Issuu

I N S I D E

Bell Ringers Still Helping Families Van Hollen: ‘I Can Deliver During Holidays Page 5 Results’ Page 12

Vol. 51, No. 11 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30 , 2015

Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours

Rev. Jeremiah Wright to Speak Fans Say Jackson 5 Deserve at NovaKwanzaa Page 24 Grammy Honor Page 25

Mayor Bowser Remains Upbeat, Encouraged

Shares Views about First Year on the Job By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser isn’t easy to pin down, primarily because she has so much on her plate and so many goals to accomplish. But she did allow the Washington Informer to sit down with her on Monday, Dec. 21 in her office in the Wilson Building to talk about her first year on the job and her plans for the future. Public safety, employment opportunities and services to District residents were among her greatest concerns. However, other parts of her agenda include federal and regional collaboration, education, neighborhoods and getting the basics right. “Big cities across the U.S. are all experiencing a spike in violent crime and here in the District we’ve chosen to attack it head on,” she said. “I have introduced a comprehensive public safety agenda that will combat violent crime in D.C. and keep our city safe and strong and includes a combination of legislative, budgetary and administrative measures.” The mayor’s “Safer, Stronger DC” agenda includes the following: put more police officers on the streets; give law enforcement more tools to protect residents; stop violent criminals repeatedly victimizing the community; increase penalties for violent crimes committed on the public transit system or at parks and recreation centers; and launch a community partnership strategy to support neighborhoods. “The bottom line, when it comes to making our city safer, is to listen more carefully to people who know what’s going on in their

BOWSER Page 10

5Officer Gregory Alemian, Third District Metropolitan Police Department dressed as Santa with Officer McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog and Santa’s Elf, Officer Barry Morgan visit a community meeting in Northwest on Thursday, Dec. 17. / Photo by Nancy Shia

American Muslim Leaders go on the Offensive

Local Imam Says ‘We’re Not Turning Back Time’ By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor On Monday, Dec. 21, the US Council of Muslim Organizations [USCMO] a coalition of national and local Muslim organizations, held a news conference at the National Press Club in Northwest.

The meeting, which also included representatives of USCMO member groups and other key community leaders, including the Islamic Society of North America, provided an opportunity for the coalition to share developing initiatives aimed at addressing Islamophobia in America and also enhancing na-

tional security. Prior to the news conference, the USCMO held a day-long summit on Sunday, Dec. 20 in response to the unprecedented rise in bias incidents targeting American Muslims in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, the

MOSQUE Page 9

DC Chamber’s CEO Wingo Steps Down By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

5 Mayor Muriel Bowser sat down with the Washington Informer on Monday, Dec. 21 to discuss some of her accomplishments after one-year of service. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

After a little less than two years at the helm, Harry Wingo, the former president and CEO for the DC Chamber of Commerce, has voluntarily resigned his post to pursue other oppor-

Celebrating 51 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

tunities. The Chamber’s vice president, Margaret Singleton, will serve as the organization’s interim executive, effective immediately. Carl L. Hairston, chairman of the board, said he heartily thanked Wingo for his service. “We wish Harry well and

thank him for his contributions,” Hairston said. “As a board of hard-working business leaders committed to the District of Columbia, I can assure you that we are fully engaged. We want to discover new ways

WINGO Page 9

Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

The CoLumn

Is Everywhere!

By Dr. Charles Vincent & “Mickey” Thompson Vincent

30th Annual Olender Foundation Awards

The Kennedy Center served as the venue for the 30th Annual Olender Foundation Awards. Scholarships were awarded to six law students from the David Clarke Law School at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and six law students from the Howard University School of Law. A grant was made to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, represented by former President Elaine Jones, in honor of Wil Haygood, who wrote the best selling biography of Thurgood Marshall. Grants were also made to the Robert A. Shuker Scholarship Fund, and to the Holy Trinity Baptist Church for their community achievements. Paul Berry served as master of ceremonies. Music was provided by singer Debra Tidwell and the Greg Twombley band, for further information go to: www.olender.com .

(L-R) Wil Haygood, Atty. Elaine R. Jones (Former President of NAACP LDF) and Atty. Jack Olender

Howard Law and UDC David Clarke Law Student Awardees

(l-R) Dr. Reverend George C. Gilbert, Sr., Judge Nan Shuker and Wil Haygood.

Judge Nan Shuker, Atty. Jack Olender and Dr. Reverend George C. Gilbert

Attorney Clinton Chapman, wife Cathy Chapman with Atty. Jack Olender

Dr. Reverend George C. Gilbert, Sr. and musician family

To Publish your event on the Social Sightings-the CoLumn Page and/or in the MagaZine

Atty. Joseph and Anna Hairston

Atty. Annamaria Steward (Associate Dean UDC David Clarke School of Law)

Guest Photographer Ron Baker & Kurt Pommonths, Sr, Photographer * Photo Enhancer * Graphic Designer Social Sightings-The CoLumn is published in The Washington Informer Newspaper the Hill Rag, DC Mid-City, & East of the River Journals, 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com

2 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

12/24/2015 – 12/30/2015 Around The Region PAGE 2-8

Prince George’s County PAGE 12-13

Business PAGE 14

National News PAGE 16-17

Health

PAGE 18

Education PAGE 19

Opinions & Editorials PAGE 21-23

Lifestyle

PAGE 24-28

Sports

PAGE 29

5 Robert G. Stanton, GoPaul NooJibail, Ezekiel Dennison Jr., Sylia Cyrus, Evelyn Brooks, Robert Vogel and Paul and Rachel Wells pose during a photo-op at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest after a program honoring the 140th birthday of Carter G. Woodson on Saturday, Dec. 19. / Photo by Roy Lewis

Religion PAGE 31

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around the region

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY www.washingtoninformer.com Visit our updated Web site and give us your comments for a chance to win a gift from The Washington Informer Email comments to: rburke@ washingtoninformer.com

Women Break WI H O T the T OCycle P I Cof S Domestic Violence Compiled by D. Kevin McNeir / WI Editor

New Director Tagged for DC Office on Aging law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said.

By Tia Carol Jones

Mayor Laura the Newland to serve as the hadMuriel come Bowser togetherrecently to bringappointed a Among programs Marlow sense of uniformity in Office the way executive director of the DC on Aging Newland previously wants[DCOA]. to see implemented are When L.Y. Marlow's 23-yearviolence victims andat DCOA stricterand restraining policies,with served domestic as the interim general counsel will leadorder the agency old daughter told her the father are treated. moreout rights for victim's families duties survivors that include developing and carrying a comprehensive and coorof her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personalemployment to intervene behalf of a vicdinated system of health, education, andonsocial services for the life, and the life of their child, story, heradults, own personal pain to a domestic violence assessDistrict’s older persons living with tim, disabilities and their caregivers. she knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further Bowser said that Newland’s “experience and skills will ensure that District done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. for lawresources enforcement seniors and their caregivers are connectedtraining to government and that with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protecolder residents are able to age independently and comfortably in their of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counsel-communities.” start the Saving Promise cam“get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. As more get older and live longer, it isare vital that someone oversee paign. case Americans in such a way, the average “If we ever going to eradithe needed services ourShe senior citizens disabled. Newland appears “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can getofit.” said at the and cate domestic violence, we mustto be just what that won't turn my family endthe of District the day,needs. the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen data Muhammad, programs designed to raise Federal shows that for the first time on record, AmeriMunicipal Center. The sympo- who was cans sentenced to six consecawareness among children in are just as likely to die by a gunshot as they are in a traffic sium was sponsored by the utive lifefatality. terms In without parole and privatevehicle schools. She in fact, gun deathspublic now outnumber deaths Family and Youth Services by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatthe District and 21 states. Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. New laws and safety measures aimed at making driving Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being passafer in the sharp decrease inwith the poor rate ofchiltraffic Up of Black Women. the founder ofhave Afterresulted the Trauma, sive-aggressive fatalities. The same cannot be said about gun homicide rates. Marlow has written a book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” Disease Control [CDC] also shows that there “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivorsThe of Centers domesticforviolence Marlow said. been a rise in suicides – with suicides 2-instory about four generations of and theirhas children. Marlow has accounting worked to for break gun domestic violence. The book is “I lived3in feardeaths. for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, inspired byspokesperson her own experiences, As one said, “Carsyears are safer. Diagnoses treatments have regard she to acin fear is a longand time. It is and is improved confident with the policies and thoseAtoftheher grandmother, come is pushing for will start athat cidents. same time, guns arenot notan anyeasy safer.thing Theretohas beenout no change in the speed at which 9mm her mother daughter. said.bullet.” process. bullet travels,and no her change in the sizeof,” of ashe 9mm ShePublic said every shehave readslong predicted Mildred that Muhammad “I plan taketraffic these policies healthtime experts gun deaths said would catch up to with deaths. to And excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to while medical ailments like cancer and heart attacks kill more people each year than guns or automobiles, can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. firearms and motor vehicles are among the leading non-medical causes of mortality in the U. S. Guns from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliand traffic accidents in 2014 were responsible for the deaths of 34,000 people in the U.S., or about 93 won the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” people per day. Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, presi- After a series of shakeups and setbacks, the Washington Redskins, with dent of the National Hook-Up a victory last weekend over the Buffalo Bills, 35-25, have taken over the top of Black Women, said there isspot no in the NFC East. Who could have guessed that quarterback Kirk Cousins consistency in the way domestic would throw for four touchdowns and run for another to improve the team’s violence issues are dealt with chances by of seeing postseason play? Sorry fans of RG3, but it looks like Robert Griffin III’s days of glory here in D.C. have probably come to an end. Meanwhile, Coach Jay Gruden, who many criticized earlier in the season for benching Griffin and giving Cousins the QB job, now looks like he knew what he was doing. Perhaps it was a little luck, a bit of good fortune. Perhaps it was the way players like DeSean Jackson, Jordan Reed and Pierre Garcon rose to the occasion. Whatever the reason, Skins fans are beside themselves as the team, which has two games left in the regular season, looks to next weekend’s showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. A win would allow them to clinch the NFC. From barber shops to grocery stores, shopping malls and corner pubs, everyone seems to be talking about the Redskins. Can you blame them? WI Staff Writer

CDC Study: Gun Deaths Now Equal to Car Deaths

Wilhelmina J. Rolark In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. PUBLISHER Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark(ISSN#0741-9414) Barnes NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is NEWSPAPER THE WASHINGTON INFORMER is published published on each Thursday.postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional weeklyweekly on Thursday. Periodicals Periodicals Washingmailing postage offices. paid Newsat and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. STAFF ton,Announcements D.C. and additional of- two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The must mailing be received D. Kevin fices.Washington News andInformer. advertising All deadline rights reserved. POST McNeir, MASTER:Editor Send change of addressis Monday to publication. Anes to Theprior Washington Informer, 3117 Ron Martin LutherAdvertising/ King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, Burke, Marketing Director D.C. 20032. Nobe partreceived of this publication may be reproduced without written permisnouncements must two Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor sionprior fromto the publisher. The2015 Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of weeks event. Copyright Barnes, IV, Papers Assistant Editor Subscription rates All are $30Lafayette per year, two years $45. willPhoto be received by photographs. The Washington Informer. notreserved. more than a week after publication. MakeE. checks payable to:Sports Photo Editor rights POSTMASTER: Send John De Freitas, change of addresses to The WashDorothy INFORMER Rowley, Online Editor THE WASHINGTON ington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther Design &20032 Layout 3117 Luther King, Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. King, Jr. Ave., S.E.Martin Washington, D.C. Jr. ZebraDesigns.net, Phone: 202 • Fax: 202 574-3785 20032. No part of this publication may561-4100 Mable Neville, Bookkeeper E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com be reproduced without written permisMickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist www.washingtoninformer.com sion from the publisher. The Informer Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are Angie PUBLISHERJohnson, Circulation $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Denise Rolark Barnes be received not more than a week after STAFF REPORTERS REPORTERS publication. Make checks payable to:

Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, Stacy Brown Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell(Senior B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph(Prince Young George’s Eve Ferguson, Will Ford 3117Mable Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Bookkeeper Whittaker County Writer), Elton Hayes, D. Kevin Washington, D.C. 20032 LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Phone: 202De561-4100 John E. Freitas Sports Editor McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Lafayette Barnes, IV,Kia Croom, Fax:Victor 202 Holt 574-3785 Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, Sarafina Wright (General news@washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, RoyAssignment Lewis, RobertWriter) Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster www.washingtoninformer.com Ridley, Victor Holt

“

Redskins among District’s Hottest Topics

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our GSAlaws. Opposes Pepco-Exelon I will not stopDeal until The General Services Administration [GSA], the U.S. agency that paysthese the government’s electric bills and stands as the largest policies are passed. consumer of energy in D.C., wants District regulators to reject the

“

In Memoriam The Washington Informer Dr. Calvin Newspaper W. Rolark, Sr.

