On Thursday, Dec. 4, Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable organization powered by Dunkin’, presented a $25,000 grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. This grant is part of a nationwide celebration of 2025 funding, supporting the foundation’s mission to bring joy to kids battling hunger or illness. (Courtesy Photo/Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation)
Smith, who’s currently embroiled in the controversy of post-surge federal-law enforcement collusion and a congressional investigation into Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) crime data, told reporters that her decision to step down stems from nothing more than a desire to rest.
“I've had 28 years in law enforcement,” Smith said on Monday during a press briefing on the seventh floor of D.C. Department of Health on Shannon Place in Southeast. “I've had some time to think with my family. This has really been a fast-paced role because it is in a major city. I know that the challenges that we faced have had some high points and we've had some low points, but respectfully, right now, this is a personal decision for myself and for my family.”
Smith became MPD chief in the summer of 2023, during a post-pandemic crime wave that had the District and other major U.S. cities under siege.
Under her leadership, the District experienced a significant reduction in homicides, a 52% decline in shootings over the last two years, and the removal of thousands of firearms. With the implementation of traffic safety compliance checkpoints and impounding of more than 1,300 scooters, the District also experienced a 47% reduction in traffic fatalities in 2025.
Smith has also touted the creation of the Juvenile Investigative Response
Unit and launch of MPD’s Real Time Crime Center as feats that laid the foundation for a more effective response to crime. Other accomplishments include an increase in starting salary for recruits and a spur in recruitment events that’s, in part, credited with an 11% year-to-date increase in MPD recruit applications.
After the D.C. Council’s approval of temporary emergency juvenile curfew this summer, MPD, under Smith’s leadership, issued 15 juvenile curfew zones. The police department has also held more than 2,000 community events throughout the District while engaging hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors in outreach programs.
Smith, who’s ending her tour of duty on Dec. 31, said she and the officers under her command laid a solid foundation for her successor.
“The men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department are owed a great deal of gratitude from all of us, and I cannot express my admiration and unwavering commitment and support that our members have really worked hard in keeping our city safe,” Smith said. “It is my hope and certainly my anticipation that we will continue to move forward with this same effort in 2026.”
Questions about Police-Community Relations, Local-Federal Law Enforcement
Collusion, and a Congressional Investigation
In a statement, the D.C. Police Union implored Bowser to collaborate with them in her search for a chief that “demonstrate[s] proven leadership qualities that prioritize respect for rank-and-file officers, foster trust within our communities, and commit to reforming broken policies.”
Earlier in the correspondence, the union questioned the timing of Smith’s resignation, noting an investigation by the U.S. House Oversight Committee and U.S. Department of Justice into allegations that MPD manipulated crime data.
On Monday, Smith declined to comment on the investigation.
Smith’s announcement comes amid MPD’s post-surge relationship with federal law enforcement agencies. While ICE continues to detain those perceived as undocumented, the officers affiliated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have fired shots, on separate occasions, at two Black motorists in the easternmost parts of the District.
During a moment that was caught on camera earlier this year near D.C. Bilingual Public Charter School, MPD, HSI and other federal agents were on the scene of a traffic stop-turned-immigration arrest. Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Ber-
SMITH RESIGNS Page 37
5 After two years leading the Metropolitan Police Department, Chief Pamela A. Smith is resigning. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)
SMITH RESIGNS from Page 1
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
SPEAKER from Page 1
ment on Dec. 4. “I will remain as a delegate representing the best district in Maryland, District 10. Now is the time for me to step back and 'raise high' the stars of my leadership team.”
Del. Dana Stein (D- District 11B), who was speaker pro-tem, is temporarily serving as speaker, and an election will be held during a meeting of the Democratic caucus on Dec. 16.
“I'm sad that she's stepping down because she's been a steady presence at the helm of the House of Delegates now for six years, but she leaves a very impressive legacy,” said Stein in an interview with WYPR. “She was instrumental in getting the abortion rights referendum on the ballot, support for HBCUs, diversity and equity – the list is a long one.”
Jones began serving in Maryland’s General Assembly in 1997, eventually rising to serve as the speaker pro tempore, vice chair of the appropriations committee, and chair of the capital budget subcommittee under longtime Speaker Michael Busch (D- District 30).
Following Busch’s death in 2019, Jones was elected to lead the
House of Delegates.
"I have spent my life giving back to my community, the people of Baltimore County and the state of Maryland. Serving my community in local government, as a delegate and the speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates has been my greatest honor,” Jones said in the Thursday statement.
While she stepped down as speaker, Jones plans to provide guidance toward selecting the legislature’s new leader.
“I am turning my attention to coaching and mentoring and offering guidance and support to the next speaker for a smooth transition. When elected speaker, I never intended this to be forever. I wanted to help build the next generation of House leaders and prepare them for the challenges in front of us as a state,” she emphasized. “Now is that time – and I look forward to seeing this mighty House of Delegates continue to grow."
Local Leaders, Organizations Celebrate Jones’ Contributions
Jones’ legislative legacy includes police reform, expanded and protected reproductive rights, legal-
“Adrienne Jones was a friend and mentor long before she ever earned the title 'speaker.' Her leadership and mentorship have been instrumental to me and so many others who serve the people of Maryland.”
Gov. Wes Moore Maryland
ized recreational cannabis, and hundreds of millions of funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“Our HBCUs are stronger because of her efforts to get them the funding required to be some of the best higher education institutions in the country, and she has been a key figure in the transformation of UMBC into a world-renowned research institution,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a Dec. 4 statement. “This is but a small sample of her body of work.”
Statues of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Justice Thurgood Marshall were also unveiled in the state’s capital during her tenure as speaker.
Further, as a longtime legislator, Jones has inspired several local politicians in their work and leadership.
“Adrienne Jones was a friend and mentor long before she ever earned the title 'speaker.' Her leadership and mentorship have been instrumental to me and so many others who serve the people of Maryland,” Moore continued. “She leads by example, putting service above self across five decades, and that will not change as she steps down from leadership while still serving District 10.”
The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland posted a tribute to Jones, celebrating her work and contributions. “Her extraordinary leadership, historic, historic tenure, and unwavering devotion to the people of Maryland have left an indelible mark on our state and
for generations to come,” the caucus wrote in a Dec. 5 statement. “Speaker Jones has served in the Maryland General Assembly since 1997 and throughout decades of service, she has remained one of the most engaged, respected, and dedicated members of the Legislative Black Caucus.”
Further, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), also the first African-American woman to serve in her role, said she has long revered Jones for her work and service to the state.
“Speaker Jones is a trailblazer, a fearless advocate for the people of Maryland, and a bold leader who has made our state better... Her compassion knows no bounds. And her north star throughout her years of service never changed — improving the lives of Marylanders,” Alsobrooks wrote in a statement posted to social media on Dec. 7. “I know I speak for so many others when I say to Speaker Jones, thank you for your service. Thank you for paving the way for so many of us. And thank you for never lacking the courage to stand in the arena and fight for Marylanders every single day.”
Lauding Jones for her years of service and continued commitment to the state, Moore promised he would help as needed as the Maryland House discerns its next leader.
“Throughout her career, she never flinched from stepping into the gap. That work continues, and our state is better off because of it. Marylanders who will never meet
3 People around the state are touting Adrienne Jones’ contributions as speaker of Maryland’s House of Delegates, where she managed the COVID-19 response, enacted police reform, and ensured hundreds of millions in funding for HBCUs. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)
her and may not even know her name will have their lives made better by her work,” Moore said. “I will work with Speaker Jones, her leadership team, and all members of the House of Delegates to assist in any way they deem fit to ensure a smooth transition as they make their decision about who will next lead their body."
Speaker Election Set for Dec. 16, Peña-Melnyk Emerges as Favorite
The Dec. 16 election will determine Maryland’s next speaker of the House, and will likely be held by a secret ballot, but can also be conducted via voice vote.
When Jones stepped down, rumored candidates included: Health and Government Operations Chair Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21); Appropriations chair Del. Ben Barnes (D- District 21); Legislative Black Caucus Chair Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (DDistrict 20); Economic Matters Chair Del. Del. CT Wilson (DDistrict 28); House of Delegates Whip Del. Jazz Lewis (D- District 24).
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy endorsed Peña-Melnyk, and the remaining speaker candidates dropped out to the District 21 delegate.
“We know Joseline from her long service in Annapolis and have partnered with her to make Maryland stronger – from public
SPEAKER Page 13
SPEAKER from Page 12 testified on several bills, including a hearing held by Peña-Melnyk to study the bird flu.
health to public safety to improving schools,” read a joint statement from Scott and Braveboy on Dec. 7. “Joseline is a strong leader. She listens and builds coalitions. And she is well-equipped to bring together the diverse people in our Democratic family.”
Rachel Jones, who formerly represented District 27 and recently announced her campaign for delegate, was a strong supporter of the former speaker during her time in Annapolis.
“The role of the speaker is to set the tone of the House. To lead the majority party and govern the entire body with authority and decorum. Speaker Jones did that, and with such humility,” she told The Informer. “The potential candidates for Speaker of the House are all people that I previously served with and they possess a lot of qualities a Speaker should have. “
During her time in the General Assembly, she sponsored legislation to disclose developmental disabilities on driver’s licenses and strengthen drug reporting policy.
Following her tenure in the House, the former District 27 representative worked with the Department of Agriculture and
“Delegate Pena-Melnyk possesses both the poise and grit that it takes to lead as speaker. Known for mentoring others and bringing them into leadership roles, she has the ability to work well with people across party lines and isn't easily rattled by opposition. She has experience crafting and championing groundbreaking legislation,” she continued. “I don't envy the current members of the House who must select from a field of highly qualified colleagues. However, Pena-Melnyk would be an excellent choice to lead in the challenging times ahead.”
Peña-Melnyk, whose District touches parts of Prince Geoge’s and Anne Arundel Counties, also mentors the current House candidate, and has encouraged her toward other leadership opportunities, including serving on the board of the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer.
“She thinks about people's strengths and passions and encourages you to engage in new ways,” Jones, a candidate for delegate, continued. “I count her as a friend.”
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Festival of Lights
November 28 – January 1
Watkins Regional Park
Live More, Play More this holiday season with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. We’ve got free and low-cost concerts, Santa appearances, and events perfect for family outings.
Experience dazzling holiday scenes from the comfort of your car.
Holiday Concerts
All season long!
Free or low cost plays, ballets, and performances.
Arena A fast-paced tournament of area schools.
5 Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk is emerging as a favorite among candidates for the next speaker of Maryland’s House of Delegates. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)
Black Entrepreneurs Celebrate Progress, Community, and Purpose at Montgomery County’s First Black in Business Awards
By Karen James Cody Ally Song Group
On a night filled with sequins, laughter, and long embraces, Montgomery County’s Black business community gathered at the Doubletree Hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland on Nov. 20, for an evening that felt less like an awards ceremony and more like a family reunion.
The inaugural Black in Business Awards, hosted by the Montgomery County Black Business Council in partnership with MBA Growth Partners, honored 15 entrepreneurs whose resilience, collaboration, and leadership have reshaped what Black business success looks like in the county.
But the deeper story – the one
many in the room felt in their bones – is how this community came to be.
Five Years of Intentional Community Building
Over the past half-decade, the Montgomery County Black Business Database (BBD) has become a connective tissue for hundreds of entrepreneurs.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, three organizations became an essential lifeline–– the Black Business Council, initiators of the BBD; the Black Collective, which houses the AMBER accelerator program; and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce–– coming together to offer training, mentor-
ing, and a sense of shared purpose. Owners who once built in isolation now collaborate, cross-refer clients, meet for professional development, and celebrate each other’s milestones.
The result is a close-knit, steadily growing ecosystem. Many of this year’s finalists are AMBER graduates. Several received county-supported training or incubation support. All have contributed to a community that has learned to grow together.
Last night’s celebration was, in many ways, a recognition of what collective investment makes possible.
Honoring the Work –and the Workers
Fifteen finalists were honored, representing businesses in hospitality, IT, government contracting, consumer services, and professional consulting, sectors where Black entrepreneurs have historically faced barriers to capital and mar-
ket access.
Five stood out as this year’s winners:
• Michael J. Charles SolutionsMET
• Melissa Daley Orca Intelligence
• Tiffany Nesfield Nesfield Performance
• Hyacinth Tucker The Laundry Basket LLC
• Sharon Jackson Wilder The Oaks Hospitality Group
Keynote speaker Jeff Cherry, of Conscious Venture Lab, spoke directly to the evening’s deeper meaning.
“We are creating the ‘purpose economy,’” he said, “where your business creates value for society.”
His message, that economic growth and community well-being are inseparable, resonated throughout the room.
The ceremony’s emcee, Ike Nwaneri, blended humor with heartfelt recognition, keeping the energy
bright while honoring the significance of the moment.
A Night of Pride, Progress, and Possibility
The sparkle of the awards was more than aesthetic. For many attendees, the night represented an affirmation that the county’s Black businesses are not only surviving but scaling, hiring, and strengthening the region. It was also a reminder that this community built itself through connection: late-night problem-solving sessions, shared trainings, referrals, workshops, and the steady presence of organizations designed to ensure Black entrepreneurs can thrive.
As Montgomery County continues to invest in its local business ecosystem, the Black in Business Awards mark both a celebration and a declaration: Black businesses here are growing, and they’re doing it together. WI
3 Melissa Daley of Orca Intelligence; Marsha Johnson, accepting for Michael Charles of SolutionsMet; Sharon Jackson Wilder of The Oaks Hospitality Group; Tiffany Nesfield of Nesfield Performance; and Hyacinth Tucker of The Laundry Basket at the inaugural Black in Business Awards on Nov. 20 at the Doubletree Hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Courtesy Photo/Hartistraw)
Housing Voucher Program Opens Application Process
By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter
Prince George’s County residents had the first opportunity in a decade to apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP).
A lottery system will be held to select 5,000 low-income applicants; an estimated 30,000 applications were filed.
Applicants will be notified of their status by late January. The program is federally funded and locally administered by the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County (HAPGC).
Calondra Young, an activist that lives in Laurel, is excited for the change this will mean in the lives of county residents.
“The need is very dire. The need is so dire,” she told WUSA9. “Families that have been asking for this opportunity for many, many years and it actually feels like Prince George’s is listening. The waitlist opening represents hope for stability, dignity, and safety for people like myself.”
LaWann Stribling, a small business owner who lives in Greenbelt, expressed great appreciation for what housing assistance has meant in her life.
“That voucher saved me as a homeless single teen, mom throughout my adulthood, to purchasing my home two years ago,” she said via social media. “I’m thankful, very thankful for the security of shelter throughout those years and beyond.”
WI
In Loving Memory of James Louis Wright Jr.
November 09, 1963 - December 02, 2025
(Please send all flowers and other condolence items directly to the Church) Funeral Services
Friday, December 19, 2025
Hemingway Memorial AME
6330 Gateway Blvd
District Heights, MD 20747
Visitation 10:00am Service 11:00am
Interment / Austin, Texas
Ending the Year Strong: Closing the Gap Between Intention and Legacy
By Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.
As we reach the close of another year, I am reminded that legacy is not built in a moment. It is built through a series of intentional choices—some bold, some quiet, some difficult, and some long overdue. And yet, every December, many of us find ourselves saying the same thing: “Next year, I’ll get my affairs in order.”
But the truth is this: the strongest way to end the year is to begin your legacy work now.
