all that is required of you; you just do, because you must,” the first lady told participants, adding that they might even question their choices on the outcomes if things were done differently.

She drew attention to the drastic damage that absent fathers do to their homes and children, and asked them: “What if women and men, both decided that the bar, the streets, others’ homes, were more worthy of their presence and time, than the children who look to them for the guidance and love they need to develop healthily?”

Consequently, Kagame reflected on how the world would be if it were only made of poisonous habits. Depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and other problems, are linked in psychology, to absent parents.

“Today, we revoke such a world, through prayer, and by following our national values and choices, while also acquiring enriching parenting knowledge,” she noted.

First Lady Kagame also reminded parents to not be the force looming behind their children, pushing them down the path they believe they should pursue, rather, be a pulling force into the fate they desire for them, by achieving this fate themselves.

“If you want success for your children, endeavor to be successful yourself. Show them how attractive what you desire for them actually is,” she said. WI

100 Providers Trained to Support Mental Wellness in Jamaican Communities

More than 100 Problem Management Plus (PM+) providers, who have been trained to deliver support to persons coping with adversity in Jamaica, received certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Summit in New Kingston on Thursday, Aug. 10.

Areas of training include basic helping skills, stress management techniques, and signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders.

5 Senator Dr. Saphire Longmore, a consultant psychiatrist from the University Hospital of the West Indies, addresses a graduation ceremony for the Problem Management Plus (PM+) program. (Courtesy Photo/ Mark Bell)

A mental wellness intervention of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, with support from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), PM+ is aimed at meeting people where they are in communities to help them resolve problems and preserve wellness.

It engages faith-based and community leaders to assist people to cope with mild depression, anxiety and stress resulting from death of family or friends, financial loss, experience with violence, natural disasters, among other adversities. It is particularly useful in communities that do not have mental health specialists.

Senator Dr. Saphire Longmore, a consultant psychiatrist from the University Hospital of the West Indies, who addressed the graduates, commended them for taking “up this very significant mantle and commitment.”

She noted, according to Jamaica Information Services, that the program is an attempt to normalize mental wellness and reframe the stigma associated with mental health.

“You are taking part in an initiative that we are very hopeful for because I think we can all understand and relate to the circumstances of not just mental health but the overall health of our people,” she said.

THE DANGERS OF HEART DISEASE ROCKING ALL AGE GROUPS

Young Athletes’ Cardiac Issues Highlight

Widespread Severity of Heart Disease

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

Bronny James, the eldest son of famed NBA star Lebon James, has been the focal point of sports headlines after suffering a cardiac arrest during a routine basketball practice at the University of Southern California (USC). But, the rising sports star isn’t the only unsuspecting youth battling heart issues, as public figures and local health

organizations alike are shining light on the dangers of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that are putting lives at risk irrespective of age.

Recently, MedStar Washington Hospital Center hosted an event educating district residents on the dire importance of knowing how to administer CPR to an individual suffering a heart attack, or cardiovascular medical emergency.

Jude Mabone, winner of Miss DC

2023, and a six-time heart attack survivor, has braved through the tumultuous journey of heart disease, having experienced her first attack at only 16 years old.

“Everybody is impacted by this. It is the number one killer of Washingtonians and Americans nationwide in women,” Mabone said. “This is an issue that most people do not live through, and most people definitely do not survive it six times.”

According to the American Heart Association’s 2023 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet, heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States, as approximately every 40 seconds someone in the United States will have a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Alarmingly, from 2017 to 2020, 59% of non-Hispanic Black women, and roughly 58.9% of non-Hispanic Black men were diagnosed with some form of CVD. These numbers indicate Black people have the highest prevalence of CVD across the United States.

While cardiac arrest and heart attacks (a nonspecific term) share similar physical responses, there is often a common confusion between the two. A heart attack happens when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked, abruptly cutting a part of the heart off from its blood supply. On the other hand, a primary cardiac arrest, which both Bronny James and the Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin experienced while actively playing sports, is when the heart’s electrical system suddenly short circuits, making the heart quiver in an uncoordinated fashion, and

suddenly stopping its ability to pump blood.

Where there seems to be an increasing prevalence of heart disease in young athletes, Dr. Susan O’Donoghue, a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, explained that heart issues have always been a significant concern of young athletes, however, today’s media is bringing more attention to the issue.

“There actually has not been an increase, I think there is more attention, which is a good thing. For athletes, if they have a cardiac arrest, there is a higher survival rate because of the widespread availability of the automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) that the trainers generally have available now,” O’Donoghue explained. “And so, if an athlete has a cardiac arrest in a situation where there is no AED available, the survival rate is in the 10 percent range, whereas when there is an AED and trained personnel, the survival rate is closer to 90%.”

ADDRESSING HEART DISEASE BEFORE IT ADDRESSES YOU:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 2,000, “young, seemingly healthy people under 25 in the United States die each year of sudden cardiac arrest.”

When preparing children for youth sporting leagues, O’Donoghue said children and parents would greatly benefit from pushing pre-testing of young people to identify those who might be susceptible to heart issues before they participate in sports.

Upon Mabone’s diagnosis, doctors were not able to provide a specific origin to her case, as she manages a condition that typically affects geriatric patients while not having any genetic disposition of heart issues. Although it is a fairly common issue, it is not so prevalent in teenagers, or young adults in their 20s.

Mabone’s case highlights the severe gap in heart disease research, as Dr. Barbara Srichai-Parsia, director of the Women’s Heart Program at MedStar Health, weighs in on the unique factors female persons face when battling heart disease.

“Women are having heart attacks it seems not quite as frequently as men, but there is actually an increased mortality in women once we’ve had a heart attack, compared to men, which is very provocative because it’s saying that once you’ve had a heart attack as a female person, your risk of dying or having heart problems is higher than if you’re a man having a heart attack,” said Srichai-Parsia.

Despite her condition, Mabone went on to run four years of division one track and cross country after taking a year off of athletic pursuits succeeding in her first heart attack.

Today, Mabone still runs and continues to exercise to maintain her health.

“For the most part I have a normal resistance, I’m just a little more cognizant of my stress levels and a little bit more aware of how I’m feeling than I think most people are because I’ve had those experiences, and I know what those symptoms and signs can be,” Mabone said. WI

5 Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes, according to the Mayo Clinic. (Courtesy photo/Wikimedia Commons)

Celebrating

60 Years

SINCE THE Historic March on Washington, Still Marching

BEYOND THE DREAM

Six-Part Bible Study Inspired by King’s Dream’ Encourages Action

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Sixty years after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., delivered his fa-

mous “I Have a Dream,” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a diverse group of educators and theologians have introduced a sixpart video Bible study lesson inspired

by the Civil Rights leader’s celebrated words.

The Bible study entitled Share the Dream: Shining a Light in a Divided World through Six Principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., inspires people to transform their communities for Christ through love, conscience, freedom, justice, perseverance, and hope.

“I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers,” King eloquently declared on August 28, 1963.

The words Dr.King spoke 60 years ago were a haunting reminder that his dream of a peaceful, non-racist community is yet to be achieved in Alabama, after people across the country and world recently witnessed video of a racial brawl sparked after a group of white people beat up a Black employee, along the Montgomery riverfront.

While there’s still work to be done in achieving the “dream,” the incident serves as a perfect teachable moment for the group of theologians, faith and political leaders, and chaplains, who published the study resource.

“Dr. King’s message is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago,” said Ambassador Young. “Share the Dream is an excellent resource for churches, ministries, and individuals to reclaim their dream and put it into practice right now.”

U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black noted, “In these difficult and dangerous times, this material needs to be in the arsenal of those who seek to bring healing to our hurting nation.”

Share the Dream was released by HarperCollins Publishing in collaboration with Urban Ministries, Inc., and The K.I.N.G. Movement on Aug. 8, just weeks before the momentous 60th anniversary of Dr. King's historic “I Have a Dream,”speech.

Co-hosted by Matthew Daniels, J.D., Ph.D., a human rights and counter-terrorism expert, and Chris Broussard, an acclaimed journalist, and Fox Sports broadcaster, the project features many celebrities and recording artists including LaCrae, and offers Sunday school lessons for all ages.

“Many of us have been sidelined for too long and paralyzed by the complexity of the issues facing us,” Daniels told the Informer. “To truly enact change, we have to build networks and communities that can model and spread the ideas that are the spiritual and educational antidote to ideologies of hatred, racism, and violence.”

Daniels said the Sunday School lesson is part of a“three-legged stool,” to teach Dr. King's messages to students in K-12, to college students, and those in the faith community.

“When you have an infection you need antibodies and in this case, the antibodies are young people Black, white, brown, and yellow who have embraced Dr. King's principles and are spreading them to their peers,” Daniels said.

“The Pandemic hurt democracies around the world, we saw it on January 6, we saw it in France, we see it in other parts of the world. This is a very fragile moment and that’s all the more reason that we have to go on offense for good,” Daniels explained. “Digital media can spread information around the world. We have to inoculate minds for Dr. King’s principles, in the same way, hate groups teach white supremacy.”

According to a new study released in April by Pew Research Center, six decades after Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech, 81% of Americans say that King had a positive impact on the country, and many say his legacy influenced their views on racial equality.

In addition, 52% of the more than 5,000 people surveyed believe the U.S. has made at least a fair amount of progress on racial equality in the last 60 years; an identical share said efforts toward equality in general haven’t gone far enough.

“We have to aim at the young people. The young people are the place where we can change the future for the white young people as well as African Americans,” Daniels, 60, said. “Here I am, a white guy teaching king because the white community needs this more than anybody else.”

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

(Clockwise from top left) Co-author Chris Broussard, "Share the Dream" book cover, Co-author Matthew Daniels

Flash Flood Breaks Through Glass Wall at Canine Daycare, Leaving 10 Dogs Dead

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Staff at the District Dogs on Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast and D.C. emergency services saved 20 dogs Aug. 14 after heavy rains caused flood waters to rise up to six feet outside the building’s doors, D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly said. An official from the Humane Rescue Alliance said that 10 dogs drowned in the disaster, according to reporting from the Washington Post.

“It’s a terrible thing,” Donnelly said to reporters outside the building following the flood. “Unbearable.

The location, which sits at a low point directly beneath a Metro overpass, consistently experiences flooding during heavy rainfall. District Dogs saw a similar event in August last year, where owner Jacob Hensley filmed water rising outside the glass door and seeping in beneath flood bags.

DC Water says the Northeast Boundary Tunnel, which will run about 1.5 miles underneath Rhode Island Avenue from 6th St NW to almost 10th St NE, will help alleviate the issue by creating more space underground for excess water. Construction is scheduled to be complete in September.

The Aug. 14 flash floods also stranded commuters in high water across the DMV. District emergency responders continue to remind

drivers, bikers and walkers not to go through flood waters, even if they seem shallow—turn around, don’t drown.

Our area has seen multiple severe weather events and flash floods since the end of July, including the July 29 storm that toppled massive trees throughout the region and caused over 200,000 power outages. Climate change impacts the intensity of severe rainfall events, making it likely that the District will see increased flooding as the planet warms in the coming years.

WI

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

5

Mt. Calvary Holy Church which moved to the location in 1991. District Dogs which opened in 2022 experienced a great loss when 10 dogs died at the Northeast center. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

The Informer's Our Earth page turns 1 year old this fall. We want to know what you think and what we can do better in year 2! Please let us know with this 3-minute survey.

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

“The career I never thought possible ... is possible.”

— Quinton, Class of 2024

Flooding in the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast has long been a problem for Greater

EDUCATION

Beat the Street Back to School Bash Provides Resources and Fun for Ward 8

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

On a beautiful, sunny day, with a gentle cooling breeze, goats and live animals accompanied by the sound of steel drums melodically played in the background in the middle of Atlantic Street SW. Hosted in part by Community of Hope and the William O. Lockridge Neighborhood Library on Aug. 8, the road transformed into

the 11th Annual Beat the Streets Back to School Community Bash.

Hundreds of people of all ages gathered to enjoy food, games, music and free school supplies, made possible by sponsors such as Amazon, the Department of Parks & Recreation and Homesnap.

The huge turnout aligns with Community of Hope’s mission to end family homelessness and increase the health of the greater D.C. community.

“We cannot be successful unless the community knows that we are here to serve them,” said Leah Garrett, Community of Hope’s

vice president of Development and Communications.

Garrett stressed that the organization, in service for 43 years, focuses on people who have barriers to health care or community resources, however, “we are here to serve the community without restriction on age or economics”.

Loaded with fun for the entire family such as a petting zoo, face painting, moon bounce, live music performances, food and complimentary ice cream, the goal of the Back to School Bash, said Garrett, “is to give supplies, resources, and encouragement that allow youth to return to school filled with confidence and enthusiasm.” This goal was realized through a host of onsite partners including; Metropolitan Police Department Washington Metro Transit Police Department, Conway Health & Resource Center, Martha’s Table and the Department of Employment Services.

Youth attendees were treated to backpacks filled with supplies, free haircuts or braiding, and raffle gifts that included computers and bikes.

Though it was a weekend, Irene Fick, 64, community operations manager for USI Insurance Company, took the day off, along with all of her colleagues, to help distribute over 2,000 backpacks filled with supplies to the youth on site.

Headlining musical performer DeAngelo Redman, 30, said per-

forming at the block party was important to him as he has seen a sharp decline in many arts and culture programs available to District youth.

“As artists, we have to come out and touch the community. We have a responsibility to show these kids what dreams look like and help them to believe that they are achievable no matter where you’re from.”

In its 11th year, the event was a perfect mix of engaging entertainment and provision of resources.

Mary’s Center, which provides personalized pre and post labor medical and dental care, educated women about in-home services at all stages of the birthing process.

“We believe that every woman has a right to have her child in a safe environment and be supported during and after birth regardless of her economic status, Intake Manager Magali Ceballos, 29, emphasized.

Attendee Cindy Carrillo, 32, said she was grateful for community services such as the ones represented throughout the event.

New to the Washington, D.C. region, Carrillo, forced to relocate to D.C. due to an emergency, soon found herself homeless. With a 5-year-old autistic son, and a second son, age 12, her circumstances quickly became desperate.

Carillo told the Informer she credits Community of Hope with assistance in finding transitional housing, medical care, and employment classes. WI

5 Hundreds of books, made possible by volunteers and donors, were gifted to students. (Courtesy photo/Mark Mahoney)

“With the lack of organizations in SE that cater to Hispanic speakers, and a 5 year-old son with autism, I didn't know where to turn,” Carollo said. “Community of Hope helped me find transitional housing, medical care, and employment classes."