Pepco-Exelon merger unless they get a better deal forMarlow U.S. taxpayL.Y. ers. At least that’s what they’re saying in a recently-filed brief. Paul Trantham John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, The GSA’s decision, made in an “initial brief,” is not a formal Roy Lewis, Corey Parrish, statement of opposition but it did come as a surprise to others who oppose the proposed $6.4 billion deal. GSA officials had previously said that now was not the time for their agency to stand firm and fight Travis Riddick, Nancy Shia disproportionate rates for commercial customers. However, with the recent filing last week, they now say 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com that commercial rate-payers should be compensated for the merger to be approved. The GSA’s recent about face further complicates a merger deal that has become a controversial issue for those in the Greater Washington Area. PHOTOGRAPHERS CIRCULATION

4 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

AROUND THE REGION

Bell Ringers Still Helping Families During Holidays

5Salvation Army bell ringer Cryston Cunningham collects donations to help feed and clothe the needy during the Christmas holiday. / Photo courtesy of Howard University News Service

By Janelle Berry, Howard University News Service WASHINGTON – Around the holiday seasons when Christmas lights are up and holiday songs are blaring through the radio, everywhere you turn – from the front of department stores to large groceries – there are people with red kettles ringing their bells. They are the Salvation Army bell ringers: thousands and thousands of men and women around the nation who are collecting donations to help feed and clothe the needy. They are people like Cryston Cunningham, who was only 23 years old when last year she found herself with a baby, newly unemployed, homeless and no money to get any gifts for her little girl during the Christmas holiday. Cunningham and her father had been struggling financially and emotionally when her stepmother and father divorced, and her father worked as a school custodian at her high school. When she finally left the house at 18 after graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High School, she found herself constantly in between jobs and in and out of different relatives’ houses for several years. Once she became pregnant with her now 1-year-old daughter, she realized that it was time to find a solution. Now, a year later, Cunningham, 24, is grateful to be ringing the Salvation Army bell with a red kettle on her side, encouraging grocery

store patrons to donate to families in need for the holidays for the second year in a row. Cunningham works four to five days a week as a seasonal bell ringer during the holiday season in order to provide for herself and her daughter while she searches for employment and a permanent place to live. “I like working with them (the Salvation Army),” Cunningham said. “It’s a friendly environment, and I like to make people smile when I’m out here ringing the bell and greeting people when they walk in and out of the store.” Because of the Salvation Army, she can even give her daughter some Christmas gifts for the second year in a row through a holiday assistance program created by the Salvation Army. The Angel Tree Program is a national holiday assistance program where a business, church, civic group or an individual can sponsor or “adopt” a child and purchase new toys or anything else they need that the parent is unable to provide for their family during the holidays. The program, which was created over 40 years ago, currently helps14,000 children in the entire national capital area, which encompasses suburban Maryland and Virginia, as well as the D.C. metro area. In the D.C. region alone, the program currently helps 5,800 “angels” and helped 6,300 the previous year. Several people throughout the D.C. community volunteer as bell ringers or be-

come seasonal paid workers like Cunningham every year to help the program help many families in need. This is the same program that Cunningham utilized last year, in order to gain some financial stability, as well as receive new toys and clothes for her daughter. “I thought it was a good idea,” said Cunningham, when explaining how she was reminded of the program from a close cousin. “I heard about it when I was a kid, and my cousin does it for her kids, so I decided to work for them.” During the rest of the year, Cunningham works with a government program called Maximus. The program provides her with $75 a week while she is looking for work, as well as checks for unemployment while also providing her the proper training and classes needed to ap-

ply for specific jobs. Cunningham is also currently in training to be a special police officer and lives with the friend who told her to sign up for the Angel Tree Program. Although Cunningham is looking for a permanent full-time job, she expressed that if being a bell ringer would fit into her potential work schedule, she would continue to work with the Angel Tree Program during the holidays. The Angel Tree Program normally starts on Nov. 9 and ends on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. The Salvation Army has 200 bell ringers and 250 red kettles to receive donations throughout the season. Seventy percent of the bell ringers are compensated while 30 percent are volunteers from organizations, businesses, churches, families or individuals.

“Some families need extra income during Christmas time, and this program can get it,” said Media Specialist for the D.C. Region of the Salvation Army, Ken Forsythe. “We find out what the needs are early in the year, then in early October, families come forward and tell us what their kids want for Christmas.” The families make a wish list of what their children want for Christmas which the sponsors receive and are encouraged to spend around $85 on gifts for children in need. The sponsors receive a tax-deductible for participating in the program as they spend for their desired level of generosity, according to Forsythe. “Our goal is to meet the need of every child,” Forsythe said. “We work however we can to make sure that no child is left without anything on Christmas morning.” WI

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AROUND THE REGION

WEEK OF DEC. 24 TO DEC. 30

Black Facts

originated the alternative seven-day holiday period for African Americans. Kwanzaa and its principles however, may be more widely respected than actually celebrated among American blacks.

DEC. 24

1881 – The Edgefield Exodus begins. Over 5,000 blacks, driven in part by a wave of white violence and economic exploitation, begin leaving Edgefield County, South Carolina and resettle in Arkansas. The movement was also encouraged by people like Pap Singleton who believed Southern blacks could enjoy a better life if they moved to the Midwest.

DEC. 25

1951 – Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Moore are murdered when a bomb explodes under their home in Mims, Florida. Both were teachers and courageous civil rights activists. It is believed the bomb was planted by a white terrorist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan. 2006 – James Brown dies. “Soul Brother #1” – one of the most influential figures in Soul and R&B music of the 20th Century died at 73 while preparing for a performance. Born in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown began his career in 1953 and rose to fame in the late 1950s. He remained highly popular through the 1960s and 1970s.

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1908 – Jack Johnson won the World Heavyweight Title when he fought the Canadian world champion Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia. Americans were so outraged by his victory and subsequent domination of the sport that they sought desperately for the “Great White Hope.” In 1910 James Jeffries answered the call only to get knocked down by Johnson. The outcome triggered race riots in which at least 23 blacks and 2 whites died across the United States. 1966 – The first Kwanzaa holiday celebrations take place. Black Nationalist Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga

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DEC. 27

1873 - William A. Harper, one of the most gifted black artists of the 20th century, is born in Cayuga, Canada. He was a student at the Henry O. Tanner Art Institute in Chicago. Unfortunately, his brilliance was cut short by tuberculosis. He died in Mexico at the age of 36 in 1910. 1956 – Segregation is outlawed on public buses in Tallahassee, Florida. The decision followed a six-month long boycott by the city’s African American population. The boycott was patterned after the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott sparked by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white man.

DEC. 28

1905 – Legendary Jazz great and pianist Earl “Fatha” Hines is born on this day in Duquesne, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. He was in a class by himself and a major influence not only in Jazz but also upon the Swing and Bebop eras of American popular music. He collaborated with such greats as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, and Dizzy Gillespie. He died in 1983. Among his best-known hits were “Stormy Monday Blues” and “Second Balcony Jump.” 1954 – Movie star Denzel Washington is born on this day in Mt, Vernon, New York. 1977 – Karen Farmer becomes the first African American member of the Daughters of the American Revolution when she traces her ancestry back to William Hood, a solider in the Revolutionary War.

DEC. 29:

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BUYING RECORDS James Brown

1939 – One of the most outstanding educators of the 20th century Kelly Miller dies in Washington, D.C. He was a champion of education for blacks and was among that group of more radical blacks who opposed the accommodating policies of Booker T. Washington. In 1887, Miller became the first African American admitted to Johns Hopkins University. He became a long-time professor and dean at Howard University while also being a prolific writer, essayist, and newspaper columnist.

DEC. 30

Buying Vinyl Records from 1950 to 1986, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Disco, Soul, Reggae, Blues, Gospel, and record format 33 1/3, 45s, and some of the older 78s. Prefer larger collections of at least 100.

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

1928 – R&B music legend Bo Diddley is born Ellas Bates on this day in McComb, Mississippi. 1929 – A black boycott of unfair store hiring practices begins during the Great Depression. The “Don’t Buy Where You Can’t Work” campaign began in Chicago with the picketing of a chain of stores. It soon spread to New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland and several other major cities. WI

AROUND THE REGION AFTER A TUMULTUOUS START TO HIS TENURE AS HEAD COACH OF THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS, HEAD COACH JAY GRUDEN HAS THE TEAM IN PLAYOFF CONTENTION. HAS HE DONE ENOUGH TO WARRANT ANOTHER YEAR IN 2016?

LISA BRUCE

WASHINGTON, D.C.

I think he has. First of all, when he took over the team, he was trying to clean up a mess that was already in place. I think he’s been a bit more firm now that quarterback Robert Griffin III is not playing – he took a stand. I think because of that decision, they have shown growth. Whether they go to the playoffs or not, it’s OK because they’ve grown this year and shown that they can play as a team. It’s been a good year.

TYRONE DUNCAN

KENNY AZARD

SEAN CARPENTER

I haven’t always been convinced that he’s the guy, but he’s done enough this year to come back next season. He should get another shot. I like that he had the courage to make the change at quarterback amid pressure from a lot of people. He did the right thing to get this team on the right track offensively. Robert Griffin III was on top of the world, but he wasn’t doing the things Gruden wanted from him.

I think Gruden should come back because he made great strides in turning the team’s fate, which, for most part, has been disappointing. They made great acquisitions like wide receiver DeSean Jackson, and the running back situation is a lot better. I think there’s a positive outlook for the team’s future and Gruden should come back next season.

He should come back. You can’t judge him too harshly for inheriting a broken team. Like Bill Parcells said, “If you’re going to ask somebody to cook, at least let them buy the groceries.” And I think that’s fair. Gruden had to deal with players who were already on the team. He deserves to at least get the chance to buy his groceries, and if you don’t like the meal, then it’s on him. But he’s done a good job with what he has and deserves another shot.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

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LARRY DOVE

WHEATON, MARYLAND

As a Dallas Cowboys fan, I feel that Gruden should get another chance next year. Every two to three years the Redskins get rid of coaches. Give Gruden two more years to see what happens. They’re better than they were last year. But my Cowboys beat them once this year, and I’m looking for them to do it again at the end of the season.

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AROUND THE REGION

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By Rachel Sudduth WI Contributing Writer ■ Image Branding @rvsjournalist ■ On-Camera Coaching Doris McMillon The roll call of 53 names President echoed throughout New York Avenues Presbyterian Church in Northwest on Friday, Dec. 18 for a day of remembrance honoring the many lives lost due to various challenges of living without a permanent place to stay. Lack of financial resources to seek mental C O M M U N I C AT I O N S and physical health treatments, 301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 extreme weather conditions and doris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com unfortunate luck with public housing assistance serve as the primary reasons for why over 11,000 men, women and children continue to struggle with homeless in the Greater Washington Area. “I reflect back on a time when I asked myself if there would ever be a time when we will not have to do this again?” said Dana Woolfolk, a board of director for the National Coalition for the Homeless [NCH], referring to the continuous deaths of the homeless in the D.C. region. As a known homeless advoDenise Rolark Barnes cate for over a decade, Woolfolk Independent Beauty Consultant knows first-hand about living www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com on the streets of D.C. His past 202-236-8831 personal experiences allow him to take a deeper insight on the issues and changes that need to be made in order to eliminate homelessness. “Our country is wealthy enough to stop it. The government uses money for wars, foreign aid, bailout for companies and the criminalization of the homelessness,” Woolfolk said. On the night of Thursday, Dec. 17, advocates and supporters of (301) 864-6070 The People for Fairness Coalition marched from Luther Place Memorial Church to Freedom Plaza to begin an all-night vigil. The event continued through Friday MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC morning as devoted crusaders ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, carried signs with the names of COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, homeless people who have died this year. Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, From the high-profile case of Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, the homeless being evacuated National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, from “Tent City” along the Poton upper and lowercase,Race flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes:Act, Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bold; Independent Discrimination, Rehabilitation Retaliation, mac River to the many souls that n 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light. ® Personal Web Site program may be utilized. t Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay die alone on the streets of the Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, District, homelessness remains Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge a growing problem not only in SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA D.C. but nationwide. “This little light of mine, I’m www.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net ■ Media Training

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5A homeless woman stands in Freedom Plaza on Friday, Dec. 18 with a shopping cart holding her possessions. / Photo by Nancy Shia gon let it shine, let it shine, let it shine,” sang Eric Sheptock during the candlelight vigil for National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. Sheptock, a homeless advocate, still doesn’t have a permanent home to call his own. “Homelessness can happen to anybody at any time,” he said. Sheptock addresses the unseen challenges of unemployment and lack of job placement skills that are affecting the financial debt of those without jobs. “They need work clothes, new work boots and more availability to soft skill programs,” he said. As a member of the National Coalition for Homelessness, Sheptock has joined the fight to eradicate homelessness due to domestic violence, medical bankruptcy and untreated mental illness. NCH was started in 1981 after founder Robert Hayes won a lawsuit on the behalf of a

man in New York City experiencing homelessness. The settlement guaranteed the right for all persons to have access to homeless shelters in New York City. Jeff Easton, Brian Shiflett, Peter Lynn and a man that died this year that was not identified but listed as “John Doe” were just a few of the names gathered around the church podium. “In this house today, we tell the truth. Everyone deserves to be called by name,” said Rev. Ashley Goff from the Church of the Pilgrims as she discussed the scripture from the book of Psalms. “We can no longer ignore truth as to why people die.” Following the funeral service, the group of supporters continued their march to Luther Place Memorial Church where they laid a wreath upon a cemetery grove that holds the remains of 16 people. WI

AROUND THE REGION WINGO from Page 1

5Participants in an interfaith roundtable discussion held at Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque, in Northwest on Wednesday, Dec. 16 (L-R) Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Imam Talib Shareef, Chaplain Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad, Rabbi Batya Steinlauf and the Rev. Reginald Green. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

MOSQUE from Page 1 San Bernardino killings and the leading GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s call to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S. The Council on American-Islamic Relations [CAIR], the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, recently released a report on incidents targeting American mosques and religious institutions in 2015 that shows a greater frequency of damage, destruction, vandalism and intimidation than in any other year since CAIR started tracking such cases in 2009. Of the total of 71 incidents to date in 2015, 29 occurred since the November 13 terror attacks in Paris. Of those 29 incidents, 15 occurred prior to the December 3 San Bernardino killing. CAIR, based in the District, and like the USCMO, attributes the recent unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes nationwide at least in part to anti-Muslim rhetoric by GOP presidential candidates like Trump, and Ben Carson, who claimed a Muslim should never be allowed to be president. Imam Talib M. Shareef, a retired officer in the United States Air Force and the religious leader of Masjid Muhammad, also known as “The Nation’s Mosque,” brought together activists and politicians, including Congressman Keith Ellison, also an active Muslim, last week for a conversation about the attacks against American Muslims and how to best counter such actions. “We need to use our energy on working with others and making sure the moral conscience of all Americans is challenged,” said Shareef, 54. “Our people are be-

ing written off. We are seeing and being reminded of the uglier side of American history that allows bigotry to impact how we treat others. As a 30-year member of the armed forces, I experienced this bigotry personally – and it increased dramatically after 9/11.” “But just as the Rev. Reginald Green, a freedom fighter and participant at our meeting that we opened to the press, said, ‘We are not going back,’” the Imam added. “This divisive talk threatens ‘our more perfect union.’ We would not be the world’s greatest superpower without the diversity of our citizens.” The Imam and other members of the District’s Muslim community and their supporters, welcomed Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders to their meeting last week, along with Ellison, Rabbi Balya Steinlauf and Chaplain Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, the first Islamic chaplain in the U.S. military. Shareef also led a contingency of supporters at Georgetown University recently where they joined Vice President Joe Biden as part of an interfaith discussion. “Closing America’s borders to Muslims and the mistreatment of American Muslims are not two separate conversations,” Shareef said. “Some in the U.S. were once on the other side of American borders before they were allowed to move here including former President Bush’s top physician who is also a follower of Islam. America made a promise long ago to those who come to its shores – and it’s one that we are all allowed to claim. America must keep that promise – to all.” WI

to serve our members and drive greater impact through the Chamber. We need our members’ continued support and involvement as we move forward.” In a prepared statement, Chamber officials added the organization remains committed to being the leading voice for business in the District as it advocates for business-friendly policies, connects members with other members and the community and provides value-added programs and services. “We have already solidified our programming for 2016 and will continue to partner with our stakeholders, particularly the D.C., government who continues to be one of our largest stakeholders,” Hairston said. Hairston also clarified that a recent Business Journal article incorrectly implied that the Chamber supported a ballot initiative that would increase the minimum wage. The minimum wage increase move, Hairston said, was a personal

initiative of the Chamber’s former president and CEO that did not reflect the philosophy of the Chamber at large. Wingo, 49, a D.C. native whose parents were longtime residents in Southeast, said he’s excited about the opportunities before him. “I’m not leaving the city and I will continue to seek ways to contribute to the District in ways that I hope are beneficial to all of its residents,” said Wingo who lives in Northwest. “I’m looking forward to exploring avenues that were also part of our agenda at the Chamber. Specifically, I will be focusing on technology and I’m excited about this new chapter in my life.” Wingo will now serve as a principal at West River Solutions. “Technology has long been one of my greatest interests. I am also very much committed to increasing opportunities for young scholars in STEM education because of its importance in the lives of our children. If our youth are going to ready for the job market of the future, they must have the skills and edu-

