WASHINGTON INFORMER Vol. 56, No. 9 • December 17 - 23, 2020
Americans Fight Back ALSO INSIDE • Vaccine Lands in the DMV • Black Churches Vandalized • Electoral College Gives
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• Conversation with Psalmayene 24
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Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Postal Service Honors 2021 Class of Jazz Masters
law enforcement. she said.in Virtual Honored Legendary Playwright AugustShe saidtotheybe threat,” had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow Concert sense of uniformity in theTribute way wants to see implemented are Wilson with 44th Black When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Stamp old Heritage daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights forone victim's families will be Three musicians and jazz advocate By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer
of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene behalf ofEndowment a vichonored with the 2021onNational for life, The and the life Postof their child, story, her own personal pain to Jazz U.S. tim, Masters a domestic violence assessthe Arts Fellowship – the nation’s she something ment in unitjazz. coupled with further to the al knew Service has an-had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens highest honor For contributions done. Out the of her frustration said about Marlow. training forartlaw enforcement nounced 44th advancement of this form, the National Enwith lawheritage enforcement's Davis-Nickens said anyone a Child's Life Protec-drummer, Black stamp handling dowment agencies, for the Arts will recognize ofhonoring the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion andleader Terri mandatoryLyne counsellegendary composer and Act band Carrington; start the SavingAugust Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. playwright drummer and educator Albert “Tootie” Heath; paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradi- Henry Wilson. Receiving and saxophonist, flautist and composer “It seems be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She saidThreadgill. at the cate we the must one of theto nation's Phildomestic Schaap violence, will receive 2021 A.B. that won't turnwith my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. highest honors Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz loose,” Marlowstamp, said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the victhe Forever Advocacy. He is an archivist, educator, historian shared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow on CoWilson is hailed and has served as host of jazz programs ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. as a trailblazer for lumbia University’s WKCR station in New York Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see helping to bring since 1970 on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise nonmusical African Each 2021 NEA Jazz Master will receive a Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consecawareness among children in American drama by the Due to COVID-19, the jazz lusium was sponsored utive life terms without $25,000 parole award. public and private schools. She to the and forefront honored during a tribFamily Youthof Services by a Maryland jury for hisminaries role in will feels be children needvirtually to be educatAmerican theater. ute concert available in an online-only Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. broadcast The award-winning accoon April 2021. SFJAZZ hostpasthe virtual Heights and the Nationalwriter Hook-collected 2002. many Mildred Muhammad is 22,“We have to stopwill being lades for his work, including seven New York Draevent in collaboration with the National Up of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chil- Endowma Critics' Awards; a Tonyan Award for 1987'sthat helps ment Marlow hasCircle written a book, organization thefor the drenArts. about domestic violence,” "Fences"; and two Pulitzer Prizes, for "Fences" and “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. 1990's "The Piano Lesson.” of The stamp willchildren. be dedstory about four generations and their Marlow has worked to break icated Jan. 28 onThe the book PostalisService“IFacebook and domestic violence. lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, Twitterbypages. inspired her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliwon the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net 5 2021 NEA Jazz Masters: Terri Lyne Carrington (photo my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm bygoing Delphine Diallo), Albert “Tootie” Heath (photo by photo lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a by verbal Ghylian BellWI & Mychal Watts), Henry Threadgill (photo by Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiNhumi Threadgill) and Phil Schaap (photo courtesy of Jazz at dent of the National Hook-Up Lincoln Center). of Black Women, said there is no consistency in the way domestic violence issues are dealt with by anie Gidigbi, the board’s vice chair who represents D.C. and board member Michael Goldman, who represents Maryland, voted against the public comment timetable. Both said a vote should be held afterward to see if Congress passes a stimulus package that includes money for transportation and vaccine Metro commuters, legislative officials and res- distribution that could bring riders back traveling idents from Maryland, D.C. and Virginia can on Metrorail and Metrobus. prepare to offer public comment next month on Gidigbi emphasized the importance of ensuring a proposed fiscal year 2022 budget which will be that everyone in the region be provided an opporimpacted by a nearly $500 million deficit. The tunity to share their concerns, saying: “I hope that board of directors voted 6-2 on Thurs., Dec. the general manager and the staff will really work to 10 to begin public outreach on the budget that think about how we move beyond these three weeks proposes to close 19 Metrorail stations, offer no seeking stakeholder feedback at every level, especialservice on Saturdays and Sundays and modify or ly those who are most impacted by the system and shut down about half of the bus routes. Steph- these decisions in the cuts that we’re making.”
Metro Approves Preliminary Budget, Public Comment Period
“
We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.
“
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COMPILED BY WI CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SARAFINA WRIGHT, BRENDA SILER AND WI STAFF WRITER WILLIAM J. FORD
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L.Y. Marlow
AROUND THE REGION District Officials Announce Roll Out Plan for COVID-19 Vaccines James Wright WI Staff Writer @JamesDCWrighter
a guide, Nesbitt said the District has four phases of the vaccination program. Health care workers and first responders will be vaccinated during Phase 1A. Phase 1B, which includes about 310,722 residents, will inoculate essential workers and at-risk residents such as the elderly in assisted living facilities and those who have severe cases of coronavirus triggers such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Phase 2 will immunize residents who have milder cases of the coronavirus triggers and some members of the general public. Phase 3 will vaccinate the rest of the public. Nesbitt said some phases may overlay each other, meaning a population doesn’t need to be fully vaccinated for the next group to begin. Nesbitt said while Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna will be available this month, she knows there are other vaccine candidates being considered. She acknowledged AstraZeneca in the United Kingdom and Novavax in Gaithersburg, Md.,
are working on coronavirus vaccines also and are close to approaching the FDA for approval. However, Nesbitt cautioned residents about being picky about which vaccine to take.
“People should take the vaccine when it is available to them,” she said. “Do not wait for a specific vaccine. People should be vaccinated as early as possible.” WI
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 5
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5 US Surgeon General Jerome Adams (far right) watches as a doctor at George Washington University Hospital is administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the Washington, D.C. area. (Courtesy photo/Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia)
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With more than a little fanfare and lots of hope, the Bowser administration took possession of the first wave of vaccine to block the novel coronavirus less than three days after the vaccine had received formal federal approval for human use. Now, District officials, along with the other local, state and federal officials have to figure out how, when and where to stage inoculations. And, most critically, who’s first? D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with D.C. Director of Health Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, explained the process at a news conference on Dec. 10. The mayor said she realizes District residents want this pandemic to end. “I know that we are all ready for this pandemic to be over,” she said. “And there is good news: a vaccine is on the way. D.C. health has been preparing for the eventual arrival of a vaccine since the beginning of the pandemic. Since March, our community has worked hard and sacrificed to save lives and protect our most vulnerable residents.” Bowser said, “Now we are ready to lead an equitable distribution of a safe and effective vaccine” and “the next few weeks and months will be critical.” “A successful vaccination implementation will finally bring an end to this crisis,” the mayor said. “It will save lives. And when Washingtonians are vaccinated, we can finally come back together.” The George Washington University Hospital vaccinated a few of its health care workers on Dec. 14, the first vaccination event in the District. George Washington Hospital received the vaccines on Dec. 14 along with Howard University. Four other sites—MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Georgetown, Kaiser Permanente and Children’s Hospital-- have been designated by the District as vaccine sites mainly because of their capacity to store the vaccine at -94 degrees F conditions. Children’s had been on schedule to receive its vaccines Dec. 15 but a spokeswoman said a delay had taken place and could not determine when vaccinations will start there.