GRADUATION from Page 1 like a relief,” said Toatley, 18. “I learned to push harder the first time around. [Not graduating in June] was a minor setback for a major comeback. I love my mom. We’re [going to] be rich one day.”

Toatley, 18, counted among nearly 50 young people who participated in the D.C. Public Charter School Summer Graduation. The ceremony, which took place at Capital Turnaround on June 10, marked the end of a journey that, for these high school graduates, lasted a few weeks longer than expected.

The ceremony, which is commonly referred to as “rainbow graduation” in reference to the different colors of graduation gowns to converge in one space, featured graduates from Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy; Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School; Friendship Online Academy Public Charter School; IDEA Public Charter School, KIPP DC College Preparatory and KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory; Seed Public Charter School; and Washington Leadership Academy Public Charter School.

Shantelle Wright, a board member of the D.C. Public Charter School Board, served as mistress of ceremonies. After a processional and Class of 2023 slideshow, graduates and their families listened to welcome remarks from Ariel Johnson, executive director of the D.C. Charter School Alliance.

They also heard recorded congratulatory messages from D.C. Council members Robert White (D-At large) and Anita Bonds (D-At large). In his in-person remarks to graduates, D.C. State Board of Education At-large member Jacque Patterson reflected on his high school experience and expressed solidarity with those who felt overwhelmed by course material.

Shortly after dancing to “Teach

Me

How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District and leading graduates and their families in Chuck Brown groove session, commencement speaker Mekhi McKinney packaged a thought-provoking message that included sports metaphors and allusions to intergenerational progression.

McKinney, an IDEA PCS and Virginia State University alumnus who recently completed an internship at Harvard University, told graduates that they have been called on to break generational records. In making his point, he mentioned basketball player

LeBron James, and even touched on the experience of watching his younger sister tour Harvard’s campus.

“You graduated from almost everything life tried to take from you,” McKinney said. “The only thing you can take with you from moment to moment is your name. Your last name speaks to the generational struggle while your first name speaks to the power of how that struggle will be broken. I don’t care who you are, you will be brought into the world with crazy stuff… to encourage empathy for problems you can solve.”

Student speaker Aanyjah Evans poured out her heart in front of her peers, touching on moments of immaturity and a turning point in her high school career when she realized her power as a positive influence to underclassmen. Evans, an expectant mother, said she’s been further motivated to take her talents to the next level and make her family proud.

“I experienced moments of selfdoubt when I didn’t graduate in June,” said Evans, a graduate of Washington Leadership Academy PCS. “Despite the odds, we can rise above adversity and overcome challenges. As we step into the world, let’s embrace the lessons learned in the last four years. Let our shared experience and struggles show us we can achieve any dream no matter what anyone tells us.”

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

“The career I never thought possible... is possible.”

— Shayla, Class of 2024

5 Commencement speaker Mekhi McKinney packaged a thought-provoking message that included sports metaphors and allusions to intergenerational progression. (Marckell Williams/ Washington Informer)

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STAFF

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Peace and blessings esteemed readers,

5 Sam P.K. Collins

With another back-to-school season upon us, it’s time to reacclimate ourselves to the daily trips on the Metro, hours of homework and tutoring, parent-teacher conferences, and all other markers of a school year.

Unfortunately for many of us, the new school year also brings the possibility of ongoing physical conflict and, to some degree, neglect on the part of institutions trusted to help children.

That’s why information, and what we do with that information, is our greatest power in the movement to fully and safely educate our children. In this Washington Informer backto-school supplement, students, parents and families can and will regain their power with helpful tidbits that will place them on a path to educational self-determination.

Whether you’re a special-needs parent, a parent who’s worried about public safety, or a young person searching for after-school activities and affordable postsecondary opportunities, this supplement is for you. Take it and keep it close to your chest for the battle ahead. Trust that you’ll never regret having it in the first place.

Sincerely yours, Sam

P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

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

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons President of the Washington Teachers’ Union

It’s not easy being a teacher or a student today, with so much going on in and outside the classroom. There are dehumanizing attacks on the teaching profession, disrespect for educators’ hard work and a refusal to adequately fund public schools. Numerous districts around the country are dealing with disgraceful book bans and prohibitions on teaching honest history—both of which limit the robust and truthful education every child needs to deal with the real world. And students are still coping with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including learning loss and loss of family members.

One of the biggest battles we need to overcome now in the District of Columbia Public Schools is the disturbing spike in school violence—by students against peers and by students against teachers. DCPS is seeing an increase in dangerous and frightening episodes that are affecting the physical and mental well-being of students and educators alike. Teachers say the high number of incidents has made them feel anxious and frightened and caused them to consider leaving the teaching profession. This would be a tragedy for both teachers and students.

Doing nothing isn’t a choice that teachers can make. We see the impact on students in the classroom every day, and we must choose a different path. The Washington Teachers’ Union will be starting contract talks with DCPS this fall. We are laser-focused on solving problems and improving learning conditions so that teachers can give students the supports they need. Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions, and the WTU views a contract as an opportunity to make meaningful, necessary investments in D.C.’s schools that benefit students, families and teachers.

Many of our core issues are related to safety, a serious problem

that cannot be ignored. These issues must be addressed immediately and with appropriate measures that will make a difference.

The safety-related issues we want addressed at the table include smaller class sizes; effective emergency protocols to give DCPS the capacity to prevent, respond to and recover from traumatic incidents; and additional athletic trainers to ensure the safety of student athletes.

You don’t have to look far to see that we are facing a widespread teacher shortage. Pay is obviously part of the equation, but we know that many teachers are leaving the profession due to working conditions that cause burnout. That’s why we have commonsense proposals like scheduled lunches for

elementary school teachers (it’s incredible that this should even need to be negotiated), better protections to ensure teachers can keep their preparation periods rather than being forced to take other assignments, and limits on non-instructional duties for related service providers like social workers and counselors, so they have the time to give students the support they need.

To address the problem of school violence, the WTU has proposed 17 commonsense recommendations. If we can’t resolve these issues before the contract expires on Sept. 30 (and hopefully, it can happen before schools starts on Aug. 28), it will be high on our contract bargaining list. Students’ needs are not aligned

with contract expiration dates. The time to act is now. But we can’t implement solutions on our own. The district must work with us—not against us or the students and families of the District of Columbia.

We are focused on the common good, because teachers want what kids need. But we can’t do any of this by ourselves; we need DCPS as a partner. g

Upcoming Resource Fair Connects Youth to After School Activities

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

Earlier this year, the Deputy Mayor for Education’s Out-of-School

Time (OST) Grants and Youth Outcomes hosted “Summer in the City,” a four-hour event at Eliot-Hine Middle School in Northeast where parents and families directly engaged providers of summer programs, summer jobs, and other enrichment activities.

you be the next D.C. Spelling Bee Winner?

professional quality products in each of those areas.

Below are other types of programming that will be showcased on September 9:

• Academics

• Arts

• Athletics

• Career Readiness

• Dance

• Life Skills

• Literacy/Reading

• Mentoring

• Music

42nd annual spelling bee

On Sept. 9, youth and families will have yet another opportunity to learn about a bevy of enrichment activities during “Afterschool in the City!” at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Northeast.

For Afterschool in the City!, more than 45 community organizations and government agencies have signed up to showcase opportunities that school-aged youth can pursue during after-school hours. Agencies that are expected to attend the upcoming event include D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Public Schools and Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

One organization of note, Youth Entrepreneur Institute, exposes young people to photography, digital film, sewing and material arts, drawing, painting, sculpture, and screen printing. Participants do so through weekly after-school activities where they are educated about a variety of STEM pathways and collaborate on the production of

Mark Your Calendar

Afterschool in the City!

• Socio-emotional Support

• STEM

• Tutoring

• Wellness

Dr. Shontia Lowe, executive director of Out-of-School Time (OST) Grants and Youth Outcomes, described Afterschool in the City! as part of an ongoing effort to ensure that young people and families are kept in the loop about enrichment activities during the school year.

“The event will be an opportunity for families to descend into one location to, 1) learn more about the after-school options available for their K-12 students across the District, 2) sign up for and/or indicate an interest in select afterschool programs, and 3) to know more about what the OST Office and the Learn24 network, which includes other government agencies, schools, and community-based organizations that have a commitment to providing high-quality afterschool and summer programming to children and youth across the District of Columbia,” Lowe said. “We look forward to seeing you there!”

g

September 9, 2023, 11am to 2pm EST

Turkey Thicket Recreation Center

1100 Michigan Ave NE, Washington DC 20017

Closest Metro Station: Brookland-CUA Metro Station

Meet the New Prince George’s County Superintendent of Schools

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will kick off the school year with a new leader at the helm. Millard House II was appointed Superintendent by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks effective July 1, 2023.

Superintendent House came from the Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest school district in Texas and the eighth largest in the country. During his two-year tenure, he implemented HISD’s first comprehensive five-year strategic plan shaped and guided by community input. Under his leadership, the administration delivered on the plan by lifting 40 of 50 campuses off the state failing list, increasing teacher compensation by 11%, making a nurse, librarian, and counselor available on every campus, addressing a structural deficit and making challenging high-quality instructional material accessible to all students.

House will continue to use a

collaborative approach in PGCPS, with plans to hold listening sessions with stakeholders at the start of the school year.

“Collaboration is key to building a community of support for our schools, and I look forward to learning firsthand from students, families and staff what is important to them and what we need to improve.”

House has already identified improvements to school security as a top priority for the 2023-2024 school year. To deter bringing dangerous items into schools, middle and high school students, staff and visitors will be required to pass through screening devices at school entrances this fall. Device installation will be phased in starting with schools with the highest needs. Additionally, clear backpacks will be required for students in grades nine through twelve and students in Non-Traditional Programs (North, South and Middle).

“School security has become a top

priority as incidents of weapons and violence in schools are highlighted in the media,” said House. “I believe these two strategies will make a significant impact in reducing incidents in our secondary schools and will go a long way in making everyone feel safer in school.”

Superintendent House is well-prepared to meet the needs of students in Prince George’s County. At the end of his first year at HISD, he was named a Green-Garner Award finalist by the Council of Great City Schools for outstanding contributions to urban education. The Houston Area Urban League also recognized his contributions to the city’s children with a Black Excellence in Education award.

He succeeds Dr. Monica Goldson who served as Chief Executive Officer for the last five years of her 32-year career in PGCPS. g

Millard House II

Tools for Special-Needs Families

Ready. Set. Renew.

It’s time to renew your benefits.

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

Navigating the education system as the parent of a special-need student can be daunting. Luckily, there are resources available for families in search of answers and accountability. Below are just a few institutions, collected in consultation with Ward 8 resident and

special-needs parent LaJoy Johnson-Law, that have been proven to help special-needs students of all ages.

Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE)

Since 1996, this institution has helped address the denial of basic special-education services by educating parents about special education laws and consequences that arise from an educational institution’s failure to properly classify and accommodate special needs students. Resources include a parent support network, free legal representation, and youth transition plans.

government resource that connects them with the tools, education and support needed to make informed decisions about their child’s learning. This one-stop shop for information focuses on early childhood, special education eligibility and implementation, academics and emotional, and social and behavioral support. For more information, visit specialeducation.dc.gov.

Office of the Student Advocate

The deadline to renew your Amerigroup District of Columbia, Inc. healthcare benefits is coming up. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

We created a short video to walk you through the process. Just scan the QR code below to watch. It’s as easy as …

For more information, visit aje-dc.org.

The Children’s Law Center

This institution has helped tens of thousands of children solve pressing special-education related problems while advocating for citywide solutions. The tenets of the program are based on the belief in stable families, solving health problems, ensuring quality education, and system reform. Attorneys affiliated with the Children’s Law Center have even been appointed by District court judges to represent children in foster care.

For more information, visit childrenslawcenter.org.

DC Special Education Co-op

Do you need help with your healthcare, talking with us, or reading what we send you? We provide our materials in other languages and formats at no cost to you. Call us toll free at 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

¿Necesita ayuda con el cuidado de la salud, para hablar con nosotros o para leer lo que le enviamos? Le ofrecemos nuestros materiales en otros idiomas y formatos sin costo alguno. Llame a nuestra línea gratuita al 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

This D.C. government entity aspires to help families better understand the public education system so they can advocate for their child and forge bonds with their child’s school. Resources include a Parent & Daily Go-To Guide that’s chock full of information about the D.C. education system. Other online resources focus on advocacy and lobbying, attendance and truancy, and bullying.

For more information, visit studentadvocate.dc.gov.

Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities

관리에 도움이 필요하십니까? 아니면 저희와 연락하시거나, 보내드리는 자료를 읽는 데 도움이 필요하십니까? 자료를 다른 언어 및 형식으로 무료로 제공해드립니다. 저희에게 800-600-4441 (TTY 711) 번으로 연락해 주십시오. 您在醫療保健方面、與我們交流或閱讀我們寄送的材料時是否需要幫助？我們可為您免費提供其 他語言和格式的材料。請撥打我們的免費電話 800-600-4441 (聽障專線 711)。

Avez-vous besoin d’aide pour vos soins de santé, pour parler avec nous ou pour lire ce que nous vous avons envoyé ? Nous pouvons vous fournir gratuitement nos documents dans d’autres langues et formats. Appelez notre numéro gratuit 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

Quý vị có cần trợ giúp liên quan tới chăm sóc sức khỏe, nói chuyện với chúng tôi, hoặc đọc nội dung chúng tôi gửi cho quý vị không? Chúng tôi có cung cấp tài liệu bằng các ngôn ngữ và định dạng khác mà không tính phí cho quý vị. Hãy gọi chúng tôi theo số điện thoại miễn cước 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

This entity works with teachers and school leaders across the char ter school system to improve edu cational services for special-needs students. It does so by designing programs based on student need, preparing students for life be yond high school graduation, and pushing schools to expand their capacity to increase the quality of special education in D.C. schools. The co-op, as it’s often called, also shapes education legislation to im prove how special-needs students are taught.

For more information, visit specialedcoop.org.