5Harry Wingo cation that will allow them to compete.” Wingo, who joined the Chamber in April 2013, has been active and a recognizable fixture in the District since his appointment. He said that will not change even though he has left the Chamber to pursue other career options. WI

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BOWSER from Page 1 neighborhoods,” Bowser said. “Already, many residents have stepped up and provided us with vital information – tips about illegal guns and about crimes committed. People want to live in safer communities.” Since her campaign, Bowser promised that transparency and accountability would be hallmarks of her Administration because “everyone deserves an effective and efficient government.” But she equally remains committed to a philosophy first presented during her State of the District Address on March 31 – “Pathways to the Middle Class” – an effort to bring people together to find ways to expand opportunities. “D.C. has been on the path towards a shrinking middle class for the past two decades and if we’re going to make that pathway accessible to all, it will require more than a silver bullet,” she said. “I have made appointments in my Administration so that we have people who are looking at ways on a daily basis to develop capacity, to help our residents become trained for jobs that we know do exist and to assist in matching our residents to those jobs – jobs that will allow them to be self-sustainable.” “In my time in office, I’ve learned that we must hold our partners, those who assist us in providing job training, more accountable. That’s been an eye opener. I inherited some of our job training programs and partnerships and have seen that in many cases, our partners made promises to job seekers that were virtually impossible to keep. We’re going to leverage the $15 billon that the District spends annually on job training and also find ways to ensure that those who are receiving training get paid some income while being trained.” Bowser pointed to an investment of $100 million that has already been secured which will help to create sorely needed affordable housing in the District and emphasized the importance of improving housing opportunities for the homeless. “I was running for mayor when Relisha Rudd disappeared, the little girl who was living at the D.C. General Homeless Shelter,” Bowser said. “We were all sickened at the conditions there – conditions that would allow a young girl to go miss-

Mayor Muriel Bowser talks to the Washington Informer in her office at the Wilson Building on Monday, Dec. 21. / Photo by Shevry Lassiter

“In early 2016, I will be presenting a package to the council that we’ve been working on since last July. It will have all eight wards participating in the establishment of 280 units that will allow us to replace D.C. General with more improved housing.” Mayor Muriel Bowser ing for so long, unnoticed by adults.” “In early 2016, I will be presenting a package to the council that we’ve been working on since last July. It will have all eight wards participating in the establishment of 280 units that will allow us to replace D.C. General with more improved housing. We’ve got to do this. That shelter is not a place for anyone to live – especially our children.” The mayor, turning away from city politics, admitted that in her hectic schedule, she rarely has time to do things that were once her favorites, like cooking dinner, exercising and especially driving. “Every politician says they miss driving their own cars – now I know what they mean,” she said. “Sometimes I just want to take a midnight drive to the

grocery store for some ice cream but I can’t do that anymore. But I still maintain some of my favorite traditions – like Christmas Eve shopping.” Speaking of traditions, Bowser, a fourth-generation Washingtonian, said she plans to join her parents for Christmas Day service at their church and then intends on staying home on New Year’s Eve. “I just bought a new home and I’d like to create a new tradition of sorts. So, I’ll have family and friends come by on New Year’s Day. Maybe I’ll even carve out some time for reading. People may find it hard to believe, but I don’t have cable in my home. It’s a test that I tried after the election. So far, it’s working and I’m using my time in more effective ways than sitting on the couch watching TV.” WI

Celebrating our culture, traditions, and the seven principles

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Edwards: ‘I am Going to Win’ By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Maryland) exudes confidence that she’ll be the first Black woman elected to represent her state in the Senate and the first in more than two

decades. However, a poll published Nov. 22 by the Baltimore Sun and the University of Baltimore shows Edwards of Oxon Hill trailing her opponent, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), by 14 percentage points in the Democratic primary race to replace the re-

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tiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski. Edwards’ cash on hand in October was at nearly $370,000, but she recently received a major $1 million boost in advertising from Emily’s List, an organization that promotes abortion rights for women. Another major backing came Dec. 15 from the National Organization for Women. Edwards, 57, who has represented the 4th Congressional district that includes portions of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties since 2008, gave an update on her campaign and talked about a variety of topics such as endorsements and gun legislation during an interview Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Southeast. Here are some of her thoughts in her own words.

ENDORSEMENTS

We’ve been trading endorsements. The Teamsters and the machinists and the electrical workers have decided to endorse me. These are important endorsements. It is going to be the case when you have two Democrats in neighboring

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY SOLICITATION for

PAINTING PLASTERING and DRYWALL FOR VACANT and OCCUPIED UNITS Request for Proposal No.: 0003-2016 The District of Columbia Housing Authority (“DCHA”) solicits proposals from qualified Contractors to provide Painting, Plastering and Drywall Services at multiple locations throughout the District of Columbia. Requests for Proposal documents will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, N.E., Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services- Contracts and Procurement, Washington, D.C. 20002-7599 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, December 14, 2015, and on the DCHA website www.dchousing.org Responses by Sealed Proposal are due to the Issuing Office no later than 11:00 a.m. (ET) Friday, January 15, 2016. Contact Issuing Office, Darcelle Beaty (202) 535-1212 or email HAdbeaty@dchousing.org for additional information.

12 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

5Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md. 4) Congressional districts with very similar voting records. It’s not a surprise we are going to split up endorsements over the course of time. I look at some of the endorsements of local elected officials. Our (Prince George’s) County Council members who are right there on the ground have endorsed me, including Mel Franklin, Karen Toles, Andrea Harrison, Danielle Glaros and Mary Lehman. I think it is because I have worked very closely with them and they have seen the work I have done on the ground in Prince George’s County. Their endorsements reflect that and I am very proud of that. It matters what you do in the community and it matters (in) the reputation that you have in serving people in the district. I feel I have a really strong reputation that is going to serve me well not just in Prince George’s County, but all across our state. The endorsement I want is with the voters on April 26.

GUN LEGISLATION

My view is there are too many members of Congress who are afraid to stand up to the National Rifle Association

and I’m not afraid. The fact is we should be able to prevent people who are on the terrorist watch list from getting guns. We should be able to research gun violence through the Centers of Disease Control. We should be able to ban people who have domestic violence offenses and other kinds of prohibitions from purchasing weapons to protect our communities. We should be able to do these things because the overwhelming majority of the American people believe that we should. Why in the world should we allow weapons to be on the street in the hands of people who shouldn’t have them and (then make) straw purchases and sales to take place in a parking lot, or off of Craig’s List? The National Rifle Association used to be an organization that was about representing the interest of individual gun owners, now it is about the gun industry. As a member of Congress, I will not be held hostage to the whims of the National Rifle Association. We need to get them out of our politics and change the

EDWARDS Page 36

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Van Hollen: ‘I Can Deliver Results’ been strongly supporting my effort because they want effective leadership. “You see some outside groups trying to come into Maryland impacting voters. All the polls show that I have strong support among Maryland women who

know my record and know what my priorities are. So things are coming along well.

GUN LEGISLATION

“I have been a strong proponent on gun legislation on gun safety measures. I passed one of

the early Maryland laws that require that guns sold have built-in trigger locks. I am pushing at the federal level for a whole range of gun safety measures, including a ban on semi-automatic weap-

VAN HOLLEN Page 36

5 Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md. 8) By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Although Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) hasn’t represented Prince George’s County since his district was realigned five years ago, he’s received plenty of support in the Democratic primary race for Senate. Prominent black lawmakers such as County Executive Rushern Baker, state Sen. Joanne Benson (D-24th District) and state Delegate Tawanna Gaines (D-District 22) support Van Hollen. According to a poll published Nov. 22 by The Baltimore Sun and the University of Baltimore, the top-ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee from Kensington in Montgomery County has 45 percent of the vote among likely Democratic voters. His opponent, Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Maryland), has 31 percent. Both seek to replace the retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski in the April 26 primary. Campaign finance figures show Van Hollen, 56, has slightly more than $4 million in cash on hand. Van Hollen, who has represented the 8th Congressional District since 2003, which includes portions of Montgomery,

Frederick and Carroll counties, talked about endorsements, gun legislation and other topics during an interview Friday, Dec. 18, at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Southeast. Here are some of his thoughts in his own words.

ENDORSEMENTS

“We are reaching out to people throughout the state of Maryland. Spending a lot of time in Prince George’s County and the Baltimore area and areas that haven’t been represented in the past. I was pleased to receive big endorsements, including the SEIU (Service Employees International Union). That’s a union that fights everyday for working families. I was endorsed by some important community and elected leaders in Baltimore City including the president of the Baltimore City Council, Jack Young, and many of the legislators in Baltimore City. “We recently had a good gathering with an organization called Women for Van Hollen in the Baltimore area. The Maryland chapter for the National Organization for Women recognized I have been an effective fighter for women’s issues throughout my legislative representation. They actually recommended no endorsement. So the real distinction is Maryland women have Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

BUSINESS

Business Exchange What’s the Status of Black Reparations?

NOTICE OF DISCOUNT SALE OF TAX DELINQUENT REAL PROPERTIES GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Office of Tax and Revenue Notice is hereby given that all real properties, which were bid back to the District of Columbia during the July 2015 Real Property Tax Sale and were not sold at the subsequent special deed sale and have not been redeemed, will be offered for sale by the Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) to the highest bidder at public auction (“Discount Sale”). The Discount Sale will be conducted pursuant to DC Official Code § 47-1353(b), which permits OTR to sell a real property for less than the total amount of delinquent taxes. The Discount Sale will begin on January 25, 2016, from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM until 4:30 PM, and will continue every day thereafter (legal holidays excepted) at the stated times until all real properties are sold. The sale will occur at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite W250, Washington, DC. A list of all real properties arranged in ascending square, suffix, and lot, and parcel and lot, number order may be found on OTR’s Web site www.taxpayerservicecenter.com by clicking on “Real Property” and then “Real Property Tax Sale.” The name of the owner of record of each real property is stated. The specific amount of delinquent real property tax is indicated for each specified period (delinquent special assessments may be viewed in the real property assessment database search page of this Web site). Certain real properties on this list do not have street addresses; therefore, none can be provided. A real property without a street address is generally stated on this list as having a “0” as a street address number. The best description of a real property typically is its square, suffix and lot, or parcel and lot, numbers, viewed on a property map (e.g. DC Atlas Plus, found at http://atlasplus.dcgis.dc.gov). Real properties may be removed from this list at the discretion of OTR. At the Discount Sale, the opening bid for each real property will be $300, regardless of the amount of delinquent taxes owing by the real property. Each real property will be sold to the highest bidder. After successfully foreclosing the right of redemption in the Superior Court, and after having paid all taxes and liabilities becoming liens after January 22, 2016, the successful purchaser will be awarded a tax deed to the respective real property. The real property will be free and clear of all prior taxes owing by the real property to a District taxing agency. A purchaser at the Discount Sale acts at his or her own risk, and must exercise due diligence in selecting real properties upon which to bid. After the Discount Sale, a listing of successful purchasers, the corresponding real property descriptions, the total amounts of taxes owing for which the real properties were sold, and the purchase amounts shall be published on OTR’s Web site at www.taxpayerservicecenter.com. The purchaser shall monitor tax payment schedules provided by OTR on its Web site, and shall surrender the certificate of sale to receive a refund if the real property taxes, vault rents, BID taxes, liens certified pursuant to D.C. Code § 47-1340, and fees and charges payable to OTR on account of the real property are paid. Registration for the Discount Sale, which is mandatory, begins January 19, 2016 and continues until all the real properties are sold. The registration form must be completed and filed with OTR. To register, visit OTR’s Customer Service Administration – Walk-In Center at: 1101 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC. Prior to bidding on a real property at the Discount Sale, a purchaser must have made a deposit with the Cashier’s Office of the D.C. Treasurer of at least 20% of the real property’s purchase price. Purchasers are also required to complete Form FR-500, Combined Business Tax Registration Application, prior to registering. This form can be found on OTR’s Web site at www.taxpayerservicecenter.com under “Tax Forms/Publications.” Payment of the entire bid amount is due by February 2, 2016 (date of conclusion of the sale). If final payment is not timely received, the sale of the real property will be voided. ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE TO THE D.C. TREASURER BY CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, CASHIER’S CHECK, OR POSTAL MONEY ORDER. (PERSONAL AND BUSINESS CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED). The Cashier’s Office of the D.C. Treasurer is located at: 1101 4th Street, SW, 1st Floor, Washington, DC 20024. The Cashier’s Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. OTR will conduct a public seminar to explain tax sale procedures. The seminar will be held at 1101 4th Street, SW, 2nd Floor – Room W250, Washington, DC 20024, on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. The seminar will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. During the seminar, OTR will explain the entire sale process and follow-up with a question and answer period. OTR strongly encourages all potential purchasers to attend the seminar; it is free and all are welcome. To enroll in the seminar, please call OTR at (202) 727-4TAX (4829), or visit its Customer Service Center at 1101 4th Street, SW.