MedStar Washington and MedStart Georgetown are scheduled for vaccines Dec. 15 and Kaiser will receive its doses Dec. 16. On Dec. 17, the employees of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Management Services will receive the District government’s first vaccinations in partnership with Kaiser. A spokesman with the University of Maryland Medical System said the first COVID-19 shipment from Pfizer arrived Monday morning at the state's flagship academic hospital in downtown Baltimore. The vaccine will be distributed to other UMMS hospitals in the state that include Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and Laurel Medical Center. On Dec. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially granted emergency authorization for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to be available for use. However, District officials had been preparing for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine candidate to be first line for inoculations for weeks. Nesbitt said the District started acquiring supplies for the vaccine in June including 184,000 needles and syringes, one million alcohol prep pads and one million Band-Aids, among other supplies. She also said medical and health care personnel have been prepared for the arrival of the vaccine and extensive training on how to administer the drug will be offered. She said the initial allotment will be about 6,825 doses, far short of the expected 8,000 she expected. “This all depends on the manufacturer and how many they have to distribute at the time,” Bowser said. “We have about 85,000 health care workers who work in the District and a lot of them live in Maryland and Virginia. Still, we need more doses to vaccinate our health care workers.” Nesbitt said the six sites with the initial allotment will partner with health care providers in the District. For example, she pointed out Children’s National will partner with the United Medical Center in Ward 8 and Kaiser will work with the District government to inoculate D.C. Fire and Emergency Services and other frontline workers. Using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as
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black facts
SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
DEC 17 - 23, 2020
DEC. 17
1939 – Singer and founding Temptations member Eddie Kendricks is born in Birmingham, Alabama. 1996 – Kofi Annan becomes the first Black secretary-general for the United Nations.
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1865 – The 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery in the U.S., is ratified. 1946 – Stephen Biko, anti-apartheid activist, is born in Ginsberg Township, South Africa. 1971 – Rev. Jesse Jackson announces the founding of Operation PUSH. 2002 – BET founder Robert Johnson is announced as owner of the NBA's Charlotte expansion franchise, making him the first African American majority owner in major professional sports.
DEC. 19
1875 – Historian, author and journalist Carter G. Woodson, known as the "father of Black history," is born in Canton, Virginia. 1924 – Famed actress Cicely Tyson is born in New York City.
DEC. 20
1860 – South Carolina becomes the first slave state in the South to secede from the Union, setting in motion the events leading to the Civil War. 1956 – The Montgomery bus boycott, which began Dec. 5, 1955, ends after the Supreme Court declares
the Alabama and Montgomery laws requiring segregated buses to be unconstitutional. 1986 – Michael Griffith, a 23-year-old Black man from New York City's Brooklyn borough, is struck and killed by a car in Howard Beach after being chased onto a highway by a white mob who had beaten him and his friends. 1988 – Max Robinson, the first African American broadcast network news anchor in the United States, dies in Washington, D.C., of complications due to AIDS at 49.
DEC. 21
1948 – Acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson (top) is born in Washington, D.C. 1959 – Track legend and three-time Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner (above), considered the fastest woman of all time, is born in Los Angeles. 1976 – Patricia Roberts Harris is announced by President Jimmy Carter as his appointment for secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the first Black woman to hold a Cabinet position.
DEC. 22
1883 – Arthur Wergs Mitchell, the first African American to be elected to the U.S. Congress as a Democrat, is born near Lafayette, Alabama. 1905 – African American art history pioneer and longtime Howard University educator James Amos Porter, whose "Modern Negro Art" in 1943 was the first comprehensive study in the United States of African American art, is born in Baltimore. 1960 – Famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is born in New York City.
DEC. 23 REV. JESSE JACKSON, SR
6 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
1867 – African American entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist Madam C.J. Walker, considered the first Black woman millionaire in America, is born in Delta, Louisiana. WI
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ERICKA FIELDS /
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I saw firsthand how [COVID-19] affected my mom and was the death of several people I know. I'm taking the vaccine as I have asthma and work with the public in social services. I cannot afford not to.
JAMES PAINE / ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
I sure as hell don't. I'm tested once a week and all results have been negative. Thank God. I wear a mask and practice good hygiene. I'll watch the guinea pigs get the vaccine first and keep my ears and eyes open for unwanted side effects. Be smart.
MEL DUBOSE / NEW YORK
I go back and forth on it, to be honest. I am not seriously concerned about it being some experiment on Black people a la Tuskegee. That would involve throwing so many Black researchers and medical professionals under the bus. My concern is the speed at which the vaccine was developed and tested. I'd be more convinced about its efficacy if the trials were done over a course of a couple years instead of a few months.
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OTIS TROTTER /
MASSILLON, OHIO
There is historic rationale for this. But because this virus is so dangerous, it may not serve us well to totally refuse the shots. Personally, I don't feel the government has any nefarious intentions towards Black or any people. I am not saying that the vaccine won't have any negative effects. So, for me I'd prefer to wait and see what the side effects on people are. If there are no major problems, I will take it.
TIFFANY ALISHA / WASHINGTON, D.C.
I'm good. I'm not taking anything from a government who wants to use us as crash test dummies. My body is designed to heal itself as long as I take care of it; sea moss, black seed oil, alkaline foods and exercise. I'm great. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 7
AROUND THE REGION MPD Releases Photos of Church Fires During Pro-Trump Rally and Investigate Incidents as Hate Crimes Mayor, Civil Rights Groups Condemn Vandalism Hamil R. Harri WI Contributing Writer
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Metropolitan Police are investigating vandalism directed at four downtown D.C. churches — two of them Black churches steeped in history — in the wake of weekend violence linked to pro-Trump demonstrations that left four people stabbed and 32 people arrested. “D.C.’s faith-based organizations are at the very heart of our community, giving us hope in the face of darkness. An attack on them is an attack on all of us. This weekend, we saw forces of hate seeking to use destruction and intimidation to tear us apart. We will not let that happen and continue to stand together strong and United to Love,” Bowser said in a tweet. D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham released photos and details of the incident Monday and said that at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, the suspects ignited a banner in the 900 block of 11th Street NW which is home to the Asbury United Methodist Church. The police also said that one suspect was arrested and charged with assault with a knife at 9 p.m. in the 500 block of 11th Street Saturday following an incident in which one man stabbed four people in a clash
5 Supporters of President Trump are prevented from entering Black Lives Matter Plaza during a MAGA protest on Dec. 12. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
between opposing groups following the pro-Trump rally. In addition to anti-BLM protests at Asbury United Methodist Church and the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, similar action occurred at nearby Luther Place Memorial and Mount Vernon Place United Methodist churches. On Saturday, various pro-Trump groups including the extremist right-wing Proud Boys rallied and marched in Freedom Plaza charging that the 2020 election had been stolen. The gathering was encouraged by President Trump who flew over in presidential helicopter Saturday afternoon. By nightfall protesters destroyed the Black Lives Matter signs in front of four District churches and that produced a response from church leaders, city leaders and Civil Rights groups. Rev. Ianther Mills, pastor of the historic Asbury United Methodist Church-the oldest African American church in the District-told the Washington Informer, “They tore down our sign and burned it in the streets but we will put a bigger sign to fight for justice and create the beloved community.”