DC Special Education Hub

This entity has a legal department that services people with developmental disabilities and their families in the realms of capacity, consent, community integration, and freedom from abuse and neglect. Attorneys work to ensure that services for people with developmental disabilities are provided in the least restrictive setting possible. The trust also advocates for legislative reform and weighs in on policies affecting

Families can better understand special education in the District when visiting this D.C. BS-6

Navigating the Post-Affirmative Action Landscape

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

In the aftermath of a Su preme Court Decision that gutted affirmative action, colleges and universities across the country are scram bling to adjust their admissions pro grams. There’s also some anxiety among prospective students and families about the road ahead.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Education gathered higher education leaders together for a summit where they discussed next steps as far as expanding opportunities for students of color and nontraditional students. Although the Supreme Court dissolved what many believed to be a valuable protection, all is not lost for students who want to attend college.

Below are some factors that college applicants, this year and in the years to come, can take into consideration as they pursue an affordable postsecondary education.

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

Pour Your Heart

Out in Your College Essay:

Even though colleges can no longer consider race as a factor in admissions, the U.S. Supreme Court said that applicants can use essays to explain how race and other identifiers have shaped their lives. For several years, the college essay has separated top applicants from the rest of the pack -- all because they paint the picture of a person who can enhance campus life. Now’s the time for young people to be introspective about their experiences and life goals so they can craft an essay that really shows what they can contribute to their university community.

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

Whether they’re in the public school system or homeschooling, young people can experience the academic rigor of college courses and acquire college credit while doing so. Dual enrollment has become increasingly popular in recent years as a cost-saving measure for families. Last school year, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant announced the launch of the Advanced Technical Center, through which high school students can also accumulate up to 20 college credits while taking nursing, healthcare IT, and cybersecurity courses.

Test the Waters with Dual Enrollment and Other Programs:

Families seeking more information about dual enrollment programs can reach out to their child’s high school counselor, the Office of the State Su-

CONTINUED ON PAGE BS-9

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

— Lauren, Class of 2023

“The career I never thought possible... is possible.”

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

Public and Public Charter Schools Strengthen Community Approach to Public Safety

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

After what has been, for a lack of a better word, an eventful school year, many students, parents and administrators alike remain even more committed to developing systems that better ensure the students’ overall safety.

While students were out this summer, school leaders have been mulling over how to fulfill their public safety goals for the 2023-2024 school year. Below are strategies that some District principals are implementing, as explained at a public safety community forum hosted by the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation at Ballou Senior HIgh School in Southeast on August 5.

Strengthening Safe Passage Programs:

Goals include working with law enforcement along with churches and business owners in areas surrounding schools, focusing on better and strategic placement of staff members along Safe Passage routes before and after-school hours and passing out literature to stakeholders that explains logistics during the school day.

Engaging Parents:

Administrators are aiming to elicit parental support through engagement events, home visits and phone calls. In cases when parents aren’t present in students’ lives, schools will connect students with community-based organizations while continuing to engage guardians and influencers.

Prioritizing Accountability:

Principals are acknowledging that accountability starts with them in how they set standards, and consistently communicate policy. Other elements include acting proactively against misbehavior and exhausting all resources to address issues before moving on to suspension or other drastic measures. Some principals are even touting the need for a balanced approach in doling out consequences and equipping students with the skills to be solution oriented.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging :

Administrators are encouraging teachers to develop an inviting classroom environment. There has also been conversation about expediting learning upon a student’s entrance into school while creating more opportunities during after-school hours for students to stay on campus safely.

Involving Students in the Conversation:

Some principals have conducted meetings with student leaders throughout the summer to plan events for the school year. Some of this work builds upon engagement that took place toward the end of the last school year. It also supports the work that principals are doing with parent organizations and their Local School Advisory Teams to advocate for resources.

“The career I never thought possible ... is possible.”

— Quinton, Class of 2024

perintendent of Education, or even the admissions office at local colleges and universities, including the University of the District of Columbia and Prince Georrge’s Community College.

Programs like College Bound exemplify the mantra of “Each one, teach one.” For decades, middle school and high school students from D.C.-area public schools have navigated College Bound’s Academic Mentoring Program. In that program, they connect with college-educated professionals with whom they develop relationships and learn hard and soft skills that solidify their admission to the college of their choice. For years, 100% of students in College Bound have graduated high school and gained acceptance into the college of their choice. College Bound alumni have also gone on to enroll in College Bound’s Virtual Mentoring Program to ensure degree completion. For more information or to become a mentor, visit collegebound.org.

Since 2019, hundreds of District high school graduates have attended and graduated from more than a dozen U.S. colleges and universities for little to nothing. This is thanks to D.C. College Access Program (DC-CAP)’s University Partnership Scholarship.

Students who apply for the DC-CAP Scholarship and University Partnership Scholarship have the chance to enroll in any four-year institution of their choice and receive between $20,000 and $25,000 in financial support. The University Partnership Scholarship leverages DC-CAP funds, Pell Grants and the DC Tuition Assistance Grant to ensure that students receive as much aid as possible, and in some cases a full ride to attend one of the partner universities. Students can even access DC-CAP resources as early as ninth grade when they enter the STEM Ready Scholarship Program where they sharpen skills needed to enter STEM-related fields and earn scholarships. For more information about these and other programs, visit dccap.org/scholarships. g

Financial Tips for College-Bound Children

As the summer season draws to a close and a new academic year looms ahead, it becomes crucial for parents with college-bound children to prioritize financial literacy.

As you may know, financial literacy is a crucial yet often overlooked skill in young individuals. According to the Council for Economic Education, personal finance coursework requirements exist in 21 states at the high school level. Consequently, much of the financial education for today’s college students largely falls upon the shoulders of parents.

While teaching your child basic money management skills may initially seem daunting, it does not have to remain that way. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your college-bound children or grandchildren:

1) Open a Checking Account

A checking account is the first step toward financial independence. It provides college-bound children with access to an automated teller machine and facilitates the payment of bills each month. By connecting your account with that of your child, you can oversee their spending and potentially help them avoid overdraft fees.

2) Consider a Monthly Allowance

In addition to tuition, room, board, and books, your child will incur other miscellaneous expenses, including transportation, clothing, personal items, and entertainment. Establishing a monthly allowance can help manage these costs and instill the value of money in your child.

3) Encourage a Part-Time Job

If your child excels in time management, securing a part-time job while in school can enhance their resume and teach them valuable lessons. Allowing them to use their earnings to attend concerts or purchase the latest merchandise from the school bookstore can also promote financial responsibility.

4) Consider Student Credit Cards

Teaching your child to use a credit card for small purchases and ensuring that they pay off the balance in full each month from their allowance or potential earnings can prove beneficial and assist them in building a credit score. However, it is important to note that credit cards are not suitable for everyone. If your child is not quite ready to have a credit card in their name, you can add them as an authorized user on your own credit card. Implementing these measures can greatly benefit your children in the years to come. If you have any questions or would like us to meet with your college-bound child, please do not hesitate to reach out. We also encourage you to read our blog for more detailed information and additional suggestions.

Eric D. Bailey –Bailey Wealth Advisors

A Message for Those Blazing an Independent Trail

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

The pandemic piqued interest among parents and families in a tradition that has been in existence since the arrival of African people to the Americas. Although some families just started exploring alternatives to public school, generations of mamas and babas in the D.C. metropolitan area have spent decades organizing homeschool communities and maintaining independent African-centered K-12 institutions.

Many of our young people have since returned to public and public charter schools. However, the fervor for educational self-determination hasn’t waned amid concerns about book bans. For those who are seeking family-oriented, culturally enriching spaces for their child, here’s a list of institutions that fit the bill.

Start the School Year Off Right and Schedule Your Child’s Well-Child Visit Today

The summer days are quickly coming to an end and back-toschool season is fast approaching. Scheduling and making the trip to your child’s provider appointment can feel tiring. We are all busy, especially during the start of the school year. However, it’s important to visit your child’s primary care provider (PCP) to determine if your child is healthy.

Make sure to schedule your child’s well-child visit soon. Depending on their age, your child’s PCP will conduct different tests and exams. Try to make the visit around your child’s birthday. That way it is easy to remember.

The PCP will probably want to see your child at or around these ages:

• 3 – 5 days old

• 1 month

• 2 months

• 4 months

• 6 months

• 9 months

• 12 months (1 year)

• 15 months

Kuumba Preparatory School of the Arts & Learning Center

From toddlers to high school students, those who attend Kuumba Preparatory School of the Arts & Learning Center receive year-round, African-centered academic, cultural and arts-focused education. The goal, as stated on Kuumba’s website, centers on the character and artistic development of children. Instructors carry out this mission through the incorporation of African--centered concepts in the core curriculum and use of the arts to stimulate learning.

For more information: 3328-3332

Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Washington, DC 20032

Phone: (202) 563-5971 http://www.kuumbaprep.org/ contact-us.html

NationHouse

• 18 months

• 24 months (2 years)

• Every year starting at age 3 – 21

Checkups are part of your child’s benefits with AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia. They should not cost you money. If you need help making an appointment or getting to the PCP’s office, call Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511 (TTY 1-800570-1190). To learn more about well-child appointments, visit https://www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/preventive-care/member/well-child/index.aspx.

The information in this article is to help you learn more about this topic. It is not to take the place of your healthcare provider. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider. If you think you need to see your healthcare provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your healthcare provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material.

Founded in 1974, NationHouse serves the specific needs of African children from the moment they enter preschool all the way up to their graduation from high school, all with the goal of culturally developing young people who are dedicated to their families, community and African heritage. Its fully functioning programs, which include Watoto School and Sankofa Institute, have produced alumni who’ve excelled academically and professionally across the United States and around the world.

For more information: 6101 Dix

St NE Washington, DC 20019

Email: info@nationhouse.org

Phone: (202) 291-5600

Ujamaa Shule

As the oldest independent African-centered K-12 institution in the U.S., Ujamaa Shule has set out to provide an education that ensures African youth develop a positive self-image. Programming includes African culture and history, advanced mathematics and science, African drum and dance,and manhood and womanhood training workshops. Ujamma Shule also touts a small class size and family-oriented environment that instructors say better enable young people, as young as two years old, to excel academically and acquire the building blocks needed to meet

life’s challenges independently and positively.

For more information: 1554 8th St NW Washington, DC 20002

Email: ujamaaschool1@verizon.net

Phone: (202) 232-2997

Roots Public Charter School & Roots Activity Learning Center

At both of these institutions, student academic achievement is rooted in the execution of a curriculum centered on African-centered cultural, emotional and psychological development. Since 1977, Roots Activity Learning Center has exposed infants and pre-school children to foundational songs, games and stories. In the 1990s, Roots Public Charter School opened as an accessible African-centered alternative for children in the surrounding community. As has been the case with other legacy African-centered education programs, current Roots students come from a lineage of alumni and teachers affiliated with the school. Many of those alumni have gone on to lead fulfilling lives as seasoned professionals and leaders of their families.

For more information: 15 Kennedy Street NW Washington DC 20011

Phone: (202) 882-8073

Rootspcs.org

Sankofa Homeschool Collective

Since 2004, Black mothers in the D.C. metropolitan area have united around their choice to independently educate their children. Years before the pandemic, the Sankofa Homeschool Collective has coordinated enrichment activities and classes for youth at Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast and later Adinkra Cultural Arts Studio in Mt. Rainer, Maryland. During those sessions, parents spent the day building community with one another while youth learned a variety of skills from an African-centered perspective. Over the years, community members have increasingly become involved in the collective as teachers. The homeschool program has also gone virtual, allowing families from all around the world to access an expanded assortment of courses, including those dealing with African languages.

For more information: sankofahomeschool.org g

Welcome Back DCPS

STUDENTS, TEACHERS and OTHER SCHOOL STAFF,

and PARENTS: Let’s make this a great school year.

The Washington Teachers’ Union is fighting for what kids need—safer schools amid a disturbing spike in school violence, adequate supports for students and teachers, and an administration that will work with educators and other school staff, parents and the community so our city’s public schools can be safe and welcoming spaces. We can’t do it alone; we need DCPS to be a partner with us to make our schools safe, well-resourced and welcoming.

Go to wtulocal6.net for more information on our proposals to make D.C.’s public schools the best they can be.

On August 8, 1974, President Richard M. Nixon announced his intent to resign the following day, doing so in a letter that stated, “I hereby resign the Office of President of the United States.”

Using only eleven words, Nixon resigned from the most powerful elective office in the world due to criminal activities, related to the 1972 break-in of the Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel.

Exactly one month later, his successor, President Gerald R. Ford began an address to the nation with these words: “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.” He then signed Proclamation 4311, “granting a full and unconditional pardon to Richard Nixon, for any crimes that he might have committed against the United States as president.”

Forty-nine years later, America is again addressing the criminality of another former president, Donald J. Trump.

President Ford was wrong that the “national nightmare,” has concluded.

By pardoning his predecessor for criminality, he planted the seeds, and possible unaccountability, for the future criminal behavior of a then 28-year-old Trump. Under the tutelage of his father, Fred, Trump was already learning the art of racism and criminality. Indeed, his father was named in a 1973 federal lawsuit for racial discrimination in Trump housing developments in New York.

Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican nominee for president in 2024, despite currently being out on bail in three, potentially, four, criminal cases.

If Trump is found guilty at any of these four trials, he should be jailed. Nixon was not above the law, and neither is Trump.

America has survived a civil war, two world wars, the assassination of four presidents, and the Trump-led insurrection on the U.S. Capitol of January 6, 2021.

America will be fine if the criminal defendant, Donald J. Trump, former president or not, goes to prison.

COVID is Still Around, Take Proper Precaution

After a successful 2023 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, several attendees have opened up about testing positive for COVID post the Aug. 2- Aug. 6 events.

America Will be Fine if Trump Goes to Prison EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR

“I did test positive for COVID after the convention,” Marquita Pool-Eckert, the first Black woman in a senior producer position at CBS News, told Richard Prince of Journal-isms.

During the convention, Pool-Eckert won the Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award.

“By Tuesday [Aug. 8], my symptoms included coughing, sore throat, mild headache, occasional sneezing and at night, chills. I took the COVID test on Tuesday,” Pool-Eckert said. “The [doctor] prescribed Paxlovid and I was feeling much better by Thursday.”

Pool-Eckert is one of many who disclosed they contracted COVID-19 after the NABJ convention.

While the convention activities might appear to have been a super-spreader, the fact that many people contracted coronavirus should not be a disparagement on NABJ, but rather, a wake-up call that COVID-19 is still around.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of Aug. 10, globally, there have been nearly 1.5 million new COVID-19 cases and more than 2500 deaths reported over the last 28 days– revealing an 80% increase in cases and 57% decrease in deaths.