14 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

By William Reed “The principal income mechanism for the growth of the United States was cotton. It made us a powerful country. The people who produced the cotton were never paid.” – Randall Robinson The way they preened and frolicked, you’d have thought they’d done something regarding the cause. In a ceremony at the Capitol, Washington lawmakers commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. But no one mentioned reparations. At the Statue of Freedom in the Capitol Visitor Center, President Barack Obama and numerous House and Senate members participated in what descendants of slaves should consider a sham: readings detailing the history of the 13th Amendment. The bluster included Obama’s saying the country would do a disservice to “warriors of justice” like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, President Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. if it denies the scars of the “nation’s original sin” are still there today. What’s wrong with this picture? Approximately $100 trillion in reparations is owed to America’s Blacks while their politicians frolic and preen in lieu of demanding payments. While Blacks immerse themselves in “mainstream politics,” the words “We apologize for slavery” have never have made their way into a formal resolution by U.S. lawmakers. While the nation’s lawmakers frolicked, the words of an apology came no closer to making it to the Oval Office for signature. Our nation’s original sin has not been reconciled for a century and half; does it make sense that Black voters are content with career politicians’ “reading” its history to note the abolition of slavery? They’ve fiddled with it. In 2008, 143 years after ratification of the 13th Amendment, the House voted by unanimous consent to issue an apology to African-Americans for slavery. The following year, the Senate also passed a resolution apologizing for slavery. But, those apology resolutions have never made it to Obama’s desk for signature because neither chamber could agree on language that would

exempt the U.S. from claims for slavery reparations. Blacks should be alarmed that the speeches given at the ceremony made no mention of reparations as a way to atone to Blacks for 245 years of enslavement. Black voters should check their pockets to see what they’ve gained for loyalty to the party and president. Not even the first Black commander in chief, in the final stretch of his presidency, has formally apologized for the generations-long slave trade, a gesture that could clear the way for compensation to slave descendants. Blacks could reap a million dollars per family from just reparations. Instead of allowing “readings” on the abolition of slavery Blacks must demand more from Obama and people they’ve put into office to “represent” them. Obama could implement Blacks’ compensation through executive order. The Congress could pass H.R. 40 – the bill that studies the effects of slavery on the nation and Blacks. Actually, the work toward justice did not end with the abolition of slavery; it only began. The government owes descendants of slaves money for forced and unpaid labor and for loss of culture and of humanity. Contemporary Blacks have failed to use their clout in politics to take care of the most basic and fundamental of issues: reparations. It is not a “mainstream” issue, and whites will do all they can to ignore and downplay reparations. It’s up to those who know and understand the inequities of America to keep the reparations issue in the political mainstream. Reparations should be recognized for what it could do for Blacks now. Some type of compensation should be provided to the descendants of the nation’s enslaved people, in consideration of coerced and uncompensated labor their ancestors performed over centuries. Such reparations for slaves are not a new concept. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman first suggested that freed slaves each receive “40 acres and a mule.” But President Andrew Johnson and the Congress rejected it. But the spirit of Sherman’s idea has survived among many. There is currently a reparations bill before Congress that those who contributed “readings” could actively support. Contact Keenan Keller, aide to Chairman Conyers on the House Judiciary Committee via 202225-6906. WI

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16 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

Angela Rye, principal and CEO of Impact Strategies in Northwest, said Blacks need to stay connected to social media websites such as Twitter because that’s how information is disseminated in today’s highly technological society. No matter the technology, Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation also in Northwest, said it’s vital for the Black community to know who’s running in presidential elections. “If you don’t ask candidates for anything, then you won’t get anything,” she said. They spoke along with dozens of other activists, entrepreneurs and public and private sector officials at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s eighth annual Media and Telecom Symposium held Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Capital Hilton in Northwest. This year’s theme, “The future of Media and Technology: Growth, Convergence and Disruption,” focused on the influence of those entities in voting, lack of diversity in ownership of media companies and the fight for civil rights. One discussion highlighted how unverified information can be posted and then takes only seconds to go viral. For example, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump recently said more than 80 percent of whites killed this year were done by Blacks. One of Trump’s supporters posted the number on Twitter along with a photograph of a Black man holding a gun. But the actual figure is less than15 percent, according to FactCheck.org. “We need to emphasize and teach media and telecomm literacy so that young people can learn . . . how to know where the truth ends and the lie begins,” he said. During the symposium, Jackson led a news conference urging civil rights and other organizations throughout the country to pass a resolution for its members to use video and document encounters with law enforcement, at polling places and other public venues. According to a portion of the nearly two-page resolution, “the ubiquitous and well-informed use of mobile video technology has

5 Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Rainbow PUSH president with Public Policy and Media &

Telecommunication Symposium panelists in Northwest on Wednesday, Dec. 16. / Photo by Roy Lewis

great potential to document and expose voter intimidation at the polls and police misconduct in public settings.” The resolution is named after Feidin Santana, who recorded the shooting death of Walter Scott, a Black man, by a former white North Charleston, South Carolina, police officer in April. So far, members from the Rainbow Push Coalition, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the National Conference of Black Women have approved the document. “It’s very clearly that police never get held accountable unless there’s a videotape. This is a deterrent,” Honig said. “If someone with a gun and a badge isn’t going to do right and realizes that 100,000 people well-trained, proficient [and] knowledgeable about their rights with video capability, maybe they won’t kill as many people. Maybe on Election Day, more people can vote without fear.” The symposium also highlighted how the younger generation uses technology to fight for civil rights. The Rev. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of Empowerment Temple Church in Baltimore, said the Black Lives Matter movement has earned the distinction of being the first social justice effort in the last 100 years not led by the church. “Our new weapon of civil rights is the cell phone,” he said. “It al-

lows the larger American populous to have a bird’s eye view [of] what it really means to be Black in America.” Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes said organizations such as the Black press can help explain and provide more in-depth information from short posts on social media. “In this strategy, it’s where we come in after those 140 characters to use longer spaces on our pages and on our websites to really dig down, so we can give [the information] a foundation,” she said. One day prior to the serious conversations on Dec. 16, Rainbow PUSH hosted a Legacy Affair to honor politicians, business leaders and gospel recording artist Richard Smallwood for his influence in both the corporate world and the community. Youth from two local school districts who attended the symposium said they learned about Jackson, civil rights and Rainbow PUSH’s slogan to “Keep Hope Alive!” “I learned that it does take hard work to be an entrepreneur and it’s very important to be organized,” said Amber Jones, 11, a fifth-grader at Roots Public Charter School in Northwest. “I want to be a lawyer, a doctor or maybe the president. No matter what anybody says, you can do whatever you want to do if you have your mind and heart set on it.” WI

Judge Hatchett Opens Firm to Seek Justice

5Celebrity Judge Glenda Hatchett has opened a new legal firm. / Courtesy photo

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer For years, millions have watched Glenda Hatchett mete out justice on television from courtrooms around the country. However, what some may not know is that before donning the black robe of judgeship, Hatchett has for more than three decades served as an attorney focused on community advocacy, corporate law and helping those in need. Now, with the Black Lives Matter Movement in full steam and the need for activism at a premium not seen since Martin Luther King Jr., Hatchett has decided to turn in the robe again for a seat on the other side of the bench. She’s opened “The Hatchett Firm,” an extraordinary national network of attorneys and crisis management experts dedicated to getting results. The firm specializes in catastrophic accidents, wrongful deaths and medical malpractice, among other incidents. “After a lot of soul searching and prayer, I made the decision to step beyond bench and establish a national law firm based in Atlanta,” Hatchett said in an exclusive interview with The Washington Informer. “At times like these, I need to be advocating for people,” she said. “What we’re seeing in Chicago with LaQuan McDonald and other incidents, this is just the tip of the iceberg. God forbid we’re having more tragedies, and I want to advocate for these people.” Hatchett said she’ll personally focus on wrongful death actions, taking her experience as a judge and lawyer and carve out a unique law firm that no one else has done. “I can do it in Houston, Washington, Atlanta. I’ll come in for the rare instances that we go to trial – because you don’t want to go to trial with me. I was a litigator before I went to the bench and I love being back on this side of the bench,” she said.

Born in Atlanta, Hatchett graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1973 and later earned her juris doctorate from Emory University School of Law in 1977. In 2000, she starred in the national television and courtroom reality show, “Judge Hatchett,” which has been nominated several times for Emmy awards. Earlier this year, Hatchett agreed to head a new courtroom show, “The Verdict with Judge Hatchett,” which is scheduled to air next fall. However, her passion is civil rights, she said. “I literally just finished being on a panel about gun violence,” Hatchett said. “Our hopes and aspirations as African-Americans aren’t different from the rest of the world. What has happened is that so many obstacles in our communities have drained and zapped us of our resources, talents and hopes.” Hatchett knows all too well the struggles of the civil rights era, and she said she’s proud of the current activists. “I think we are seeing and I’m thrilled about this a new wave of a new generation of activists. I remember the segregated south and there’s a story of a coat that I wish to goodness that I still had,” she said, explaining that her parents were supporters of the movement and wouldn’t cross picket lines to buy her a new coat but, instead, her mother would get some fabric and tailor the garment as Hatchett grew. “I didn’t understand why my mother wouldn’t get a new coat, but I remember this so vividly and now understand and am able to refer to it as my freedom coat. That was the price we had to pay for freedom,” she said. Hatchett’s parents also housed freedom riders, providing them a safe haven and a bite to eat and, at the same time, setting an example of activism for the future judge. “I grew up with a sense of activism and understanding that freedom isn’t free. So, when I see demonstrations and Eric Garner and not being able to breathe, pleading for his life, I wonder where is the humanity,” Hatchett said. “We have to remain vigilant and with the new wave of activism, there’s technology, social media. Can you imagine the hundreds of thousands who attended the March on Washington in 1964? Can you imagine what Martin Luther King and the others could have accomplished had there been emails, cellphones and social media?” WI

NATIONAL

FINAL PITCH

The Reality PITCH Competition By Inez Kelley Kelley Media Marketing, Inc. www.finalpitchtv.com It’s about that time to say good bye to another year. In just a few days, ‘2015’ will be placed securely in the history books, written and done. With another year at hand, ‘2016’ ushers in the opportunity to fill 366 days (leap year) with possibilities and promise. So, what’s on your calendar? If it’s starting a business or giving a boost to an existing one you are in good company. The entrepreneurial craze continues. Innovation along with the desire to be one’s own boss is the driving force behind the upswing. Now more than ever is a great time to join the ranks. Not to mention there is no shortage of support services to help sustain new founders through the heavy lift. Becoming an entrepreneur is a life altering decision. So, as you contemplate your list of resolutions for the New Year, be sure to check it twice (three times for good measure). It’s a roller coaster ride and can be quite dizzying and exhausting. Even with all the available support, it’s a high risk, but then again it just may turn out to be the most rewarding New Year’s resolution to date… ‘2016’ awaits. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! Peace & Blessings To All

Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

HEALTH

Don’t Let the Holidays Stress You Out By Joya Patel WI Contributing Writer

If life in the greater Washington area weren’t stressful enough, the holidays are here. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of Americans report feeling “extreme stress” during the holidays. For Washingtonians, who may already feel the usual stress of work and traffic, the holiday season may be filled with the added stress of heightened expectations, numerous ugly-sweater parties, a dizzying parade of demands and, on top of all that, an expected cheerful disposition. Stress will not only ruin the holiday season but also harm your health. For those who do not manage day-today stress well, the added pursuit of the perfect holiday can have a

lasting impact on their body, mind and spirit. By focusing on hype surrounding the holiday season, we can underestimate the effects of stress. This inadvertently causes us to engage in unhealthy coping behaviors. Although we may not engage in managing our stress, we naturally cope by engaging in unhealthy behaviors and even rewarding ourselves by doing nothing. As reported by the American Psychological Association, commonly reported unhealthy responses include sedentary activities, overeating and drinking alcohol. Our propensity for stress stems from our history as a hunter-gatherer species. The immediate response of the human body to a short-term danger is to trigger a “fight or flight” response. This braces the body to fight off a threat or danger. The

changes that occur throughout our body and the release of stress hormones are what we refer to as “stress.” Normally, once the emergency situation is over, the body returns to an unstressed state. But prolonged stress, the type of stress we commonly experience today, can cause excessive wear and tear on the body. Scientists have linked chronic stress to weakened immune systems, weight gain, depression and anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other life-threatening ailments. The moral of this science lesson is that before we let the holidays consume us, let’s stop, breathe and regroup. We should be mindful of our emotional state during the holiday season. By practicing some of these tips provided by the Mayo Clinic, you may actually enjoy this time of year:

Dr. Gilbert Daniel, Internal Medicine and Maribel Torres, RN, Chief Nursing Officer

• • • • • • • • • • •

Try to prevent holiday-induced stress and depression before it occurs in the first place. Acknowledge and express your feelings; there is no need to force yourself to be happy. Reach out and broaden your friendship circle. Be realistic; the holidays don’t have to be perfect. Stick to a budget; know how much money you can afford to spend before buying your happiness and friends. Plan ahead. Learn to say no; it’s okay. Don’t let the holidays make you feel resentful and overwhelmed. Don’t overextend yourself with friends, parties, colleagues, family or work. Don’t abandon healthy habits because sweets are abundant. Holidays are not an excuse for free-for-all gluttonous behavior; overindulgence will create more stress and guilt. Make sure to stick to the principle of moderation and get plenty of sleep and daily physical activity. Treat yourself to some “you time”; take a 15-minute break to clear your mind.

Holiday Blues By Joya Patel WI Contributing Writer

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18 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

As the holiday season falls upon the nation’s capital, commercial displays of festivities cause us to feel pressure to feel merry, though some experience hidden winter despair. This time of year may leave some feeling far from holiday cheer, as loneliness, financial stress, memories of holidays past, bereavement, seasonal affective disorder and mental health issues make the season a difficult time. During the holiday season we are bombarded with images of what the holiday season should look like, which reinforces the notion that everyone is having a great time. This is far from reality, as the stress, anxiety and image of the holiday season may cause loneliness, feelings of deficiency and a lack of achievement. It can be a time we question the quality of our relationships, feel increased dissatisfaction, feel reluctant to admit our feelings and pray for the holidays to be over. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): • Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S., a total of 43.8 million or 18.5 percent —experiences mental illness in a given year. • About 6.9 percent of adults in the U.S., a total of 16 million—had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. • An estimated 26 percent of homeless adults staying in shelters live with serious mental illness and an estimated 46 percent live with severe

mental illness and/or substance use disorders. • Approximately 20 percent of state prisoners and 21 percent of local jail prisoners have “a recent history” of a mental health condition • Only 41 percent of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year. Among adults with a serious mental illness, 62.9 percent received mental health services in the past year. • African-Americans and Hispanic Americans used mental health services at about one-half the rate of Caucasian Americans in the past year and Asian-Americans at about one-third the rate. • Each day an estimated 18-22 veterans die by suicide. What do these statistic mean, as concluded by NAMI serious mental illness costs the United Stated roughly $193.2 billion lost earnings per year. Mood disorders are the third common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. People living with serious mental illness have an increased risk of chronic disease, co-morbidities, and die on average about 25 years earlier than those who don’t. The most alarming fact being, these are all treatable medical conditions. This holiday season, I implore you to take a moment and share kindness, touch base with people in your life, and volunteer your time to those who may need some cheer. As Maya Angelou wrote in “Amazing Peace,” “Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul.” WI

EDUCATION

DCPS Briefs Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

EDFEST SUCCESS

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser

(2nd from left) teamed up with Chancellor Kaya Henderson (3rd from left) and others to highlight the success of EdFEST 2015. / Photo courtesy dc.gov

More than 200 traditional public schools and public charter schools and thousands of families from all eight wards in D.C. gathered Dec. 12 at the DC Armory in Southeast for EdFEST 2015 to kick off the “My School DC Common Lottery.” The common application period for the 2016-17 school year is now open at www.myschooldc. org and the deadlines are Feb. 1 for grades 9-12 and March 1 for PK3-8. For questions specific to the Lottery, call 202-888-6336 or email info.myschooldc@dc.gov.

THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP

Mayor Muriel Bowser recently attended a holiday event for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “Junior Special Agents” program. With the FBI’s help, the program fosters mentorship and inspires young people, as the organization endeavors to train future leaders on what it takes to keep our community safe and strong.

QUALITY PRE-K

The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education has released its 2015 pre-Kindergarten report, which focuses on the state of Pre-K in the District of Columbia. The report highlights that the District continues to be a leader in pre-K access and investment, while showing gains in quality across public and public charter schools and community-based settings. “This report underscores that

we are on the right track as we expand high-quality early childhood programs throughout the District,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “I look forward to the District showing even more gains next year.” In the second year of the District’s use of a common assessment of quality environments and instruction, the District’s pre-K programs collectively improved across all measures of quality when compared to average scores from 2014. Last year, most pre-K classrooms across the District provided high-quality environments that were supportive of children’s social-emotional development and effectively maximized learning time, as determined by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Pre-K® (CLASS), though the results also show the District has more work to do to improve the quality of instructional support.

KUDOS FOR MCKINLEY

McKinley Technology High School in Northeast has been cited for being spotlighted by the U.S. Department of Education for its commitment to high-quality, globally-competitive computer science curriculum. For more information, check out @ JohnKingatED, Delegated Deputy Secretary of Education, interacting with the students at McKinley Tech.

“Open House” will be held at West Education Campus at 1338 Farragut St. in Northwest on the following dates: 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 25; 9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 26; and 5:30 p. m., Monday, March 14.

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AVIATION LAB AT CARDOZO

One of the classrooms at Cardozo Education Campus in Northwest has been turned into an aviation lab called the FLEXACE, where STEM students can engage themselves in careers in defense technology. The new lab, which serves as the first of its kind in D.C. and lists as one of just 18 nationwide, places students in a simulated test range control room and operations center. One of the students, 15-year-old Haille Romera-Espana, said in an ABC7 interview that although she was initially nervous behind the controls during a simulated flight test manned by students, that she’s now confident. “I love flying the airplane, I might want to become a pilot someday,” said Haille. ‘Open House’ Schedule Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

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20 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS EDITORIAL D.C. Office of Pensions Should Respect Elders In our society, particularly in African-American culture, there’s been both the spoken and unspoken rule that demands we respect and honor our elderly. For it is God’s word itself that in the book of Proverbs says, “Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty …” According to a national estimate, every year nearly half a million elderly individuals in the United States suffer abuse or neglect. Similar reports from around the world indicate that abuse of the elderly is a global problem. That certainly isn’t honoring or respecting the elderly. Neither is what’s happening to 91-year-old retired District teacher Bernice Tillett. “My mom is feeling stressed out as our elders tend to become when they receive news like this,” said the Rev. Stephen Tillett, the pastor of Asbury Broadneck United Methodist Church and the president of the Anne Arundel County chapter of the NAACP. For Bernice Tillett, the lack of respect and honor comes from the Department of Treasury Office of D.C. Pensions in Northwest, which has threatened to reduce her well-earned pension by $660.40 each month until a $6,000 overpayment they made decades ago is repaid. The overpayment, which occurred in 1982 and the office has taken responsibility for, wasn’t discovered until recently. Realizing that reducing Tillett’s monthly benefits by $660.40 would greatly debilitate her as she navigates her golden years, the office of pensions still has shown little regard, not much respect and a total lack of honor. Instead, and in attempt to deflect blame and justify their actions that put the well-being of an esteemed and accomplished community staple and elder in peril, they provided this email response. “With respect to Ms. Tillett’s annuity, it is our understanding that she filed a request for reconsideration within the required 60 days from her receipt of her initial letter, dated January 23 2015, and that that request was denied. We further understand that she did not follow up with an appeal, the time frame for which ended on August 23, 2015.” Tillett has produced a letter that contradicts the claim that she missed the appeal deadline. Whether or not she did or didn’t miss the deadline for reconsideration should be irrelevant. She taught for more than 30 years, helping countless students through high school and beyond, many of them reaching heights that arguably would have been impossible to achieve without Tillett’s touch as a top teacher. Those students, themselves today are parents and grandparents, love, respect and still honor Tillett. We say it’s time for the office of pensions and those in charge of the matter to follow their lead. As her son said, “I would suggest, rather than troubling senior citizens who were good and faithful employees of the D.C. Public Schools years ago to cover their errors, that they just, as her grandson would say, ‘Charge it to the game’ and ensure that they don’t make this kind of error again with future annuitants.” WI

Don’t Forget the Reason for the Season The rare warm weather we’re experiencing this winter doesn’t bode well for those who enjoy sledding, skiing and playing in mounds of snow. Already at least 28 records for high temperatures have been broken in some 48 states across the U.S., including here in the District. And with December 25th almost upon us, it looks like we won’t have a White Christmas this year. But then, that’s not really the reason we should look forward to this time of the year anyway. During this season, we celebrate the Christian observance of the birth of Christ and the gift that he gave to us – the promise for eternal life. We don’t mean to proselytize but we just want to make it clear that Christmas is not about shopping ourselves into a year’s worth of debt, or stuffing ourselves with foods that we know aren’t good for our health. We should be reaching out to those who are in need – the hungry, the homeless the lonely, the sick and shut in. We should share our joy and our blessings with others. And with the weather cooperating we can make our rounds much easier as we live out the reason for the season. We wish you all a blessed Christmas. And as Kirk Franklin and the Family like to proclaim, “Jesus is the reason, for the season.” WI

Black Dollars Can Make a Difference I enjoyed reading Stacey Brown’s article on the economic power within the Black community. It is necessary that Black communities realize our economic strengths and use this power as a form of opposition. It is imperative that Black communities stop spending money at stores with explicit histories of racial, gender and class discrimination and consciously support, i.e. spend our money, at businesses and organizations that are in solidarity with our fight for political, economic and civil rights in this nation. Strategic spending patterns can help lead to tangible change in Black communities and the Informer’s article points to how valuable our dollar is. Thank you for continuing to raise awareness about the role of economic power in the fight for justice. Sincerely, James C. Brennan

Motown with Informer – Unforgettable I was privileged to attend the musical “Motown” on an evening that was designated Washington Informer Night at the National Theater here in Washington, D.C. My daughter and I had been told (by many who had already seen the show) that we would love it. I must say, that was an understatement. We absolutely adored it!!! It was lively, full of talented singers and dancers, and most importantly, full of those good old Motown songs by some of the greatest rock and roll artists ever known. The singers in the show sounded so much like the original groups!! The Motown era will never be forgotten. In addition, I was so impressed with the way your publisher Denise Rolark Barnes introduced the show. She was enthusiastic and effective at drawing the audience in, filling them with anticipation. She also did an excellent job of bringing the Washington Informer into her presentation, while encouraging the audience to check out this great newspaper. The show was everything we expected and more. Thank you, Washington Informer, for hosting a fantastic evening at the theater. Tanyna Saxton Washington, DC

Readers' Mailbox

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

Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

Jannie Ligons is Woman of the Year Jannie Ligons is an Oklahoma City grandmother who left a friend’s house to drive home. She collided with Daniel Holtzclaw, the rogue police officer who seemed to think it was part of his duty to sexually abuse Black women. He raped them because he could. They did not accuse him because they feared they could not. Some had criminal records – they had been involved with drugs or had other skirmish-

es with the law. They felt both vulnerable and violated, and they thought nobody would believe them. At least 13 women were violated, and they were only identified because one courageous woman, Ligons, took her complaint to the police. She had no criminal record and nothing to hide from. She simply had the harrowing experience of encountering a White (really half Japanese, but that’s another story) man with a badge, feelings of superior racial identity and a penis. According to many

Guest Columnist

of the accounts of women who encountered Daniel, he referred to his Whiteness as he violated them. Many of the women had other matters with the law, and he intimidated them into silence. In our nation’s sordid history, when Back women spoke, they found themselves denigrated or ignored. In 1944, Recy Taylor, a 24-year-old mother, was abducted as she walked form church with her friends. A car full of white men threatened her with a shotgun, then took her into an abandoned field and repeat-

edly raped her. The men who raped Taylor said she welcomed the sex and they paid her. They could have been arrested, but a complicit sheriff ignored the law. When an all-White jury heard the case, they failed to indict the six men who raped Taylor. In 2011, Alabama offered Taylor an apology for failing to properly manage the case. Justice delayed is justice denied. There are too many Black women raped by white men whose experiences are swallowed in the vacuum of history. There

are some experiences that have been captured, though. Consider Betty Jean Owens, a Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University student, who was talking with three friends when a group of white men, armed with shotguns and switchblades, abducted her. They admitted, as they were arrested, that they were looking for a black woman to rape and made jokes about it. The horrible criminals might have escaped prosecution and gotten

MALVEAUX Page 37

By the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Leaders Provide Vision – not Division Leaders provide vision. They help people understand where they are, how they got there and what they must do to go forward. They help calm nerves and strengthen courage. They are steady in times of trouble, inspiring in times of demoralization. Donald Trump’s reaction to the terrorist acts in Egypt, Lebanon, Paris and San Bernardino, California, both di-

vides and weakens us. And for the most part, his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination have allowed him to lead the Republican Party and its run to the White House to ignominy. Americans are understandably worried. We have been fighting wars in the Middle East for over a decade. We lost thousands of lives and spent literally trillions of dollars in a wrong-headed war of choice in Iraq. We toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan, Saddam Hussein

Guest Columnist

in Iraq, Muammar Qaddafi in Libya, producing failed states and generating more terrorists. Now we are trying to take out Bashar al-Assad in Syria even as his mortal enemy ISIS takes credit for terrorist horrors in Paris and Beirut. The violence keeps spreading; the terrorists keep reviving. And Americans grow more and more worried. The task of leadership is to provide clarity and a strategy that quells fears and offers a way out. Trump has chosen instead to foster greater fear,

to divide us from one another while calling on us to abandon our own values. It is time for people of conscience to once more stand up. We are not in a war with our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith. They are neighbors and friends. Some volunteer to defend this country. American Muslims despise ISIS and the way the terrorists distort and disgrace their religion. We should not lock our doors or close our hearts to those who are the victims of ISIS and the

terror in Syria and Iraq, whatever their religion or tribe. The threat to lock out Muslims is harmful, hurtful and divisive. It is immoral and perversely counterproductive. There are more Muslims than Americans. ISIS may declare war on Western civilization, but that just illustrates its madness. We are not at war with Islam. We are at war with terrorists who threaten our people. We

JACKSON Page 37

By Jeffrey L. Boney

No More Chicken Dinners…We Need Policy It happens every year. Yard signs infiltrate our neighborhoods and litter our streets, placed by campaign operatives, hoping you not only familiarize yourself with their respective political candidate, but translate that familiarity into a cast vote for that candidate. Familiarity tends to work, which is why it’s no secret that radio stations play the same songs over and over again. They want that song to grow on you, even if you don’t initially like it. You often hear people complaining all the time about hear-

22 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

ing the same song all the time, but very rarely does a song become popular after one or two listens. Familiarity is the first step to a song becoming liked, and it is the reason why during election season, radio ads become more frequent, print mailers get sent out in mass quantity to registered voters and television ads are placed during key shows on the network. It is about familiarity. One act of familiarity, as it relates to politics, that I’ve always disdained, has been the way political candidates use gimmicks

to obtain votes from the Black community. You know what I’m talking about – chicken dinners, barbecue cookouts, fish plates, steak days, gift cards, air conditioners for senior citizens, etc. All of these gimmicks have and continue to be used to get people to vote for a particular candidate, yet once they get the Black vote, we don’t hear from them again until … next election cycle. It always fascinates me the way political candidates scurry around during election season trying to obtain votes so that they stay in elected office or get

elected into office. Politicians have long been staples in our community. They visit a church here, do block walks and knock on a door there, kiss our babies, shake our hands and even give us stuff in order to get us out to the polls and vote. However, when it comes to developing key, solid policy to help the Black community, many of those same candidates disappear, never to be heard from again … until next election cycle. Historically, many members of the Black community have treated elected officials as if they

are high-profile celebrities. Instead of talking to them about policy, many of us are looking to take a picture with them as if they are a Hollywood star rather than the public servant that was elected to serve the people. You know the routine – voters get out to vote, and then there is very little reciprocity from those candidates once they become elected officials. Think about it for a moment. When it comes to developing solid policy for the Black community, where is the evidence

BONEY Page 37

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Marian Edleman

Why Are Children Less Valuable Than Guns in America? Three years after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, where a lone 20-year-old gunman wielding an assault weapon snuffed out 26 victims, our nation has done shamefully little to protect children instead of guns. This week more than 10,000 people attended over 100 Orange Walks in 43 states to stand up and deliver a rallying cry that we must and can end gun vi-

olence in America, according to Moms Demand Action – a cry that must continue and get louder and louder until our tone deaf political leaders hear or are retired from office. New data this month from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 2,525 children and teens died by gunfire in our nation in 2014, one child or teen death every three hours and 28 minutes, nearly seven a day, 48 a week. What is this moral perversity in our midst that values guns more than children

Guest Columnist

and human life? In the three years since Sandy Hook’s nightmare we have not passed even one commonsense federal gun law to reduce gun violence and deaths and protect children from our out-of-control scourge of violence. Universal background checks work. The evidence is clear. The overwhelming majority of gun owners and nongun owners support stricter background checks, yet Congress has done nothing. How do we change this? Seventy-eight children un-

der 5 died by guns last year – 30 more than the 48 law enforcement officers killed by guns in the line of duty. Is there no shame in the shooters or in the lawmakers who protect the shooters or in the industry that makes profits off the blood of children? Shouldn’t Republicans, Democrats and independents of every race, income, color and faith be able to agree that child gun deaths are a moral blight on our nation that we have the means but not the will to prevent and change the

course of? Last month our hearts at the Children’s Defense Fund were broken by the death of our extraordinarily generous, creative and decades-long partner and board member Pat Fallon, co-founder of the award-winning Fallon Worldwide advertising agency. Some of his agency’s most searing images depicted the relentless carnage of gun violence that kills and maims thousands of children year after year. CDF

EDLEMAN Page 38

By Bill Fletcher Jr.