In a church statement, Mills reminded the community that her church, established in 1836, is no stranger to racism, “We are a resilient people who have trusted in God through slavery and the Underground Railroad, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement, and now as we face an apparent rise in white supremacy.”. Rev. William H. Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan AME, was reached but his only comment came via Twitter. “We have not been distracted by signs, sounds, or fury for nearly two centuries. We worship. We liberate. We serve.” Named after Methodist evangelist Bishop Francis Asbury, the church has been home to abolitionist activists, advocates of the Underground Railroad, freed slaves and civil rights activists who took part in the 1963 March on Washington. On Sunday a steady stream of visitors, including many whites, brought signs of support to the steps of the church. “It’s critical that we all be together,” said a woman who is member of All Souls Unitarian Church in D.C.
VANDALISM Page 9
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Racine Elected to Lead Attorney Generals Hate Crime Will be Targeted in One-Year Term James Wright WI Staff Writer @JamesDCWrighter D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine has ascended to become the national leader of his fellow state and territorial attorney generals for a oneyear term where he will focus on in the increase in hate crime and how to combat it. On Dec. 3, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), the nonpartisan trade association for the 56 state and territorial level legal officers, elected Racine as its president. Racine, a Democrat, replaced Montana Attorney General Tim Fox (R) as president. With his election, Racine becomes the first non-state and immigrant-background attorney general to lead the association. In addition, he becomes the second African American to lead the association, with Thurbert Baker of Georgia— who served from 2006-2007-- being the first. Racine expressed gratitude with his election. “Thank you to my fellow attorney generals across the country for providing me the opportunity to lead NAAG as its next president,” he said. “This honor is a testament to the D.C. Office of the Attorney General’s talented team and their tireless work fighting for justice and equality, standing up for the rule of law, and protecting District residents. In 2021, I look forward to working
VANDALISM from Page 8 The woman hand lettered a sign that said, “You are not alone.” Attached to it was the drawing of a heart that said, “Black Lives Matter.” The intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Saturday has been a crossroads of protest fueled by President Trump since the Nov. 3 elections. On Saturday he was in Marine One when it flew above supporters at Freedom Plaza who verbally clashed with members of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Today the Electoral College is scheduled to officially declare Joe Biden the official winner of the 2020 Presidential Election and regardless of the reaction Mills along with
with attorney generals and their staff to focus our collective efforts on analyzing and addressing the scourge of hate in America. From the genocide of Native Americans, slavery, systematic racism, anti-semitism and discrimination of all forms, I can think of no better group than attorney generals—people’s lawyers—to combat the dehumanization and debasement of people that forms the basis for hate and bias-motivated violence.” Racine has served as the District’s chief elected legal officer since 2015 and has been the only one to hold the position since its creation by city voters in 2010. Last year, he served as the president-elect of NAAG, a position that the organization uses as steppingstone to its presidency. Racine will be the chief voice for the association on issues it addresses. For example, when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxson, a member of the association, led an effort of 18 attorney generals to take to the U.S. Supreme Court the validity of the Biden-Harris election to the White House in November, Racine organized 23 of his colleagues to submit a brief to the high court opposing him. On Dec. 11, the Supreme Court refused to hear the case. Racine praised the Supreme Court’s move. “When our coalition of 23 attorney generals submitted our brief to the Supreme Court opposing the Texas lawsuit, we had no doubt where the court would ultimately
stand,” he said. “Tonight, the highest court in the land has soundly rejected AG Paxson’s frivolous lawsuit, and resisted Donald Trump’s unprecedented, coercive pressure. In doing so, the court has affirmed the principles upon which the greatest democracy in the history of the world was founded. We applaud the justices’ commitment to the rule of law, to the democratic process and to our Constitution.” While Racine took time to deal with election case, his main thrust will be to address the growing hate crime throughout the country. His presidential initiative titled “The People v. Hate: Standing Up for Humanity” will work with attorney generals to raise awareness of hate and bias and utilize strategies to prevent it from growing, support citizens who work against it and share best practices in improving hate crime data. NAAG Executive Director Chris Toth said Racine’s initiative will be an important part of the association’s work next year. “As public advocates, attorneys general have a crucial role in defending their communities against hate,” Toth said. “General Racine’s presidential initiative will further NAAG’s efforts to promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences and insights among America’s attorneys general and to support their work protecting the people.” WI
other down pastors and merchants hope that calm, tourists and peaceful protests will return to the downtown corridors of the nation’s capital. Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said, “In no uncertain terms, we condemn the Proud Boys and other white supremacists who targeted historically Black churches in D.C. with acts of violence. “Their Klan-like actions harken back to the days of Jim Crow and their destruction of Black Lives Matter signs are nothing more than modern-day cross-burnings intended to intimidate and terrorize the Black community,” Clarke added. “These historically Black churches are im-
portant institutions in D.C. that have a long history of standing against oppression and providing a safe haven for communities of color.” Clarke has called on the U.S. Department of Justice to immediately open a federal civil rights investigation under the Church Arson Prevention Act to hold accountable those responsible. In the wake of the incident, Mills said in a statement. “We call upon all to join us in prayer for our community, church, and the people who are responsible for this hateful behavior. We believe this is a wake-up call for all to be more vigilant and committed to anti-racism and building a beloved community, and we invite you to join us.” WI
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5 Karl A. Racine serves as the attorney general of the District. (WI File Photo)
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WORDS TO LIVE BY
“I did my duty. That’s what I set out to do – to show that I could make my way if I knew my job.” – Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
born Dec. 18, 1912, in Washington, D.C. and the first Black Brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force as well as commander of the WW II Tuskegee Airmen. 10 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
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AROUND THE REGION
Former D.C. Agency Head Set to Manage Baltimore James Wright WI Staff Writer @JamesDCWrighter Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott last week announced Christopher J. Shorter-- who has overseen D.C.’s Department of Public Works and the Department of Health— will become the city’s first public manager. “Hiring Baltimore’s first chief administrative officer has been one of my top priorities, and I look forward to working closely with Mr. Shorter to focus on how we effectively, reliably and equitably deliver services to all of our residents,” Scott said on Dec. 7. Shorter presently works as an assistant city manager in Austin, Texas where he leads departments that encompass health, the environment, culture and adult continuing edu-
cation. Scott said Shorter’s leadership on Austin’s plan to address the coronavirus pandemic, as well as his emphasis on fighting homelessness and supporting vulnerable citizens impressed him. Scott hasn’t indicated when Shorter will start his new job. In a Facebook post on Dec. 7, Shorter expressed appreciation to Austinites for allowing him to serve them since February 2019. Nevertheless, he said he looked forward to working in Baltimore “as the city’s first ever city administrator.” Shorter has worked extensively in the District in leading roles with public agencies. He was director of the public works department under D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser from July 2015 to February 2019. Prior to leading public works, Shorter served as the chief operating officer for the health department first in the Vincent C. Gray mayoral administration and then for Bowser from September 2013 to July 2015. He worked as a deputy director for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education from September. 2012 to September 2013 under Gray. In addition, Shorter worked in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services as a special assistant to the chief administrative officer and chief of staff from September 2008 to September 2012. Before working for the District government, he was senior operations manager of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington from September 2007 to September 2008. Prior to that, Shorter was senior management analyst for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from August 2004 to September
2007. Plus, he served as a graduate intern in the Office of the Mayor of Detroit from April 2002 to August 2002. Shorter received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Florida A&M University in 2001 and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004. Shorter’s responsibilities will be to manage Baltimore’s city government daily. In Baltimore, the mayor managed the city daily with the assistance of agency directors. Scott, as the president of the Baltimore City Council and the Democratic nominee for mayor, wanted Baltimore to be like other major cities such as Washington, D.C. in having an administrator take care of the daily
business of the city. He brought the idea to the council in July and they approved it for a change to the city's charter with an amendment. The voters ratified the city administrator charter amendment on Nov. 3. In Baltimore, the city administrator doesn’t need the confirmation of the city council. Nevertheless, Baltimore City Councilmember John Bullock supports Scott’s choice of Shorter. “Shorter has a great background,” Bullock, who represents District 9 that covers west and southwest Baltimore, said. “He is fully capable of doing the job. It was a great hire.” In July, the Baltimore City Council passed a charter amendment that would establish a chief administrative officer position in city government who would focus on improv-
ing the performance in city agencies, ensuring accurate information about city services is publicly available and increasing government responsiveness to resident's needs. The charter amendment appeared on the November ballot and passed. Previously, Shorter served as director of the Washington, D.C., Department of Public Works, where he oversaw the expansion of the district's environmental sustainability portfolio and led the introduction of advanced technology to transform DPW's operations, in addition to other roles in the District. Shorter earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and a bachelor's degree in economics from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. WI
VACANT Page 44
3 Christopher Shorter is a former director of the D.C. Department of Public Works. (Courtesy photo/Austin American-Statesroom)
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 11
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George’s Schools Face Possible $110M Deficit
William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill
Prince George’s County school officials face one of the most troublesome budgets in recent memory due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, especially with a possible $110 million deficit. Budget work sessions and public hearings are scheduled next month to start reviewing a proposed $2.3 billion fiscal year 2022 budget with a focus on mental health programs, increase technology services and enhanced cleaning and maintenance of buildings.