Estate planning is not about preparing for death; it is about preparing for life— your life, your family’s life, and the lives of generations who will inherit the impact of your decisions. For the Black community, this work carries an even deeper weight. Our families have survived land theft, discriminatory lending practices, forced relocations, probate predators, and systemic barriers that have stripped wealth from Black households for generations.
We cannot afford to be casual about our futures.
As we close out this year, I want to offer a clear call to action: Finish strong by closing the gap between intention and implementation. If you’ve been meaning to get your plan done, update your documents, or have “the conversation” with your loved ones, let this be your moment.
1. Review what you own and who depends on you.
Before any signature hits paper, estate planning begins with understanding your assets—and your responsibilities. This includes real property, retirement accounts, business interests, insurance policies, and even digital assets. Too often, Black families lose wealth simply because information is scattered. Bring it together.
2. Update your beneficiaries and key documents.
Beneficiary designations override wills and trusts. Outdated paperwork creates chaos. Review your will, your trust, your powers of attorney, and your healthcare directives. Lives change. Relationships evolve. Your estate plan should evolve too.
3. Protect your business—especially if you are an entrepreneur.
Black entrepreneurs are wealth builders, job creators, and culture shapers. Yet without succession planning, much of that progress remains fragile. Whether your goal is to pass the business to your children, create an ESOP, or prepare it for sale, the key is to put structure around your vision. The 5 D’s—Death, Disability, Divorce, Departure, Dissolution—do not wait for convenience.
4. Have courageous conversations
Our community has historically been taught to stay silent about money and death. Silence, however, is expensive. Love looks like clarity. Love looks like instructions. Love looks like preparing your family so they are not left to guess.
5. Give yourself permission to ask for help.
No one has to do this alone. Working with an estate planning professional ensures not just documents, but strategy—tax planning, trust protection, multigenerational vision-building, and alignment with your real goals.
6. Treat your legacy like an annual checkup—not a one-time event.
Every year, I encourage families to look at their estate plan the way they look at their health: with attention, care, and routine. Year-end is the perfect time to review, refine, and re-commit.
Ending the year strongly means ending the excuses.
We cannot build wealth and allow it to slip through our fingers. We cannot fight for economic justice and then fail to secure the assets we have. We cannot speak of empowerment while leaving our next generation unprotected.
Our parents and grandparents fought hard for every home, every acre, every business, every policy, every pension, every dollar. The Black community has always made a way out of no way. Now, with access to knowledge and professional guidance, we can intentionally protect what we have worked so hard to build.
We honor our ancestors not just with words, but with action. And we commit to our children and grandchildren by ensuring that what we build will not be lost.
of keeping our community informed!
So as you celebrate the season, as you give and receive love, as you reflect on what this year has taught you—make estate planning part of the way you close 2025. Your future deserves it. Your family deserves it. Our community deserves it.
www. washingtoninformer .com
And your legacy demands it.
Let this be the year you finish strong. And let next year be the year you live with the confidence of knowing your legacy is secured.
Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. Life and Legacy Counselors
1401 Mercantile Lane, Ste 271, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste 440 Washington, DC 20015 1100 N. Glebe Road, Ste 1010, Arlington, VA 22201 www.yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481 connects all locations
NATIONAL
Park Service Erases Civil Rights Holidays Under Trump
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
The National Park Service released its 2026 list of free-entry days, and the two most defining federal holidays tied to Black liberation and civil rights are gone.
Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day and Juneteenth have been removed, replaced with a slate of patriotic observances that now includes Flag Day, which is also President Donald Trump’s birthday.
The Park Service’s public posting confirmed that the two holidays honoring the end of slavery and the legacy of nonviolent resistance will no longer open park gates at no cost.
The BBC reported that the agency framed the move as “modernization” and added Trump’s birthday while eliminating the holidays tied to racial justice.
The change follows Trump’s ban on federal diversity, equity and
inclusion (DEI) programs earlier this year, which forced many agencies to halt observances tied to MLK Day and Juneteenth. Those holidays now disappear from the Park Service calendar at the same moment the administration raises fees for and deports non-citizens, while also rewriting federal access rules.
“Martin Luther King Jr. deserves a day of recognition,” Kristen Brengel said to Newsweek. “For some reason, Black history has repeatedly been targeted by this administration, and it shouldn’t be.”
Members of Congress condemned the decision.
“The President didn’t just add his own birthday to the list, he removed both of these holidays that mark Black Americans’ struggle for civil rights and freedom,” Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) declared.
Rep. Gregory Meeks told Newsweek that “our parks should re-
flect our shared history, not cater to Trump’s ego.”
Trump Administration Continues to Erase Black Narratives
Historians say the government’s decision extends far beyond the calendar of free-entry days.
“There’s a long-standing perception that MLK Day and Juneteenth are ‘for’ Black Americans,” Rowan University Professor Emily Blanck said. “The Trump administration has consistently worked to eliminate recognition of Black Americans and their contributions under the banner of opposing DEI.”
Trump’s public language has
moved in the same direction.
Speaking about Somali immigrants at an event in Minnesota, the president said “Their country stinks, and we don’t want them in our country.” He later called Somalia “a hellhole.”
His remarks about American cities have followed a similar pattern.
When deploying federal forces into Washington, D.C., Trump described the capital as “a nightmare of murder and crime” and told supporters he intended “to take it away from the mayor.”
Local leaders and residents rejected the claims as manufactured.
For many, the erasure of MLK Day and Juneteenth from the national calendar of free-entry days is more than symbolic. It signals a withdrawal from recognizing the history of racial injustice and the movements that confronted it.
The move also marks a political choice about whose stories the government believes are worthy of national reflection.
“When a government chooses not to honor the nation’s freedom holidays, it signals that the struggle for freedom itself is no longer a shared national value,” Blanck demanded.
WI
5 A large crowd dances to 803Fresh’s “Boots on the Ground” line dance hit at a 2025 Juneteenth celebration in Prince George’s County, Maryland. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
5 The National Park Service owns and operates the Frederick Douglass House in Southeast, D.C. The 2026 list of National Park Service 2026 free-entry days does not include Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, a move many critics note as the Trump administration’s continued efforts to ignore and erase Black history. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
5 TOB performs on a float as part of the January 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (WI File Photo)
Celebrate Your Financial New Year: A Q&A with D.C. Community Manager, Aja Clark
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the year and set yourself up for success in 2026. Whether you’re building new habits or refining your financial strategy, Aja Clark, Chase Community Manager in DC, shares practical tips to strengthen your financial health journey.
Q: What’s been a key financial health learning for you in 2025?
A: This year, I’ve been really inspired by the enthusiasm in Greater Washington for financial education. People here aren’t afraid to dream big—buy a home, save for retirement, plan for college, or grow their business—and are really excited about the process to get there. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping connect them with the tools and knowledge to turn those dreams into reality.
One trend that stands out is the increasing complexity of fraud and scams. These can have a serious impact on anyone’s financial wellbeing. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to host workshops focused on fraud prevention—covering the latest scams, warning signs, and practical steps to help safeguard your personal information. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Q: As the year wraps up, what should the D.C. community keep in mind about their finances?
A: The new year is a fresh start, and it’s the great time to build habits that set you up for success. Here are a few ways to get started:
• Think of your budget as your personal roadmap—it shows you exactly where your money is going and helps you steer toward your goals. Take a little time each month to track your income and expenses. When you set a budget that truly reflects your priorities, you’re not just managing money—you’re empowering yourself to make confident decisions
• Saving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small, consistent deposits can grow into something meaningful over time. Try automating your savings so it happens without you even thinking about it—like paying yourself first. Watching your savings grow, no matter the amount, is a powerful way to build financial security and peace of mind.
• Your credit score is more than just a number—it’s a key that can unlock new opportunities, from buying a home to starting a business. Strengthen your credit by paying bills on time and keeping your balances manageable.
Q: What are some tips for your neighbors to start the new year on the right financial foot?
A: No matter where you are in your financial journey, I think everyone should do a year-end financial checkup. Review your budget and savings, set realistic goals, and make a plan you can stick to in the new year. Anyone can visit their local Chase branch and ask about getting access to a financial health check-up at no cost—available to all, no matter who you bank with. Our teams live, work, and are rooted here – and we are deeply committed to uplifting the communities and serving our neighbors every day.
As Community Manager, I’m focused on financial education and community partnership to help strengthen financial health journeys. I host free workshops on essential topics like budgeting, saving, building credit, and preventing fraud and scams. These workshops are open to all, not just Chase customers, and can help you start the new year on the right foot.
Q: What financial health initiatives are you excited about in 2026?
A: I’m especially excited to help demystify credit for our community. Credit can feel intimidating, but it’s actually a powerful tool that can help you unlock new opportunities—whether that’s buying a home, starting a business, or simply getting better rates on everyday purchases. In my workshops, I break down the basics: why it’s important to know your credit score, how to check it, and
simple steps you can take to improve it—like paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and avoiding unnecessary debt. We also talk about how your credit score can be a stepping stone to achieving your biggest goals. My advice? Don’t shy away from learning about credit. The more you understand, the more control you have over your financial future.
Q: How can neighbors get involved and benefit from your community work?
A: Getting involved is easy—and it can make a real difference in your financial journey. We have Community Managers in every state and D.C., all dedicated to supporting their local neighborhoods. Our free workshops cover essential topics like budgeting, saving, building credit, and protecting yourself from fraud and scams. These sessions are open to everyone, not just Chase customers, and are designed to be practical and welcoming. Whether you’re looking for guidance, want to ask questions, or just want to connect with others who are working toward similar goals, we’re here for you. I encourage you to join us, bring a friend, and take advantage of the resources and support available right in your community.
Q: If you could give one piece of financial advice to the community for 2026, what would it be?
A: My top advice is to be proactive: take the time to review your finances, set clear and achievable goals, and create a plan to reach them. Don’t wait for a crisis or a big life event to get started—small steps today can lead to big results tomorrow. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is here to help, whether you need a quick check-up, want to talk through your options, or need help building a plan.
You don’t need to be a Chase customer to benefit from our expertise and support. We’re committed to helping our neighbors build a stronger, more resilient financial future—one step at a time.
The bottom line
The end of the year is the perfect time to reset your financial goals and take positive steps toward a stronger future. Stop by your local Chase branch for a free financial check-up, sign up for one of my free workshops, and let our team help you start 2026 with confidence.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described on this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.
Under the theme “Unity in Diversity, Strength in Unity,” the African Unity Ambassadors Ball honored a distinguished group of leaders and trailblazers on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Fairmont Hotel in Northwest.
This year hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe, the annual gala features members of the African diplomatic community and showcases esteemed individuals, diplomats, and leaders who share a common vision of a prosperous and interconnected Africa.
One of this year’s honorees was Herman Bekele, an Ethiopian-American inventor and scientific researcher, who at 15 years old was named Time Magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for his skin-cancer research. As part of this year’s honor, Bekele received a personalized lab coat.
Other honorees included: Ambassador Johnny Carson, for his strategic approach to African diplomacy; Kofi Annan, for his global impact; and Ambassador Andrew Young and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, were lauded for their leadership and contributions to African
development.
Further, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian public health official and director of the World Health Organization, re-
ceived the Nelson Mandela award for his leadership during the pandemic and commitment to global health equity.
WI
5 Teen inventor and scientific researcher Herman Bekele accepts an award at the African Unity Ambassadors Ball on Dec. 3. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)
5 Ambassador Johnny Carson holds his award from the African Unity Ambassadors Ball, honoring more than 40 years of dedicated service to Africa. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)
5 Kimberly Bassett, secretary of the District of Columbia with Cissé Mint Cheikh Ould Boide, Mauritania’s ambassador to the United States. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)
As ACA Subsidies Near Expiration, D.C. Stands on the Edge of an Avoidable Crisis
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
Now, with Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies days from lapsing, that scaffolding is beginning to strain.
The Washington region—D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia—sits directly in the path of the national fight unfolding in Congress.
Kaiser Family Foundation data
shows that more than 682,000 people in these four jurisdictions bought coverage through the ACA exchange this year. The share receiving premium tax credits ranges from 28% in the District to 98% in West Virginia. The numbers tell a quiet but unmistakable truth: when the subsidies vanish, the pain will spread from Ward 7 to Ward 8, from Prince George’s County to small towns tucked deep into the mountains.
For older households, the harm is immediate and unforgiving. A 60-year-old couple in the region earning $85,000 faces an average premium increase of $1,900 a month if the subsidies expire. In Maryland and Virginia, the same couple would still see monthly jumps well above $1,000. D.C. families who rely on marketplace plans stand on the same edge, waiting for Congress to decide whether health care remains reachable or returns to a luxury.
Yet just blocks from the Capitol—where votes stall, where alliances shift—the District has taken its own steps to shield residents.
The D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking recently approved 2026 insurance rates that will save residents more than $1.2 million after reducing
several proposed increases from major insurers. Commissioner Karima Woods of the D.C. Department of Insurance, Security and Banking (DISB) said the agency worked to protect consumers from unfair pricing and discriminatory coverage.
Woods stated that DISB is “laser-focused on protecting D.C. consumers from unfair pricing and discriminatory coverage.” She said the agency rigorously reviewed 188 plans to ensure residents receive affordable, equitable insurance.
But even a well-policed marketplace cannot stop a national crisis at the city’s door. If Congress fails to act, premiums will spike despite the District’s work to soften the blow. The problem is not local mismanagement; it is federal abandonment.
The political atmosphere remains volatile. Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the ACA tax credits as a “boondoggle,” signaling no intention to guarantee a vote on extending them.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has warned lawmakers that the clock is running out and filed a discharge petition in a bid to force a vote.
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commissioner of the D.C. Department of Insurance, Security and Banking says the agency is working to protect Washingtonians from unfair pricing and discriminatory coverage. (Courtesy Photo)
“There are just 13 legislative days left before the Affordable Care Act tax credits expire,” Jeffries wrote. “We only need a handful of Republicans to join us in order to save the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans.”
Senate Democrats say the vote will occur, but passage depends on a Republican Party still divided on whether the ACA should survive at all.
“That vote will happen. And whether it will pass is in the hands of [President] Donald Trump and the Republicans,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said.
Trump added new uncertainty during recent remarks aboard Air Force One.
“Somebody said I want to extend it for two years. I do not want to extend it for two years. I would rather not extend them at all,” Trump said.
He added that an extension might be possible only if used to secure unrelated demands, calling the law a “disaster.”
Throughout the region, the stakes are unmistakable. Families who finally found stable coverage during the pandemic years could see it fall away as premiums surge. Hospitals already burdened by uncompensated care, particularly east of the Anacostia River, will face deeper strain. The District, with its long history of uneven health outcomes, will see those realities sharpen if Congress lets the deadline pass unchecked.
Sen. Chris Murphy described the political calculus at play. Murphy said Republicans are letting their opposition to the ACA overshadow everything else.
“They may hate the ACA and [former President] Barack Obama so much they are willing to lose an election,” Murphy declared.
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As the Washington region sits directly in the path of the national fight regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Karima Woods,
EARTH OUR
ers making it clear [that] we want to invest in the future– clean, affordable energy, not the past of dirty methane gas,” said D.C. Campaign Manager for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), Claire MIlls, at a Nov. 18 rally dissenting Washington Gas’s proposed plan.
The project, initially named PROJECTpipes, underwent two phases between 2014 and 2025. As of Dec. 31, 2023, the initiative replaced 38.1 miles of mains and 8,497 service lines. WGL proposed a third phase in 2023, but it was rejected by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) in 2024, which ultimately led to the creation of the current project: the District Strategic Accelerated Facility Enhancement (District SAFE) Plan.