The United States, according to WHO’s “Weekly Epidemiological and Operational Updates,” counts among one of the countries with the highest new hospitalizations due to COVID-19, with 27, 693 hospitalizations in the past 28 days, in comparison to 24,886.

WHO considers XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, and EG.5, three variants of interest (VOI), according to its most recent report, with XBB.1.16, remaining the most prominent VOI globally. However, experts are reporting EG.5 cases on a major rise.

This is to say, COVID isn’t over. Masking, particularly in crowded places and when using public transportation, can still be helpful. Further, new COVID-19 vaccine boosters are available.

While it is great COVID-19 related deaths are down, there’s still been an increase in diagnoses and hospitalizations around the country and world.

That said, if you’re feeling under the weather, please try to find a COVID-19 test, and socially distance yourself until you’re sure that you are negative.

And if you can’t get your hands on a test, if at all possible, just stay home.

Protecting ourselves and our neighbors’ health is still important, particularly as we gear up for the back-to-school season.

We want our students, school staff and families to return to school healthy and ready to tackle another school year. WI

I’m hopeful that Vice President Kamala Harris’ new business program in Ward 8 has its intended impact. Investment is sorely needed not only for brick-and-mortar businesses but also for individual entrepreneurs.

Mick

Lovelace

Washington, DC

I truly enjoyed this month’s health supplement, especially its focus on children. I don’t think it’s enough emphasis and conversation around little people’s mental health. The supplement was right on time as our children return to school.

Tasha King Washington, DC

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.

Guest Columnist

A. Peter Bailey

Gospel Singing at the Stellar Awards Was Neither Memorable Nor Soul-Stirring

First, I think the producers of the Stellar Awards for naming many of the awards after some of the most brilliant, memorable and soul-stirring gospel artists. They included the Albertina Walker Award for Female Vocalists of the Year, the James Cleveland Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Thomas A. Dorsey Award for

Most Notable Achievement, Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award and the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. Even those Black folks who don't share their religious beliefs of the superb gospel singers praise them for their great contributions to Black culture.

It is extremely important that Black people, especially younger ones, be made aware of the immense contributions that those great artists listed above have made to Black culture in the United States and the world.

Guest Columnist

That's why it was so disappointing watching and listening singer after singer at the awards program basically ignore the words of the songs they were singing. Instead they focused on being performers who strutted, jumped and paraded around the stage to such a degree that the songs' words could barely be heard. Also, their bands played way too loud. Their whole emphasis was on their performances. As gospel singers, they came across as Beyoncé-influenced performers

for whom the words in the gospel songs were secondary instead of primary or at least equally important as their presentations.

That would have been fine had they been introduced as performers or musicians rather than gospel singers. Then we would have listened to them as such. It should be noted that many of them were talented performers or musicians. However, as gospel singers, they failed to be memorable or soul-stirring.

WI

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

The Right to Vote Has Always Been Contested in America

past across American history, the right to vote is and has always been contested.

quired now.

America was founded on an idea — that all people had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — and if that right was to flourish, it must be grounded in democracy — in the basic right of all to choose their own leaders, to vote and have their votes counted. It was a revolutionary idea at the time and remains so today. Yet today across America — and in the

In Ohio, voters recently rejected Issue 1, a ballot initiative invented by Republicans in the state legislature to make it harder and more expensive for voters to pass ballot initiatives in the future. It would've double the number of counties needed for signatures to get an initiative on the ballot — and it required approval of 60% of the public for an initiative to pass, instead of the simple majority re-

Guest Columnist

The goal — publicly admitted by the initiators — is to try to block the Reproductive Freedom Amendment, which will be on the ballot in November. It will also make it harder to pass an initiative raising the minimum wage that young people are trying to get on the ballot.

Ohio is a perfect example of how democracy can be suppressed. Having gained majorities in the state legislature, Republicans drew gerrymandered political districts

David W. Marshall

Evangelicals Who Choose Culture Over Christ

Russell Moore is the Adam Kinzinger of the Protestant Christian world. Former U.S. Rep. Kinzinger is one of two Republicans who served on the Jan. 6 House Select Committee. From his time and experience inside the Republican Party, Kinzinger saw firsthand how Donald Trump and his cult-like followers became

a disastrous threat to the nation and to democracy itself. Kinzinger, a Protestant Christian, warned that some Christian churches have become a "house of worship" to the former president. He was condemned by conservative Christian members of his family who were upset over his opposition to Trump. As the GOP ostracized Kinzinger, Moore found himself out of favor with many evangelical leaders for the same reason. Moore is currently the editor-in-chief of Christianity To-

day magazine, but in his previous position as a top official for the Southern Baptist Convention, he was a frequent and outspoken critic of Trump. He later resigned from his work with the SBC due to his strong views on Trump, his opposition to an increased tolerance for white nationalism within the church, and the sexual abuse crisis among the Southern Baptist clergy. Moore said in a recent NPR interview that Christianity is in a "crisis" due to the current state of right-wing politics. It is another

to entrench their majorities. They packed the courts with partisan jurists. That left the ballot initiative as one of the only ways meaningful changes supported by a majority of voters can be achieved. Now Republican legislators want to make that process less accessible, scheduling the election in August when turnout is historically abysmally low. From Arizona to Florida, other Republican-dominated states are doing the same, while passing a range of measures to make it harder for college students,

It is extremely important that Black people, especially younger ones, be made aware of the immense contributions that those great artists listed above have made to Black culture in the United States and the world.

poor people, African Americans, and offenders who have served their time to vote. After voters in Florida passed a ballot initiative empowering former offenders to vote, Republican legislators passed measures to gut the reform.

At the national level, the new Republican majority in the House has followed suit, introducing a July election reform act that aims at making it harder to vote. It would overturn executive orders

JACKSON Page 49

example of how the subjects of race, politics and religion are intertwined, but Moore goes as far as to imply politics can negatively control Christianity.

During the NPR interview, Moore suggested that Trump had transformed the political landscape in the U.S. to the point where some Christian conservatives openly denounce parts of their religion's central doctrine as being too "weak" and being "liberal talking points." While we may point to Trump as the catalyst in

making the current political environment more comfortable and acceptable for today's conservative Christians to reject their Christian teachings out loud, it has been a rejection that has been active for centuries. Rather than align themselves with the teachings of Christ, where we are to "love thy neighbor," the conservative social values accepted throughout the Bible Belt region of the U.S. are more aligned with the long-held belief

Guest Columnist

What's Next?

doesn't seem to be planning to keep us wondering how she will handle the trial. I don't think his antics will work with her.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

Many of us have been consumed with the antics of Donald Trump for far too long. It's clear that those won't end soon, but he seems to be in good hands now for us to believe justice will be served. He's in good hands with Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing Trump's case in Washington, D.C. She was appointed to her position by President Barack Obama. She

He will have his day in court with no-nonsense District Attorney Fani Willis in Fulton County, Georgia. When Ms. Willis says she and her team are ready, she makes me feel that she has left no stone unturned. With the way Trump has been trying to taunt her with his lies about her, I have no doubt about her readiness.

When these two sisters have completed their job, Trump will

Guest Columnist

have to face New York State Attorney General Tish James, who has been ready! Trump will have to go back to New York to see District Attorney Alvin Bragg. I don't think his bat will help him there. E. Jean Carroll was awarded $5 million, finding that Trump sexually abused her, and she stands to receive $10 million more from Trump for his sexually abusing her and for battery and defamation. If none of that has yet put him in jail, let's start with his uncontrollable tongue repeatedly calling special counsel Jack Smith a de-

ranged individual and a sick puppy. It seems that sometime next year, Mr. Smith will have the opportunity to get him through the jailhouse door! That's what people I know are waiting for every time they hear Trump denigrating everybody, and almost daring them to appropriately punish this man as he continually taunts us with his ability to walk down 5th Avenue, shoot somebody, and get away with it. He's got double digits of charges, and with all his bravado, he appears to be sweating up a storm these days.

Marc H. Morial

Our justice system seems to be darned harsh for ordinary citizens — especially for Black people. There is no way to explain why Trump is not already locked up! We continue to hear, "no one is above the law," yet many go on television and say things that make us wonder if they really think a former president shouldn't be sent to jail or not be punished for such craziness. Some even say Trump should be pardoned. I just heard somebody say he probably won't

Charles Ogletree Leaves a Profound Legacy of Commitment to Justice and Equity, Compassion and Kindness

"He could, on any given day, advise the likes of Nelson Mandela, field a call from a U.S. senator, write a brief for a client, meet with students over a late lunch, chair a board meeting for a nonprofit, pray over the telephone with a member of his church, make a pro bono court appearance, edit a chapter for an upcoming book, have an early din-

ner with a community leader and finish the evening by moderating a Massachusetts gubernatorial debate."

– Harvard law professor Ronald S. Sullivan Jr.

The 1921 Tulsa Massacre stands as one of the worst acts of racial terrorism in the United States since the abolition of slavery.

But it had nearly faded from history until 2003, when the late

Guest Columnist

Charles J. Ogletree Jr. filed suit on behalf of the victims and their survivors.

Ogletree passed away last week at the age of 70, but the fight for justice in Tulsa lives on. On the day he died, a group of survivors and descendants asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to reinstate their most recent lawsuit, which a lower court dismissed last month.

The case Ogletree launched two decades ago ignited a larger debate about the legacy of slavery and segregation and how the nation

Ben Jealous

Having Our Say Against Carbon Pollution

More than one million Americans told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week that they aren't willing to wait any longer.

Their comments insisting that EPA move forward quickly to cut carbon pollution from new and existing coal and natural gas-burning power plants were delivered in

person in Washington by a coalition of a dozen national environment, environmental justice, and public health groups. It reportedly is the most public responses to a proposed environmental rule since President Biden took office.

Their impatience is understandable. Power plants are the second largest source of climate-damaging greenhouse gases in the United States after cars, trucks, and planes. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported nearly six

months ago that at the current global pace by 2030 we will blow through the threshold for carbon pollution that will keep the planet livable.

Unless we act fast and significantly, we are the allegorical frog in slowly warming water, except we are turning up the heat on ourselves. In just three months since EPA proposed the tougher carbon regulations, we've experienced wildfires across North America, flooding across the northeastern U.S., and in July the single hot-

should make reparations.

It was my privilege to know and collaborate often over the years with "Tree," as he was called. We shared the stage for many forums, debates, and panel discussions, and he contributed his invaluable insights to several National Urban League Conferences.

It's hard to overstate his influence on civil rights and criminal justice, both as a brilliant, dynamic trial attorney, legal scholar, and Harvard law professor. His greatest influence, however, may be his

mentorship of the young students who developed into the next generation of leaders – among them the first Black U.S. president, the first Black first lady, and the first Black female Supreme Court justice.

As a Harvard law student, President Obama frequently attended Ogletree's Saturday School, a forum to support Black students and examine critical issues of justice, race and equity.

MORIAL Page 50

test month in recorded human history. These are the predictable consequences of manmade climate change, and unless we act with urgency, they only will get worse.

President Biden promised to reduce U.S. carbon pollution by half by 2030. We won't reach that without even more ambitious rules than EPA has proposed, including more demand for community outreach by state regulators around pollution from existing plants.

Not surprisingly, the groups representing electric utilities offered

their typical knee-jerk responses to higher standards to curb pollution – too much, too fast, too risky. It sounded a lot like the complaints nearly a decade ago when the Obama administration unveiled its Clean Power Plan, and plants have met those targets since.

It begs the question of why an industry that reportedly saw $14 billion in profits last year, carried out $11 billion in stock buybacks, and asked for 14 percent more rate

JEALOUS Page 50

WILLIAMS Page 50

LIFESTYLE

New Exhibit Features Unknown Narratives of the National Mall, D.C.

Monument Lab Unveils the Mall’s First Multi-Artist Public Art Exhibition

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

A groundbreaking art exhibition, featuring six celebrated artists, is set to transform the National Mall this week, as Monument Lab collaborates with the Trust for the National Mall to present "Be-

yond Granite: Pulling Together." This unprecedented initiative seeks to redefine the narratives engraved in the heart of the nation's capital and beyond, pushing the boundaries of traditional monumentality and memory-making.

Running from Aug. 18 through Sept. 18, the exhibition delves into

the heart of America's untold stories, showcasing prototype monuments that respond to the curators’ compelling question: "What stories remain untold on the National Mall?" Curated by Dr. Paul Farber, director and founder of Monument Lab and Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Salamishah Tillet, the project’s mission aligns with the monumental vision of educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, who saw such monuments as symbols of triumph and unity.

"The six artists really rose to the occasion and responded to that question [of what stories remain untold on the National Mall]. And that provocation, with such beautiful works, really interrogates both American history and reflects back to us new stories that haven't been told,” said Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Salamishah Tillet, co-curator of “Beyond Granite.”

At the core of "Beyond Granite: Pulling Together," lies the 1939 Easter Sunday performance of renowned Black opera singer Marian Anderson, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Anderson's landmark performance, prompted by segregation which barred her from Constitution Hall, resonates as an embodiment of hope, triumph, and unity. This historical performance inspired the furtherance of Anderson and Bethune’s legacies with the exhibition's exploration

of non-traditionally memorialized events. Such events include Indigenous legacies, histories of enslavement, civil rights, LGBTQ activism, immigration pathways, environmental justice, and other narratives of American struggle and resilience being placed on the grounds of the National Mall.

"There are so many different origin stories and angering points we could have gone to, but it was the 1939 Marion Anderson performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, against the backdrop of a segregated D.C., that reminded us: While the the Mall is well known and iconic for the built structures, it's people who have risen to make their mark on that space [that are really important]."

The exhibit features trailblazing work, including: Derrick Adams’ interactive "America’s Playground: DC;” Tiffany Chung's "For the Living," which casts light on overlooked histories; Ashon T. Crawley's "Homegoing,” which uncovers narratives of migration; Vanessa German’s "Of Thee We Sing," a celebration of diversity; Paul Ramírez Jonas’ “Let Freedom Ring,” which captures the essence of freedom; and Wendy Red Star's "The Soil You See…,” which invites reflection on ancestral heritage.

German's, "Of Thee We Sing," allows viewers to embrace diversity and shared humanity.

"The National Mall lacks a trib-

ute to the human heart. The reason people sacrifice is because they have a heart of love, courage, and patriotism," German told the Informer.