The budget would be $200 million more than the current spending plan of nearly $2.1 million. Just like other jurisdictions in Maryland, the majority Black school system with more than 132,000 students, needs federal and state support. “It is impossible for us to do this alone,” schools CEO Monica Goldson said during a special school board meeting Thursday, Dec. 10. Although students haven’t entered any school buildings since midMarch, the school system continues to provide meals at least twice a week by delivering meals to various neighborhoods. The school system
proposes a $15 million expenditure Food and Nutrition Services Subsidy, which could be exhausted this month. The budget also proposes $2.5 million toward mental health services and programs that include investments in the 65 community schools, which are designated in areas with high concentrations of poverty. Another expenditure of $8.5 million would go toward maintenance supplies and services to prevent COVID-19. Some money to help with the upkeep of school facilities comes from the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act. However, that will soon be exhausted. Unless Congress approves a stimulus package and other financial relief, state governments including Maryland could be forced to cut essential services. “We need the federal help,” Gov. Larry Hogan said during a press conference in Annapolis. “We are exhausting and draining every resource we can to keep every Marylander alive. If [federal lawmakers] don’t [help], we’re going to be in a real crisis situation economically.” Several Maryland school systems are banking on the continuation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, labeled one of the most ambitious ed-
5 A summary of operating expenditures of the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ proposed $2.3 billion fiscal year 2022 budget. (Courtesy PGCPS)
ucation programs in state history. The majority Democratic legislature approved the annual $3.8 billion education plan this year based on recommendations instituted by the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education. The group nicknamed the Kirwan Commission after its chair, former University of Maryland system chancellor, William E. “Brit” Kirwan, worked on the plan for about three years to expand early childhood education, increase teacher salaries and offer counseling and mental health services. Hogan vetoed the plan in May, but state lawmakers could override his veto when the General Assembly
Indoor Dining Suspended, Capacity Decreased at Venues in Prince George’s William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill
5 Dr. Ernest Carter (William J. Ford/ The Washington Informer)
12 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect Prince George’s County, restrictions went into effect Wednesday, Dec. 16 that will suspend indoor dining and limit the number of people at retail businesses, fitness centers and the MGM casino at National Harbor. The capacity at those venues decreased from 50 percent to 25 percent while outdoor dining will remain at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants can still provide take-out orders and curbside delivery service. The new restrictions remain in force through Jan. 16. As of Sunday, Dec. 13, Prince George’s continues to record the
highest number of confirmed cases in the state of Maryland with 47,800. During the week of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, the county reported its highest number of cases at 3,219. Carter said about 26 people died – the highest weekly total since early June. An average of nearly 40,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted per week, said Dr. Ernest Carter, chief health officer for the county. “A lot more have to be tested,” he said while briefing County Council during a special virtual session Tuesday, Dec. 15. “If we don’t continue to test at a high rate, we won’t be able to determine how effective we are in decreasing the spread [of COVID-19].” He presented several alarming statistics, including that the
county has almost reached an average of 50 per 100,000 people contracting COVID-19 each day. In addition, about 58 percent of beds in the intensive care units remain occupied by coronavirus patients. “The community spread is really active and is not going down,” he said adding that COVID-19 has become the county’s third leading cause of death this year behind heart disease and cancer. “That’s alarming,” he said. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks first announced the county restrictions last week in hopes to decrease non-essential trips and those visiting family outside of a person’s home, especially before the Christmas holiday.
PG COVID Page 27
convenes Jan. 13. According to the Blueprint document approved this year, Prince George’s could receive the most in state aid at $724 million. For the last five years, the county government’s allocation for education has increased an average of $29 million per year. Although enrollment decreased this school year, Goldson wants to maintain the same county contribution at nearly $816 million because more students are expected to return after the pandemic ends. However, federal revenue sources may decrease by $28 million from $154 million to $126 million. State revenue could decrease by $10 million from $1.28 billion to $1.27 million. Goldson outlined three main sources to help close the $110 million funding gap: a freeze in overtime and hiring (except school-based positions) and each school’s top official is to cut discretionary spending, such as conferences and field trips. The school system projects savings of $58 million this school year and transferred that into next year’s budget. The budget proposed another $16 million in cuts in the school system’s central office. One board member is departing and will be absent from the budget process. Board chair Alvin Thornton submitted a resignation letter to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who appointed Thornton two years ago. His last day will be Jan. 8. “Between now and then, I will do all I can to facilitate the transition in leadership of the board to make sure there is no interruption in the great work that this board has done in the past two years,” he said. “I won’t have any more to say about that.” WI
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Pandemic Triggers Rise in Food Thefts by Black Woman Among First Unemployed to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine WI Staff Writer
WI Staff Writer
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, with millions of unemployed Americans are facing hunger due to a lack of income. In many cases they have turned to shoplifting food and essential supplies like diapers and laundry detergent to get by, according to a Washington Post report. In addition, with several food assistance programs set to expire the day after Christmas unless new relief becomes available, lawmakers remain at odds over the contents of a $908 billion stimulus relief package that could immediately restore unemployment benefits to needy households. For example, during the week of Dec. 5, some 853,000 people filed new claims for state unem-
Sandra Lindsay, a critical care nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York, on Monday became one of the first people in the United States to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Lindsay, a Black critical care nurse at the medical center who encourages other African Americans to get the vaccine to help eradicate the global health crisis, said the shot she received didn’t feel any different than any other vaccine, according to CNN. “I’m feeling well. I would like to thank all the frontline workers and all my colleagues [for] doing their job during this pandemic all over the world,” Lindsay told CNN. “I feel hopeful today, relieved. I hope this marks the beginning of the end of a very painful time.”