Still under review by DCPSC, District SAFE is intended to run through December 2027 and replace or fix approximately 12 miles of mains and 3,600 service lines, costing an estimated $215 million. It would also include a Customer Choice Pilot Program, which would give residents the option to permanently discontinue their
gas services instead of having their lines replaced.
While the DCPSC evaluates the plan, considering factors such as cost impacts on ratepayers and alignment with the city’s climate goals, residents and environmental advocates feel it’s unsustainable and won’t keep the city safe, unlike its name suggests, crediting this disapproval to the surcharge in energy bills and an increase in hazardous gas leaks throughout the area.
“I feel that my utility bills have been getting higher,” Silver Spring resident Lauren Gygax told The Informer at the Nov. 19 rally. “My neighbors, my community and friends in D.C have been struggling with their utility bills, and I feel that continuing on with these costly gas infrastructure projects [is] not what people want. It's not what we need.”
On Nov. 19, the DCPSC voted in favor of a 13% increase in gas rates from WGL, which includes a $12.5 million transfer from the company’s pipe replacement plan. According to CCAN, this hike in rates comes as one in seven gas users in the city are behind on their bills.
In reaction to this decision, ad-
vocates disrupted the DCPSC’s evidentiary hearing reviewing the proposed plan on Tuesday, Dec. 9. After continuously chanting “PSC do your job,” the hearing was closed to the public.
“As utility regulators remain asleep at the wheel and leave Washington Gas’ corporate greed unchecked, advocates today spoke out in protest to ensure families and residents have access to affordable, reliable heating that doesn’t break the bank,” Mills said in a press release following the hearing.
“Today’s disruption was a cry for accountability, and a demand that our regulators finally wake up.”
Despite these concerns, WGL believes District SAFE is a vital part to maintaining dependable infrastructure in the area.
“Through this program, we’re identifying aging, leak-prone pipes and replacing infrastructure to meet the highest standards,” the company said in a statement sent to The Informer. “Guided by federal regulations and recommendations, these investments are essential to building a safer, more resilient energy network for the more than 160,000 residents and businesses we serve every day.”
A Need for Greener Change
While the total number of gas leaks in mains throughout the District decreased from 728 in 2016 to 689 in 2024, the number of hazardous leaks grew, with 342 hazardous gas leaks reported in 2016, and 473 in 2024– a 38% increase.
In 2022, activists and neighborhood researchers from Beyond Gas D.C., a coalition of climate, faith and community groups working to ensure access to clean and affordable energy for Washingtonians, found 389 gas leaks across all eight wards using an industry-grade methane detector. Out of these, 14 were at or exceeded the 50,000 parts per million threshold that deems a leak potentially explosive. When methane, the gas primarily used for heat and light, is combusted, it produces carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Gas appliances such as stoves, furnaces and dryers also release other gases,
including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, into the home. According to the American Lung Association, the air indoors can be 2-5 or even 100 times more polluted than it is outdoors.
“I have grandchildren, and I worry about the future, given the vast climate change that we're witnessing,... and fossil fuels are driving that change, killing our environment and ourselves,” D.C. resident Jean Tepas told The Informer. “It’s a very old way of providing energy, and we need to look toward the future, not keep propping up the past.”
Hannah L. is an organizer with Extinction Rebellion, an international, nonviolent, politically non-partisan movement aimed at urging governments to tackle the current climate and ecological emergency fairly. She believes that although climate progress seems to be regressing, people must remain resilient in the fight toward a more sustainable future.
She told The Informer that reform is unlikely to occur within a shareholder-owned private utility company like WGL, and that to see change, residents and environmental advocates must focus on what their representatives and regulators can do to minimize the power of such companies and explore alternatives.
“We have to be thinking about dramatic changes because that’s
GAS Page 23
3Before the Nov. 18 rally, participants create chalk art on the nearby sidewalk, urging the D.C. Public Service Commission to reject District SAFE. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)
GAS from Page 1
GAS from Page 22
the scale of action needed to meet the scale of the problem we’re faced with,” she continued to tell The Informer. “We can already see the scale of human suffering that [climate change] is bringing about, and… each degree of warming that we can avert matters because… it’s inseparable from any global justice issue.”
Alternatives to natural gas in homes and businesses that are sustainable and more affordable exist– such as heat pumps that can replace furnaces and air conditioners. Instead of generating heat, these pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool area to a warmer place.
Air-source heat pumps, which transfer heat between homes and the outside air, are the most common. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, mod-
ern-day heat pumps have the potential to “reduce your electricity use for heating by up to 75%.”
These pumps are connected by ductwork, which not all homes have. Nevertheless, alternatives such as minisplit heat pumps still exist and are a ductless air-source variant.
Tepas hopes the city can lean on more sustainable energy solutions to ensure a greener future– not only for her grandchildren, but all the generations that will follow them.
“One thing I think we can all agree on is that [energy from natural gas] is not sustainable for our future, and to keep it going just to keep shareholders’ money in their pockets is morally wrong,” she told The Informer. “The future of our planet is in our own hands, not in the hands of powerful people.”
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OUR EARTH
5The D.C. Public Service Commission has recently approved a 13% hike in residents’ gas bills, sparking anger and resentment among advocates. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)
EDUCATION
Anacostia High School’s Literacy Night: A Tool for Building Reading Stamina and Community
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
As a librarian at Anacostia High School, J. Hodge often collaborates with faculty and staff members in their endeavor to increase students’ reading fluency and comprehension. For the last three years, Literacy Night has been a tool in realizing that goal.
For Hodge, a crucial element of Literacy Night centers on bringing students and parents into one space and helping parents interpret triannual assessment data. From that point, all parties unite around a plan of action to take that young one’s reading skills to the next level.
“We have now grown into including all of the Anacostia feeder pattern schools,” Hodge told The Informer. “If there's a student who is a struggling reader, we'll look at the trends at elementary and middle school, with elementary. It’s [about] us unifying to see how we can leverage all of our resources to close the achievement gap.”
The most recent Literacy Night took place on Oct. 15 at Anacostia Neighborhood Library in collaboration with Ketcham Elemen-
tary School and Kramer Middle School. For two hours, Hodge led parents in exploration of Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment data while students explored the stacks and deepened their appreciation for the written word.
With two more MAP tests scheduled throughout the remainder of the school year, Hodge spoke about plans to host a couple more Literacy Nights. She pointed out that librarians at Ballou High School, Jackson-Reed High School, and MacArthur High School— along with their feeder elementary and middle schools— are already taking on similar projects.
Anacostia High School, however, continues to lead the charge with its nearby D.C. public library— a meeting spot for young people— as a partner.
“We know that most of our students frequent the public library on weekends or after school,” Hodge told The Informer. “The public library has an anime club and free tutoring. Since our students already go to the public library, we're showing them how they can utilize some of the resources that are already in place
5 J. Hodge poses with some of her students and staff at Planet
to support structured reading, and just to be more intentional about utilizing the skills that will make students stronger readers.”
Two Parents Take on a Mission for Their Children’s Reading Fluency
At the beginning of the 20252026 school year, District education officials unveiled the 2024-2025 results of the D.C. Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education, also known as CAPE. Those results, heralded as the best in 15 years, showed student improvement in English and Language Arts, especially among economically disadvantaged students.
According to data compiled by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Anacostia had a CAPE participation rate of 85% on the English I and 74% on the English II portions of the assessment. Out of the 55 students who took that part, only 13— fewer than 25%— approached, met or exceeded expectations.
Fewer than 25% of the Black students who took the assessment overall approached, met or exceeded expectations.
MAP growth assessment data, administered by Northwest Evaluation Association, measures student learning and tracks progress
in a range of subjects, including English and Language Arts. The adaptive test adjusts questions to each student, showing their learning level and zeroing in on their progress over time.
MAP provides data that paves the way for personalized instruction. However, as Anacostia High School community member Teairra Barnes told The Informer, charting a student’s path would most likely happen during conversations with Hodge and others who are familiar with the next steps to take.
“I knew what I was reading, but I still had to search and create ways to implement what needs to be developed,” said Barnes, the mother of a senior engineering student at Anacostia. “Even with my other children, I'm doing that now, trying to figure out how [my daughter] won't see [reading] as a chore, but as fun, because learning is fun if you take it from a different perspective.”
Barnes, a former homeschool parent, counted among more than 100 people who attended Literacy Night at Anacostia Neighborhood Library in October. That night, she and several other parents collected printouts of their children’s MAP testing data. They later learned about the resources avail-
able to parents— including the Clever learning app.
Well before Oct. 15, Barnes served as a de-facto ambassador of Literacy Night. She said she’s always encouraging parents to take full advantage of these family-oriented enrichment activities.
“The consistency makes a difference,” Barnes said. “Even with myself, being consistent with what we do or what we share, and what we make important, what we advocate for our children. That's why you see us in meetings, making sure that…we ain’t going nowhere, and our children are going to get what they deserve right here.”
In the years leading up to her son’s freshman year, when she enrolled him at Anacostia, Barnes often relied on the public library as a tool in developing curricula. Although her child, a senior on an engineering track, exhibits a high level of reading fluency, Barnes said she still wants to push him to the next level.
Barnes said, had it not been for Hodge, she wouldn’t have known what D.C. Public Schools could families beyond the classroom.
“The websites have a lot of resources for the kids, but if you don't know about it, and it takes
LITERACY Page 25
Word in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/Jeannine Hodge, Instagram)
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a lot to get to…access it, you can’t work on it,” Barnes told The Informer. “I think that's where the resources [come in], like going to the public library, speaking to the teachers, going to the parent-teacher conferences, and asking them how this can happen for my child.”
Anacostia parent Nisa Harper expressed her appreciation for the ambiance— including refreshments and activities— that Hodge and her Ketcham and Kramer counterparts created at the October Literacy Night.
“When parents are coming, they're bringing multiple children straight from work, so the food part impacts someone coming to another event,” Harper told The Informer. “The few times I came, they had an interpreter for Spanish. Anacostia and Kramer [doesn’t] have a large Latino population, but the fact that they included the interpreter is inclusive. They even had art activities.”
Harper, the mother of a senior at Anacostia, also commended Hodge for her availability to parents who are eager to dissect the assessment data and understand what steps to take to push their young ones further along in their studies.
“Like I do the other assessments with my kids, I went through and
I had questions,” Harper said as she recounted numerous instances when she emailed and spoke with Hodge. “ I highlighted like I do all the time and I went back to her with questions. And then she explained some things I still didn't understand. She sat down with me and [showed me] this is what this means.”
"We know that most of our students frequent the public library on weekends or after school. The public library has an anime club and free tutoring."
Jeannine Hodge
Like Barnes, Harper always sets out to spread the word about Literacy Night. Though she’s made some progress, she acknowledges the hurdles that some parents have to overcome, especially as it relates to engaging complicated material.
“Even if you don't [how to read the data], the key piece is there are educators like Ms. Hodge who will explain it to you,” Harper said. “The challenge is that a lot of parents in urban areas, because of their own educational background, do not go further to ask. Anything I don't understand, I'm going to gain understanding if I have to go back, if I have to read it again, if I have to look at a YouTube video.”
One of Many Librarians Working toward a Greater Goal
During the 2021 budget season, when D.C. Public Schools was in danger of losing full-time librarian positions, the D.C. Council funded those positions via a tax increase on the District’s highest earners.
Hodge has since counted among legions of librarians who, amid book bans in other school districts, are fighting to instill a love of reading in young people. Her efforts have compelled her to collaborate, not only with other librarians, but local organizations like CARE Anacostia that are dedicated to creating a village of support for young people.
For Hodge, similar logic applies when it comes to literacy. She calls it the foundation of a strong academic career.
“The students are reading in every subject area,” Hodge told The Informer. “You have to know how to read to solve math problems. You have to know how to read…to solve science equations. You should have a solid foundation in your primary language to acquire another foreign language. Even for health and PE, the students, in addition to the requirements, students do projects. They're doing research. They're creating.”
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The Future Depends on Us
PLUG
Lawrence Di Rita President, Bank of America Greater Washington D.C.
When History Becomes a Political Weapon
Trump’s Removal of MLK Day and Juneteenth Dates a Deliberate
President Trump’s decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and Juneteenth from the National Park Service’s 2026 calendar of free-entrance days, while adding free admission on his own birthday, is more than petty. It is offensive, deeply revealing, and a clear signal about whose history and humanity he chooses to honor.
Other free-entrance dates, including Fourth of July weekend, remain unchanged. Only the two holidays rooted in Black liberation and civil rights were singled out.
These dates are not just footnotes but essential parts of the American story. King’s birthday celebrates a man whose moral courage pushed this nation to confront segregation, injustice, and the hypocrisy of its founding ideals. Juneteenth marks the final
Insult to Black History
emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865— America’s true Independence Day for millions who had long been denied freedom.
Free museum and park access on these days has never been a partisan act. It has always been a civic duty: a recognition that history belongs to the people, and that all Americans should have the opportunity to learn, reflect, and be inspired.
Museums and national parks are not playgrounds for political culture wars. They are democratic spaces where facts, artifacts, and collective memory are meant to be protected from political whim. Yet, by removing these two significant days from the 2026 free-entrance calendar— while adding his own birthday and keeping other traditional holidays— Trump
reduces public institutions to tools of personal vanity and ideological grievance.
This is the kind of gesture we expect from insecure strongmen, not from a leader who claims to serve all Americans. It shows a disregard for Black history, a deliberate devaluation of Black cultural achievements, and a willingness to manipulate public institutions for personal gain.
But the public has a choice. We can reject this narrow-minded attempt to rewrite national priorities and instead recommit ourselves to the values King and the freedmen of Juneteenth fought for— truth, equality, and the dignity of remembrance.
History will recognize this decision for what it is. What truly matters now is how we react.
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Voters Will Have the Ability to Transform the District in 2026, Don’t Let the Opportunity Pass
With each passing day, the question Washingtonians should be asking is not “who is running for political office next year,” but “who is not?’
Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has announced she will not run for an unprecedented fourth term.
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), the District’s representative in Congress, has not decided if she will run again but there are those who are waiting in the wings just in case she opts out.
Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At-Large) has just announced that she will not run again after many years of service.
Then, with legal issues that must still be resolved, it remains unclear whether Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (D) will be able to clear his name and keep his seat.
And while it is not an elected position, the Metropolitan Police Department’s first female chief, Pamela Smith, says she’s stepping down at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, lurking in the corner are the president and several of his Republican cronies who would like nothing better than to take
control of the District. And there could be more brewing on the political front.
That means every vote will count in 2026 – every vote.
So, if you’ve been complaining and criticizing those in office about how things are going in D.C., or if you have concerns about who’s running the show, now is the time for you to act and make a difference.
This is the moment when D.C. will be transformed – perhaps for the better or worse, but it will change. The path we follow will
You By
change. And voters will serve as the change agents.
So, while you are celebrating Christmas, New Year’s Day, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, take a few moments to make sure you’re registered to vote. Then, do your homework on every open seat from the top of the ballot to the bottom.
Now is not the time to be a coach from the couch. Claim your right to vote and vote with knowledge.
This is our city. Let’s act like it still belongs to us! WI
This is the moment when D.C. will be transformed – perhaps for the better or worse, but it will change. The path we follow will change. And voters will serve as the change agents.
TO THE EDITOR
“My name is Michele Carter, a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, where Mr. James Wright, Jr. was a devoted and faithful member. Mr. Wright is and will be truly missed by his Asbury family, for he was loved by all! Rest In Eternal Life Mr. Wright!”