Is Islamophobia the ‘Acceptable’ Racism of the 21st century? In the aftermath of the Paris massacre and later the San Bernardino massacre, I have found myself wondering about the responses that we are hearing in the media and on the streets. It goes beyond Donald Trump’s ridiculous suggestion of banning Muslims from the U.S. There seems to be a growing toleration of Islamophobia, or fear of Muslims, in the United States. Things are being said that are both outrageous and quite rac-

ist. How can a religious bias be racist? It has a lot to do with the way that Islam has been treated in the United States almost since the beginning of the United States as a republic. Islam came to be viewed as the religion of the brown and black peoples of the planet, though rooted in both Judaism and Christianity. Parts of Europe had large native populations that were Muslim, Bosnia (in the former Yugoslavia) and Albania, for example. However, those areas

Askia-At-Large

have been largely discounted when discussions emerge about Islam. During the secessionist wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, there were somewhat sympathetic portrayals of Muslims. That did not last long, however. During the 20th century, Islam became a religion that was frequently associated with anti-colonial movements in the so-called third world. However, Islam cannot be viewed as a monolithic bloc. Certain fiercely conservative trends with-

in the Muslim world played a less-than-progressive role in the anti-colonial movements, but in the mainstream Western media there was little time and attention for nuance. Particularly since 9/11, Muslims have become the “Other,” the mysterious outsiders. Their relatively small numbers in the U.S. make them a very convenient and vulnerable target for right-wing hate attacks, much like the Jews in Nazi Germany. Since the so-called darker races of the planet are treated as

a perpetual danger by much of mainstream White society, so it is as well with Muslims. In some circles, Muslim equals black or brown, the additional association is that Muslim equals danger. As a result, we hear the most insane comments. There are more than 1.6 billion Muslims. While there are Muslims who carry out terror attacks, there are non-Muslims who do as well. In the case of the U.S., white su-

FLETCHER Page 38

By Askia Muhammad

Recalibrating the Trump Effect I agree with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s declaration to real estate mogul Donald Trump when he told The Donald “You’ll never be president.” Like the schoolyard bully he is, Trump mocked Bush, his GOP presidential opponent, comparing their national poll percentages: “I’m 42. You’re three.” Gotcha! There are many heretofore

conservative columnists who also agree. The conventional wisdom is that if Trump wins the Republican presidential nomination next summer, it will spell the utter destruction of the Grand Old Party. It’s true. Trump’s 42 percent of the Republican Party base amounts — at best — to 20 percent of the total electorate. That’s not enough to win the White House next November. But Trump’s profane, “biker-bar” mouth is much more important than I first reckoned, because it has unloosed

the frustrated, trashy-mouthed American White Man and given him — and his female companion — a place at the political table, in much the same way the campaign of the Rev. Jesse Jackson awakened the sleeping Black vote in the 1980s that did not participate in electoral politics, correctly believing there was nothing among the political choices for which it was worth casting a vote and hoping your candidate won. These Trump supporters are now free to say the ugliest things and commit the most

uncivil acts right out in the public. They are supremely frustrated. They rightly perceive the United States on the short end of world respect, just as the so-called “ugly American” has always been reviled. The difference now is that President Barack Obama does not cast fear among the world’s powers big and small the way they think Ronald Reagan used to do. These Trump supporters, especially the older White males who revel in the Reagan-esque Western-movie “shoot

first and ask questions later” mentality, where the good guys in the white hats always defeated the bad guys in the black hats, don’t want to hear anything about “karma,” or about “chickens coming home to roost” or about “as you sow you will surely reap.” Heckyno. The U.S. wrung its hands enough after Vietnam, surrendered far too much at home to “political correctness,” and average Joes like the Trump

MUHAMMAD Page 38 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Rev. Jeremiah Wright to Speak at NovaKwanzaa

Free Event Open to the Public

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The Northern Virginia Kwanzaa Collective will host its inaugural #NovaKwanzaa2015

celebration with keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Ill. The free program will be held

Keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Ill. / Courtesy Photo

Sunday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m., at the Charles Houston Recreation Center located at 901 Wythe St. in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition to Wright, the program will include African dancing and drumming, face painting, musical performances, an African marketplace and remarks from Alexandria City Council member John T. Chapman. Kwanzaa, established in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, honors African heritage celebrating family, community and culture from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. It takes its name from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which in Swahili means “first fruits.” The essence of the holiday lies in the 1960s civil rights and Black freedom movements. It remains a way of commemorating the African heritage of black Americans whose history was stripped away by the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The five fundamental activities of Kwanzaa are: A time of ingathering of the people to reaffirm the bonds

between them. A time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation. A time for commemoration of the past in pursuit of its lessons and in honor of its models of human excellence, our ancestors. A time of recommitment to our highest cultural ideals in our ongoing effort to always bring forth the best of African cultural thought and practice. A time for celebration of the good, the good of life and of existence itself, the good of family, community and culture, the good of the awesome and the ordinary, in a word the good of the divine, natural and social. Sponsors of the event include the Alexandria Black History Museum, Alexandria NAACP, Arlington NAACP, National Black United Front, Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network and Nu Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. WI

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LIFESTYLE

Fans Say Jackson 5 Deserve Grammy Honor

With Motown the Musical in D.C., Support for Icons Grow By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer As fans all over the District stream to the National Theater for Motown the Musical, some are calling for Motown legends the Jackson 5 to finally be recognized with a Grammy Award. While the Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1997, as a group, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Michael, Marlon and Randy, have never won a Grammy Award. “That, my friend is flat out disrespectful,” said Jackson fan Oliver Pride, who often posts his thoughts on the various Jackson fan websites across the globe. “The Grammy’s ought to be ashamed of themselves.” Pride and others said the Grammy’s could honor the brothers with either its Lifetime Achievement Award or its Grammy Legend Award. “They qualify, they definitely qualify,” Pride said. Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, won 13 Grammy Awards as a solo artist, sweeping the ceremony in 1984 after his groundbreaking “Thriller” album set – and continues to set – sells marks. The Jackson 5 was nominated twice, for best contemporary group vocal performance in 1970 for “ABC” and for best R&B group vocal performance in 1974 for “Dancing Machine.” In 1970, the brothers lost to the Carpenters, who won with “Close to You,” and in 1974 after a stirring performance on the show, they lost the Grammy to Rufus, who earned the trophy with the hit song “Tell Me Something Good.” “The Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a special merit that’s presented to those who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording,” a Grammy spokesperson noted in an email. Among the notable recipients of the award are the Jackson’s Motown contemporaries Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder, as well as B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson. In 1990, the Grammy Legend Award was inaugurated for individuals or groups for ongoing contributions and influence in the recording field. Recipients have included Barbara Streisand, The Bee Gees, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson.

“Michael has won 24 American Music Awards, 13 Grammy’s, he’s in the Hall of Fame as a solo artist and with the Jackson 5 and, rightfully so, he’s been honored with the Grammy Legend and Lifetime Achievement Awards, but as much as we love Michael, there’d be no Michael without Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon,” Pride said. Indeed, and even as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame notes itself, in the words of Motown founder Berry Gordy, the Jackson 5 were “the last big stars to come rolling off my assembly line.” The brothers made music business history when their first four Motown singles shot to number one in 1970. Released over a nine-month period, that string of hits – “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” – endeared the brothers to a public that found their soulful singing and tight choreography an entertaining diversion from all the social and political cataclysms weighing upon the country. As with all of Motown’s acts, the Jackson 5’s popularity transcended race. Everyone loved the Jackson 5, and the cherubic, charismatic Michael was especially captivating. The reasons for their out-of-thebox success boiled down to a simple truth: “The singing and the songs make us happy,” wrote soul-music biographer David Ritz. “They are moments of incandescent beauty – young, wildly optimistic.” The Jackson 5 rose from humble circumstances in Gary, Indiana. They were the eldest sons in a family of nine children born to steelworker Joe Jackson and his wife, Katherine. Joe himself played guitar in an R&B band called the Falcons. When he realized that his children had talent, he devoted himself to molding them into a well-rehearsed group that covered Motown and other soul/R&B hits of the day. Michael Jackson was only 6 years old when they formed in 1964, but his natural gifts for singing, dancing and entertaining belied his youth. They performed at talent shows and as opening acts on bills that took them to places like Harlem’s Apollo Theater, where they won an amateur night competition in 1967. All the while, Michael Jackson studied the moves of the masters – their onstage choreography, how they phrased a song, the way they worked a crowd.

His heroes and tutors included James Brown, Sam and Dave, Jackie Wilson, Etta James and his own brother, Jermaine, who himself was a disciple of Marvin Gaye. By the summer of 1970, the Jackson 5 was headlining 20,000seat venues, and Jackson mania was in full swing. They conquered television as well as radio, appearing regularly on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in the early seventies and on their own CBS summer variety show in 1976. An animated Saturday morning cartoon show based on the musical adventures of the Jackson 5 enhanced their appeal with younger fans. Their tenure at Motown continued until the mid-’70s, by which time they’d begun to turn their attention to the emerging disco movement with hits like “Dancing Machine.” And, regardless of all of the public relations problems that attempted to overshadow the 1984 Victory World Tour, the brothers embarked on the most exciting concert tour ever, a real

Should the Jackson 5 finally get their elusive Grammy? / Courtesy photo

triumph or, in this case, victory. While they likely won’t be honored at the 58th Grammy Awards on Feb. 15, it isn’t too early to start planning for the following year. “It’s time,” said Monique Sawyer,

a Maryland resident and account representative at a public relations firm that handles musicians. “It should have happened already. They deserve a Grammy.” WI

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LIFESTYLE

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Ward 8 Democrats Celebrate Principles of Kwanzaa By Rachel Sudduth WI Contributing Writer @rvsjournalist African-Americans have celebrated the weeklong revolution of Kwanzaa since the late 1960s, but in 2015, the seven-day holiday has become a culturally diverse nationwide observance. The Ward 8 Democrats invited the Southeast Ward 8 neighbors along with family and friends to attend their annual wrap-up party to honor the heritage and culture and bond with the Southeast residents. This year’s theme was a potluck celebration, encouraging Ward 8 neighbors to bring their favorite dishes to the RISE Demonstration Center on Martin Luther King Avenue in Southeast. “Ujima, collective work and responsibility, this principle means to build and maintain our community together and make our sisters’ and brothers’ problems our problems and solve them,” read Ward 8 political activist Philip Pannell. Ward 8 Democrats, the largest political organization in Washington, D.C., work year-round to target and stop the increased homicide rates facing Ward 8 by advocating for the opening of more black-owned businesses and educational programs. The annual Ward 8 Kwanzaa Community Celebration highlights the seven-key principles of Kwanzaa and relates how following these guidelines can help better the Ward 8 area. Included in these seven principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). A room filled with various pigmentations, some in African clothing, engaged intensely as the Rev. James E. Coates, a former Ward 8 council member, lit the seventh candle of Kwanzaa, Imani, which means faith. “Faith is not an intellectual exercise only; faith is about the risk.” Coates said, using the analogy of driving a car through various treacherous conditions with faith, comparing the experience to the faith D.C. residents must have in the production and success of Ward 8.

5Reverend James E. Coates, former Ward 8 Council Member lights the last candle during a Kwanzaa celebration at the R.I.S.E. Center in Southeast on Saturday, Dec. 19. / Photo by Nancy Shia According to the Labor Bureau of Statistics, with D.C. unemployment rates at approximately 7.4 percent, Ward 6 Chief of Staff for Council member Anita Barnes David Meadows says a collective effort can better the Ward 8 community. “All the principles (of Kwanzaa) relate to community; it takes more than an individual effort,” said Meadows. “I would like to see more restaurants, grocery stores with quality food and development but not displacement.” The event sponsored by Ward 8 Democrats brought together younger and older residents of the community as they discussed the collective conscious of the area. “A group of committed activists that have represented their interest,” said

Meadows in relations to Ward 8 Democrats. Each candle that represents Kwanzaa, three red, three green and one black, were all lit by the end of celebration, a tradition that combines the idea of struggle, future and hope, as well as the people. “United we stand, and divided we fall,” said DC Council member Vincent Orange. The Rev. Joyce Scott closed out the ceremony with prayer and blessing of the food while residents and community members bowed their heads. The Kwanzaa Community Celebrated kicked off the 49th celebration of Kwanzaa this year, which will be observed, as has become the tradition, from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. WI

LIFESTYLE

India.Arie Dons the Holiday Spirit New Release Pays Tribute to Joe Sample By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer When India.Arie finally got up the courage to approach jazz pianist Joe Sample at the 2012 Curacâo Jazz Festival about the opportunity to collaborate, not only did she have no idea he would say “yes,” but she later found out that both of their families had been encouraging them to do a holiday album. Thus, “Christmas with Friends” was initiated with Sample tinkling the ivories on Christmas classics “Let It Snow,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen” and the always popular “Christmas Song” immortalized by Nat King Cole. “It turns out that his family and mine had been telling each of us for years to do a Christmas album,” the four-time Grammy winner said. “We jumped right in.” They began compiling the recordings with friends, Brandy on “Silent Night,” Kem on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Tori Kelly on the Arie-penned “Favorite Time of Year,” co-written by her mother, who also dresses Arie in her unique style. What India.Arie didn’t know was that before the album was released, Joe Sample would die only six months after going into the studio. Despite production on the

recording by Aaron Lindsey, who has worked with Marvin Sapp and Yolanda Adams, the album was shelved for a year. “The sound of Joe’s piano and his special chord voicings always struck the perfect balance of peace and inspiration for me,” India.Arie said. “I wanted to use my voice in new ways that would complement his aesthetic. To have been able to sing with Joe, but also produce what I feel were my best vocals to date is something very special and meaningful.” She dedicated the album to the memory of Joe Sample, who was a founding member of the legendary (Jazz) Crusaders as well as a soloist in his own right. During this holiday season, she promoted the 10-track “Christmas With Friends” starting in Boston, then D.C., New York and ending in Nashville. Backed by Lindsey on keyboards, Gene Moore on vocals and her long-time collaborator, Blue Miller on guitar, and opened by youthful gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds, she returned to the road after a nearly two-year hiatus from the grind. Opening her set with a prayer in the form of a song from the recording “I Am Light,” she launched enthusiastically into the Christmas songs, also including favorites from her catalogue like “The Truth,” “Video” and “I Am Not

My Hair.” In a nearly three-hour show, Arie charmed the audience at the sold-out Howard Theater, chatting casually about her absence from the stage, her excitement at being back on tour and launching into songs from the American songbook like “My Favorite Things” and tunes from her fifth studio album, “Songversation” such as “Flowers” that she dedicated to her mother and “Moved By You.” Not content with the excess of music India.Arie and friends performed, the audience demanded an encore, and she obliged, doing four more songs. At the end, as it was in the beginning, India.Arie responded to the often raucous audience requests, closing out with what she called “another prayer,” “Ready for Love” from her first album “Acoustic Soul.” “Christmas With Friends,” which also features Dave Koz, Trombone Shorty, Kirk Whalum and Take 6’s Khristian Dentley was released in mid-October to rave reviews. The sweetly sentimental songs are the perfect background soundtrack to a warm December holiday season. WI

“The sound of Joe’s piano and his special chord voicings always struck the perfect balance of peace and inspiration for me. I wanted to use my voice in new ways that would complement his aesthetic.” India.Arie /