(Courtesy photo)
ployment benefits, an increase of 137,000 from the previous week, according to the US Department of Labor. National Public Radio also reported the number of people filing claims for federal assistance program increased by 48 percent the same week. As a result of the pandemic,
Mayor’s Office: Social Security Scams on the Rise WI Staff Writer
With the holiday season in full swing, people – particularly the elderly -- are prone to letting their guards down when it comes to recognizing scams. To that end, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reminds District residents in her latest (Dec. 11) weekly newsletter to protect themselves against scammers calling or making online inquiries for sensitive information regarding Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and other personal information. Because of an increased number of scams that often occur this time
of year, residents should adhere to the following prevention guidelines for keeping their personal information safe: •Ignore anyone who claims that your Social Security number is suspended; •Block any phone numbers associated with the scam by adjusting your phone’s settings, block the senders of associated fraudulent emails and discard any associated mail solicitation; and •Never reveal sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account information when answering an unsolicited call. WI
Stay Informed!
Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization, revealed in October that more than 13 million more Americans could face food insecurity this year compared to two years ago, bringing the total number of food-insecure people in the overall population to 50.4 million. WI
While the pressure to develop a vaccine first surfaced in May, according to ABC News, each patient who receives the inoculation will need two doses for full immunization. WI
5 Sandra Lindsay, a critical care nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, becomes the first U.S. citizen to receive the vaccine. (Photo screenshot: Washington Post)
What I Want for Christmas Christmas is a time for family gatherings, great food, and those wonderful gifts. Unfortunately, this year may be vastly different. An out-of-control pandemic that is causing economic and social chaos will certainly put a damper on things. The CDC and other health leaders are calling for restricted travel and limited in-home festivities. It is likely that most shopping will be done online hurting shopping malls and other retailers in meeting their needed holiday goals. Traditionally, my wonderful wife of 37 years asks: “What do you want for Christmas?” This year is no different, but I have a different answer – I want leadership! That’s right, the kind of national and local leadership that inspires us to plow through these difficult times. The leadership that offers hope and lessons on how to design a better tomorrow. Leadership not bent on individual gain but instead sees itself uplifting the community to higher places of leading. I am weary of the petty politics that ignore people’s needs and craft ideological messages causing valleys of discontent. Leadership is my Christmas wish and what I want under my tree. This holiday-lets commit to ethical, moral & reasonable leadership that brings all of us to a brighter 2021. Not a member? Please visit our website, www.pgcoc. org to get started! Membership is good for a full calendar year, so it’s always a good time to join*
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David C. Harrington President & CEO
DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 13
BUSINESS Electoral College Seals President-Elect Biden’s Victory Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer On Monday, Dec. 14, the nation’s Electoral College officially stamped Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President-Elect and Vice-President Elect. A total of 538 electors from every state and the District took part in the critical portion of the U.S. electoral process, voting to affirm the votes cast during the 2020 election. Locally and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote, women served as the three electors from the District – each casting their vote Monday afternoon for Biden and Harris. “I represent those who have been undervalued and underrepresented," said Meedie Bardonille, a District elector who serves as a registered nurse and the chair of the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. A Howard University graduate, Bardonille said she cast her vote with a greater sense of pride with Harris also counting as a Bison. "It is validation that we cracked not just the glass ceiling but the concrete walls built to keep us out, and have finally taken our place at the political table,” Bardonille said.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
To win the White House, a candidate needs 270 Electoral College votes. Biden earned 306 while outgoing President Donald Trump tallied 232. Though largely viewed as a formality, the many challenges and the
14 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
outrageous behavior displayed by Trump, his supporters and a large swath of Republican officials made this year’s Electoral College gathering more eventful, if not uncertain. In Michigan, where Biden won 50.6 percent to 47.8 percent, state legislative offices closed due to safety concerns while members of the Electoral College cast their official votes. State authorities there said they closed the offices because of “credible threats of violence.” In Texas, the Houston Chronicle reported that state and local officials of both major political parties warned that Trump’s “increasingly desperate tweets about election fraud and the coronavirus are fueling the potential for violence as well as another ominous trend of 2020, in which public servants and others who disagree are targeted at their offices and homes with armed protests, harassing phone calls and stalkers.” The newspaper added that an “enemies” list of state and federal officials who rejected Trump’s baseless election conspiracy theories floated up from the dark corners of the web with home addresses listed and red targets over their photos – the latest in a string of threats to public officials. During a violent outbreak involving the Pro-Trump group, “Proud Boys,” conspiracy theorist Alex Jones told Trump supporters in the District that Biden “will be removed one way or another.” On Monday, as the Electoral College cast its formal vote for Biden, the Daily Beast reported that Trump’s small circle of devoted legal advocates were still determined to carry on their fight to overturn
5 Electors from the District of Columbia cast their vote for Biden and Harris on Dec. 14. (Computer screengrab)
the 2020 election despite the string of resounding defeats in court, including a seemingly terminal rebuke from the U.S. Supreme Court. “But the futility of the effort is apparent in the campaign’s northern Virginia headquarters – the office that is supposed to be devoted to supporting and housing the legal crusade – which, knowledgeable sources said has virtually emptied out,” the newspaper reported, adding that many of the Trump-Pence signs had been stripped from the walls of the headquarters in Arlington. “The desks and memorabilia have been largely packed, thrown out, or removed from the office space too. Television sets, mounted to the walls around the rented 14th floor of the building, are being sold off for extra cash,” a source told the newspaper.
MARYLAND MAKES HISTORY
In Maryland, eight of the state’s electors come from each Congressional district and two at-large seats who represent the state’s two senators. Because nearly two million Maryland residents voted for Biden and Harris, the presidential electors chosen by the Democratic Party cast their ballots Monday. It marked the most presidential votes chosen in the state’s history. The electors, chosen by party officials in the state, included two from Prince George’s County. “On behalf of my daughter, for a vice president who looks like her, I, Kent Roberson cast my vote for
Kamala D. Harris,” Kent Roberson, who serves on the county’s Democratic Central Committee, said when he announced his vote for Harris as vice president. Gloria Lawlah, a former state secretary of aging and former state senator from Prince George’s County, served as this year’s president of the electors, presiding over the state’s 59th Electoral College meeting that began in 1789. According to the state’s election history, Maryland joins only six states to participate in every Electoral College vote. “Our vote today is an important step in the process of building our nation back better,” Lawlah said. “It is a repudiation of hate. A repudiation of divisiveness. It’s an affirmation of unity. We are ensuring a better nation for our children, for our grandchildren and a better nation for generations to come.” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a Certificate of Ascertainment which certifies that the state chose Biden and Harris.