- In reference to the article: "Remembering James Wright"
“Thank you for your important work highlighting the growing food insecurity across D.C.”
- Chris, in reference to the article: "From Crisis to Community: Inside D.C.’s Collective Stand Against Hunger"
Readers’ Mailbox
The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to news@ washingtoninformer.com. or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
Guest Columnist
The Illusion of the Markdown
by half and still make money, were you ever getting a real deal?
Consumers love a sale. We love the little red tag, the "limited time only," the breathless "50% OFF!" that promises we're getting over on somebody. At this time of year, the sales signs practically scream at us, and we rush to stores convinced we've won a battle against high prices. But here's the truth retailers hope you never pause long enough to consider: If a store can slash a price
That's the mystery of the markdown. And once you pull back the curtain, the mystery dissolves into a simple equation: the retailer is not losing money — far from it.
Let's start with the math. Most consumers imagine that when they buy a $100 sweater, somewhere in Bangladesh a worker made it for $60 or $70, and the retailer added a modest markup. Not! That $100 item cost the retailer between $20 and $40, or even less if it's fast fashion.
Julianne Malveaux
What happens when the store announces "50% off"? That $100 sweater becomes $50 at the register. Sounds like a steal, right? But if the retailer paid $30 for it, they're still pocketing $20 in profit. That's a 40% margin, even after the dramatic price "cut." No pain. No loss. Just business.
The "deal" is not on the clothes. The "deal" is on your behavior.
Retailers understand psychology even better than economics. They know the dopamine hit of thinking we beat the system. They know the urgen-
Ben
Jealous
cy of a ticking clock. They know we walk in for "one thing" and walk out with a cart. Savings is the bait; profit is the switch.
We've all nipped at the bait. I've driven dozens of miles to a mall for a sale. I've stood in line for a half-off of designer clothing. I've bought junk that I did not need because it was "on sale."
That was a lifetime ago. These days I shop in my overflowing closet. I tell myself I will never need a new item of clothing again. Kind of. I can't tell you when I last bought "new stuff." But I confess that when faced with the pos-
sibility of a high visibility event, I called my favorite "Black girl" store (Katula in LA) to ask them to send me pics of something fabulous. Regaining good sense, I called hours later to say, "never mind," I got this.
Bait and switch. Even the so-called "regular price" is a fiction. In many states, a retailer can raise a price for a few weeks, then proclaim a markdown that feels massive but is meaningless. Those "compare at $149!" stickers? Often invented numbers. Those "before
Page 49
Surprised by the Headlines About White Men and College? Time for a Reality Check
I didn't.
The headlines this month about white men, college admissions and the fallout from ending affirmative action startled a lot of people. Stories of declining enrollment and shrinking opportunity for young white men were treated as if they had materialized out of nowhere.
Many found it surprising.
It was during the 1930s when renowned author Zora Neale Hurston popularized the African American proverb, "all skinfolk ain't kinfolk." While she didn't invent the phrase, it highlights the unfortunate reality that a shared racial identity among people does not automatically translate into racial loyalty and shared community commitment. Malcolm X would later
It reminded me of a conversation I had a little over a decade ago on a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Memphis — one of those brief moments in transit that stays with you because it tells the truth long before the data catches up.
A white man in a bright red shirt with a Confederate flag over his heart sat down next to me. He stuck out his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Bill." As he introduced himself, I looked more closely at his shirt and realized that under the flag it said "Ole Miss Football."
It was a booster shirt. We chatted. He asked what I did. I told him I led the NAACP. He blinked, then leaned in with a sincerity I recognized.
"Ben," he asked, "what's the purpose of affirmative action?"
I told him the truth: its purpose is to help dismantle nepotism as the operating system of this country.
He slapped his knee. "Sign me up for that. But tell me this — what good does that do for the boys in my family?"
Then he told me what he meant. The men in his family had been, as
he put it, "in and out of prison since we came here on the wrong side of the Georgia penal colony." He was the lone exception — a gifted high school football player who earned a scholarship to Ole Miss. A coach introduced him to business leaders in Memphis. That was his way out. The booster shirt wasn't a provocation. It was a keepsake from the only open door his family ever had.
Bill's story is not the one America tells about white men. But it is the story millions are living. And it mirrors something larger happening across
this country.
For years now, researchers have documented serious headwinds facing working-class American men: wages that stagnate or fall, especially for men without college degrees; fewer men in college even as women's enrollment rises; more men detached from the labor force; rising suicide and overdose deaths in many hard-hit communities; and marriage becoming less common and less stable for men with the weakest economic prospects.
use the phrase.
It is a powerful reminder of the challenge of maintaining racial solidarity when justice, fairness and human dignity are under attack. Just because people share the same color and ethnicity does not mean they share the same desire or concern to support one another. Ideally, the community needs to become a unified village where its members bond together when resisting any form of external oppression. Therefore, the community needs to become a "family." And like any family, the internal differences should
be put aside when there are multiple external threats to its members. But when you have "skinfolk" who are not kinfolk, their sense of alignment is more with the external threat, even when the threat is white supremacy. The word betrayal comes to mind when someone considered dependable violates trust, confidence or loyalty. Betrayal comes in different forms.
In July of last year, Salman Fiqy stood in the front row behind President Trump during a campaign rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Fiqy, who first immigrated to the United States
from Somalia in 2009, said he was proud to campaign for Trump. Now, things are different, and Fiqy's support for the Republican Party is over. After threatening to end the Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota, President Trump has called Somali immigrants living in the United States "garbage" and wants them to leave, claiming that "they contribute nothing."
CBS News is reporting that ICE is now targeting Somali people with final deportation orders in Minneapolis and St. Paul. "We felt betrayal by the
president, the one we organized for and did an outreach for," Fiqy said. Imam Tawakal Ismail, a self-described religious leader in Minnesota, is joining Fiqy in disavowing his connection to the GOP at both the local and national levels. "We expected leadership that stands up for truth and justice. That did not happen," Ismail said.
Donald Trump has always shown who he is as a man and president. This is his second term; therefore, Fiqy and
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David W. Marshall
MARSHALL
Columnist
Columnist
MALVEAUX
Guest Columnist
Race Shadows Every Assault on the Affordable Care Act
The battles over the Affordable Care Act were never only about policy or the price of insurance. They were never simply arguments about federal subsidies, individual mandates or the markets that hold the system together. From the moment America elected a Black president and that president dared to place the health of the poor and
the marginalized at the center of national law, a deeper truth rose to the surface. That truth has followed the country for centuries. It was waiting for its next target. The target became Barack Obama. The instrument became Obamacare.
Long before Republicans vowed to "repeal and replace," the lines were already drawn. The same forces that spent years questioning Obama's citizenship, intellect and legitimacy turned their fury toward the most expansive health care protections in generations.
Guest Columnist
The first Disney-related character you see upon boarding the Disney Destiny and entering the grand hall of the latest addition to the global entertainment company's fleet of cruise ships is Black, strong, magnificent in stature and representative of the hopes and dreams of Black comic book and Marvel fans the world over.
Black lawmakers and health equity advocates understood the stakes. They had spent years shaping the Affordable Care Act so it would cut into the country's long trail of racial health disparities. Daniel Dawes, a leading figure in that fight, stated that the ACA was "the most comprehensive minority health law" in United States history and identified 62 provisions that "directly address inequities in health care."
The law carried the fingerprints of the people who fought for it.
Disney Destiny: Representation Matters
T'Challa, the Black Panther, King of Wakanda. The statue looms large over any other character depictions on the ship. He is standing with his shoulders back, his fist balled up, ready for battle if necessary. At his feet is a panther in mid-stride, equally ready to pounce if that's what the situation calls for. The statue is beautiful. It is also overwhelmingly brilliant.
The physical image of the Black Panther as the premier representative on a ship which features
As Washingtonians head to work, we pass armed soldiers and barricaded intersections, not because our city asked for or needed help, but because outsiders and Mayor Bowser imposed it. This occupation is not a public safety plan. It is an assertion of power over a city still fighting for its own voice.
For African Americans who had faced a lifetime of inequitable access, predatory pricing and the cruel arithmetic of race and illness, the ACA was a rare affirmation.
Obama spoke about it using language palatable to a country still clinging to the mythology of a post-racial nation, but the communities that long suffered under the weight of indifferent systems knew exactly what the law meant.
The backlash knew it, too.
Republican attacks intensified the moment the bill became law,
but the pursuit of its destruction began before a single vote was cast. It followed the same path as the claims that Obama was not born in the United States. It echoed the same insistence that he was foreign, illegitimate, clever enough to reach the White House only through something other than talent or discipline. It came from the same places that insisted affirmative action must explain the achievements of a man who grad-
heroes and villains says so much more than any words can best describe. Representation matters, and for the children of all races and adults who board the Disney Destiny going forward, the Black Panther will be the representation that they see.
There are other Disney heroes and villains represented on Destiny as well. Portraits of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Mulan, Hercules, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Frozone can be found through the ship's many hallways and stair-
Guest Columnists
ways. All kinds of representations of heroes live on this ship.
On Deck 3, however, there is a set of small paintings that further set the tone of representation. There are six in total, and though colorful, their blackness shines through the brightest of all. The paintings are of African warrior tribes. Some of the warriors carry spears and wear masks. Others have people carrying small children in their arms. All are families bonding generations to one another.
It's Time to End Our National Guard Occupation in D.C.
D.C. remains the only capital city in the democratic U.S. whose residents do not control their own local budget. We generate our own revenue, yet Congress decides how it is spent. Many of the same lawmakers who impose their will on our city come from districts with far higher crime rates and far more urgent needs at home. They enjoy salaries and privileges far beyond the reach of the working-class residents whose lives they shape here. This region is already one
of the most unequal places in the country for working people, and an imposed budget controlled by outsiders only deepens that divide. The National Guard presence reflects the same disregard for Washingtonians. Governors like Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Patrick Morrisey have sent troops into D.C. even as their own states struggle with serious public safety and health challenges. Service members should be with their families during the holidays and supporting their local communi-
ties, not patrolling Metro stations or filling the role of police in a city they do not know. Their deployment here does nothing to solve the root causes of crime anywhere. It simply moves political theater into our neighborhoods.
Worse still, the Guard is being used to assist local police and, in some cases, operate alongside ICE.
I see them in the subway stations and on the sidewalks, surrounding people and intimidating them sometimes upward of 10-1. They are not trained for these roles.
Near the concierge desk is another depiction of the Black Panther. He can be seen several times on the ship, including on the way to the restaurant, World of Marvel. In this landscape painting, the Black Panther stands atop a boulder; to his left and right are the Dora Milaje, the all-female royal corps of warriors. This portrait can be taken directly from the screens of the Black Panther films and pages of the modern comic books.
When federal forces become entangled in domestic policing, mistrust grows. Animosity grows. People see their community being occupied rather than supported. The result is predictable. Tension escalates until violence erupts. Last week two National Guardsmen were tragically shot near Farragut West Metro. Three Black men were also tragically killed by police last month, sparking vigils across the city. These tragedies are
Rep. Oye Owolewa and Leah Bogan
Stacy M. Brown
Donnell Suggs
LIFESTYLE
Washington Informer Weekend Checklist
WASHINGTON INFORMER'S
Things To Do, DMV!
By Keith Golden Jr. WI Intern
This week, the District offers a wide range of community events –from holiday concerts and cultural celebrations, to service opportunities, family programs and local performances. Whether looking to serve or enjoy seasonal events with family, there are a multitude of things to do in the DMV.
To learn more about all the happenings around town and keep your social life lit, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Dec. 11
DC Jail Video Visitation
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Free Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Marion Barry Avenue SE Washington, D.C. 20020
This program enables family members and friends of individuals held at DC Department of Corrections (DOC) to connect via live video visits, thanks to a partnership between DC Public Library and the Department of Corrections.
Video-visitation sessions must be scheduled in advance through
the official DOC scheduling portal, and visits are limited to a specified number of participants: up to two adults or one adult and two children under 18.
After checking in at the library and presenting a photo ID, visitors are connected to their loved ones who are residents of the D.C. Jail under monitored, secure conditions.
The Never Bored Comedy Show 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | $9.87
Prima DC, 900 Florida Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20001
Never Bored TV has captivated audiences with their “Drunk Spelling Bee” and “We Listen & Don't Judge” show, and now they are live with a show in Northwest, D.C.
Hosted and headlined by Mike Kurtz, and featuring some of the District’s best comedians, the night will feature stand-up, audience interaction and involvement, and comedians sharing the stage.
The Minority Legislative Breakfast brings together business and civic
leaders in Montgomery County— including representatives of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County (HCCMC), African American Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County (AACC), and Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA) — for an annual forum on legislative issues affecting minority-owned businesses. Attendees will hear from local, state, and federal legislators about policy priorities, economic development, and social equity initiatives.
Now in its 25th year, the breakfast offers a platform for developing community-driven agendas and networking among business owners, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
A Holiday Soul Review featuring the Brencore All Stars
8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | $28
Prince George's Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road Hyattsville, MD 20784
The Publick Playhouse will host “A Holiday Soul Review” featuring the Brencore All Stars. A live concert showcasing classic R&B, Motown, and soul music, the performance highlights well-known holiday selections and timeless hits
THINGS TO DO Page 31
5At the Minority Legislative Breakfast, set for Dec. 12, minority businesses and civic leaders of Montgomery County, Maryland will gather for an annual discussion on legislative issues affecting their enterprises. (Courtesy Photo)
5Residents and volunteers will participate in the Anacostia Park Community Cleanup on Saturday, Dec. 13. (WI File Photo)
THINGS TO DO from Page 30
arranged for a full band.
Audience members can prepare to be wowed by the Brencore All Stars, a regional ensemble known for tributes to legendary soul artists, who plan to entertain the crowd with their soulful renditions of familiar tunes for 90 minutes.
In a coordinated effort to protect green spaces and the riverfront, residents and volunteers are invited to gather and help remove litter, debris and trash from Anacostia Park.
Organizers will provide gloves, trash-grabbers, and bags, and participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
This monthly cleanup is orga-
nized by Building Bridges Across the River in conjunction with local partners and aims to support park upkeep, environmental stewardship, and community engagement along the Anacostia River corridor.
All ages are welcome, and registration is available through the event’s online sign-up portal.
An African Holiday Noon - 4 p.m. | Free miXt Food Hall, 3809 Rhode Island Avenue Brentwood, MD 20722
An African Holiday is bringing together community members for “An African Christmas,” a cultural celebration of heritage and the season.
The event features West African–style food vendors, music, and a festive atmosphere designed to highlight African traditions and flavors.
Attendees can enjoy food, shopping, live music or DJ sets and social fellowship in a warm, celebratory setting, and the event offers a chance to connect with others over shared African cultural roots while
celebrating the holiday season.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Holiday Photos with the Animals
10:30 a.m. | $20
Piscataway Park, 3400 Bryan Point Road Accokeek, MD 20607
During this seasonal event with Accokeek Foundation, families are invited to enjoy a barn-yard photoshoot with one of the organization’s heritage-breed animals, such as Hog
Island sheep or Spanish goats.
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Each 20-minute session accommodates up to eight people and concludes with a commemorative digital photo delivered by email.
The event helps support the foundation’s efforts in heritage livestock conservation, environmental stewardship, and public education about the cultural and natural history of Piscataway Park.