The artist’s installation became a canvas for personal narratives interwoven with historical figures, fostering dialogue and connection. On social media, German encouraged people to make wishes, both for themselves and others, which will be included in the live performance art happening on Saturday, Aug. 19.

The impact of "Beyond Granite: Pulling Together," has garnered attention far and wide, and the exhibition's emphasis on inclusivity and equity in monument-making has received notable support from organizations such as The Mellon Foundation.

"Beyond Granite: Pulling Together" extends an invitation to all, embracing a new era of monumentality that intertwines historical interpretation, storytelling, and civic engagement. This captivating exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of America's diverse past and present, while laying the foundation for a more inclusive and enlightened future.

As the National Mall becomes a canvas for stories that long deserved recognition, "Beyond Granite: Pulling Together," etches its own indelible mark on the fabric of American memory. WI

5 A rendering of Vanessa German’s “Of Thee We Sing,” part of “Beyond Granite: Pulling Together,” presented by Monument Lab. (Courtesy Photo)

‘Grease with a Side of Mumbo Sauce,’ Comes to the Lincoln Theatre

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Local theater and go-go lovers alike will soon have an opportunity to see “Grease with a Side of Mumbo Sauce.” From Sept. 8-10, the play will be at the District’s historic Lincoln Theater on U Street NW.

A go-go adaptation of the celebrated musical and movie “Grease,”“Grease with a Side of Mumbo Sauce,” offers a D.C. twist on the legendary film.

“DC Black Broadway wanted to keep most of the elements of the original film, but we added some D.C. swag to make it relatable to the D.C. culture,” said Gigi Riley, who is starring as ‘Rizzy’ in the play. “Starring in this play is Emmy Award winner Frank Scooby Marshall as Disco Dan. The cast also includes many Duke Ellington alums, along with many others who have done theater and music professionally for many years, including myself.”

“I studied about 200 hours of Grease. I watched it over and over and over, and I didn’t see [any] representation of my people,” said Dr. Lovail M. Long in an interview last year, as the show was staged at Staged at Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club in August and September of 2022.“I thought it would be a good thing to do, to bring it to my folks, and to add a go-go twist.” WI

‘Moulin Rouge!’ is Time Well Spent

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Remember the movie “Moulin Rouge?” Well, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” should not be compared to the film. Yes, the talented Baz Luhrmann wrote and directed the film, and collaborated with Craig Pearce for the musical, but to witness the show in person is a true spectacle. What is on stage in D.C. is a colorful, glitzy, over-the-top musical that is time well spent for those attending the show. As the audience enters the theater, you notice there are performers on stage. “Am I late?” you ask yourself. No, it’s the show before the show. Actors are slowly moving into various positions on the stage. Two actresses are even sword-swallowing. What a way to arouse curiosity.

Winner of 10 Tony Awards, “Moulin Rouge!” takes place in Paris during days gone by, at a club for which this production is named. The set for the opening and for many scenes in the musical is beautifully bright and red, in rows of hearts representing unending love. It makes sense because this entertainment venue where the storyline plays out is about love that takes many twists and turns. Credit Derek McLane, scenic designer, for transforming the stage from a club setting to a sexy boudoir to street scenes.

MOULIN ROUGE Page 34

The String Queens Perform at D.C. JazzFest

’23,

Opening for Gregory Porter

Teaching By Day, Thrilling Audiences by Night

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

By day, The String Queens (TSQ) violinist Kendall Isadore, violist Dawn Johnson and cellist Élise Sharp are DMV teachers; and by night they thrill audiences with an exciting blend of classical, R&B, pop, and faith music. The spotlight will be on TSQs as the musicians open for Gregory Porter on Sept. 1, during DC JazzFest, scheduled at the Anthem in Southwest, D.C.

In an interview with The Washington Informer earlier this year, the ladies described how their paths kept crossing before formally becoming TSQ in 2017.

“There was a different energy, sound, and camaraderie when we came together. It sounded really good,” Johnson said about a wedding where they played standard classical music. “We said, ‘Hey

y’all, let’s keep this going. Let’s have a couple of rehearsals and put a name on it.’”

Coming together has put TSQ on the map with performances nationwide, an appearance on CBS Mornings, and a WAMMIE award, the DC area’s recognition of outstanding local music. The trio’s current album, “Rise,” is available through their website thestringqueens.com.

The teachers and musicians will open for Porter, a two-time GRAMMY award winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Porter regularly stops in the D.C. area, often performing for sold out audiences. Since 2010, Porter has built a huge global following with his earthy baritone.

His singing style blends jazz, soul, and gospel. Porter has been compared to Nat King Cole.

Porter’s stop at the 19th Annual DC JazzFest is a part of his U.S.

tour, which will then go to several European performances. “Still Rising” is Porter’s newest album, and is currently available. Visit Porter’s website for more information gregoryporter.com.

The largest jazz festival in the nation’s capital, the 19th Annual DC JazzFest will feature an extraordinary lineup of artists – from DMV legends to National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters –with performances across several platforms.

This year’s Festival experiences will include in-person performances, up-close-and-personal “Meet the Artist” conversations, and indoor concerts at The Anthem, Arena Stage, Union Stage, and on indoor & outdoor platforms across the District. For more information about the 2023 DC JazzFest, Augu. 30-Sept. 3, including concert updates and ticketing information, visit dcjazzfest.org.

The Washington Informer is a media partner for DC JazzFest’23.

For free Saturday general admission tickets, visit: dcjazzfest.org/event-details/wharfsaturday2023 using the

code WINSAT. Free Sunday general admission tickets are available at dcjazzfest.org/event-details/wharfsunday2023 using the code WINSUN. WI

5 The String Queens (TSQ) are full-time school teachers. They will open for Gregory Porter on opening night at DC JazzFest on Sept. 1. TSQ includes (L-R) violinist Kendall Isadore, cellist Élise Sharp and violist Dawn Johnson. (Courtesy Photo/Roy Cox)

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

|

AUGUST 30SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

Washington, DC | dcjazzfest.org | Capital Sounds, Global Reach #dcjazzfest

Buy Tickets Now!

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S ALL-STAR LINEUP!

GREGORY PORTER • KENNY GARRETT AND SOUNDS FROM THE ANCESTORS • CHARLES LLOYD KINDRED SPIRITS FEAT. GERALD CLAYTON, MARVIN SEWELL, REUBEN ROGERS, & KENDRICK SCOTT • SAMARA JOY

TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON NEW STANDARDS • DAVE HOLLAND TRIO FEAT. KEVIN EUBANKS AND ERIC

HARLAND• BIG CHIEF DONALD HARRISON • ARTURO O'FARRILL AND THE AFRO LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE

GENERATIONS FEAT. GEORGE CABLES, BENNY GREEN, ORRIN EVANS, SHAMIE ROYSTON, HOPE UDOBI, JAZZMEIA HORN, JEFF "TAIN" WATTS, & KRIS FUNN • OMAR SOSA QUARTETO AMERICANOS • ORRIN EVANS

QUINTET WITH SPECIAL GUEST SY SMITH • CHASE ELODIA'S PERENNIALS • ETIENNE CHARLES & CREOLE SOUL

WARREN WOLF & HISTORY OF THE VIBES • SUNNA GUNNLAUGS • THE STRING QUEENS • LUDOVICA BURTONE

ISABELLA OLIVIER FEAT. REZ ABBASI • VINNY VALENTINO GROUP FEAT. MARSHALL KEYS, FREDERICO PENA, DENNIS CHAMBERS

BRASSAHOLICS • JULIETA EUGENIO TRIO • LEIGH PILZER STARTET • MARK G. MEADOWS • BIRCKHEAD • JOGO PROJECT

VERONNEAU• GEORGE V. JOHNSON JR. • LANDON PADDOCK GROUP • AYO • CORCORAN HOLT GROUP FEAT. MARQUIS HILL

LISA SOKOLOV • JOSÉ LUIZ MARTINS • ALEX HAMBURGER • LANGSTON HUGHES II • FLAVIO SILVA QUARTET FEAT. PAT BIANCHI

NEXT JAZZ LEGACY • AARON MYERS • DCJAZZPRIX FINALISTS: BIRCKHEAD, EMBER, NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND

The DC Jazz Festival®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization, and its programs are made possible, in part, with major grants from the Government of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, Mayor; DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs program of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts; DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; and with awards from National Endowment for the Arts, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Gillon Family Charitable Fund, Galena-Yorktown Foundation, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Leonard and Elaine Silverstein Family Foundation, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Mid Atlantic Arts, The Venable Foundation, Arts Forward Fund of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, Les Paul Foundation, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, and HumanitiesDC. ©2023 DC Jazz Festival. All rights reserved.

MOULIN ROUGE from Page 31

THE STORY UNFOLDS

The actors are outstanding, and their singing voices are superb in bringing this story to life. Audiences learn that the Moulin Rouge club is losing money. The owner Harold Zidler, played by Austin Durant, must find a wealthy investor to keep things going. The top star of the Moulin Rouge club is Satine, a talented singer-dancer portrayed by Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, who is put in a position of luring money. The money happens to be available from the Duke of Monroth, played by Andrew Brewer.

Then there are two hustler-type characters Toulouse- Lautrec, played by Nick Rashad Burroughs and Santiago, played by Gabe Martínez. The two are producers looking for a break to create an entertaining show. They come across Christian, an American in Paris portrayed by John Cardoza, who

happens to be a songwriter. The naive Christian learns fast to play along, but deception amongst all the major characters creates heartbreak.

SING ALONG TO FAMILIAR POP TUNES

It sounds sad, but the music kept the audience engaged with what I call the best mixtape of pop hits, combined with stage hits, and American standards. The obligatory “Lady Marmalade” is there, but there is so much more music from the likes of Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Byrne, Adele, Lady Gaga, Phil Collins, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, and so many others. There are many instances in “Moulin Rouge!” where the lyrics of well-known pop hits substitute for dialog. Audience members were moving to the tunes.

“Moulin Rouge!” is suggested for audiences 12 years and older as seductive overtones are through-

out the musical. “Moulin Rouge!” is at the Kennedy Center until Sept. 24. For ticket information, go to the Kennedy Center website www.kennedy-center.org.

Get a feel for the excitement of the North American Touring Company of “Moulin Rouge!” from this trailer: youtu.be/Zlhq9mplUcM.

5 The cast of the North American Tour of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” now at the Kennedy Center until September 24.

(Courtesy photo/Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

Why does a crane raise one leg when he stands in the water?

Put the words in the right order to discover the answer to this joke from Poland.

Smile and the world smiles with you! Smiles have the power to make people happy. Maybe that is why millions of people use the smile emoji when sending messages. And with a smile, people from different countries who speak different languages can communicate.

Doctors even tell us that laughter can help sick people heal more quickly. All in all, a smile is very powerful.

These riddles are from all over the world and the answer to each one is the same thing. Can you guess what it is?

What is a small, white chest that all know how to open and nobody knows how to close?

Cut out the word balloons below and paste them in the correct order on the comic strip above.

What is more useful when it is broken?

In a pot there are two kinds of food. What is it? What is an entire little house without a door?

There are jokes from all over the world. What can you learn about people by reading their jokes? Draw your own comic strip using this joke from Martinique.

I have built my house without any door. What is it?

In a bowl of china fixed, two liquids with colors unmixed. What is it?

Have you figured out the answer? If not, color all the boxes with odd numbers. Read the letters that are left and you will know the answer.

Good News/Bad News

How many smiles can you find on this page?

Superlative Fun

How many silly things can you circle in this picture?

With so available online important some information some is

a mistake. let readers of the error Other times, is designed make you

1. Read beyond headline. tell the

2. Do some the library more librarian

3. Look for online. more as some repeat

4. Make and websites check

Look through the newspaper for three happy pictures. Label one “Happy,” one “Happier,” and one “Happiest.”

Repeat this game with other words.

In today’s paper, categorize stories as either “good news” or “bad news.” Explain why you think newspapers print “bad” news at times. Are there some stories that are bad news to some and good to other people?

What makes you smile?

Write a paragraph about what makes you smile. Give at least three details about this.

One of true and research share what your

5. Ask a member understand the story. feel Smiling contagious.

Was it easy out if the were true always Fact important get

check

review wi book

"Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson"

By Sally H. Jacobs

c.2023,

$32

St. Martin's Press

464 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Love-all.

It sounds like a sweet way to start a game, doesn't it? But you know the score: nobody's made any points in this tennis game. Basically, the score is zero-zero but things could change with one good backhand shot. As in the new book "Althea" by Sally H. Jacobs, tennis, like life, moves quickly. No one knew the significance of that day in 1941. Mostly, it was just another afternoon at one of Harlem's elite Black tennis clubs, a club that enjoyed a recent surge of popularity in a sport that wasn't just for white people. "Negro" players embraced tennis in great numbers, too, and on that day in Harlem, spectators watched as a sullen, "skinny 13-year-old [Black] girl" smacked around a few balls as if she wanted to punish them. Young Althea Gibson treated tennis balls with the same aggression she had received.

She was born in the South but raised in Harlem after an aunt offered to bring baby Althea north during the Great Migration. Once reunited with her parents, Althea had a shaky relationship with them: by the time she was 12, her father beat her, teaching her to fight the hard way. He punched her regularly until she "'tore him up'" one day.

Later, she used her fists on the streets, where she spent most of her time. She shoplifted to eat, spent hours watching "the flickers" and she "found other kinds of competition that absorbed her as much as fighting …" She bested most boys at ball sports — once even challenging Sugar Ray Robinson to bowl against her, which led to a lifelong friendship. She loved basketball but tennis is where she excelled.

In 1938, Gibson was named New York City's paddle tennis champion, which gained her a coach. Her appearance at that elite club in 1941 led to formal tennis lessons. The following year, she attracted the attention of two wealthy doctors who took her under their wings and smoothed her rough edges.

And then they set their sights on the big tournaments …

At a time in history when we see Black athletes on fields and courts as an everyday thing, it's important to remember who helped put them there. Author Sally H. Jacobs tells the almost-forgotten story of one woman whose struggle to win wasn't just in her sport.

In that way, "Althea" is a very nice surprise. Jacobs doesn't soften Gibson's early life story and with that, readers will get a true sense of the steeliness that Gibson possessed even as a young girl. Other stories hint that Gibson was a complicated person, androgynous, "aggressive," often angry, impatient, and driven. This, and the explanations of the game and the times and social mores in Gibson's lifetime make it clear that not saying Gibson's name in the same breath with Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens is a grave mistake.