IN CONSIDERATION OF THE LOOPHOLES
Still, Electoral College members can depart from the will of the people – so-called “Faithless Electors.” However, states have imposed severe penalties, from large fines to jail time. Thus, there have never been enough faithless electors to overturn an election. Following Monday’s Electoral College gatherings, votes must arrive in the District by Dec. 23, fulfilling the nine-day deadline in which cer-
tified electoral ballots must be delivered to Capitol Hill. On Jan. 6, three days after the 117th Congress is sworn in, members of the House and Senate are scheduled to meet in the House chamber where the President of the Senate – Vice President Mike Pence – will preside over the reading and counting of the Electoral College votes. Pence will then announce the vote and ask for any objections. The House and Senate consider all objections separately and then decide how to count those votes. The 538 electoral votes are divided – one for each Congress and senator member and three for Washington, D.C., accounting for 270. The 435 members of the House decide the election with each state receiving a vote. There are more Democrats in the House but Republicans control more state delegations, so it remains possible that the House could seek to select Trump. The formal inauguration for Biden and Harris will take place Jan. 20. “The peaceful transition of power…is a hallmark of our democracy that has been handed down for more than 220 years,” Hogan said. “At times it has been tested, sometimes even questioned. But it is a reminder that despite our differences, we are united as Americans who honor the will of the people through the greatest and most enduring Democratic process that the world has ever known.” Washington Informer Staff Writer William J. Ford contributed to this story. WI
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Scott Shuts Down Baltimore Eateries, Malls, Restricts Worship
Hogan: ‘We’re on fire when it comes to COVID’
Brigette Squire WI Contributing Writer On Dec. 14, as Maryland set another single-day hospitalization record and recorded another 2,616 COVID-19 cases and 51 new deaths, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, on his third day in office, effectively shut the city down. Scott announced several mandates aimed at slowing the virus’ spread, including closing indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and imposing 25 percent capacity restrictions at religious facilities, retail stores, malls and personal service establishments, effective at 5 p.m. During a news conference Friday morning, Scott asked Baltimoreans to order a meal from their favorite restaurant as a way of showing support. There is a running list of nearly one hundred DMV restaurants that have had to close due to COVID-19 including Big Chefs, The Player’s Club, Mrs. K’s Toll House and Big Bowl. Scott said the decision to impose strict rules was not made without heavy deliberation. “I want every single business owner, consumer and Baltimorean to know that these restrictions are for the health and safety of our community. Period,” he said. “We are in a life-or-death situation; these decisions that we make today, no matter how tough they are, will determine whether community members will survive or not. That’s what this is about. This was not a popular decision but it’s the right one.” “We have to wrap our arms around these businesses and their workers in every way possible right now, and I want them to know that we’re going to support them,” he said. City leaders stressed any activity in which people remove their masks puts people at a higher risk of spreading the virus. Health commissioner Dr. Letita Dzirasa said the city is seeing over 200 new cases per day, adding com-
5 Mayor Brandon Scott (Courtesy photo/ Black Enterprise)
munity transmission of the virus is widespread. The city’s hospitals are just about maxed out at 88 percent capacity with staff working mandated overtime hours. “Half of the people who test positive for the virus do not have symptoms,” Dzirasa said. “There are many people right now who are moving around Baltimore City interacting with their friends and coworkers feeling fine but spreading the disease unknowingly.” Officials also announced a new COVID-19 testing site opened Friday in northwest Baltimore. The new site at the Zeta Center, 4501 Reisterstown Road, is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursdays and Friday. People do not need an appointment or physician’s referral to be seen. With colder weather approaching, officials said the city plans to move some COVID-19 testing indoors. Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday said all 23 Maryland counties, as well as Baltimore City, were in the “red zone” in terms of COVID-19 cases. “Governor Hogan said yesterday that the state of Maryland is in red. No, we’re on fire when it comes to COVID, and we all have to understand that,” Scott said. Police Commissioner Michael Harrison announced that officers will be patrolling the city to enforce Scott’s executive order starting tonight. WI
BUSINESS Giving in 2020 Looks Different Aimee D. Griffin, Esq
December is often celebrated as a time of giving. During the holidays, we are often excited about giving gifts to those we love and appreciate. We also have the opportunity to expand our giving circle by giving to nonprofits and charitable organizations in our community, especially on Giving Tuesday. This time of good cheer is “the most wonderful time of the year”, so I encourage you to spread that cheer throughout the community in whatever way you can. As estate planning attorneys, we ask you to consider who you would like to give your assets to when you die. As they say, “you can’t take your possessions with you when you go”! As a result, we are thoughtful about how to disseminate the treasures that we have taken a lifetime to acquire. Taking that into consideration, COVID-19 has impacted our lives, assets and how we are able to give. The financial impact on so many who have had their work hours reduced, lost jobs or businesses is real. There is a great need to give to and support those who have less. Those who give their time through service have had to be more thoughtful as we work to remain safe and keep our families safe. We must be thoughtful and sacrificial in decision making about how and with whom we spend our time. The contactless support requires constant vigilance. However, service opportunities remain available. I have had the privilege to serve by passing out food through our Kingdom Cares ministry as people pop open their trunks for us to “contactlessly” deposit their food. Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), fewer taxpayers were able to itemize and receive a tax benefit from their charitable contributions because of the increased standard deduction. As a result, some donors lowered the amount of their contributions. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, re-incentivizes giving especially in a time of uncertainty. The CARES Act re-incentivizes charitable giving by creating a $300 above the line deduction for qualified charitable contributions. This deduction is available to all taxpayers that take the standard deduction on their 2020 return. This deduction is currently only available for 2020 contributions but could be changed by future legislation. To qualify, the donations must be in cash, not stock or donations of clothing or other property, and must be made directly to a qualifying charity, not certain private foundations or donor-advised funds. Under the TCJA, individuals that itemize are allowed a deduction for cash contributions to certain charitable organizations of up to 60% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). If the amount of the individual’s contributions is greater than the 60% limit, the excess is carried forward and treated as a deductible contribution for the next five years. The CARES Act temporarily modifies the contribution limits and allows individuals that itemize to deduct qualified charitable contributions up to 100% of their AGI. The excess contributions will be carried forward for the next five years. These changes only apply to cash contributions made to a 50% charity, excluding supporting organizations and donor-advised funds. Stock donations and gifts to private foundations are still subject to the 30% of AGI rule.