SHACARA ROGERS
7 p.m. - 11 p.m. | $25 Songbyrd, 540 Penn Street NE Wash-
ington, D.C. 20002
Shacara Rogers is a critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and vocal coach whose artistry blends jazz, gospel, soul, and inspirational music, all shaped by her classical training and rich performance history. Having earned her bachelors and masters in music at Howard University— where she performed as a soloist with their celebrated vocal jazz ensemble and gospel choir— Rogers has since shared stages with legendary artists and performed internationally. WI
EVEN THOUGH WE’RE WORKING,
5Chacara Rogers, a critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and vocal coach whose artistry blends jazz, gospel, soul, and inspirational music is coming to Songbyrd Music House in Northeast, D.C. on Dec. 14. (Courtesy Photo)
– SHAUNA Washington, DC
Local Productions of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Make the Season Bright
By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer
Audiences in the nation’s capital and Charm City have a chance to see a holiday classic that not only will make the seasons merry and bright, but features powerful Black male leads, all the while offering important reminders about navigating the world, even through hardships and trials.
Gregory Burgess and Craig Wallace star in “A Christmas Carol” at Chesapeakee Shakespeare Company in Baltimore and Ford’s Theatre in Northwest, respectively. The two Black actors show the transformation of the classic Charles Dickens character Ebenezer Scrooge from lonely miser to beloved community member, in outstanding pro-
Grades 9-12
Saturday, Dec. 6
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eastern High School PK3 — Grade
ductions that will leave audiences inspired and ready for the holiday season.
“I think it’s important that the audience understand that Scrooge is no longer only a white man. In fact, he could be any color. What matters is he’s a man who is given a chance for redemption, and he acts on it,” Wallace told The Informer.
“He chooses another way to live – a better way – and it makes all the difference for him and those around him. That’s a real Christmas message.”
For Dickens and theatre fans alike, it's worth checking out both shows, which run until Dec. 23 at Chesapeake and Dec. 31 at Ford’s. Both are just that good with stellar casts, superb directors, and lighting and special effects that will literally blow viewers’ minds.
“There is a special magic that happens when a community comes together to watch a story most of us know by heart. For a couple of hours we all share the same small rituals— leaning forward at the same moment, laughing at the same line, falling quiet together,” said Leslie Malin, producing executive director at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. “‘A Christmas Carol’ is one of those stories. It reaches across ages and experiences, and for reasons both simple and profound, people love it.”
Continuing Ford’s more than four decades of staging “A Christmas Carol,” the historic D.C. theatre is not only adding to their annual tradition, but emphasizing a message for audiences.
“This story reminds us that it’s never too late to change, to connect and to embrace the generosity and warmth that define the holiday season,’ said Paul R. Tetreault, director at Ford’s Theatre.
Continuing a Tradition: Burgess and Wallace as Ebenezer Scrooge
Over the past decade, Burgess and Wallace have starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in productions at Chesapeake and Ford’s— shattering archaic racial barriers and garnerig well-deserved praise.
Burgess is back for his 11th year as Scrooge, in the Baltimore production adapted by Laura Rocklyn
and directed by Séamus Miller.
The show closely follows the original story and gives the audience a dark and dramatic interpretation of the seasonal tale of redemption.
As Burgess notes, there’s a little bit of his own personality that is blended with the Dickens character and depending on the response of the audience, the character he delivers feeds on their energy.
“If you can see yourself on stage, you can see anyone take on any role and learn from it,” Burgess said. “What you realize is we are all humans with wants and desires which means we are no different from anyone else, no matter what color we may be.”
Wallace is marking his 10th year in the role at Ford’s, with a script adapted by Michael Wilson and directed by Michael Baron. Over time, Wallace’s Scrooge has taken on new aspects, allowing the D.C. favorite to stretch his wings.
He is particularly memorable in the second part of the play, as he transforms following his life-changing visit from the ghost of Christmas yet to come, to the new man he vows to become.
As Wallace delivers Dickens’ powerful words, promising the world that he is no longer the man he was, it’s impossible to doubt that he could be any more sincere.
“[Playing Scrooge] has become something very special to me. I treasure the opportunity to tackle such an iconic role and do so one year at a time,” Wallace explained. “As I change, I guess so does Ebenezer Scrooge.”
Both productions, the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future are elaborately portrayed and certain to grab the attention of those who may be seeing the play for their first time, and others who are very familiar with the storyline.
Ford’s Theatre production is distinguishable from most versions as it is a musical with plenty of Christmas carols sung throughout the play, often by young children who take on multiple roles and add a real sense of holiday joy and youthful exuberance to the show.
“We always include young children in the production and they’re
5 Craig Wallace and Erin Weaver in the 2025 Ford’s Theatre production of ”A Christmas Carol.” For the 10th year, Wallace stars as Ebenezer Scrooge at Ford’s from now until Dec. 31.
(Courtesy Photo/Ford’s Theatre, Scott Suchman)
Dance Institute of Washington’s Annual Spirit of Kwanzaa Celebrates Three Decades of Excellence
The Holiday Dance Extravaganza Returns To Honor “30 Years Of Legacy"
Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), the leading minority-led, pre-professional dance equity organization in the nation’s capital, is excited to announce their upcoming annual holiday celebration, The Spirit of Kwanzaa. This year will offer four performances from December 19th through December 21st (12/19 at 6pm, 12/20 at 1pm and 6pm and 12/21 at 3pm). All performances will take place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St, NE).
“The Spirit of Kwanzaa is always such an amazing event for DIW,” says Executive Director Kahina Hanyes. “It’s a perfect opportunity to bring the community together while celebrating everything enduring and beautiful about Black culture and creativity. In this moment when we see rights being rolled back, funding for the arts being cut, and racism normalized at the highest level, it is more important than ever to preserve the creative invention, resilience and artistry of our culture.”
The Spirit of Kwanzaa is the Dance Institute of Washington’s most popular and longest-running cultural arts and dance production (since 1995). Kwanzaa is an African American winter holiday celebration that draws on the agricultural ceremonies of Africa. DIW has adapted the principles of Kwanzaa to convey the struggles and creativity of the Black diaspora. The production highlights the holiday’s principles with dance, song and spoken word and is more than a performance—it is a living archive of Black creativity, resilience, and brilliance.
The powerful cultural rite of passage that is The Spirit of Kwanzaa was created by the late DIW founder, Fabian Barnes. For three decades, The Spirit of Kwanzaa has connected young artists to their sense of belonging, identity, and purpose through the arts. This 30th anniversary year will be a culmination that celebrates DIW’s mission to nurture young artists, share stories with intention, and ensure the enduring power of Black artistry shapes the future.
Early bird tickets are on sale now for $25, after which they will be $35. Tickets for The Spirit of Kwanzaa can be purchased at: https://www.atlasarts.org/events/diw_thespiritofkwanzaa/ Dance Institute of Washington increases the inclusive and diverse representation at every level of the professional ballet and dance industries in Washington, DC. Through that exemplary effort, DIW impacts racial and economic equity in dance nationally and globally.
The Dance Institute of Washington 3400 14th St., NW Washington, DC 20010
202.371.9656
info@danceinstitute.org
https://danceinstituteofwashington.org
5 Maryland-based mixed media artist Chanel Compton Johnson, who serves as executive director of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, located in Annapolis, Maryland. (Courtesy Photo)
Embodying Ancestral Wisdom: The Art of Chanel Compton Johnson
By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor
With a stroke of ancestral power and deep historian roots, Chanel Compton Johnson is taking the reins on cultural preservation and healing by embodying what she calls an inherent calling to storytelling in art.
“Art is such a powerful vehicle to interpret and share Black history…a universal language to really be able to make challenging and difficult stories beautiful,” said Johnson, a Maryland-based mixed media artist. “If you think about quilt makers, if you think about the birth of hip-hop music, [Black people] have always used creative expression to share our story. That’s just in our DNA.”
Fresh off completing her latest installation, Johnson honors the stories of the diaspora through a lifelong commitment to the lived experiences of African Americans.
From portraits and abstract works of unsung heroes and heroines, to forthcoming genealogy projects exploring womanhood, the Connecticut native credits an early love for museums and creative stimulation as the foundation of her mission to serve as a “vehicle driving Black sto-
ries” – a responsibility she extends both professionally and creatively.
“That practice, that compelling mission, I just feel so much synergy,” she continued. “Whatever I get to learn from my day job – be it history and the untold stories of amazing civil rights activists and revolutionaries –all of that content translates into my creative practice.”
Beyond her Baltimore studio, Johnson leads as executive director of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum in Annapolis, joining forces with curators like Martina Dodd to celebrate and transcend historic legacies through the arts.
More than that, Dodd defined her colleague’s impact as a visionary nurturing historical consciousness, setting the stage to empower generations of Black voices, especially women.
“Under [Chanel’s] guidance, the museum has become a space that not only documents and celebrates Black history but also encourages dialogue, reflection, and the imagining of liberated futures,” Dodd told The Inform-
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CHANEL from Page 34
er, before likening it to the historic role of Black women in art. “They not only document history—they actively shape the cultural and social landscapes of today and tomorrow.”
A Generational Calling to ‘Give Life’ to Black Stories
Reflecting on generational impact, Johnson highlighted the pivotal role of “Black Power activists” who obliterated social constructs and set the tone for creative freedom during the Black Arts Movement (1965-1975).
She points to figures such as David Driskell, Lowery Stokes Sims, Dr. Leslie King-Hammond, and Faith Ringgold as catalysts for representation and longevity, noting their contributions in expanding funding, visibility, and institutional support for Black women in cultural spaces.
“If it wasn't for that work with Black women, feminists, artists, creatives, early museum administrators and curators, I wouldn't have a job,” Johnson said. “I may be making art, but there might not be spaces for me to show my work.”
To that point, the Maryland creative dedicates her artistry to a culture
where African American narratives thrive through healing, reflection, and collective empowerment.
Among some of her most cherished local efforts is a mosaic portrait of Harriet Tubman on view at the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, Maryland, and most recently, The Leah Brock McCartney Project, a 17 x 34 feet mosaic of the first Black woman to graduate from George Washington University (GW) in 1954.
“To take that story that was relatively, dare I say, small in the canon of Black history as we know it, and to magnify it into a [30 something]-foot monumental art piece,” Johnson explained, “it really did just give me life.”
A project that began with GW alumni Naseem Haamid and Owen Manning, Johnson was specifically chosen to create the large-scale ceramic tile and glass canvas in honor of the late barrier-breaker.
Notably, McCartney went on to become the first woman municipal judge of record in the State of Missouri, by either appointment or election.
“What really charged me up was –yes, her story – but the heart of it was the students involved, and how there
was a…new generation of Black students that wanted to preserve her story,” Compton told The Informer. “I really just wanted to do right by them, to make sure that her life and legacy was preserved in that way.”
Dodd added Johnson’s ability to blend artistic curiosity, community engagement and historical awareness sets her apart as an artist and executive director – and positions her as a blueprint for the next class of creatives.
“She understands how art can bridge past and present, personal and collective experience, and consistently models the importance of connecting historical memory with contemporary creative practice,” she told The Informer. “She encourages artists and audiences alike to see their work as part of a broader cultural narrative.”
For the museum curator, elevating Black women in creative spaces isn’t just about honoring the past, it’s essential to shaping the future of the arts.
“Centering Black women's voices…ensures that the spaces we build moving forward reflect a fuller, more honest, and more inclusive story of who we are,” said Dodd, “and who we can become.”
To the next generation of women artists of color, Johnson encourages all “to do it afraid,” while continually standing on the legacies paved by leaders like Stokes Sims, Thelma Golden, and even herself.
As for her own path, she looks forward to stewarding the breadth and
beauty of the Black experience, wherever that may take her next.
“I’m at a point in my career where I'm trying to figure out the next chapter, and…I know I’m going to
continue making art, I’m going to continue sharing art,” Johnson told The Informer, “and I'm going to have a good time doing it.”
5 Mixed media artist Chanel Compton Johnson demonstrates some of her creative process at her Baltimore art studio in September. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)
5 During a Sept. 14 press exclusive, Chanel Compton Johnson unveils the 17 x 34 feet ceramic tile and glass mosaic in honor of the late Judge Leah Brock McCartney, the first Black woman to graduate from George Washington University. (Jada Ingleton/ The Washington Informer)
yl A. Howell ruled that warrantless immigration arrests cannot continue, with a mandate that, within 30 days, the court checks to see if the Trump administration follows the order.
Meanwhile, Smith continues to deny any relationship with immigration law enforcement personnel.
“We've said it a lot that we do not work with ICE,” she told The Informer on Monday.
Last week, Smith didn’t appear before the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety during a marathon hearing that allowed for discussion about, among other topics, MPD’s collaboration with federal agencies, as outlined in the mayoral order earlier this year that created the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center.
She did, however, later weigh in on what she described as the specifics of that collaboration, telling The Informer that the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center builds upon MPD’s already-existing relationship with federal law enforcement.
“We do work with our other federal partners,” Smith said, “and the way that is designed and created, I think, has helped us to some degree with regards to making sure that if they're going to be here, that we have an opportunity to know exactly where they are and how they can work with us in the space of public safety. They are assigned to all seven of our districts. They do come to attend our roll calls, and then they do go out with our
CHRISTMAS CAROL from Page 32
not only talented, but they have a tremendous time doing the show,” Wallace told The Informer. “They make it even more of a joy to rehearse and then to perform. Some of them have tremendous futures ahead of them and it’s good to help them and see their progress.
Further, in both productions, it’s Burgess and Wallace as Scrooge who make the play shine.
For theatrical experiences that help get audiences into the holiday mood, take a trip to Ford’s Theatre or Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. By the time the curtain closes at either venue, hesitant guests will have abandoned their “bah humbug” mentality and firmly embraced the joy of the season.
“Each year,” said Tetreault, “[‘A Christmas Carol’] inspires audiences with its timeless message of hope and renewal.” WI
crime suppression team and our special mission unit officers.”
Some people, like Michael Campbell, said this arrangement has soured police-community relations, while further endangering a vulnerable population.
“They aren't trained to properly handle our particular constituency [that has] mental health challenges, emotional needs that they need to take care of,” Campbell, an organizer and clergyperson, said about the federal law enforcement agents. “A lot of the military personnel don't have that kind of training. Even some of our federal officers don't have that kind of training to interact with this type of constituency on a day-to-day basis. That's just not what they're qualified for. As a result, when the interactions do happen, it just ends up with more trust being lost.”
Campbell went on to tell The Informer that rectifying the issue of local-federal law enforcement collusion— and congressional intrusion in local affairs— will require changing the power dynamics between the District and the federal government.
“When you talk about where this city is going over the last 10 years, statehood is very important for us,” Campbell said. “That's strictly because of some of the policies that have been threatened. We have policy that actually helps rehabilitate youth when they are incarcerated or locked down, for better or worse, but our Congress sometimes threatens that process.”
Weeks after the officer-involved death of 25-year-old David Warren
Childs, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Anthony Lorenzo Green is expressing similar worry about the shape that the District’s public safety ecosystem will take.
“We keep having the same conversations after each tragedy,” Green wrote in a text message. “We can’t arrest our way out of systemic problems. Public safety has to include stable housing, opportunities for young people, mental-health supports, and a police department that understands the neighborhoods it serves.”
In reflecting on next steps, Green called for what some, in past years, have called a revamping of the system.
“This moment doesn’t call for anoth-
er ‘reset,’” Green wrote. “It calls for a real re-alignment of priorities— where the community isn’t an afterthought, but the starting point. That begins with community control of policing.”