Sports fans, don't miss this biography. Black history scholars, you want it. Tennis lovers, there's a lot of tennis here, so make a racquet for it. "Althea" is a grand slam. WI

horoscopes

ARIES At the beginning of the week you're like a plant just barely breaking the surface of the ground. The world is heavy. The sun is distant. What with everything on your mind, expect to be unusually introverted. By Wednesday, you'll be sprouting huge leaves and growing in unforeseen directions. A new friend comes into your life on Thursday, a cute flower, perhaps? Lucky Numbers: 8, 12, 24

TAURUS It's no wonder that your emotions are all over the map right now. Anything that happens Monday or Tuesday can be safely written off. Moodiness and sensitivity levels are off the charts. Wednesday and Thursday are more even-keeled days, but money issues figure prominently. (If someone presents you with a grand moneymaking scheme, don't opt in.) Lucky Numbers: 14, 19, 20

GEMINI You are thinking like a scientist at the start of the week, and your interest in your own emotions is almost clinical. You're in a logical, observational mode, but, as you know, some things simply can't be calculated. This is especially loud and clear on Wednesday and Thursday when you find yourself getting along remarkably well with people you hardly know. Chalk it up to chemistry. Lucky Numbers: 10, 17, 22

CANCER If someone asks you what your favorite kind of pie is on Monday or Tuesday, you won't be able to answer. You like the texture of apple but the flavor of pumpkin. Or whatever. Every decision, even a minor one, this week expands into a complex set of irreconcilable variables. Midweek has you feeling torn about bigger issues than pie preferences. Lucky Numbers: 6, 18, 30

LEO The easy answer isn't interesting to you right now. You'd like to know what's really going on. On Monday and Tuesday, you're in detective mode and asking penetrating questions, considering every angle. On Wednesday, buoyed by all your research, you charge into the world with fresh insights and confidence. No mincing words for you. Thursday is a big day for romance,. Lucky Numbers: 10, 26, 43

VIRGO Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it's also the heart of discovery. You are nothing if not curious at the start of the week, and your analytical powers have never been stronger. Your restlessness right now is incredibly useful. Communicate what you're thinking. On Wednesday and Thursday, you'd like to be climbing mountains or testing theorems, but your family has other things in mind. Don't stress. Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 22

LIBRA This week, all you can think about is money. Obviously you're thinking about more than money per se. When you get right down to it, you're thinking about the future, but the value of material possessions and striking a balance between generosity and stinginess are very much on your mind. The middle of the week relieves you of this line of thinking by way of a purely fun excursion with a couple of your friends. Lucky Numbers: 9, 16, 35

SCORPIO On Monday, you're already feeling like a new you. You go into the week stronger (and more respected) than you've felt in a while. The confidence suits you. Your mind is open to anything, but it might be too open on Wednesday and Thursday when you could find yourself caught up in a crowd mentality, being persuaded to do things you wouldn't normally do. Lucky Numbers: 6, 30, 31

SAGITTARIUS Your life is a movie at the outset of the week, but you can't quite follow the dialogue and the car chases make no sense. And who's the hero in this flick anyway? If you feel like canceling dinner plans and kicking back in front of the TV, hey, by all means. By Wednesday and Thursday, your social calendar's too packed for TV time, and on Friday and Saturday, music and art figure strongly. Lucky Numbers: 11, 12, 54

CAPRICORN Monday and Tuesday are great days for making decisions, but don't go on your gut alone. You have a wealth of information to work with. Look at the details. Organize yourself. On Wednesday and Thursday, when your plans go into effect, you might feel hesitant or awkward or pessimistic or crazy. You'll be bouncing all over the place emotionally, but stay the course. Lucky Numbers: 5, 41, 55

AQUARIUS Slowness is a virtue at the start of the week. It encourages thoughtfulness, and the more thoughtful you are, the more emotionally exposed you feel. But rest assured that no one but you can tell what's going on deep in your brain. Wednesday and Thursday will be relatively social days, although you won't be surrounded by strangers, you'll be surrounded by people you love and trust. Lucky Numbers: 7, 33, 58

PISCES There are things you're willing to live with and things you just aren't. On Monday, you might have to draw a line in the sand. Others may react in funny ways, but your good friends will stand by your side. Tuesday will be an emotionally rocky day. After putting your foot down, you might feel pangs of regret (they'll pass), but Wednesday is a lucky day for you, as is Thursday. Lucky Numbers: 20, 26, 39

Former D.C. Parole Board Director Honored for Career in Basketball, Government

By Micha Green WI Contributing Writer

NFL Star Michael Oher’s Explosive Claim Reveals Twists in ‘The Blind Side’ Tale

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Michael Oher, a former NFL star known for inspiring the film “The Blind Side,” has filed a petition in a Tennessee court with claims that the family who took him in lied about an important part of his life story.

Oher says the family used him for money, causing controversy around the once celebrated sto -

ry of triumph.

The retired football star filed a petition in Shelby County, Tennessee noting that the Tuohy family, who were portrayed as his adoptive parents in the film, never legally adopted him.

Instead, they manipulated him into signing documents that made them his conservators after he turned 18.

These conservatorship papers al-

lowed them to make financial decisions on his behalf.

According to reporting by ESPN, the Tuohys allegedly received substantial royalties, while Oher received nothing despite being the central figure in the narrative.

Documents filed in court alleged

SPORTS Page 40

For many athletes, practicing and playing their games is not just a means of burning calories, it’s a way to pursue a passion, learn life lessons, and earn tickets towards success in and beyond the sport– and such ideals ring true for many of the inductees into the 2023 Real Harlem Basketball Players Hall of Fame.

“[Basketball] helped them go to college. It helped them get through high school. It helped them get scholarships. It helped keep them on the right path. It taught them brotherhood, sisterhood, leadership,” said New York State Sen. Cordell Cleare (D), at the 2023 induction ceremony at Salem United Methodist Church in Harlem on Aug. 12. “[Basketball] gave them Harlem love and Harlem inspiration. And they turned around and gave it back.”

While many of the honorees began turning heads at New York City-based schools and parks, one inductee said he didn’t get noticed for his basketball prowess until college at St. Paul’s, in Lawrenceville, Virginia.

“My story is a little different… I didn’t play in the Rucker, I’m not all-city, but I found out how good I was when I went to college,” inductee Mike Green, 75, told the audience during the event.

“My freshman year I was a starter with four seniors, we were like the fourth best in the CIAA, out of 18 teams, our first time in the championship,” he added, before being briefly interrupted by Gary “Tank” Barnes, founder and CEO of Real Harlem Basketball Players.

BASKETBALL Page 46

(Courtesy photo/Facebook)

CAPTURE

the moment

Montgomery County celebrated 50 years of Hip Hop Culture and hosted a deejay scratch battle. The event, organized by Friends of the Library – Montgomery County (FOLMC) featured well known deejays from around the East Coast competing for “scratch” honors and cash prizes. Several workshops were held including music production, songwriting, and breakdancing. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Participants design their own album cover in one of the workshops organized by FOLMC. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Deejay James Morris, Montgomery County Public Information Office for Montgomery County Government Director Barry Hudson, DJ Tre Stylz, and FOLMC Assistant Director of Programs and Outreach Jaime Flores. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

6 B-Boy Danny “the Atomic Goofball” Nguyen demonstrates break dancing during the FOLMC workshop. (Robert Roberts/The Washington Informer)

3 Radio personalities Russ Parr and DJ Dirty Rico participate in the event organized by FOLMC. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Deejays compete in the Md-Atlantic Battle for DJ Supremacy. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

A Local Ministry of Economic Growth has Gone Worldwide

Rev. Jonathan Weaver Takes His Message International

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

For more than five decades the Rev. Jonathan Weaver has traveled from the United States to Africa, whether it was for medical ministry in Rwanda, or to build a school in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“People in America need to have a global perspective about life,” said Weaver, who stepped down as pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in June, after 34 years, to begin his work as a presiding elder of the AME Church’s Potomac District.

While the longtime pastor and faith leader is busy overseeing 40 churches throughout the area, his commitment to Africa, which began when he took his first trip in 1971, has not changed.

In 2015, Elder Kamutera Kulu Salomon and the Rev. Seraphin Mutabazi, both of the AME Church in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) came up with the idea of building a school.

In addition to providing access to education, the institution–called The Weaver School– increases the impact of the A.M.E. Church in the local communities.

Congolese officials say the school was named after Weaver to honor his impact on countless lives of Congolese people during his evangelical, charity, and medical missions in Goma, D.R.C. since 2010.”

“Millions of children in Congo can't go to school because they can't afford it. Their families live on $3 a day,” Weaver said in an interview from Africa. “They have to choose between housing and food.

We are filling. a tremendous gap.”

There are plans to increase the capacity of The Weaver School, but he said one person who played a critical role in the school's construction was Ulysses Jefferson, a retired State Department official and government contractor, who donated $375,000 to purchase land for the school.

The community has reached out to the longtime pastor and mission leader to show gratitude for his dedication to educating the students of Goma.

“We are honored to be writing to thank you for your commitment and support throughout this academic year,” Olivier Pendo, an English teacher at the school, wrote in a letter to Weaver.

“We would like to let you know how much having you as a mentor has meant a lot to every individual at the Weaver School – Goma,” Pendo continued. “Your guidance and support have been instrumental in helping us achieve this 20222023 academic year. Please, do receive our heartfelt gratitude.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WEAVER AND HIS WORK IN AFRICA

Weaver has made more than 50 trips to Africa and in 2012 he made the trip with doctors and nurses from his old church to go to Rwanda for two weeks at a time.

“We set up a temporary unit inside the sanctuary and worked

from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” he said. “We carried medicines to Rwanda and then we had Raymon Nelson, cardiologist from Mt. Nebo who went with us from 2012 to 2019. After his first trip he asked me ‘when we are coming back.’”

But Weaver has had a passion for anything that he has been involved in.

In 1992, Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church, in suburban Upper Marlboro, Maryland, applied to its bank for a $50,000 loan. As the church’s pastor had attracted so many new members until the church outgrew its old building.

that the movie paid the Tuohys and their two birth children each $225,000, plus 2.5% of the film’s “defined net proceeds.”

Oher, whose eight year career included playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Tennessee Titans, didn’t receive compensation.

The retired footballer’s lawyer, J. Gerard Stranch IV, said Oher discovered the truth in 2023, causing deep emotional distress.

Oher’s legal filing seeks to terminate the conservatorship held by the Tuohys and prevent them from exploiting his name and likeness.

The petition also demands a full accounting of the profits generated

using Oher’s story and compensation for Oher’s rightful share of these earnings. WI

Even though Mt. Nebo repaid a $200,000, 30-year mortgage within seven years, the bank imposed punitive requirements on the church, and Weaver, who had an MBA from Harvard, mobilized pastors across the area to form what began the Collective Banking Group.

Today the group is called the Collective Empowerment Group with more than 300 pastors and church leaders with chapters in across the country.

Even though he is the presiding elder of the Potomac District of the Washington Annual Conference of the AME church Weaver, 73, still plans to visit Africa at least three times this year.

“I have a national prayer breakfast in November and a wedding in early December,” said Weaver, who also has a campaign to donate cows and goats to needy families to get fresh milk.

WI

5 Rev. Jonathan Weaver (top center) with students from the Weaver School in Goma, Eastern Congo. (Courtesy photo/Weaver School)

SPORTS from Page 38

The retired footballer’s lawyer, J. Gerard Stranch IV, said Oher discovered the truth in 2023, causing deep emotional distress.

Are there times in your lives when it appeared that during the worst moments, the Lord was not hearing your prayers? The poem titled "Footprints in the Sand" will allow me to share this story with you, and this parable will allow me to refresh your memory.

The poem, purportedly written by Margaret Fishback Powers, goes like this:

One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you the most, you would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

Remember the words spoken by Jesus when He was on the cross! In

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Why Is God Silent During My Storms?

Mark 15:34, this statement in Aramaic is spoken by Jesus just before he dies on the cross: "Eli, Eli, Lema Sabathani?" That roughly translates to, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Another excellent example is the oak tree. Where does this tree come from? It doesn't suddenly appear! It begins with the acorn, which is planted; then it takes time, maybe about four to six weeks before any sprouts begin to shoot out, deep inside the earth. Then after some quiet time, like a baby in the mother's womb, some new shoots from the oak tree finally shoot out above the ground, and a tiny, new, fragile, fresh little plant, so easily broken, will appear.

When we've lost all hope of making something happen with our own strength, and during our times of silence, we gain clarity and a willing spirit to be led by the Holy Spirit, as He guides us to a successful conclusion. Embrace the silence times and use that time wisely.

Trust God, especially when it appears that He's silent. It is during this time when He speaks more clearly into your Spirit, but you must quiet down your life so you can hear. God allowed His Son to go through the crucifixion. Why, this was Jesus' time to feel He, too, was forsaken — a clear indication we must go through periods in our own lives when God is silent. Trust and believe in Him, and allow Him

to do His perfect work — silence is golden!

Romans 8:28 says, "And I know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord, and who are the called according to His purpose." This Scripture reminds us that during even our worst times, He is still working. This Scripture says ALL things work together for good. That includes those things that are not so good.

There comes a time when something bad happens, and it snaps us into action faster than any other time. It took that hard period to cause you to grow the way a butterfly does while going through metamorphosis. The procrastination is gone. This thing you've been planning to do is about to be born. During this storm, God gave life to a seed you had been carrying. When it's born, you will be on a new journey, one in which you will continue to grow.

God was silent for quite a while in my life, but one day He began to reveal what I needed to do. He will reveal what you must do as well.

Obey His word, and don't allow hunches to pass you by as if it was only a thought. How else do you think these higher powers communicate with us, whether it is the Holy Spirit, the Lord, Source, or Universe? It is that hunch, that idea. Don't allow it to die. WI

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM

1st Sunday

School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors 4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor 700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM

Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032

(202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM)

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM

Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Campbell AME Church

John

“Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland

Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:15 am

Sunday Church School 11:00 am

Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday

Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047#

Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm

“A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net

www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM

“A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

http://isleofpatmosbc.org

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon,

Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE Washington, DC 20020

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011

Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday

Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.)

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold”

www.mtzbcdc.org

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor 5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262

Service and Times

Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom

Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wednesday Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Web: shiloh7thday.org

Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com

"A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Florida Avenue Baptist Church Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011

Phone (202) 722-4940 Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

10:15 a.m. – Worship Service

Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study

Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47)

Israel Baptist Church

Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

and People are Loved”

Rev. Aubrey

Pastor

Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton

Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM

Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org

Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Damion M. Briggs Pastor 8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240 Service and Times

Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

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

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM

Prayer Service Bible Study

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Rev.