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 15
NATIONAL U.S. Restaurants in Crisis National Restaurant Association to Congress: The Industry Needs Relief
Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer The National Restaurant Association says the dining industry is in economic free fall as roughly 10,000 restaurants have closed in three months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to congress, the association shared the findings of a new survey that illustrates continued business deterioration across
the restaurant industry. The letter also asserted that the entire industry needs a 'down payment' relief bill to make it to the new year. “What these findings make clear is that more than 500,000 restaurants of every business type—franchise, chain, and independent are in an economic free fall,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for public affairs in the letter. “And for every month that pass-
es without a solution from congress, thousands more restaurants will close their doors for good.” The National Restaurant Association Research Group conducted a survey of 6,000 restaurant operators and 250 supply chain businesses from Nov. 17 - 30. The key findings: Eighty-seven percent of full-service restaurants (independent, chain, and franchise) report an average 36 percent drop in sales revenue. For an industry with an average profit margin of 5 percent – 6 percent this is simply unsustainable, says the association. Eighty-three percent of full-service operators expect sales to be even worse over the next three months. Fifty-nine percent of operators say their total labor costs (as a percentage of sales) are higher than they were pre-pandemic. Although sales are significantly lower for most independent and franchise owners, their costs have not fallen by a proportional level. Fifty-eight percent of chain and independent full-service operators expect continued furloughs and layoffs for at least the
D.C. Restaurant Workers Face Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic James Wright WI Staff Writer @JamesDCWrighter While most of the focus on helping struggling restaurants in the District during the coronavirus pandemic has been the owners, the workers also have financial troubles. Since the onset of the pandemic in mid-March, District restaurants workers have suffered economically. Data from the District government reports in September, 42,700 jobs lost in the accommodations and food service industry. In addition, with the restaurant sector included, 56 percent of the District’s job losses during the pandemic took place in the hospitality and leisure sectors. From March to May, the leisure and hospitality industry lost more than 70 percent of its District workforce. Despite the dire statistics, many restaurant workers have been able to retain employment. For example, Sinepolo Nanamou works at
16 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
the Florida Avenue Grill in Northwest as a front-line server. He has maintained his job at the Grill despite the reduction in hours largely due to the pandemic. With the Grill cutting back its hours from being open six days a week in the pre-pandemic era to presently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Nanamou has had to find other employment to survive. While he thanks the management of the Grill for keeping him on their payroll, he said needs more to support him. “People are struggling these days,” he said. “Restaurants such as mine are trying to stay afloat. I hope there is something the government can do to help us.” In November, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the $100 million Bridge Fund program that allocates $35 million for District restaurants. The restaurant component has been set up to provide financial relief to those establishments suffering economically due
to the pandemic. The grants for restaurants range from $10,000 to $50,000. The grants are for business-related expenses, including payroll. The applications for grants will close on Dec. 28, with D.C. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio urging entrepreneurs to “apply as soon as possible.” When Nanamou heard about the Bridge Fund, he called it a great idea. “The government should support businesses and businesses should support their workers,” he said. “I like the fact that the program provides money for payroll and to help keep workers instead of building nice buildings. We need programs to support people, Bill Hulley also works for a well-known Black restaurant in the District--Ben’s Chili Bowl in Northwest. As the chief operating officer for the company, he understands the frustration of restaurant workers as the pandemic persists. While he didn’t disclose whether the Ali family, who owns the establishment, will pursue a Bridge
(Photo courtesy of Pexels)
next three months. The association says the future remains bleak. As of today, 17 percent of restaurants, more than 110,000 establishments are closed permanently or long-term. On average these restaurants had been in business for 16 years, and 16 percent had been open for at least 30 years. Only 48 percent of these former restaurant owners say it is likely Fund grant, he said employees are a priority. “We have had to make adjustments in employees work hours due to the pandemic like many businesses in the city,” Hulley said. “We have done this even though we have some employees who have been with us 20 or 30 years. Our employees are like family and we will do what is necessary to keep them around and to keep Ben’s Chili Bowl going.” WI
(Courtesy photo)
they will remain in the industry in any form in the months or years ahead, according to the survey. The association says the tide of restaurants closures and bankruptcies continues to rise sweeping away jobs in some of the most respected independent and chain restaurants. In the letter, the aassociation also provided a plan for how a proposed second draw from the Paycheck Protection Program [PPP] could be strengthened. Major points: To be eligible for a second draw at PPP, a small business must demonstrate a gross receipts loss of 25 percent or more in any calendar quarter of 2020 when compared to the same calendar quarter in 2019. PPP borrowers must be able to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses; loans under $150,000 should be streamlined for forgiveness and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations should be able to participate in PPP among other asks. In early December, a group of moderate bipartisan U.S. Senators and Representatives endorsed a compromise plan for a second round of COVID-19 relief after months of failed negotiations between lawmakers. Kennedy says the plan represents a “down payment” for a larger relief package in early 2021. “In short, the restaurant industry simply cannot wait for relief any longer,” said Kennedy. “We appreciate the efforts of a group of moderate members of the House and Senate to advance a true compromise between the competing proposals from Democratic and Republican leaders.” WI
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Transforming DC’s Food Deserts Into Urban Gardens Capital One is Enabling Access to Fresh, Healthy and Affordable Produce with Grant Support to DC Urban Gardens
Submitted by Capital One Capital One is teaming up with DC Urban Greens through grant funding to better equip DC residents with access to healthy foods. The District’s two lowest income neighborhoods, which are overwhelmingly Black, have one supermarket for every 70,000 residents compared to one supermarket for every 12,000 residents in two of the District’s highest income and predominantly white neighborhoods. Limited access to supermarkets, grocery stores, or other sources of healthy and affordable food may make it harder for some residents living in DC to eat a healthy diet. This in turn can lead to health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. “In my neighborhood there is only one big grocery store and it may be up to six miles away from some residents,” says Taboris Robinson, director of DC Urban Greens. “That is the only supermarket for the 100,000 people that live in this community.”
Local organizations like DC Urban Gardens are striving to increase healthy food access and replace the food deserts within these communities with greenspace ripe for harvesting fresh produce. “The freshness of the produce there is inadequate because a neighborhood in a food desert simply isn’t the first priority,” Robinson said. “DC Urban Greens is here to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the people living here. Every week we take the food we grew and pass out roughly 100 bags of fresh produce. The people light up every time they receive this fresh produce because they can’t get it anywhere else.” In addition to these local efforts, Capital One has launched a multi-year commitment to advance socioeconomic mobility through the Capital One Impact Initiative. Launched in October, the Capital One Impact Initiative seeks to create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to prosper through advocating for an inclusive society, building thriving communities and creating financial tools that enrich lives. g
"In my neighborhood there is only one big grocery store and it may be up to six miles away from some residents. That is the only supermarket for the 100,000 people that live in this community. The freshness of the produce there is inadequate because a neighborhood in a food desert simply isn’t the first priority."… – Taboris Robinson, Director at DC Urban Greens
5 Local organizations like DC Urban Gardens are striving to increase healthy food access and replace the food deserts within these communities with greenspace ripe for harvesting fresh produce.
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 17
NATIONAL
As More Americans Die, President’s ‘Two-Term Quest’ Leaves Little Time for Duties Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer According to many political watchers and Constitution experts, Donald Trump has neglected his duties as President of the United States. The long list of grievances his critics point to include Trump’s total inaction as the coronavirus claims more American lives. Consider that South Korea registered 686 new cases on a recent Wednesday. While it marked that country’s highest daily total since February, at least 45 U.S. states have averaged more daily cases. To date, more than 15 million
Americans have received coronavirus diagnosis and more than 280,000 have died. And while Trump has been mostly silent on relief aid to struggling Americans and businesses, he has spent an abundance of time at his private golf course, refusing to accept his failed bid for reelection. After U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced that the Department of Justice had found no evidence to support the president’s claims of voter fraud, Trump reportedly threatened to fire Barr. He has also denounced Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, among many others, for declining to overturn results which confirm Biden’s victory.
2021 Urban Journalism Workshop Learn print, radio, television & digital The Washington Association of Black Journalists encourages Washington, D.C.-area high school students to apply to its annual Urban Journalism Workshop (UJW). The winter/spring 2021 session celebrates 35 years. Longtime Chicago Tribune and St. Louis Times Dispatch reporter George Curry, former Washington Post reporter Athelia Knight and others started the program in 1986. UJW gives students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of print, radio, TV and online news. Current and former journalists with The Washington Post, NPR, The Washington Informer and other outlets volunteer to teach and mentor participants. Seniors who enter the program’s essay contest compete for a scholarship.