On the evening of Nov. 22, Green and other Deanwood residents hosted a balloon release and candlelight vigil for Childs, known to many as Lil’ Dave. Four days earlier, a Sixth District MPD officer shot and killed Childs at the end of an on-foot pursuit that, according to MPD’s statement, started on the 4700 block of Minnesota Avenue NE where local and federal officers were "proactively patrolling.”
After a “brief struggle" and “multiple loud commands” for Childs to show his hands, the officer shot and killed Childs on the 1200 block of 47th Place.
MPD said they recovered a firearm at the scene. The officer in question has since been placed on administrative leave while MPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau conducts an investigation.
“That pain is real,” Green said about Childs’ death. “And it reinforces what we’ve been saying for years: our community deserves transparency, accountability, and investment in people— not just tougher rhetoric or more aggressive tactics. We also expect Lil Dave’s murder to be handled with honesty and urgency.”
Green, giving a nod to Smith’s clergy background, acknowledged the chief’s “complicated” legacy in Deanwood, telling The Informer that, when she first took on the role, community members expected her to create “real safety.”
That request has yet to be fulfilled, Green said.
“While she came in with promises of reform, the day-to-day experience
for many people in my community hasn’t changed in the ways we needed,” he told The Informer. “We’re still dealing with slow response times to calls for service, inconsistent engagement, and a policing model that too often reacts to crises instead of preventing them.”
A Different Perspective about Chief Smith; Mayor Bowser Responds to the Council’s Request
Though D.C. resident and longtime organizer Ron Moten acknowledged the Trump administration as a likely impetus in Smith’s decision to resign, he told The Informer that much of the blame also goes to the residents and local lawmakers who’ve been critical of the emergency juvenile curfew and other crime-reduction strategies.
“The problem is we want the government to babysit our children,” Moten said. “We want the government to feed our children. We want them to do everything instead of us saying, ‘How do we fix this s–t?,’ and then make the government work for us because we got our s—t.”
As the search for the next MPD chief commences, and races for mayor and several council seats get underway, Moten counts among those anxious about what he describes as policy suggestions that aren’t based in reality. He remains adamant that District residents, and Black residents at that, unite around leadership to create commonsense solutions. WI
Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
5 In his 11th year in the role, Gregory Burgess stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in Baltimore. (Courtesy Photo/Chesapeake Shakespeare Company)
5 Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith is resigning from her position as the top local law enforcement official, effective Dec. 31. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
review wi book
Bloom How You Must: A Black Woman's Guide to Self-Care and Generational Healing"
By Tara Pringle Jefferson
c.2025, Amistad
$28
304 pages
Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer
You've just about had it.
Everything and everybody is on your last nerve, which marks the official end of any self-restraint you might've had. You're out of patience, out of breath, out of any shred of willingness to give things more time. You're out of cares. Nope, as of now, and in the new book "Bloom How You Must" by Tara Pringle Jefferson, you're taking care of you now.
All it took was a minor health crisis.
With two kids, a freelance business, and 18-hour days, Tara Pringle Jefferson had been experiencing a lot of pain that she usually powered through — until she couldn't anymore. Her doctor examined her, then told her to take the weekend off. Seriously, rest.
This made Jefferson think. For generations, Black women had made sure what needed doing was done. How did they cope under oppression, overwork, few resources?
Looking into the lives of influential Black women in history, she discovered the secret: self-care. Even Coretta Scott King took time away from Martin and the family, Jefferson says. Black women have a legacy of self-care that's usually passed down from mother to daughter, and it's up to each woman to make sure she finds what makes her feel complete again.
Jefferson offers ways to get you started.
Physical Wellness reminds you to moisturize your skin, eat right, get enough sleep, and enjoy the body you have. Host a sister circle for Social Wellness. Find your own definition of success for Professional Wellness. "Do church" in a new way for Spiritual Wellness. Don't let a need for Mental Wellness to be stigmatized. Find your inner child, learn to play again, and tap into your Creative Wellness. And know that you are a child of survivors who gave you strength but who also passed down intergenerational trauma, so be gentle and kind to yourself. Remember: you're still rehabilitating.
As with most self-help books, "Bloom How You Must" is full of a lot of commonsensical things you probably already know. Also, as with most self-help books, it's always nice to be reminded, with the info you need all in one place.
The best thing about this self-help book is that author Tara Pringle Jefferson focuses exclusively on the self-care and well-being of Black women only. In doing so, she reaches into history to remind readers that the stress they're experiencing today is a modern problem, but it's also nothing new. The care she advocates, therefore, has tinges of ancestry, which is comfortable but can also be surprising, in that she candidly discusses sex, relationships, and changing the way readers approach their spiritual well-being. Readers who are open and willing to change for better health and happiness may be taken aback by that, but it's undoubtedly also going to leave you thinking.
Men who are curious can absolutely read this book, but it's not for them — it's purely for Black women who need help they can only get from inside. If that's you, then find "Bloom How You Must." Because you must have it. WI
horoscopes
LIFESTYLE
DEC.
11 - 17, 2025
ARIES Professional momentum builds as ambition meets perfect timing. A project you've championed gains traction Wednesday when leaders finally see what you've been explaining for weeks. Competition energizes rather than intimidates you. Someone challenges your authority midweek; your response sets boundaries without burning bridges. Financial opportunities require quick thinking but avoid impulsive commitments. Romance heats up when you stop controlling outcomes. Lucky Numbers: 15, 41, 67
TAURUS Resources flow your way through unexpected channels. A side hustle gains momentum or forgotten investment pays dividends. Your relationship with material security shifts from scarcity thinking to abundance mindset. Tuesday brings clarity about what you actually value versus what you've been conditioned to want. Someone offers financial advice worth hearing, though instincts ultimately guide better. Comfort zones get tested pleasantly. Lucky Numbers: 23, 48, 63
GEMINI Personal power peaks as you embody the version of yourself you've been working toward. Physical appearance shifts draw compliments, but internal transformation matters more. Your voice carries authority when speaking up becomes necessary. Wednesday's conversation reveals who's actually listening versus waiting to talk. A creative project showcases talents you've downplayed. Lucky Numbers: 6, 35, 59
CANCER Intuition reaches supernatural levels. Dreams carry messages worth journaling. Solitude recharges you faster than social interaction. A secret development works in your favor by Thursday. Old emotional patterns surface for final release; the healing isn't comfortable but necessary. Someone from your past appears in thoughts repeatedly; trust whether reaching out feels right. Lucky Numbers: 19, 43, 70
LEO Friend groups reveal their true nature. Someone you considered casual becomes unexpectedly significant. Social networks expand when you show up authentically rather than performing. A community project succeeds through collective energy. Lucky Numbers: 10, 37, 66
VIRGO Career recognition arrives as consistent effort pays visible dividends. Authority figures notice contributions you stopped expecting acknowledgment for. A professional opportunity requires stepping outside comfort zones into territory where you can't control every variable. Public visibility increases whether you've sought it or not. Lucky Numbers: 28, 52, 68
LIBRA Wanderlust strikes hard. Travel plans materialize or extensive research begins. Educational pursuits call; that certification or course you've considered gets serious attention. Belief systems evolve as you question inherited perspectives. Someone from a different background teaches through lived experience rather than theory. Publishing or sharing knowledge reaches wider audiences Tuesday. Lucky Numbers: 17, 46, 71
SCORPIO Intensity peaks around shared resources and emotional entanglements. A financial partnership requires radical honesty or needs reevaluation entirely. Someone reveals something that shifts your understanding of a situation. Your investigative skills uncover information others missed. Intimacy deepens when you risk vulnerability despite protective instincts screaming otherwise. Lucky Numbers: 4, 32, 61
SAGITTARIUS Partnerships demand attention as relationships reveal whether they're balanced or lopsided. Someone either rises to meet you or shows exactly why this dynamic can't continue. Collaboration succeeds when you value contributions equally. A contract needs careful consideration; excitement shouldn't override diligence. Lucky Numbers: 21, 49, 64
CAPRICORN Daily routines transform from obligations into rituals that serve you. Health improvements stem from small consistent changes rather than dramatic overhauls. Work efficiency peaks when you eliminate what's not essential. Coworkers prove surprisingly supportive if you ask for help instead of carrying everything solo. Lucky Numbers: 14, 38, 72
AQUARIUS Creative expression demands release. That project you've mentally outlined needs actual execution. Romantic prospects improve when you show genuine interest instead of detached observation. Children or younger people inspire unexpected joy. Hobbies that felt frivolous suddenly seem essential. Thursday's social event exceeds expectations if you show up willing to be surprised. Lucky Numbers: 25, 50, 69
PISCES Home and family become central in ways that comfort rather than constrain. A living situation improves through practical changes or emotional breakthroughs. Real estate decisions favor patience. Emotional foundation strengthens when you stop romanticizing dysfunction and demand peace. A family member surprises you Tuesday with unexpected understanding. Nesting instincts peak; your space becomes sanctuary when you invest effort. Lucky Numbers: 3, 30, 58
SPORTS
Inaugural Capital City National Showcase Highlights Local Talent
By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer
The first-ever Capital City National Showcase delivered a standout weekend of basketball at the historic Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C., setting a high bar for future events and highlighting young athletes throughout the nation.
With elite DMV high-school athletes, surging fan support, and appearances made by hometown stars such as NBA champion Quinn Cook and artists Cordae, Baby Jamo, and Giz Wop, the two-day event not only showcased high school basketball, but the wealth of local talent beyond sports.
Day one opened with a dominant performance from Springdale Prep’s power forward Bol Thet, a Siena University commit who set the tone early. Thet was Springdale Prep’s most valuable player (MVP), recording 22 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks, while electrifying
COMMANDERS from Page 4
that you wanted to point to… but tonight, honestly I don’t [have anything],” said Quinn, head coach of the Washington Commanders. “I told the team I thought we took a step forward, and tonight I thought we took three steps back.”
Quarterback Jayden Daniels played his first game since dislocating his left elbow in week nine. However, he exited the game in the third quarter, re-injuring his left shoulder after being driven to the turf following an interception on the first drive of the second half.
He clutched his arm before heading to the sideline, where he was evaluated and listed as questionable. But Daniels did not return to the game
the crowd.
Nearby, the DeMatha Stags unveiled this season’s dominant frontcourt duo, junior power forward Daniel Abass and center Jared Jeffer, a pairing that looks poised to make noise this season.
But it was day two that headlined the showcase.
The afternoon featured a “Battle of The Beltway” rivalry showdown, as St. Frances edged Coolidge, 66–60. Junior guard Terrance Jones earned game MVP honors with an efficient 25 points, four rebounds, and a 10-of-16 shooting performance.
“The game plan was to stay focused, stay hungry, and lock down on defense,” said Jones.
Next came the highly anticipated “Battle of Virginia,” as Bishop O’Connell took on newly formed powerhouse The St. James Sports Academy. O’Connell came out on top, defeating St. James 75–63. O’Connell’s win was fueled by ju-
and finished the day throwing 9-of20 for 78 yards with no touchdowns, and one interception.
“It’s an important development time for him. There’s no zero risk game, we’ve tried to manage that. But for the development point of it, it’s important. It was my decision to sit him. I just felt that we didn’t hit our space to be close like we wanted to be,” Quinn continued.
Marcus Mariota stepped in for Daniels, throwing an interception four plays later, as Minnesota was in the lead 14-0. Mariota finished the day throwing 2-of-4 for 30 yards and one interception.
Washington also lost tight end Zach Ertz, who went down in the third quarter after his right leg bent backward on a hit from Vikings safe-
“The game plan was to stay focused, stay hungry, and lock down on defense.”
nior wing Jaron Rucker, who delivered 23 points and six rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting to secure MVP honors.
The showcase’s signature moment belonged to Vanderbilt commit An-
ty Jay Ward. He was carted off and speculations have pointed to early signs of an ACL injury, and the team will know more about Ertz’s injury after further evaluation.
Ertz recorded one reception for 11 yards before exiting the game.
“That’s hard,” Quinn said. “This guy is one hell of a competitor in every way and to see the frustration and emotion… all of us are feeling that.”
Despite the devastating loss, there were some bright spots on the field for Washington.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner was a defensive force on the field. The 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year Nominee recorded 16 tackles and a sack against the Vikings.
Linebacker Von Miller also recorded a crucial sack forcing the Vikings
Terrance Jones Junior guard
thony Brown, who put on a masterclass performance while leading Archbishop Carroll to a commanding 43–16 victory over Broughton. Brown erupted for 31 points, six assists, and six rebounds, reaffirm-
to punt after the two-minute warning in the second quarter.
On the offensive side, running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. showed tremendous stride in the run game. Rodriguez led the team in rushing, recording 52 yards on 10 attempts, signaling promise in the second-year running back.
“It’s four division games in our season and it is an absolute must that we recapture that forward progress that I saw in the last week,” said Quinn, “because we absolutely did not have that tonight.”
The Commanders will be back on the road for an NFC East Division matchup against the New York Giants on Sunday, Dec. 14. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m WI
ing his status as one of the nation’s premier guards in the Class of 2026.
“It was more of a statement for me,” said Brown. “Watching the poll dropping their top eight players to look at, they had some freshman, some sophomores, and some juniors on there and I wasn’t on there so I took that personal. So everytime I come out on the floor it’s not personal between the matchup but it’s personal to show the people that I’m one of them.”
The weekend concluded with a blockbuster matchup–Bishop McNamara versus national powerhouse Sierra Canyon. Sierra Canyon led 27–15 at halftime, but McNamara stormed back with a stunning 17-point run, ultimately sealing a 57–52 comeback victory.
Seniors Prince-Alexander Moody, an Indiana commit, and wing Qayden Samuel led the charge, commanding the floor and closing out the first-ever Capital City National Showcase in emphatic fashion.
Moody earned MVP honors ending the night with 19 points and eight rebounds.
“I feel great. My team, we went through a lot of adversity,” said Moody. “We weren't hitting shots, but once our shots had fallen, we showed them that they’re not better than us. At the end of the day, we work harder, we play harder, it’s a different breed out here.”
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5 Athletes compete in day one of the first-ever Capital City National Showcase at Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)
CAPTURE the moment
On Dec. 6, the Uncommon Height Honors Gala celebrated 90 years of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) working to lead, advocate for and empower Black women, since its founding in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeoud Bethune, and paid tribute to NCNW Chair and President Emerita Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Held at the the Marriott Marquis in Northwest, D.C., the evening featured the Crystal Stair Award, recognizing individuals whose lives reflect Dr. Height’s lifelong commitment to freedom, excellence and humanity. (Robert R. Roberts/The Wash-
RELIGION
New Generation of Black Church Leadership Rising to Continue Battle for Freedom
Installation of Pastor Kevin Lamár Peterman at Historic D.C. Church Indicates Next Power Move for Social Justice in America
By Hazel Trice Edney Trice Edney Newswire
This story was originally published with Trice Edney Newswire and edited by The Washington Informer for clarity.
It was on Nov. 24, 2014, when then Howard University student Kevin Lamár Peterman first felt a sermon rise from his belly.
That was the same day that a grand jury decided not to indict a white Ferguson, Missouri police officer, Darren Wilson, in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Mike Brown, an unarmed Black teenager walking down the street in his neighborhood. It was a police killing that sparked historic protests across America; including fiery demonstrations in Ferguson that were met with military force.
Having returned from the uprisings in Ferguson, Peterman was leading a community and student protest on the steps of Howard’s Douglass Hall in Northwest, D.C. when the announcement came that Wilson would not be indicted.