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

Hosted by Denise Rolark Barnes

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001036

Helen Jones Decedent

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jeffrey K. Gordon, whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen Jones who died on January 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 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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: 8/3/2023

Jeffrey K. Gordon 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

2023 ADM 000848

John A. Schall aka John Anthony Schall Decedent

Julie A. Simantiras, Esq. The Geller Law Group 4000 Legato Road, Suite 4000 Fairfax, VA 22031 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michael Douglas Silveus, whose address is 1852 Monte Vista Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John A. Schall aka John Anthony Schall who died on 12/30/2022 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 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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:

8/3/2023

Michael Douglas Silveus Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000844

Joan Middleton Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Joseph Anthony Middleton, whose address is 4000 19th Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan Middleton who died on May 19, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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:

8/3/2023

Joseph Anthony Middleton

Personal Representative

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

2023 ADM 000861

Sarah Griffin 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

Lavilliam Gale Griffin, whose address is 222 Nicholson St., NE Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sarah Griffin who died on October 10, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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: 8/3/2023

Lavilliam Gale Griffin

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

2023 ADM 000845

Freddie Lee Mills Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Tay-Vaughn Mills, whose address is 32 Open Gate Court, Nottingham, MD 21236, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Freddie Lee Mills who died on October 26, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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: 8/3/2023

Tay-Vaughn Mills

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

2022 ADM 000851 Estate of Joseph Matthew Shea aka Joseph M. Shea

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Deanna C. Williams 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 May 24, 2017 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 8/3/2023

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. DC Bar #1015955 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400 Washington, DC 20015 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000903

Lynette R. F. Smith Decedent

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

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Steven L. L. Smith, whose address is 4318 Dunwood Terrace, Burtonsville, MD 20866, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lynette R. F. Smith who died on February 10, 2023 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 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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: 8/3/2023

Steven L. L. Smith

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 908

Paula Marie Pearson Decedent

Stacy R. Pace, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Ste. 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Michael Robinson, whose address is 5009 40th Pl. Apt. 407, Hyattsville, MD 20781, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paula Marie Pearson who died on 11/4/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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:

8/3/2023

Michael Robinson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000872

Dorothy Verbal Artis Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Chandra Monique Artis, whose address is 147 57th Place SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Verbal Artis who died on September 3, 2022 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 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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: 8/3/2023

Chandra Monique Artis 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

2023 ADM 000814

James Walter Martin Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Britinni Martin, whose address is 7722 Scotland Dr., Potomac, MD 20864, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Walter Martin who died on November 11, 1984 without a Will. 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 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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:

8/3/2023

Britinni Martin 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

2023 ADM 000857

Bertha Belle Payne

Decedent

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

Frederick H. Payne, whose address is 5504 4th St. NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bertha Belle Payne who died on May 12, 2023 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 2/3/2024. 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 2/3/2024, 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:

8/3/2023

Frederick H. Payne

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

2023 ADM 541

Gloria R. LaMotte aka Gloria Ramona LaMotte aka Gloria L. Brown Decedent

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

Nettie B. Nichols, whose address is 308 Oglethorpe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria R. LaMotte aka Gloria Ramona LaMotte aka Gloria L. Brown who died on 4/30/2012 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 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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:

8/17/2023

Nettie B. Nichols

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

2023 ADM 889

Theresa L. Chambliss Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

LaToya Byrd, whose address is 5379 Clay Terrace NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theresa L. Chambliss who died on December 31, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before February 3, 2024. 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 February 3, 2024, 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: August 3, 2023

LaToya Byrd Personal Representative

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

2023 ADM 000906

Age 76

Tanyna B. Saxton aka Tanyna Saxton

Decedent

Ronnie Thaxton, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Ste. 300 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Larry B. Saxton, whose address is 3800 20th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tanyna B. Saxton aka Tanyna Saxton who died on 4/15/2023 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 2/10/2024. 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 2/10/2024, 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:

8/10/2023

Larry B. Saxton 3800 20th St., NE Washington DC 20018

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

2023 ADM 000856

Jacqueline Rizik

Decedent

Kathleen Chamberlin

2191 Defense Highway, Suite 316

Crofton, Maryland 21114 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Philip Joseph Rizik, whose address is 1630 33rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacqueline Rizik who died on April 17, 2023 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 2/10/2024. 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 2/10/2024, 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: 8/10/2023

Philip Joseph Rizik

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

2018 ADM 001465

Estate of Sumana Jayasundera aka Galhenage Sumana Jayasundera

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Duliip Andrew Jayasundera 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 May 31, 2013 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 8/10/2023

Duliip Andrew Jayasundera King County Council 516 Third Avenue, 12th Floor Seattle, WA 98104

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000915

Clifford L. House Decedent

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

Ruby L. House, whose address is 808 Bladensburg Rd., NE #227, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clifford L. House who died on October 9, 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 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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:

8/17/2023

Ruby L. House 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

2023 FEP 000077

December 5, 2006

Date of Death

Lymond Earl Williams, Sr.

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Anita G. W. Fogan whose address is 2216 Quincy Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lymond Earl Williams, Sr., deceased, by the Superior Court for San Diego County, State of California, Case No. 37-2021-00040298-PR-LA-CTL, on 12/08/2021.

Service of process may be made upon Anita G. W. Fogan, 2216 Quincy Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

¼ interest in 5609 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011. 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: 8/7/2023

Anita G. W. Fogan

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 001055

Richard D. Jackson aka Richard Donald Jackson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Brenda Rhodes Jackson, whose address is 3922 5th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard D. Jackson aka Richard Donald Jackson who died on June 20, 2022 with/without a Will, and will serve with/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 . 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 , 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: 8/17/2023

Brenda Rhodes Jackson 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

2023 ADM 593

Sharon Louise Strange Decedent

Pro SE Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sherman L. Strange, whose address is 5802 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sharon Louise Strange who died on March 23, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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:

8/17/2023

Sherman L. Strange 5802 N. Illinois Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208

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

2023 ADM 714

Louise Chandler

Decedent

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400

Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Akia Turner, P.R. for the Estate of Vester Chandler, whose address is 631 71st Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louise Chandler who died on June 14, 2009 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/17/2024. 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 2/17/2024, 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:

8/17/2023

Akia Turner 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

2023 FEP 000078

November 6, 2017

Date of Death

Lois H. Stratton

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

William R. Lenderking whose address is 145 Stow Road, Harvard, MA 01451 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lois H. Stratton, deceased, by the Second Circuit Court for Haverhill County, State of New Hampshire, on March 29, 2019.

Service of process may be made upon Timothy A. Lenderking 2139 Wyoming Ave., NW, Apt. 22, 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:

8/17/2023

William R. Lenderking Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE

DIVISION

DESIRE’E BLACKMON, Plaintiff, v.

GUY P. DAVIS Sr. et al, Defendants.

) ) Case No.: 2023-LIT-000008

)

HIP HOP from Page 9

ality, EZ Street. A 27- year veteran in radio, EZ Street emphasized the importance of this historic moment in hip hop.

) Judge: Hon. Leslie A. Meek ) ) Next Court Event: ) August 31, 2023 at 11:00 am

ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

On March 1, 2023, Desire’e Blackmon, Plaintiff, filed a Complaint for Major Litigation, through Counsel. On April 25, 2023, Plaintiff filed a Motion to Extend Time for Service and for Service by Publication (“Motion to Extend Time”), requesting the Court permit Plaintiff to serve some of the defendants via publication pursuant to D.C. Code § 13-336 (a)(2).1 The Court held a hearing in this matter on June 9, 2023, at which time the Court granted Plaintiff’s request to provide service to those defendants for whom service was unsuccessful by way of publication pursuant to D.C. Code § 13-336. In accordance with D.C. Code § 13-336 (a) (2), Plaintiff has made diligent efforts to locate the Defendants' current addresses, last known addresses, and information from other people who know the Defendants. This case involves an action for the establishment of title to real estate by possession and, or the establishment of a lawful right claim or demand to or against real property situated in the District of Columbia: Square 4198, Lot 0808, also known as the property located at street address 3914 20th Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20018.

The Complaint states, among other things, that The Jesse L. Davis Revocable Trust was amended by The Jesse L. Davis Contract executed on November 17, 2018, which named Plaintiff DeSire’e Blackmon as a beneficiary for the real property situated at 3914 20th Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20018.

Pursuant to D.C. Code § 13-336 (a)(2), it is this 11th day of August 2023 hereby;

ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in the Daily Washington Law Reporter and The Washington Informer, both having a general circulation in the District of Columbia, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, notifying all persons interested in the real property described above to virtually appear in this Court on August 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. To log in to the virtual courtroom, please follow this link, https://dccourts.webex.com/meet/ctba49 or dial the toll-free number (202) 860-2110 or (844) 9924726. Access Code and Meeting ID 129 871 4883, then press # to enter the session. SO ORDERED.

1 Plaintiff indicated that her attempts to serve Dion Davis, Ariel C. Davis, Jonathan Edmonds, Kimberly Davis and Rawn Davis Jr, were unsuccessful. See Mot. to Extend Time at ¶3.

“Hip hop is the center of music culture worldwide,” EZ Street told the Informer. “Afrika Bambaataa, in my documentary, ‘The Sankofa Hip Hop Project,’ recounted how he very intentionally spread hip hop music to other parts of the world so that it would be reproduced worldwide in different styles, languages, and cultures. From Africa, to Jamaica, to Brazil, to countries around the world, Afrika Bambaataa’s influence on hip hop continues to this day.”

While honoring rap’s founding fathers, EZ Street said it is also important to look to hip hop’s present and future.

“Rap is a young man’s sport. Every era of hip hop has had a problem with the last era. The 70s had a prob-

BASKETBALL from Page 38

“He was a freshman when he murdered Bobby Dandridge,” Barnes told the crowd, influencing Green to tell the 1969 tale of when he scored major points against the NBA legend.

“I dropped 38 points on Bobby Dandridge. He was a senior and his next year he was with the Milwaukee Bucks, and eventually hooked up with Kareem [Abdul-Jabar], and they won an NBA title,” Green shared. “I was a scoring machine.”

However, after college, despite some tempting opportunities, Green chose not to pursue a professional career, in order to support his thenwife and budding family. That’s when he stumbled into a career in corrections, starting as a recreation specialist in Lorton, Virginia, and decades later becoming a member, then director of the District of Columbia Board of Parole.

“Whereas Mike Green had an outstanding career at St. Paul’s college, earning All-CIAA honors. And whereas Mike Green, after St. Paul’s College… went into the Washington, D.C. Department of Corrections, rose up through the ranks, and became the director of the District of Columbia Parole Board. Thank you for your service,” Sen. Cleare read in a proclamation.

While honored to have served as director, Green said leading the now, non-existent D.C. Parole Board was not always easy.

“I moved up to the position of

lem with 80s rap, 90s had a problem with new millennium rap. Current hip hop is this generation’s expression of their life experiences and for that, even if we disagree with some of it, we have to respect it,” he explained.

“This generation is the culmination of the dreams of the original rap pioneers,” EZ Street continued.

“ In Rapper’s Delight and early hip hop, all the wealth and fame that rap founding fathers spoke about achieving, this generation of artists has. In many ways, this generation of rap is the hope and dream of the hip hop pioneers.”

The stage area on the grounds of the Washington Monument held an air of electricity mixed with deep respect. The thousands of attendees high-fived each other, rapped in unison with the performers, and formed fast friendships.

One of the highlights of the block party was the live performances by

director of the Washington, D.C. Parole Board, during a time when it was being abolished, and merged with the United States Parole Commission, so that was probably my biggest accomplishment,” Green

many legends of hip hop. DJ and producer J. Period brought the crowd to a frenzy with a ladies of rap performance, featuring; Mumu Fresh, Monie Love, Remy Ma, and surprise guest Queen Latifah.

Hearing thousands of people in unison rap well-loved songs, including, “Ladies First” and “Lean Back,” the event, for many, was transformative.

NMAAHC’s Hip Hop 50th Block Party offered a wealth of experiences that engaged all five senses, offering a constant flood of memories, feelings, and emotions that accompanied timeless music.

“The great thing about hip hop is that it allows you to feel,” said attendee Aneeya Avi, 21, summing up the block party. “It empowers people to talk about their experiences. It is our very own form of storytelling.”

WI

said, explaining that by fusing

5 Mike Green was inducted into the Real Harlem Basketball Player Hall of Fame on Aug. 12. (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

the District with the federal parole board, he was implementing an act of Congress. “It was a difficult task, but I enjoyed it.” WI

POWER from Page 1

significantly large pot of water.”

The high-tech kitchen opened after three years of renovations that transformed the interior of the Festival Center’s large, church-like brick building. The many changes included major energy efficiency measures combined with over 100 solar panels. In a city where over 70% of greenhouse emissions come from buildings, the faith-based nonprofit is aiming for carbon neutrality.

“In order to welcome people into the space, we've learned to already be doing the good neighborly work of not emitting more carbon emissions,” said Executive Director Bill Mefford in an interview. “We thought, ‘well, let's be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.’”

The upgrades also made business sense for the nonprofit. The Festival Center can expect to save around $8,500 per year on energy costs, according to Crystal McDonald, the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility’s director of account management and workforce development.

The new solar system will produce roughly 56,800 kilowatt hours of energy annually—about the equivalent of five American households a year, McDonald said.

OLD BUILDING, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The Festival Center first opened in 1989 as a ministry from the nondenominational D.C.-based Church of the Saviour. The organization hosts its own justice-centered programming—some religious and some secular—while offering low-rent office spaces for nonprofits.

The renovation cost over $5 mil-

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lion in total, according to construction company Usource CEO Shirley Boubert-Rumble. It included the addition of a whole new floor and a complete redesign of the interior. Mefford said the building clearly needed some updates, and the organization decided to go all in.

“It was an aging building—there was a lot of deterioration in terms of the systems, particularly the HVAC system,” he said. “It was extraordinarily expensive to run.”

In fact, Mefford said, the electric bills had cost upwards of $50,000 annually. The Festival Center decided to place energy efficiency and on-site energy generation at the center of its renovation plans.

With the help of construction management and real estate company Usource, the organization installed highly energy efficient lighting, HVAC systems and kitchen appliances while redoing the building. Engineers from the Festival Center, Usource, DCSEU and installer New Columbia Solar put their heads together to design a system of 88 rooftop panels and 19 panels that create an extra awning beyond the roof’s edge.