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Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

LIFESTYLE

WI Book Review A Games Women Play by Zaire Crown c.2015, Kensington Dafina $9.95 / $10.95 Canada 352 pages

You never miss a thing. Nothing escapes you, nothing passes you by. You’ve got eagle eyes (probably in the back of your head), and you know what’s going on at all times - except, as in the new book “Games Women Play” by Zaire Crown, when you don’t. It wasn’t what Tuesday Knight knew – it was definitely who. As the controlling owner of Detroit’s Bounce House strip club, she knew who had her back: her best friend, Tushie, for sure. Her bouncer, DelRay, for sure, and probably her bartender, Ebony. But as for her team – Brianna, Baby Doll, and Jaye – well, that was to be determined: Tuesday was the Boss Lady of the Bounce, and she was the ringleader of a talented little group of thieves. They were dancers and gunwomen, and she could only hope to trust them. She certainly couldn’t trust the man who fed her information on whom to rob. Lieutenant Kyle Dresden was as dirty as cops come, and he was freaky, too. Tuesday couldn’t stand the thought of his hands on her body, but he held too much power over her. She couldn’t avoid it, and she couldn’t wait to get away from him. And then he handed her the biggest job ever. Nobody had seen Sebastian Caine in years. Rumor was that he was in prison, that he’d made a deal with the Devil, went underground, or that he was dead. Nobody knew what was true and what wasn’t – except the Feds, who swore they were onto Caine. Dresden wanted Tuesday and her gang to take his millions before the Feds could get it. That would be easier said than done. Caine would be suspicious of everything. Getting close to him would take finesse – and Tuesday had plenty of that. But the mark Dresden showed her didn’t act like a murderous madman. Marcus King was just a normal guy with a child and a rich father. He was no crime boss, he was no player. He wasn’t exactly honest, however – but then, neither was Tuesday… Without a doubt, “Games Women Play” is nothing like I expected. Judging by the first few pages, I assumed it was another tiresome semi-erotic street lit novel that never goes anywhere but a bedroom. Ho-hum. Ho, wrong! Yes, I found erotica in this book, nudity, and plenty of profanity, but then author Zaire Crown totally astonished me with an action-thriller that had my imagination racing as fast as my pulse. As the violence ramped up, the bodies piled up, and the blood was cleaned up, I couldn’t put this book down. I kept yelping with surprise again and again; just when I thought I had things all figured out, Crown moved the plot to a whole new level and I love novels like that. I loved this one. Be aware that this isn’t a book for everyone, but if you can handle guns, blood, and View gangs in a novel, you’ll like “Games Women Play” just by John De Freitas fine. For you, it’s just another thing you shouldn’t miss. WI

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28 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

Horoscopes

DEC. 24 - 30, 2015

ARIES Wear your smile like it was your favorite fashion accessory this

week. You’re sure to feel better when you see how many times your smile is returned to you this week. Do what makes you happy this week. Soul Affirmation: The slowness of my week gives me time to refresh my energy. Lucky Numbers: 20, 40, 55

TAURUS You may feel restless this week because you have an excess of mental energy. You can channel that into productivity by applying your fine mind to tasks that you have been putting off for a while. You’ll feel great at the end of the week. Soul Affirmation: I let myself adapt to the flow of life around me. Lucky Numbers: 16, 29, 33 GEMINI You wake up feeling as good as you want to feel! Affirm your right to a healthy, happy, joy-filled life and that’s what you’ll find that you have this week! Lucky! Treat yourself to a lottery ticket! Soul Affirmation: I master life by mastering myself. Lucky Numbers: 5, 6, and 11

CANCER Watch for petty arguments at your workplace this week. Sail past any grumbling coworkers with a smile and think about how your soul vibration radiates your happiness. You’ll look and feel very attractive to positive vibrations. Soul Affirmation: I send words like music to the ears of those around me. Lucky Numbers: 3, 10, 13

LEO A compromise may be in order; luckily, it’s easy for you to be flexible. That special other person will be very appreciative of your ability to go with the flow when necessary. You are truly one-of-a-kind! Soul Affirmation: I will actually write a love letter to the universe this week. Lucky Numbers: 10, 20, 48 VIRGO Peace is flowing all around you this week. Soak up the harmony

as if it were sunshine and smile, smile, smile. You’ll be in sync with partners, family, friends, and even co-workers. Enjoy! Soul Affirmation: I find a source of strength in someone I love Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, and 36

LIBRA Your multi-tasking abilities will kick into high gear this week.

While it’s sometimes difficult for you to know how to handle a particular situation, this week you’ll know the perfect answer. Everything good is unfolding! Soul Affirmation: Facing down challenges makes me feel good about myself. Lucky Numbers: 10, 50, 52

SCORPIO Sociable, lovable you! You can have a wonderful week this week if you hook up with like-minded friends. You’ll find that many are on your wavelength this week. Appreciate your ability to bring people together. Soul Affirmation: Cheerfully handling what comes at me is the test of who I am. Lucky Numbers: 4, 14, 40 SAGITTARIUS Your intuition is showing, and you may surprise yourself as much as you surprise another by making a sudden intuitive leap and saying what you feel. You may feel as if you can read a certain someone’s mind. Use your gift for good. Soul Affirmation: I face each day with a smile and the day smiles back at me. Lucky Numbers: 16, 28, 43 CAPRICORN Happiness is where you find it this week. How hard are

you looking? It’s easy for you to pull your thoughts away from any negative emotions and flow with your inner harmony. Let yourself be very happy this week. Soul Affirmation: Emptiness inside creates the space that I can fill with love. Lucky Numbers: 5, 12, 27

AQUARIUS Someone close to you may be acting up or acting out. Try to respond with patience and love. If that seems impossible, turn it over to your higher power and get on with your own joyful life. Soul Affirmation: I go along to get along. Lucky Numbers: 23, 34, 41 PISCES You look as lovely as can be this week, as you breeze through the week like a butterfly. All communications are effective, and even more to your liking, they are fun! Enjoy some verbal soul vibrations with good friends later in the week. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way. Lucky Numbers: 7, 49, 52

SPORTS

Wizards Stop the Hornets, 109 - 101

3 Wizards guard 5 Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin drives by Wizards John Wall and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. in the first quarter of National Basketball Association action on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Verizon Center in Northwest. The Wizards defeated the Hornets, 109-101. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

Washington Looks Good in 35-25 Victory over Buffalo

John Wall drives past Hornets forward Marvin Williams in the third quarter of NBA action on Saturday, Dec. 19, en route to a win over the Hornets, 109-101. / Photo by John E. De Freitas

4 Bills center back Leodis McKelvin tackles Redskins wide receiver De Sean Jackson in the first quarter of NFL action on Sunday, Dec. 20, on the way to a win over the Bills, 35-25. / Photo by John E. De Freitas 3 Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is tackled by Buffalo Bills center back Ronald Darby in the first quarter of National Football League action on Sunday, Dec. 20, at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Skins defeated the Bills, 35-25, to secure the number-one spot in the Eastern Conference. / Photo by John E. De Freitas 5 Redskins tight end Jordan Reed out runs Bills Leodis McKelvin for a touchdown during NFL action on Sunday, Dec. 20, at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, The Redskins defeated the Bills, 35-25. / Photo by John E. De Freitas Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

CHRISTMAS: THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR Champion boxers, Lamont and Anthony Peterson along with their promotional group Headbangers, brought smiles to Janell Foster and her family at the Bald Eagle Boxing Facility in Southeast on Saturday, Dec. 19. The Foster family grew from five to nine after the tragic murder of younger sister, Keisha Hamilton earlier this year. Hamilton’s four-year-old daughter, Colette, and infant son Keyshawn who went missing for some time were found with the murderer. The CEO of Headbangers, Cologne Hunter, heard the story on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and was moved by the efforts of Foster to provide care for her sister’s children. Headbangers provided gifts to all of the children including the baby, paid college lab fees for Hamilton’s oldest daughter Kierra, 19, gave a bicycle, clothing and toys to Colette and Jasmine, 7, gifted laptops, shoes and gift cards to Alvin and John, both 15, and Diamond 19. Janell and her husband were presented with a check from Headbangers to help make this season a little brighter. / Photos by Shevry Lassiter

30 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

RELIGION

THE RELIGION CORNER

The Griffin Firm, PLLC

Life, Death in the Power of the Tongue This week, we are teaching the third principle called auto-suggestion which teaches how you ‘speak’ to yourself. Positive thoughts influence your subconscious mind, so speak in the present tense, and though you don’t have what you want yet, the affirmations reprogram your thinking. Mark 11:23 reminds us we must “Speak to our mountains.” In fact, it states in verse 23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” 24 Therefore I say unto you what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” This principle is biblical, providing a plan to bring the principle of faith and auto suggestion/affirmation to life? It’s your chance to test the truth of His Word. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you can ask or think. This teaching will help you “Walk by faith, and not by sight!” Learn to keep your heart trouble free.” This system will reprogram you to understand exactly how to trust God and to live life by “praying without ceasing.” More importantly, it teaches you how to apply this third principle of affirmation, speaking to your mountain. What should you say as a daily reinforcement of the Bible? This

Turning Hearts Church 4275 4th Street, S.E. Washington, DC 20034 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445

is an excellent example: Say something like “I know that He will make me the head and not the tail.” You can also say, “My God shall supply all of my needs, according to His riches in glory!” Or “The Word tells me that He will open up the windows of heaven and pour me out a blessing I won’t have room to receive.” There’s more … As you continue to recite the Word of God, add your own personal goals to your recitations. Write them out and repeat: “There is greatness within me.” “I am beautifully and wonderfully made, chosen to come forth to do a work for the Lord.” “The Lord is my shepherd.” Tell a different story; stop talking about those negative things that have shaped your life thus far. Let it go! That negativity is a curse. God has blessed you! The Bible tells us, “We are children of the light!” You are perfect in the eyes of God. It doesn’t matter about your body size, nor your race, color or creed. God made you, and you are indeed perfect, women especially, whether you have long hair or short, whether your skin color is light or dark. God did not make any mistakes Make peace with who you are, and make peace with where you are. Live happily in the moment. All we have is today; tomorrow is not promised. But when you live happy in each day, you shape your future, and God can bless you. You will be showing Him that you are indeed walking in faith.

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Estate planning and probate Medicaid planning Elder law Business and succession planning/ coaching Workshops and seminars on legacy creation for economic strength

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 www.thegriffinfirm-PLLC.com

with Lyndia Grant During your affirmation time, don’t speak words that hurt you and others. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Speak life; don’t talk about negative things that happened in your life. Let them go. You made it through the storm, and you’re still alive, you’ve got your right mind, and you’re stronger because of the problems you’ve faced and have overcome. Life is a downstream journey; just go with the flow. When you fight against the currents, trying to go upstream, it’s hard, it feels bad, and it is not the norm. Repeat daily, “I always go with the flow!” WI Lyndia Grant is a syndicated religion columnist, radio talk show host on 1340, WYCB AM, Fridays at 6 p.m., visit her website at www. lyndiagrant.com, invite Lyndia to speak for your church or group, call her at 202-558-2107or send emails to lyndiagrant@gmail.com.

202-379-4738

(301) 864-6070

CHURCH LAWYERS MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Organizational Formation, Governance Issues, First Ammendment, Church Employment, Ministerial Exception, Maintenance Issues, Risk Management, Safety and Security Issues, and Real Property Law SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Reverend Lyndon Shakespeare Interim Priest

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher

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

Services & Times Sunday School 8 – 9 AM Worship Service 9 – 11 AM Tuesday Night Bible Study 6:30 – 8:00 PM Wednesday Daytime Bible Study 11 AM – 12:30 PM

Worship Services Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: faithdefender@verizon.net

Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

RELIGION ChurCh Printing

Pilgrim Baptist Church

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Church of Living Waters

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor

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

4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00am 5th Sundays: 9:30am 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30pm

Quality Printers 301 kennedy street, nW Washington, DC 20011

301-894-6464 Schedule of Service Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30pm Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

tel: 202-291-6565

Blessed Word of Life Church

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., • Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary” Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30am 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00am Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30pm Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00am “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

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

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

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

Drs. Dennis W. & Christine Y. Wiley Pastors

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

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

610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Schedule of Services: Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00am Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30pm

Services and Times: Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30pm (dinner @ 5:30pm) Sunday School: 9:00am – Hour of Power

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am

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

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

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

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org e-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., S E Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org

(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW•Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am Sunday Church School: 8:45 am

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 pm Thursday: 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Communion every Sunday: 11:00 am Sunday School: 10:00 am Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 pm

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

Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor

Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor 5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089 Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School: 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7:00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Sunday Church School : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am

32 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

themcbc.org

Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30pm “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45am Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45am; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45am; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6am & 6:30pm Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org

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

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

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church

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

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW • Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 • Fax (202) 291-3773

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

Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

St. Matthews Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday) Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

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

King Emmanuel Baptist Church Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Sunday School – 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 am Baptismal Service – 1st Sunday – 9:30 am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday – 11:00 am Prayer Meeting & Bible Study – Wednesday -7:30 pm

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Diane Dixon Proctor, Pastor 1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 lpumconthegrow@gmail.com www.lpumcdc.org Sunday worship 10: am Holy Communion first Sunday 10: am Sunday school 9: am Bible Study each Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: “A CHURCH ON THE GROW”.