“I remember giving a speech that night that I felt turn into a sermon. And it was really social justice that led me to ministry,” Peterman said. “I felt that the best way to advance the cause of Black people in America was through the church and through education. And so that’s kind of how my ministry began.”
A little more than 10 years later, the stirring that Peterman felt that night has now come full circle. On Saturday, Nov.
Freddie Gray.
15, at the age of 32, he was installed pastor of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, the oldest and most historic Black Baptist congregation in Washington, D.C., dating back through enslavement more than 180 years.
Today, as issues of racial justice continue to simmer – and grow - across the nation, the pastoral installation of Peterman and other young men and women in his age group is being viewed as a resurgence of sorts, part of a spiritual uprising of a new generation of civil rights leadership in the Black church.
“What you’re seeing is that there are a number of young Black preachers who are taking over historic Black churches in historic cities, who are doing this work of social justice and also doing the work of social impact while also preaching salvation,” Peterman said. “Every generation of ministers is called to move the thermometer one notch, one pace forward. It’s like a race. The baton has been passed to the next generation to run our leg of the race.”
A New Generation of Leaders
From coast to coast, young people have emerged as faith-based social justice leaders –– during what Peterman describes as the “Black Lives Matter” era.
Among the young pastors speaking truth to power from the streets to the pulpits is Melech Thomas, who led protests alongside Peterman after the Baltimore police custody death of
Thomas was installed pastor of Baltimore’s Payne Memorial AME Church earlier this year.
There is also: the Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford, pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, the home church of former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was recently installed. The Rev. Art Gordon is pastor of the oldest Black Baptist church in New England, the People’s Baptist Church in Boston. The Rev. Malcolm J. Byrd is senior pastor of the Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the oldest Black Church in New York State, founded in 1796. The Rev. Marissa Farrow has been named senior pastor-elect of Baltimore’s Mt. Calvary Church & Ministries. Finally, the Rev. Rodney Carter is pastor of the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, the largest Pentecostal congregation in D.C. Each of these young pastors are working for progress through faith and freedom fighting.
“You’re seeing a new generation of pastors coming into the pulpit and taking over historic churches and many of us are trying to do the work that was being done 60 years ago, prior to the civil rights movement,” Peterman explained.
During the services surrounding Peterman’s installation, it was made clear that his generation will not carry the mantle alone. As they rise to leadership, they join their mentors, their fathers and mothers in ministry who remain alongside them in the preaching of salvation, the battle for social justice, and the sharing of wisdom and experience.
“It’s not a new vision,” Peterman continued. “It’s a continuum. And hopefully, when we die, life in America will be better than it was when we were born.”
Peterman’s Installation:
‘I’m on a Mission for God’
The three services celebrating Peterman as the new pastor included preachers, known nationally for their leadership. The Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va, preached a one-night revival.
The installation service was led by the Rev. Lawrence E. Aker, III, lead pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York.
Events culminated during a Sunday service preached by the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where Peterman served as a pastoral intern.
Aker, the pastor who ordained Peterman at Cornerstone, where he served as young adult and social justice minister, preached from the scripture, II Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The title of the message was “A Divine Assignment.”
Peterman listened intently, having been ceremoniously robed by his mother, Mrs. Donna Holley-Nelms. He recounted that he was raised by a “single parent mother and grandmother in Vauxhall, New Jersey with the church as the center of our life.”
Essentially, Aker elaborated that Peterman has been called to preach in a time that has been described as the
“fourth industrial revolution,” which, in part, means the world’s rise to 21st century technology; including AI, (artificial intelligence) and that the multi-generational Black church must not be afraid.
Greater Mount Calvary Pastor Rodney Carter, 34, gave a charge to the congregation that appeared strongly in agreement with Aker.
“There are some who are going to grieve the past. I want to encourage you to follow the vision,” Carter said. “Don’t fight the vessel.”
Aker’s message likely heartened Peterman, who, in the pre-installation interview, expressed that the Black church must use maximum technology and social media in order to communicate its Gospel and social justice messages.
“We have to communicate our story. We have to communicate the work that we’re doing at Nineteenth Street. We have to embrace technology one hundred percent. We have to communicate what we’re doing and the work that we’re doing in 21st century ways. Social media for us has been on the back burner,” Peterman said. “The reality is that nobody is looking for, or most people under the age of 50, are not looking for something to come in the mail to them. Most people now under the age of 70 want to be online, want to be digitized, want it to be on their phone. We have to embrace multiple platforms. I want people to know that I’m on a mission. I’m on a mission for God. And I am on a mission for my people.”
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Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
5 Pastor Kevin Lamár Peterman (front center, in suit and tie) stands in front of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, surrounded by guest clergy present to support and celebrate. (Courtesy Photo/Trice Edney News Wire)
The public is invited to join in the celebration of the Capitol View Library's sixth annual Community Music Festival, "A Celebration of Unity and Culture" on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at 3 p.m. Launched in 2019, the festival was created to encourage students, professionals, seniors and families to reconnect with the newly renovated library. The event, which kicked off in December six years ago, is held annually and serves as both a celebration of community and a reminder of the library's role as a vibrant hub for all.
Located at 5001 Central Ave. SE, Washington, D.C., this exciting event showcases top-tier entertainment, including solo performances, singing groups, dancers, rappers, poets and activists, all coming together to celebrate the arts and the library's cultural significance. This festival was conceived during the Capitol View Library's grand reopening in March 2019, when Mayor Bowser emphasized the importance of modernizing D.C.'s libraries to meet the evolving needs of the community.
While the festival takes place in December, it is not a holiday event. Instead, its purpose is to foster collaboration and promote sustainable funding for community programs hosted at the library. The festival will feature a powerful mix of performances and presentations, including:
• Solo and group music performances
WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Music, Activism Merge at Capitol the religion corner
• Dance routines
• Rappers and spoken word poets
• A "Enough Is Enough" campaign against gun violence
• Teenagers and young adults with special needs sharing their stories and talents
• Inspirational speeches
In an exciting addition, for the first time, Mike Ramsey, Robert Eugene Young's former supervisor at the Department of Commerce, will present "Words of Wisdom."
A special thank-you goes out to gospel soloist the Rev. Niketa D. Wilson, who has been instrumental in connecting artists to the festival and marketing the event. This marks her third year participating and her second year as a co-host. You can also catch her soulful rendition of "Inseparable" on DC Robb Productions' YouTube channel.
Youth Artists to Watch:
• Amad (20): Watch his "Shot 4 the Starz" video on YouTube.
• Jordan Brown (12): Recently released his debut album, "Just For Me" b/w "God Said." Find him on Facebook at "J Brown Sings."
To support the library, you can contribute in several ways: Volunteer to earn community service hours or donate books, media or funds. For more information on how to get involved, contact the Friends of Capitol View Library at 202-350-1297 or email capitolviewlibrary@gmail.com. Dona-
tions can be mailed to 5001 Central Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20019.
To book, audition or donate to the Urban Nation HIP-HOP Choir, reach out via their website at www.urbannationchoir. org, email urbannationinc@gmail. com, or call 202-422-5775.
The Community Music Festival wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Friends of Capitol View Library. As a nonprofit organization acting as a liaison between the D.C. Public Library Department and the community, the board of Friends advocated tirelessly for funding during the library's renovation. Robert Eugene Young served as treasurer and currently is vice president of programming.
Unfortunately, the project faced a budget cut from $21 million to $10 million. However, thanks to continued advocacy of Iola Anyan and the late Judge Francel Billinger and community support, they were able to get another $1 million for the exterior for the renovation, which had evolved into an $8.6 million project that not only upgraded the interior but also gave the building a modern, community-centric exterior.
Join us Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at the Capitol View Library to support Robert Eugene Young and the Friends of the Capitol View Library. It promises to be an event you won't soon forget!
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RELIGION
547-8849
Service and Times
Person Worship: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M.
Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
& Study: Wednesday @ 12 Noon and 7:00 P.M.
Mount Carmel Baptist
Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant
401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331
Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331
Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Franklin Keys who died on November 23, 2024 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/4/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/4/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 12/4/2025
J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 001227
Rena Jones Decedent
Lynee C. Murchison, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Road, Suite 500 Bowie, MD 20716
Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Vannessa M. Corley, whose address is 308 F Street, NE, Washington DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rena Jones who died on August 16, 2008 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 6/4/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/4/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 12/4/2025
Vannessa M. Corley
Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2023 ADM 001303
Estate of James E. Proctor aka James Proctor
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE
Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Lori M. Willingham for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.
Admit to probate the will dated September 12, 2017 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise
Date of first publication: December 4, 2025
Lori M. Willingham 757 Conisburgh Court Stone Mountain, GA 30087
Petitioner/Attorney:
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Copyright Notice for Publication
Copyright Notice: All rights reserved regarding common-law copyright of trade-names/trade-marks, not excluding any and all derivatives and variations in spelling of any of said names.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 001149
J’Kai Anthony Lewis
Decedent
Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Offices, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Rd., Suite 500 Bowie MD 20715
Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
LaKeysha Lewis, whose address is 5508 Central Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of J’Kai Anthony Lewis who died on 1/7/2005 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 6/4/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/4/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 12/4/2025
LaKeysha Lewis Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION
Case Number: 2025-CAB-004547
Judge: Maribeth Raffinan
ESTATE OF THEODORE R. BROWN v. LILLIAN MAE BROWN ORDER
Before the Court is Plaintiffs’ Consent Motion to Authorize Service by Publication, filed on October 30, 2025. Upon consideration of the Motion and the entire record herein, it is this 24th day of November 2025, hereby: ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Consent Motion to Authorize Service by Publication is GRANTED; and it is further,
ORDERED that the Plaintiffs are authorized to publish the following notice in the Daily Washington Law Reporter and the Washington Informer twice a month for three successive months, which notice shall include the caption of this case: The object of this action is to establish title to 4854 Brooks St NE Washington DC 20019, known for assessment and taxation purposes as Square 5141, Lots 12 and 13, in the name of the Theodore R. Brown. The purpose of this publication is to ensure that there are no unknown heirs or devisees of Lillian Mae Brown, who is listed as a tenant by the entirety of this property. The complaint alleges that Lillian Mae Brown was born on or around 1910, and that she died on or around 1980; and it is further,
ORDERED that any person claiming an interest in this property or in this action must cause their appearance to be entered herein on or before the fortieth day, exclusive of Sundays and legal holidays, occurring after the day of the first publication of this Order; otherwise this cause will be proceeded with as in case of default. SO ORDERED. /s/ Judge Maribeth Raffinan, Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Pub Dates: Dec 4, 11, 2025; Jan 1,8; Feb 5, 12, 2026
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 FEP 000139
December 3, 2023
Date of Death
Patricia Geraldine Caldwell Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Deborah Caldwell whose address is 3444 Flat River Drive, Durham, NC 27703 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Patricia Geraldine Caldwell, deceased, by the General Court for Durham County, State of North Carolina, on February 23, 2024.
Service of process may be made upon John Willie Caldwell, Jr. 3344 5th Street SE Washington, DC 20032 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 510 Trenton Street SE, Washington, DC 20032
Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
Date of first publication: 12/4/2025
Deborah Caldwell Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
NOTICE OF AN UNREGISTERED CLAIM
Notice is hereby given that Nicole–Star: Williams a living woman and the Executrix and Beneficiary of the NICOLE STAR WILLIAMS ESTATE publishes this Notice of an Unregistered Claim for the purpose of giving public constructive notice of her equitable title, right of reversion, and first-priority claim in the property described herein.
The property subject to this Claim is the birth and estate record of “NICOLE STAR WILLIAMS,” documenting the birth of a female child on May 26, 1983, registered with Los Angeles County Vital Records on June 13, 1983 including the original and amended records reflecting the corrected name Nicole–Star: Williams and all commercial, fiscal, and administrative estates, accounts, securities, credits, book-entries, and proceeds created through or arising from such registration. All beneficial rights in this property revert to the living woman and are held through the NICOLE S WILLIAMS LIVING REVOCABLE TRUST
The Claimant has never abandoned, transferred, conveyed, waived, or otherwise alienated her beneficial interest in the above-referenced property. She maintains continuous identity, ownership, and right of reversion. No superior equitable claim has ever been produced.
Abstract of Title:
Original Source: The life and private estate of the living woman Nicole–Star: Williams.
First Public Entry: Registration of the estate record titled “NICOLE STAR WILLIAMS” on June 13, 1983.
Custodial Holding: Administrative and fiscal custody under federal authorities, including the Secretary of the Treasury, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the Custodian of Alien Property. Reversion and Priority Claim: All rights, titles, interests, credits, securities, and derivative proceeds revert to the living woman and are presently held through the NICOLE S WILLIAMS LIVING REVOCABLE TRUST.
Notice to Agent is Notice to Principal. Notice to Principal is Notice to Agent.
This Notice is directed to all fundholders and fiscal agents, including the Secretary of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York the Custodian of Alien Property, and all administrative or commercial custodians of the registered estate.
A true copy of this Notice is concurrently served by United States Postal Service Registered Mail, establishing the Claim as a Registered Security under Universal Postal Union regulations. Any party asserting an adverse or superior claim must submit a written objection within thirty (30) days of first publication of this Notice to: Nicole–Star: Williams c/o Post Office Box 322 Corona, California 92878
Failure to rebut shall constitute agreement, estoppel by acquiescence, and final perfection of this Unregistered Claim as uncontested and binding.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2025 ADM 001202
Nana Traore Sidibe
Decedent
Lynee C. Murchison, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716
Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Djeneba Sidibe, whose address is 13124 Wornington Court, Houston, TX 77077, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nana Traore Sidibe who died on 4/10/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/4/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/4/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 12/4/2025
Djeneba Sidibe
Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2025 ADM 001105
Charles E. Saul aka Charles Edward Saul Decedent
Lynee C. Murchison, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Rd., Suite 500 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Stacy Anita Saul, whose address is 1249 Kearney Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles E. Saul aka Charles Edward Saul who died on 2/11/2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/11/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/11/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 12/11/2025
Stacy Anita Saul Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
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found in engaging youth who don't want to be anywhere near the men and women in blue.
“We have been doing peace walks in Ward 8 for the last several years, and…we have been well supported by MPD,” Young, pastor of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ, said on the morning of Dec. 4. “But since the occupation, young people who have participated in those walks have told me, ‘If the police have to be here, then we're not going to walk.’ I had to tell MPD to back away…because the relationship between police and people [is] at an impasse.”
On Thursday, Young was the first speaker on a line-up that included: Oliver Merino of Fams Not Feds; the Rev. Delonte Gholston of Peace Fellowship Church; the Rev. Rachel Cornwell of Dumbarton United Methodist Church, and Sana Saddiq of Muslims for Just Futures.
Soon after making their remarks on the steps of the Wilson Building, the activists and clergypeople, part of the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN), attended a marathon hearing conducted in the council chambers by the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. That hearing took place amid demands by Young, other clergypeople and numerous other District residents that the Bowser administration no longer cooperate with the Trump administration.
Since the expiration of the federalization period, when D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser continued MPD’s relationship with ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies, reports continue to surface about MPD accompanying federal agents as the latter detains migrants, accosts Black youth, and nearly kills motorists.
For Young, no explanation suffices in legitimizing MPD-federal law enforcement collusion.
“I heard an advisor to the mayor a couple of months ago say to Ward 8 faith leaders that— talking about the occupation— that the mayor is playing chess, not checkers, with the president,” Young said on Thursday morning. “Well I prefer them not to play any games when the people, when the lives of real people are on the chessboard. And I don't trust this administration to even know how to play chess. They just cheat anyway.”