Mefford thinks the $8,500 estimate for annual savings might actually be a lowball, though he said it’s still far too early to tell. In the first two months after the energy efficient systems began running, the solar panels had not yet come online—but he still saw the Center’s energy bills drop between $400 and $500.

“I think we could be looking at possibly more savings than what they even imagined,” Mefford said. “But we're all waiting to hear back exactly

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5 Lisbeth Melendez Rivera, director of arts and food justice at the Festival Center, discusses the energy-efficient induction stoves in the building’s new all-electric kitchen. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

POWER from Page 47 property assessments over the course of 15 to 20 years.

what those numbers will be.”

A Promising Example for Commercial Solar Mefford is not the only one pinning high expectations on the project. Corporate and government leaders who spoke at the press conference described it as an example for the commercial real estate community.

Nick Burger, deputy director of the Department of Energy and Environment, said that the project illustrated that climate efforts can be feasible even for organizations working on relatively tight budgets. According to public tax documents, the Festival Center brought in just over $1.1 million in revenue in 2021.

“A lot of times when we talk to building owners about all these steps that we're discussing today, the electrification and solar, they get nervous,” Burger said at the press conference. “[They’ll say,] ‘Induction stoves won't work for us. We don't have room to put solar.’ So demonstration projects like this show that you actually can do it.”

The Festival Center is ahead of the curve, and under D.C. law, other buildings will soon need to catch up. Starting in just three years, all new buildings will need to be fully electric. The city’s Building Energy Performance Standards, or BEPS, require buildings over 50,000 square feet to meet energy efficiency targets by the end of 2026.

The Festival Center, at 19,000 square feet, will already exceed those standards by the time BEPS applies to buildings of its size in 2033.

CARROTS AS WELL AS STICKS—BUT IS IT ENOUGH?

The Festival Center also made use of District and federal government-funded incentives and financing opportunities aimed at boosting green development practices around the city. The project received $300,000 in grant money from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, and $100,000 from a FEMA grant, according to Boubert-Rumble.

In addition to more than $2 million in conventional loans, the project also received $2.2 million in loans from the D.C. Green Bank’s PACE program, Boubert-Rumble said. PACE helps finance energy performance upgrades and new high-efficiency buildings by allowing property owners to pay the loans back through

Usource estimates that the system will pay for itself in cost savings within 10 to 15 years.

The DCSEU also chipped over $10,000 for the project, which came from incentives and rebates the organization offers based on the plans’ energy savings. McDonald, the DCSEU’s account management and workforce development director, said that incentives can sometimes nudge property owners to consider equipment that would otherwise seem out of the question. But they may not always be sufficient to make the project worth it without additional financing help.

“Incentives are designed to be only a portion of the cost,” she said. “Oftentimes, customers will have a challenge coming up with a total financial package.”

Commercial real estate in the District has struggled to recover in the work-from-home world that began with the COVID-19 pandemic. Business groups like the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington have argued that, despite the financial resources on offer, requirements like BEPS pose unreasonable financial hardships.

Mefford pushes back on that idea.

“We were faced with the same pandemic that everybody else was,” he said. “And we had the same kind of building—wide open spaces and big offices and all. And we knew that coming out of it, we were going to have to do things differently… So part of that was a reconfiguration of the building, and part of it was we really needed to do energy savings.”

NOT JUST COST SAVINGS, AND NOT JUST EMISSIONS

The Festival Center’s focus on energy efficiency is impossible to miss inside the brand new kitchen. One can almost sense just from looking at the futuristic stainless steel appliances that the ovens heat up in five minutes and the fans turn on automatically if the room gets too hot.

On a tour around the building, one person asked Melendez Rivera if she noticed the air quality inside the room was any better than in a standard kitchen with gas appliances.

“Oh, trust me—you can tell the difference,” she replied.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

A DAY OF REFLECTION, ENCOURAGEMENT AND STRATEGIZING

The Prince George’s Bears counted among several football teams and enrichment organizations that attended the S.M.A.R.T. Collaborative’s Stop the Violence Youth Summit on the afternoon of August 13. The goal of the summit, as articulated on flyers, centered on using sports, music, arts, recreation and theater to heal and save the youth.

The summit also provided those most affected by violence a platform to weigh in on how to create healthier and safer neighborhoods. Interactive programs focused on conflict resolution, mental health, and creating pathways to sports, workforce training, and arts and music opportunities. Coaches, teachers and mentors

also discussed among themselves how to effectively engage youth.

Other groups represented in the space included: Johnson Middle School football team, Swarm Gang, City Life, Maryland HEAT football team, National Christian Academy and Metro Bengals Football.

For nearly four hours, coaches and parents joined young people in large-group and small-group conversations about community violence, mental health, police-community relations, parent involvement, and wrap-around resources among several other topics.

Before students attended breakout sessions, they gathered in the main gymnasium where they heard words of encouragement from Check-It Enterprises and Don’t Mute DC founder Ron Moten, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), D.C. Department of Parks & Recreation Director Thennie Freeman, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice

Lindsey Appiah, along with several coaches. They also participated in a public safety survey, the results of which were generated in real time on a projector screen in the middle of the gymnasium at THEARC.

For nearly a month, Moten and Charles Holton, founder and executive director of Play 4 Lyfe, a youth empowerment and mentorship nonprofit and summit sponsor, organized the event and formed all the proper connections. Holton said they did so with a sense of urgency about the crime that had overtaken communities.

“The inspiration for the summit was BET’s Teen Summit,” said Holton. “I want young people to do something better in life, not live in an illusion and fairy tale with ‘Grand Theft Auto.’ I want this summit to get bigger and take it all over the country, not just D.C. Maryland and Virginia.”

Other sponsors included DPR, Check-It Enterprises, Don’t Mute DC, Anacostia Coordinating Committee, Building Bridges, 11th Street Bridge Park, Downtown Locker Room, MRP Realty, Public Safety Solutions for America and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice.

Public Safety Solutions provided food for a dinner that student-athletes had with Acting MPD Chief Pamela Smith at Highlands in Northeast the next day.

During the event, local nonprofit Yaay me!, Dr. Sheryl Neverson, Kellie Thompson and Mitch Credle and Gil Nelson conducted workshops about parenting, mental health, entrepreneurship, and positive social media content, respectively. MPD officers David Wilkerson and James “Hammer” Thomas also provided support.

Christopha Alston, a Johnson Middle School football player, said the summit built upon what he’s currently learning on the field and being around older, positive male figures, including football coach Mike Sharrieff.

“I’m learning how to be a man and how life works, with things like paying taxes, paying bills, providing for your family and learning how to stay out of trouble,” said Christopha, 13, a wide receiver linebacker and defensive back. “It’s important to stay out of the streets with people getting jumped and killed. Football kept me from all of that.”

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

SUMMIT from Page 1

5 Team members from the Festival Center, construction company Usource, solar installer New Columbia Solar, the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility and the Department of Energy and Environment cut the ribbon on a solar installation with over 100 panels above the Festival Center building in Adams Morgan August 10. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 The Johnson Middle School football team counted among several athletic organizations represented at the S.M.A.R.T. Collaborative’s Stop the Violence Youth Summit on Aug. 13 at THEARC in Southeast. (Rob R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

JEALOUS from Page 28

encouraging federal agencies to promote voter registration, require stricter voter ID and mail-in voting rules. In intervening in the D.C. laws on voting, it provides a model for the states that would ban same-day voter registration, require annual purging of the voting lists, ban community ballot collection, restrict drop boxes, ban universal mail-in voting, and more.

The measures all have one thing in common — they want to make it more difficult to register and to vote, impediments that hit the young, minorities, the poor, and the working class harder than the affluent.

Democrats in the House and Senate in contrast reintroduced the Freedom to Vote Act, that

MARSHALL from Page 28

that white Anglo-Saxon Protestants are racially and religiously superior people.

This superiority belief not only entitled them to rule but to conquer and occupy all of North America by forcefully subduing the Native Americans and "barbarian Mexicans." Also, it's no coincidence that the nation's worst atrocities and domestic terror—such as slavery, the Trail of Tears, Black massacres, and Jim Crow lynching — all occurred in this same Bible Belt region of the South. While the message "Jesus Saves" is promoted and embraced among conservative Christians, on the other hand, the social messages of how Jesus cared for the poor, oppressed, fatherless, strangers (immigrants), and widows (single moms) are rejected. The lack of investment in people's lives and futures again aligns with conservative social values, resulting in the nation's poorest states historically being in the South's Bible Belt. While heart disease, obesity, homicide, and teenage pregnancy rates are among the highest in the country throughout the Bible Belt, education and college graduation rates in the Bible Belt are among the lowest.

It is not just people of color being held back, but whites, who sometimes simply ignore their self-interest and the interests of their communities when voting. Moore and Kinzinger's outspo-

would end partisan gerrymandering, curb dark money in elections, protect state and local election officials from threats, encourage same-day voter registration, mailin voting and more.

Lurking beneath this partisan divide is racial division. Blacks and Latinos (as well as the young) tend to vote Democratic by large margins. So, Republicans peddle fantasies about voting fraud in order to justify making it harder to vote.

Donald Trump's effort to overturn his 2020 election defeat was grounded on the racist assumption that voting in urban areas — Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix — was corrupt and fraudulent. There was no evidence to support that belief — as Republican officials informed Trump and judges ruled in some 60 cases — but Trump and Republican legislators

kenness targets Trump in ways that highlight how white evangelicals can be exploited as a powerful voting bloc. It also highlights how Trump was masterful in tapping into the dark sub-culture of the Bible Belt. Those seeking political office are aware of this fact. Rather than being the true moral compass, white evangelicals have given politicians too much freedom in shaping the moral narrative to suit the Republican partisan agenda and goals. It explains why the issue of "pro-life" is focused only on abortion while ignoring other critical life and death issues such as gun laws. It explains their fight for the unborn and then why the born child is not met with equal moral intensity.

The moral hypocrisy of rightwing politics didn't start with Trump's MAGA movement, the GOP's Tea Party, or Jerry Falwell's

peddle the lies to justify reforms to make voting harder next time.

The right to vote has always been contested in America. When the nation was founded, only white male property owners enjoyed the right. It took decades of struggle for working people, African Americans, women, and the young to gain that right. Again and again, an entrenched minority threatened by a growing majority imposes measures to constrict the right to vote.

That happened after the Civil War, as segregation and terror negated the right of former slaves to vote. It is happening now once more as the Republican Party seeks to consolidate its grasp against a growing, diverse majority. Democracy and the right to vote will always be challenged by those who fear the majority. WI

Moral Majority. We saw it with the abortion issue in the 1970s, where the "pro-life" narrative was reshaped and then driven by a Republican political strategy whose sole purpose was to woo Catholic Democrats. Former President Richard Nixon lost the U.S. presidency in his first attempt — against John F. Kennedy, who became the first-ever Catholic president. Nixon, determined not to lose the Catholic vote, exploited the deep anti-abortion sentiment among those of the Catholic faith. Nixon's political strategy has proven effective for future Republican candidates since the focus turned to social culture issues as part of the Southern Strategy. The "pro-life" political narrative by candidates and elected officials didn't start with the intent of saving lives, as they claim — it was about getting votes. WI

The moral hypocrisy of right-wing politics didn't start with Trump's MAGA movement, the GOP's Tea Party, or Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority.

WILLIAMS from Page 29 be jailed because of the expense of his being entitled to lifetime Secret Services protection and we, the taxpayers, will have to pay for it! Give me a break!

This man has done so much damage to this country that he deserves a life sentence. He's even cheated so many MAGA followers who continue to send him money they can't afford to send, but he has incited their

MORIAL from Page 29

Ogletree first came to national attention when he represented Anita Hill as she testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991 about the sexual harassment she experienced while working

ignorance so much that they would rather be broke and white because they think their whiteness makes them better than any person of color!

As for the rest of us, let's treat everybody fairly. Let's work for peace, for love, and pray for justice for not only Trump but for all of those involved in betraying the nation and for stirring up more hate and more ignorance than we've experienced in modern times.

WI

with Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. He represented other famous clients but continued to serve the poor and marginalized people who suffered most from racial discrimination and bias in the criminal justice system.

His argument before the Su-

Ogletree first came to national attention when he represented Anita Hill as she testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991 about the sexual harassment she experienced while working with Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas.

JEALOUS from Page 29

increases from consumers compared to 2021 isn't doing more to create the technology it needs to keep from slowly baking the planet. And why it's building enough new natural gas-burning plants to power 12.8 million households. Those plants could still be open in 2050 when even power companies say they'll be at net zero carbon pollution and as the cost of producing electricity through renewable sources is slipping below the cost for generating it burning fossil fuels.

The timing of their objections to the new EPA rules is ironic. We're also marking the one-year anniversary of the historic package that the President and Congress crafted directing more than $350 billion in federal support to clean energy and good jobs.

Back then, the Edison Electric Institute, which represents the nation's private power companies,

said the tax credits and incentives included would "deliver a clean energy future and a carbon-free economy faster." The package would put the U.S "at the forefront of global efforts to drive down carbon emissions'' and provide "much-needed certainty to America's electric companies over the next decade." The same companies have gone from applause to hand wringing in 12 months.

When it comes to what must be done now to avert unrecoverable damage to the climate, igno-

a life sentence.

preme Court in 1990 led to a unanimous decision that Georgia prosecutors had violated the rights of Black man, convicted by an allwhite jury and sentenced to death, by striking 90% of the Black potential jurors.

Even as his light began to fade with the diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease in 2015, he continued to uplift those around him by speaking out to destigmatize the condition and allay people's fears.

Ogletree was a rare soul who left a profound impact on the nation, his profession, the institution he served with his whole heart for 35 years, and every individual whose life he touched. We grieve his passing and extend our deepest sympathy to his family and the many friends and students who loved him. WI

rance isn't bliss – it's an impending catastrophe. President Biden through EPA must face up to a grave obligation by seizing every opportunity to make good on his 2030 pledge.

The word protection in EPA's name refers to people and the planet, not polluters. That must start now with stringent standards ensured by rigorous monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and reinforced by meaningful community voices in the conversation. WI

The timing of their objections to the new EPA rules is ironic. We're also marking the one-year anniversary of the historic package that the President and Congress crafted directing more than $350 billion in federal support to clean energy and good jobs.

This man has done so much damage to this country that he deserves