Eastern Community Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW • WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 • Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 • Fax (202) 483-4009

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

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

9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M

Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Communion and Feet Wash Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Prayer/Seeking Wednesday 7p.m Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42 Multitude of Souls to Christ”

New Commandment Baptist Church

13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm

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

Services: Sunday Worship 11 AM Sunday School 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study - Wed. 7 PM

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

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

Salem Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

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

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr., Interim Pastor

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

917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294

9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200

602 N Street NW • Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD

Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2015 ADM 602 Virna Rita Ingram Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Vanessa Ann Ingram whose address is 1616 Hamlin Street NE, Washington, DC 20018 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virna Rita Ingram who died on August 31, 2014 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 10, 2016. 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 June 10, 2016, 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: December 10, 2015 Vanessa Ann Ingram Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2015 ADM 1432 Michael Bernard White Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michelle L. White whose address is 9008 Breezewood Terrace, #201, Greenbelt, MD 20770 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Bernard White who died on July 24, 2013 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 June 10, 2016. 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 June 10, 2016, 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: December 10, 2015

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2015 ADM 1436

Administration No. 2015 ADM 1371

Samuel F. Howard Decedent Matthew F. Shannon, Esq. 1420 N Street, NW Suite 102 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Beverly Franklin whose address is 11503 Accolade Court, Clinton, MD 20735 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Samuel F. Howard who died on October 25, 2015 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 June 10, 2016. 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 June 10, 2016, 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: December 10, 2015

Lou O. Morman aka Lou Oxendine Morman Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Chloe Oxendine Wilson, whose address is 1218 Chaplin St., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lou O. Morman aka Lou Oxendine Morman who died on August 22, 2015 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 June 10, 2016. 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 June 10, 2016, 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: December 10, 2015 Chloe Oxendine Wilson Personal Representative

Michelle L. White Personal Representative

Beverly Franklin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY

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

Administration No. 2015 ADM 796

Administration No. 2015 ADM 1444

Samuel McKinney Decedent

Salvadore A. Consolo aka Salvadore Anthony Consolo Decedent

Alan Solomon 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1430 Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Alan Solomon, whose address is 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1430, Bethesda, MD 20814, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Samuel McKinney who died on September 19, 2011 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 17, 2016. 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 June 17, 2016, 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: December 17, 2015 Alan Solomon Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

34 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS John S. DiBenedetto whose address is 4702 Adrian Street, Rockville, MD 20853, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Salvadore A. Consolo aka Salvadore Anthony Consolo who died on November 17, 2015 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 June 17, 2016. 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 June 17, 2016, 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: December 17, 2015 John S. DiBenedetto Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Civil Division 2015 CA 6060 R(RP) Judge Jeanette J. Clark, Calendar 7, Next Event: Initial Scheduling Conference February 19, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v. THE MARY B. STAUNTON LIVING TRUST, et al. Defendants. ORDER OF PUBLICATION In accordance with D.C. Code Section 13-336, et seq., and SCR Civil Rule 4-I, the object of this proceeding is to quiet title to one parcel of real property located in the District of Columbia, described for tax assessment purposes as Square 5291 Lot 79, known as 5451 B Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019. Plaintiff Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. filed a Complaint alleging among other things, that a deed recorded as Document Number 2002058312 transferring the property known as 5451 B Street SE, Washington, DC 20019 to the Defendant Martha Green was signed improperly by Mary B. Staunton as an individual instead of Mary B. Staunton in her capacity as trustee of the Defendant Mary B. Staunton Living Trust and therefore Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.’s recorded deed of trust granted by Martha Green may be ineffective. Plaintiff has shown that Mary B. Staunton is deceased and therefore personal service is not possible. WHEREFORE, it is this 23rd day of November 2015, hereby, ORDERED, that notice shall be given by insertion of a copy of this order in the Daily Washington Law Reporter, a legal newspaper or periodical of daily circulation and The Washington Informer, a newspaper or periodical specifically designated by the Court once a week for three successive weeks. Super Ct. Civ. R. 4-I; D.C. Code Section 13-340. “For purposes of this rule, a legal newspaper or periodical of daily circulation shall mean a publication designed by the Court that is (1) devoted primarily to publication of opinions, notices and other information from the courts of the District of Columbia, (2) circulated generally to the legal community, and published at least on each weekday that the Superior Court is in session.” Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4-I. Notice is given to any and all persons interested in the above-described real property to cause their appearance to be entered herein on or before February 19, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Otherwise, the cause will be proceeded with as in cause of default. SO ORDERED. /s/ Judge Jeanette J. Clark. Pub Dates: December 10, December 17, and December 24, 2015.

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ons, but also trying to encourage states throughout the country to require a permit to purchase a gun. You need a license to drive a car. You should get a license to purchase a gun. That would really reduce the dangerous people purchasing guns. “We just need to make sure to galvanize the public and make sure we get the public fully engaged so that Congress has to do the right thing. The speaker of the House (Paul Ryan R-Wisconsin) refuses to allow a vote on gun safety measures. He has not adequately explained why. There’s a distinction between having a vote and the proponents of gun safety losing a vote and not having a vote at all. In this case, he has refused to let democracy work its will. They should

allow a vote and let members of Congress explain to their constituents why they voted against some commonsense gun safety legislation. “I have been pushing another bill that simply (says) that if you are on the terrorists watch list, you should not be able to buy a gun. If we determine you are a risk to the public and we are not going to let you get on an airplane, you shouldn’t be able to go down to a gun shop and buy semiautomatic weapons, or any other guns. I’ve been pushing that since 2005. We need the country to rally behind commonsense gun safety measures and I will continue to work to do that.

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some. If we can stop one, then it is worth it.

gun laws so that they respect the Constitutional rights of gun owners, but also respect the rights of citizens to be safe in our community. We have lost hundreds of people in our state alone to gun violence. The Congress gets focused on doing these moments of silence when there are these mass shootings. Well, in some of our communities it is not a mass shooting. It is one at a time. We may not be able to stop every single death in gun violence, but we can stop

PAID SICK LEAVE

Most American workers go to work every single day, every single week without one single day of paid leave. So that means when you get sick, your child gets sick, a parent gets sick, you don’t have the ability to get paid leave. I think that is really disruptive to families and communities. This significant issue impacts mostly women who are working for lower wages than their male counterparts. If you have to take off a

on a number of pieces of legislation. The issue is when people are sick, they shouldn’t be prevented from making payments on rent, or putting food on the table. I think it should be part of the workforce benefits that people have in the United States. “When you get sick, you shouldn’t have to lose the income necessary to support your family. There are a number of bills that I’ve been supporting and pushing to address that issue. I’ve got a number of provisions to provide for paid sick leave. The idea would be that if you are sick, you would have two weeks paid sick leave. (Not sure) exactly what the appropriate period of time is. “It’s something we can debate. There are a number of ways to do it. It is as simple as that. We can try and figure out the best way to address the details.” WI

day without a pay because you get sick, then you might lose your electric bill, your water bill, your heating bill. I have talked to so many employers who actually provide benefits like paid leave and family and medical leave. Their workers are loyal to them. They stick with them. They don’t have to retrain them. They don’t have to reinvest in new employees, so paid leave provides a net benefit for employers. You get a workforce that is incredibly healthy and focused on their work. WI

MALVEAUX from Page 22 away with their crime had not a young white police intern organized a search party to find Owens. Had there been no protests or national attention, the rapists may have been acquitted. They were convicted, but Betty Owens was further demeaned through a trial that questioned her virtue and asserted that she didn’t fight hard enough (with a shotgun to her head). Her dress, they said, wasn’t torn enough to indicate a rape. Unexpectedly, the all-White jury found the rapists guilty, and they received life sentences. At least one of them was paroled to rape and kill again (and he did). Those who defended Daniel Holtzclaw took a page from the historical playbook when they paraded the backgrounds of his rape victims before the all-White

JACKSON from Page 22 want to enlist the overwhelming majority of Muslims to stand with us, not provoke them to stand against us. In this Christmas season, we should not forget that after his birth in a manger, Jesus was a refugee, fleeing into Egypt with his parents from the threat of Roman violence. He taught us to care for the stranger on the Jericho Road, not spurn and scorn him. I grew up under segregation, locked out because of the color of my skin. The race test was

BONEY from Page 22 that we have held elected officials accountable for their failure to do so? I am talking about the elected officials we continue to elect over and over again, yet they have done very little to educate, equip and inform the Black community about key issues in matters concerning them or developed any sound policy that has made a difference. Ask yourself when the last time one of your elected officials drafted policy or advocated for policies at the local, state or at the federal level, that positively impact you? Now we may have been invited to a fish fry, steak dinner or community social event, but if you know as I know, the Black community has been shortchanged when it comes to advocacy and having policy drafted by many of our elected officials. The Black community deserves to be treated like a partner in a serious relationship, not

jury. They were on drugs. They had arrest warrants (sometimes for simple parking tickets). Well, someone who has dabbled with drugs can be raped; someone with outstanding warrants should not be victimized. The women with police records may have been reluctant to come forward, but Ligons had no record and no warrants. She was a grandmother minding her business ,and her speaking up opened the door for others to speak. She reminded other women that they could stand up to injustice. Too many Black women have been forced into silence; those who speak up pay consequences. Ligons deserves to be acknowledged because she took a risk and may pay a price for outing a rouge police officer. He took advantage of women simply because he could. Ligons, the self-described

“ wrong woman to stop,” was willing to spotlight Holtzclaw’s abuse. She is my woman of the year, and she deserves all acknowledgements. I am encouraging our African-American organizations to lift this sister up, to give her high props, to give her every award that is available. She stands on the shoulders of Taylor, Owens and countless others. She has helped serve Holtzclaw, a steaming plate of justice. She fought the fight, and so must we. In the words of Mari Evans, “look on her and be renewed.” She is my woman of the year! Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, D.C. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” will be released early 2016 and is available for preorder at www.juliannemalveaux.com. WI

hurtful because I could never pass it. The same is true of the call to exclude all Muslims. We must speak forcefully against those who would mindlessly impose a religion test for entry into the U.S. and those who would call for closing down mosques or cracking down on places where Muslims gather peacefully. America will not defeat terrorism by dividing one from another. Terror is the weapon of the weak. For a people with hope, the hate of ISIS has no attraction. For people who are integrated into a society, ISIS’ call

to violence goes unanswered. ISIS calls for jihad, arguing that the West is waging war on Islam. We need to isolate the terrorists, not inflate them. We need to make lies of their calumnies, not provide evidence for them. Anyone who aspires to lead this country ought to demonstrate that they will respect and defend the values on which it has been built. In this time of trouble, Trump and many of his rivals are denigrating the very principles that make America strong. WI

some fling on the side, where politicians whisper sweet nothings in our ear in order to get the only thing they really want – the Black vote. We need policy, and we need to stop allowing elected officials and candidates who make promises to us in order to get our vote and close the deal to ignore us until they need our votes again. Elected officials are not highly paid Hollywood entertainers. Elected officials are public servants, and we need to stop acting as if they are the hottest celebrity. The Black community needs to start demanding sound policy and holding these elected officials accountable for being real advocates for their constituents. The same energy and efforts these elected officials use to get elected or re-elected should be the same energy they use when it comes to sitting down with their constituents to understand their needs and advocating for policy that positively impacts

the Black community. If the constituents of these elected officials have not progressed and are no more advanced as a result of their leadership, it is time to start looking for new leadership. So again, you can keep your chicken dinners, barbecue cookouts, fish plates, steak days, gift cards, air conditioners for senior citizens, etc. Give us what we really need – sound policy and advocacy. WI Jeffrey L. Boney serves as associate editor and is an award-winning journalist for the Houston Forward Times newspaper. Jeffrey is a Next Generation Project fellow, a dynamic international speaker, an experienced entrepreneur, a business development strategist and a founder/CEO of the Texas Business Alliance. If you would like to request Jeffrey as a speaker, you can reach him at jboney1@texasbusinessalliance. org.

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EDELMAN from Page 23

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began our anti-violence campaign in 1994 after Peter Hart Research Associates conducted intergenerational focus groups of Black youths and adults. We were shocked to learn their number-one concern was gun violence: Black male youths didn’t believe they’d live to adulthood, and Black parents saw gun violence as the number-one threat to their children. Then came Columbine, with two White teen boys wearing trench coats who fatally shot 13 people and injured 21 others in a rampage at their school that shocked the nation. Shouldn’t it be illegal to sell and buy these weapons of war in America that turn our streets, schools and workplaces into killing fields? Surely, we are better than this. How can we let our lawmak-

FLETCHER from Page 23 premacists are the major source of terror attacks. Yet there are no broad generalizations of White supremacist terrorists. White men and women do not have to look over their shoulders or worry about being identified as terrorists simply because they are white.

ers stand by and do nothing to stop the slaughter of innocents? Since 1963, over three times more children and teens have died from guns in America than U.S. soldiers killed in action in wars abroad. Pat Fallon and his creative colleagues did everything in their power to help bring us to our senses over the years to stanch the tide of gun violence with these and other powerful violence prevention campaigns urging us to value our children more than our guns. Why is a child’s right to live less important than a gunman’s right to kill and the gun manufacturers’ profits? Children are certainly not the only ones in danger in our gun-saturated nation, which accounts for less than 5 percent of the global population but owns between 35 to 50 percent of all civilian-owned guns in the world. Recent es-

timates of U.S. civilian gun ownership are as high as 310 million — about one gun for each person. U.S. military and law enforcement agencies possess approximately 4 million guns. Isn’t there something horribly wrong with this picture? A gun in the home makes the likelihood of homicide three times higher, suicide three to five times higher, and accidental death four times higher. WI

Whether one is Muslim or not, it is essential that people of goodwill stand up to Islamophobia. It is to be neither ignored nor tolerated. It is not something that is childish and that will go away. It will instead intensify unless it is beaten back. Muslims must know that they have supporters who are prepared to stand up for them. Re-

member the situation that faced Jews in Nazi Germany. To refuse to stand up for those facing persecution is not only immoral but also foolish. Those who attack Muslims today are those who are prepared to demonize other groups tomorrow; in fact, they may already have. WI

even before they get a job, they are quick to blame affirmative action, which permits unqualified Black students to get admitted to schools, pushing out qualified White applicants. Even though the neo-conservatives who surrounded President George W. (for Worst in history) Bush were warned that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction and that an immoral and illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq would produce “unintended consequences” no one could predict, they lied and convinced the world to support the U.S. march into that country, which had never committed a single aggression against the U.S., murdering Iraqis by the hundreds of thousands and causing those people to hate the Americans who disrupted their way of life. Now, rather than recognize that the “hate American hate produced” is now coming back to haunt the U.S. — 4,000 Americans dead, hundreds of thousand wounded, countless survivors plagued with post-traumatic stress disorder (shell-shocked),

thousands of homeless veterans, and 22 veterans taking their own lives every day. Neither Donald Trump nor any of his Republican opponents will even consider that this country created the Islamic State jihadist problem with wicked U.S. policies. Their answer is to “bomb the be-jesus” out of all those “towel-heads” over there, never mind that’s the “shock and awe” mentality that started this madness in the first place. The new Trump voter mantra is like the narrow-minded Ku Klux Klan mentality in the Deep South. It reckons that with bluster and arrogance and aggressive violence, it can bluff the world’s suffering people into believing that resistance to White superiority is futile. Trump still cannot and will not win the presidency, but he has managed to cower the remainder of the Republican presidential field into believing they must be like him or they too will never be president. WI

Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund, whose Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start and a moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information, go to www. childrensdefense.org.

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38 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015

ASKIA from Page 23 supporters watched their middle-class lifestyle dissolve into a struggle to make ends meet, in which for the first time in this country’s history, the generation coming up will not be as prosperous as were its parents. Instead of blaming the top 0.2 percent of the wealthiest in this country who have received 90 or so percent of the wealth produced by increased worker productivity and technological advances, the Trump crowd prefers to scapegoat folks who are “not them.” Even though workers from Latin America come in and do jobs — at first stoop labor in agriculture and then increasingly every kind of dirty work — that these Americans often think they are too good to do, they are quick to blame “illegal aliens” for making it so they now can’t find work. Even though nobody’s children can afford to go to college and be gouged with debt that is greater than a home mortgage,

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40 Dec. 24 - Dec. 30, 2015