On the steps of the Wilson Building, Young led the dozens of people who gathered in the bitter cold in prayer. But not before giving a call to
5 Black Swan Academy, in collaboration with Free DC, Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, the T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, CARE Anacostia, and a bevy of other organizations, conduct a youth rally for resources in Freedom Plaza, right across the street from the John A. Wilson Building during a marathon public safety hearing on Dec. 4. (Courtesy Photo/Black Swan Academy)
action he said was most appropriate for the Season of Advent.
“Today we must, we must, we must for the people of this city say to the council, stop yielding to Caesar. Fight back for God's children,” Young bellowed.
Testimony about the Juvenile Curfew and MPD-Federal Law Enforcement Cooperation
More than 150 people— many of whom included youth and youth advocates— testified before D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety throughout much of Dec. 4.
The hearing focused on: evidence-based gun violence reduction, vehicular terrorism, first responder retention, the Child Fatality Review Committee, and the juvenile curfew. Throughout much of the day, public witnesses took ample opportunity to weigh in on MPD cooperation with ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies.
The young people who spoke before the council committee also spoke about the emergency juvenile curfew, which the council, earlier in the week, voted to extend to April 2026. Their commentary took place just as Black Swan Academy, in collaboration with Free DC, Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, the T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, CARE Anacostia, and a bevy of other organizations, conducted a youth rally for resources in Freedom Plaza, right across the street from the Wilson Building.
On Thursday evening, Samaiya Seabron, a junior at Columbia
Later, in his exchange with Pinto about fights that move from social media to the streets, Atrayu questioned the notion that swathes of youth are wreaking havoc on District communities.
“Hundreds of kids showed up to fight together?” Atrayu said in response to Pinto. “I'm having a hard time imagining that. You know, it sounds a bit of a reach. And if you're out in front, a real thing is, it's not something that happens very frequently.”
surge cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies.
Heights Education Campus in Northwest and member of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, implored the council to invest more in recreational activities and spaces for youth, and less so in what she called punitive measures that feed the school-to-prison pipeline.
“We don't have many spaces to just be teenagers to exist. Whether it's at school, the Metro, and for many of our homes, we aren't given that luxury,” Samaiya said. “We don't need more uniforms or curfews. We don't need more prying eyes of teachers, administrators, and law enforcement. We need and deserve safe spaces. Spaces like the Congress Heights pool that was just voted down by [the] D.C. council. Spaces where we can gather on nights like Halloween, but instead we get confinement, distrust, and more rules.”
In his testimony, Atrayu Lee, student body president at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School in Southeast, compiled several years of data that debunked notions about the effectiveness of a juvenile curfew. He too demanded that the council pivots to long-term solutions.
“The ‘doing something is better than doing nothing’ narrative isn't the best argument because the ‘something’ criminalizes young people for being outside, as if that's an inherent issue that absolutely leads to violence,” said Atrayu, 17. “What's needed to address the issue of youth violence is an immense investment in mental health services and mentorship institutions to adapt for the broken homes in our communities. What's needed to address the issue of youth violence is a youth advisory council on youth affairs to provide solutions to our own problems.”
Earlier in the day, during her testimony before Pinto and D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D), Elizabeth Paige White questioned the legality of MPD-federal agent engagement of Black people out and about on D.C. streets. As she made her case, White invoked the names of Philip Brown and Justin Brian Nelson, the two Black men she’s representing in the aftermath of their near deadly encounter with Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) officers.
“The stops that are happening right now are illegal. Not only are they illegal, but they are dangerous,”
White, a criminal defense and civil rights attorney, said on the morning of Dec. 4. “And the fact that HSI agents or that our MPD officers are engaging in chases that they are not supposed to be engaged in in the first place that violate MPD rules and then step aside and let HSI agents pull out their weapons and shoot at unarmed citizens is incredibly dangerous and problematic.”
Since the incident involving Brown, when MPD didn't include the federal officer’s shots in its arrest report, White has fought for more information related to the events of Oct. 17.
On Thursday, she continued along on that crusade.
“I'm calling for the immediate release of the body-worn camera footage in both of my cases and investigation for the immediate end of this task force,” White said at the end of her testimony.
Toward the end of the nearly 12hour hearing, a slew of government witnesses testified before the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.
Those officials included: Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah and Andre Wright, MPD’s executive assistant chief for patrol operations. In her exchange with D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3), Appiah attempted to explain what she believed to be the conundrum in MPD’s post-
“We're not Chicago. We're not L.A. We're not these other places because our neighbor, our literal neighbors, is the White House, and at the other end is Congress. They're not leaving, and they've made that clear,” Appiah told Frumin. “And so everything we've tried to do on a near weekly basis at my level, the person who's responsible for managing a White House that is very involved, is reinforce our values, what we don't want to do, what we're asking to draw away from, what we are continuing to request not have happen, while also recognizing that how do we use these federal entities that they are set on having here in a way that allows us to drive down crime.”
Terra Martin, the mother of Dalaneo Martin, a youth shot and killed by U.S. Park Police in 2023, counts among those skeptical about the D.C. government’s motives, and even more skeptical about the D.C. Council’s passion for stopping MPD-federal law enforcement collusion.
“I want Pinto to stop continuing to lead the path of [the] Trump agenda,” Martin said as she spoke about her late son’s situation and what youth are currently experiencing. “People that's trying to protect the kids get arrested because they don't want to let the Black kids up [at the Metro], but they let all the white kids up. MPD [is] stepping back and letting the feds kill us because they know…the federal laws are different to sue them.”
In her testimony, Tia Bell demanded that Pinto and her colleagues get back to the basics. As executive director of the T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, Bell has advocated for strategies centered on the collective healing of gun violence victims and those most likely to be future victims.
That fight is ongoing, she said.
“It feels like youth are still not centered in prevention strategies,” Bell told The Informer as she reflected on Aug. 11, the beginning of the 30-day federal surge. “It felt like, if our city had something to point to in terms of youth strategy or showing long-term investment or planning, we may not have gotten to where we are— where our president thought that he needed to inflict federal violence on our city and criminalize our young people further.”
WI
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MALVEAUX from Page 28
The real misery behind the markdown isn't felt by the retailer or the bargain-seeker. It's borne by the workers whose low wages make the whole system possible. By the warehouse crews who don't see their families during the holidays. By the delivery drivers forced into 16-hour shifts. By the sales associates who smile through exhaustion for $15 an hour — if that.
This entire ecosystem of discount culture is built on someone else being discounted.
Retailers have gotten more sophisticated, not less. Today's "sales" are algorithmically timed, psychologically targeted and strategically priced. Businesses know exactly how much inven-
JEALOUS from Page 28 and after" tags? Carefully engineered illusions.
White working-class men feel this acutely. But they are not alone.
White men may have made the headlines, but similar trends are affecting Black, Latino, Native and Asian men — especially those from poor and working-class backgrounds. In today's economy, class and education now do as much work as race in deciding whether a man will be seen as "marriageable," employable and likely to climb beyond the station of his birth.
So if you're wondering why a Black
MARSHALL from Page 28
Ismail should have already known what Trump stood for. It should be no surprise to them that Trump is not a man of character. It is not only Trump who betrayed the Somalis, but Fiqy and Ismail when they followed through on an opportunity for the GOP to gain further ground in the Somali community.
Ismail has released a statement expressing disappointment that Minnesota Republicans did not come out in support of the Somali people after the president's derogatory remarks. What did they expect when Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans campaigned on the issue of mass deportation? Did Fiqy and Ismail feel comfortable in thinking that anti-immigrant and dehumanizing rhetoric targeted toward Hispanics wouldn't catch up and apply to the Somali community? As Fiqy and Ismail aligned themselves with white supremacy, being labeled as garbage was the outcome. The Somalian people, like all human beings, re-
tory they can move at each price point, and they build markdowns into their annual plan. The sale is not a surprise — it's the strategy.
A retailer might lose money on one "doorbuster" TV, but that's a deliberate sacrifice to lure you into a store filled with 200% markups. You came for the deal; you stay for the illusion. And you leave thinking you've triumphed, not realizing you've played the part retailers wrote for you.
So as the peak of the holiday season barrels toward us, and as communities — especially Black communities — are bombarded with pressure to buy, buy, buy, it's worth asking: What do we really gain from chasing sales that were never sales in the first place?
For many of us, the cost isn't just financial; it's emotional. We feel guilty
civil rights leader cares about the struggles of white men, the answer is simple: In a democracy, you cannot fix poverty for anyone unless you fix it for everyone. Every major leap forward in opportunity in this country has depended on multiracial coalitions. Progress comes when we face the full truth — not when we ignore parts of it.
Which brings us to the conversation we are actually having.
Or rather, not having.
It's time to readjust our thinking about white men, college admissions and DEI. The left and the right have
gardless of their ethnicity, were created in the image of God, and God doesn't create garbage.
The internal betrayal is not limited to the Somali community. As the African American community produced its share of Clarence Thomases, Ben Carsons and Tim Scotts, the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was supported by Black MAGA despite its long-term damage to the upward mobility of the Black middle class. The short-lived initiative was effectively dissolved in less than one year. DOGE's institutionalized changes have systematically harmed Black communities by attacking federal jobs, DEI and civil-rights infrastructure, and the flow of grants that disproportionately support Black workers, institutions and neighborhoods. Black workers, compared with other segments of the population, are significantly overrepresented throughout the federal workforce. As a result, federal jobs have become a pipeline into the middle class and Black earning power. Thousands of positions
when we don't spend. We feel inadequate when we can't gift lavishly. And too often, we sacrifice long-term financial well-being for short-term "joy" engineered by an industry built on extraction. It's called predatory capitalism.
The markdown is not serving you or your family, not serving the workers whose bodies absorb the true cost of America's bargain culture.
The retailer isn't slashing their profits. They're slashing your perception.
Why do we keep celebrating the privilege of being played?
This year let's refuse the hustle. Let's stop applauding fake generosity. Let's protect our wallets, our dignity and our sanity.
The markdown isn't a gift. It's a business model. It only works if we keep falling for it.
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both turned this into a culture war when what we really need is a reality check.
On the right, the headlines became a grievance weapon — proof, some claim, that diversity efforts were out to "replace" white men. On the left, the reaction was defensive, as if acknowledging hardship among white families would somehow undermine the fight for racial justice.
Neither response had much to do with the truth.
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Read more on washingtoninformer.com.
in agencies such as Education, HUD, Social Security, Treasury and the Veterans Administration, where Black employment is concentrated, were targeted for thousands of job eliminations. Many Black families relied on these federal positions to sustain homeownership and intergenerational stability. The same is true with federal programs designed to support Black businesses.
The Department of Education's recent reclassification and downgrading of degrees will disproportionally harm Black women. The holders of professional degrees related to education, social work, counseling, public administration, criminal justice and health administration are "community-building" and "caregiving" individuals who are Black women in large numbers. The long-term impact is cruel. Not only will this hurt Black economic mobility, but the long-term service to the most vulnerable people within Black and Brown communities may never recover. At least Salman Fiqy and Tawakal Ismail eventually woke up and spoke in defense of their kinfolk. WI
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uated from Columbia University and Harvard Law School.
Trump nurtured those claims for years, and he used them as a launchpad for his political identity. He became the chief promoter of birtherism. As The Independent reported, Trump spent years asserting that Obama was secretly born in Kenya and that he only ended the crusade when confronted with the long-form birth certificate. But even then, he would not release his grip. At the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 2011, Obama addressed the conspiracy with biting precision, noting that Trump could "finally get back to the issues that matter." Footage from the event captured Trump staring ahead as the audience laughed. Those close to him have said that night marked the moment he decided to run for president.
The resentment did not fade. According to Michael Cohen's memoir, Trump held "hatred and contempt" for Obama and even hired a man who resembled the 44th president so he could "ritualistically belittle the first Black president and then fired him."
Trump continued his public fixation, calling Obama "the most ignorant president in our history" and declaring that he "founded ISIS." He accused Obama of wiretapping him. He mocked him repeatedly, even years after leaving office. The Independent documented that Trump "repeatedly called Obama a jerk" and continued to attack him at rallies.
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It's beautiful.
This hostility toward Obama cannot be separated from the fury directed at the ACA. Obamacare became a symbol of something beyond policy. It became a symbol of a Black man's authorship over the nation's moral priorities.
In a country still wrestling with its stitched-in contradictions, the ACA represented a rebuke of the belief that the poor must earn their right to live. It dared to reduce disparities. It dared to remove barriers. It dared to place humanity above profit.
Republicans answered year after year with votes to dismantle it. They drafted lawsuits aimed at wiping it from the books. They promised its end during the campaigns. Not once have they produced a plan that meets or exceeds its reach.
Politico, academic researchers and public opinion studies have all shown that the hostility toward Obamacare has remained strongest among groups where resentment of Obama himself was strongest. The Kaiser Family Foundation's polling showed that support for ACA tax credits drops sharply among Republican and MAGA voters, even as the same benefits remain popular when described without Obama's connection. These conflicting responses reveal a political truth that is not accidental. It is structural.
The hatred of Obama and the hatred of Obamacare live in the same house.
The ACA confronted the very inequalities that race created. It attempted to relieve the burden placed on Black Americans by cen-
turies of withheld care and denied treatment. It reduced racial gaps in health insurance coverage. It expanded Medicaid in states willing to accept it. It forced the country to look directly at disparities instead of treating them as the natural order.
Those gains came from a president who carried the weight of history and the expectations of a community often ignored until the moment it becomes politically convenient. Obama knew the country he led. He knew the contradictions. He once noted that if he had a son, "he'd look like Trayvon," and the words drew a fiery response. Every policy he touched carried the shadow of race, whether he said so publicly or not. A nation that has never resolved its fear of Black advancement reacted the only way it knows. It tried to destroy the work because it could not destroy the man.
Republicans continue their assault on the Affordable Care Act, not because the law failed but because the law succeeded. It made the country fairer. It made the poor healthier. It gave millions access to care they had long been denied. And it stands as evidence that a Black president changed the material conditions of people who were never meant to be served.
One of the clearest explanations still comes from Daniel Dawes, who called the ACA "the most inclusive health law" in American history. He said, "It directly addresses inequities in health care."
The law did exactly what its creators set out to do. The fight against it did too. WI
The Disney Destiny will provide guests with a top-notch cruise experience and the quality service that Disney provides at its parks, hotel properties and on cruise ships.
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not accidental but orchestrated to manufacture consent for their presence in the first place. They are symptoms of a failed strategy that places military forces into civilian life and then blames Washingtonians for the consequences. We have laws against these actions for a reason — the Home Rule Act, for starters.
A federal judge recently ruled that the occupation is unconstitu-
That said, destiny can also be described as destiny fulfilled. The level of representation on this ship
tional. Yet the administration continues to expand it. Instead of protecting residents, federal officials accuse D.C. of failing to control what is happening, even though disruptive actors are often coming from outside the city. Washingtonians should not be held responsible for the chaos created by a federal presence we did not request and cannot vote to end.
We must put D.C. in charge of D.C. and make sure no administration can ever repeat the
speaks louder than any other I have witnessed in five years of covering the brand. It's loud, proud and at least in this instance, very Black and beautiful.
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abuses we are living through now. This occupation was never about public safety. It was always about control. If we want stability, we must return to a model rooted in community investment, support for families, and respect for local governance. The National Guard should go home, and D.C. should be allowed to take care of D.C. That is the only path to real security for everyone who lives here.
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