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Sessions are held for eight consecutive Saturdays 9am - 4pm from 27 February – 17 April, finishing with a closing ceremony in early June.
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High School students, grades 9-12, in the greater D.C.-area are eligible to apply.
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Scholarship criteria includes an essay, stories produced in the workshop, class attendance and participation in all eight sessions.
To download the application, learn more about the Urban Journalism Workshop and/or the essay contest and scholarship, visit www.ujwonline.org or contact UJW Coordinator Trina Williams at ujwdc@aol.com. Applications and required materials must be received by 30 January 2021.
18 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
5 President Donald Trump, seen with Black News Channel’s Kelly Wright, continues to focus on his bid for a second term while thousands continue to die from coronavirus. (Photo courtesy BNC )
“With the 2020 election over and a litany of lawsuits by the Trump campaign thrown out of state courts, President Trump has turned his back on his duties as president,” said Julian Goldie, CEO of Goldie Agency, which helps companies build better websites. “He has spent his time disseminating falsehoods and holding rallies to bask in the cheers of his zealots. Throughout his divisive run as President, Trump has disregarded norms, and this lame-duck period is no different,” Goldie added. Goldie noted that most out-going presidents take advantage of the time between the election and inauguration by pushing through pet policies, issuing pardons and appeasing super PAC contributors, all the while still performing their job as president. “Trump’s behavior during this time is odd but the main issue isn’t the rallies – it’s his disregard for fulfilling his presidential responsibilities,” Goldie remarked. Michael Montgomery, a political scientist who teaches in the Department of Health and Human Services at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the MPA program at Eastern Michigan University, points to two Constitutional mechanisms for dealing with a president who is not performing the duties of the office – or not performing those duties properly. “The first is Impeachment under Article I Section 2. The second is removal for incapaci-
ty under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment,” offered Montgomery who’s also a former U.S. diplomat. “Both mechanisms are effectively inoperative at the current time given that Republicans in his Cabinet and the Senate are at a minimum protecting this president or, in many cases, actively supporting him,” he said. “As long as the party that controls the Senate is willing to put party before country and stand with this president, there is effectively nothing that can be done under our laws and Constitution as they presently stand.” In fact, little can be done to force a lame-duck president into action, said Mark J. Rozell, the Dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government and Ruth D. and John T. Hazel Chair in Public Policy at George Mason University. “In theory, Congress could pass multiple bills to send up to the president for his approval or veto, but a lame-duck divided Congress isn’t a realistic vehicle for pushing large-scale legislation,” Rozell stated. “Barring a crisis or other major event forcing the president to act, it seems that we are stuck with running out the clock on his presidency.” Michael Goldstein, who has taught Law and Society at Golden Gate University and represented California death row inmates on appeal, sees no way to force Trump to do his job. “No court would consider interfering, both because of the
‘separation-of-powers’ and ‘political-question’ doctrines and because there is no easily-definable test for whether a president is performing his duties,” Goldstein said. “Regarding Congress, the Senate would probably not pass – much less override a veto of – a bill cutting off his salary unless he gets back to work. He claims he is donating his salary to charity in any event.” Still, Goldstein suggests that Trump’s inaction could be good for the nation The less Trump is involved in government operations, the more the many people still in the Executive Branch who know what they are doing can stay under the radar and try to do their jobs, Goldstein offered. “This includes, of course, the public health response to COVID-19 and its special importance to the Black communities, among others,” he said. “I have a fantasy of bold state-level prosecutors intimidating him into more caution around his incendiary election-subversion remarks by charging Trump with their version of what, in my state, would be criminal interference with an executive officer in the performance of his or her duties. That, however, is unlikely to happen and could further inflame his base. “As to returning to work, the more golf Donald Trump plays between now and January 20, the better off we will all be,” Goldstein added. WI
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africa now
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Rabbit Farming Training Slated for 17,000 Youths
Nigeria’s Federal Government has unveiled plans to engage 17,000 youths in rabbit farming to develop rabbit rearing in the country, The Guardian, an independent daily published in Lagos, reported on Sunday, Dec. 13. Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) Paul Ikonne, during a press briefing in Abuja, disclosed that the agency designed the project to engage youths in the southern part of the country in rabbit rearing. He said the beneficiaries would not only be trained and empowered, but would also be taught on how they can harvest the urine and pooh of rabbits (for fertilizer purposes), from which they can earn a minimum of N100,000 ($263.16) monthly. Ikonne explained that the first phase of the program had commenced in Abia, Imo and Oyo states, saying the aim was to implement the project across 18 states. He disclosed that President Mohammadu Buhari, approved the program and as well released funds for its implementation, explaining that the project is community based as intending beneficiaries would have to identify with the NALDA offices in the states or go to the website www.nalda.ng to get information about rabbit rearing. Ikonne disclosed that at the end of the month, youths are paid money based on the amount of urine and pooh they are able to harvest and submitted to the NARLDA office in their state before the off taker takes it. The NALDA boss said: “We are piloting the project in 18 states, we have provided the rabbit to the state coordinators in Oyo, Abia and Cross River states, and youths are already undergoing training, after the training the youths will be given four rabbits each, which they are expected to rear for about four month. Government is proving them with the rabbits, feed, drugs and cage and after reproducing, we will take some of the rabbit and give to other beneficiaries to also rear.” WI
caribbean now Prime Minister Affirms Jamaica’s Commitment to Protecting Ocean Resources Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has affirmed Jamaica’s commitment to sustainably manage 100 per cent of the country’s national waters to aid in protecting the ocean’s resources globally. This is in keeping with a new ocean action agenda focusing on developing a sustainable ocean economy, by effectively balancing conservation and sustainable use of the resources of the sea. The agenda has been proposed by a High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) comprising 14 world leaders, including Mr. Holness. “I reiterate that the richness of Jamaica’s oceans must be managed sustainably to ensure that productivity and diversification is achieved for the benefit of people and communities whose livelihoods depend on it and for the benefit of a healthy planet,” the Prime Minister said. He was speaking at the virtual national launch for the new global agenda on Thursday (Dec. 10). Mr. Holness explained that on Dec. 2, 2020, Ocean Panel members collectively put forward a new ocean action agenda “to achieve 100 per cent sustainable ocean management of areas with a national jurisdiction guided by sustainable ocean plans by 2025, and to support a global target to protect 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030. ” Since Dec. 3, Ocean Panel countries have been hosting a series of national launch events to signify and build global political will around their commitments. The prime minister emphasized that the new ocean agenda is the result of an unprecedented scientific knowledge base for action, including 20 commissioned blue papers, three special reports and a politically endorsed document, titled, “Transformations for a Sustainable Economy: A Vision of Protection, Production and Prosperity. WI
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Moving forward as a community The pandemic and humanitarian crisis has brought us together with intensified passion and resilience. At Bank of America, we remain focused on supporting the well-being of our teammates, providing the essential financial services our clients need and helping local communities across the country move forward. Here in Greater Washington, D.C., we’ve donated masks to local partners to distribute to those most at risk. We’ve provided lending to local small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help strengthen our local economy. And we continue to partner with local nonprofits and organizations that are working to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities we serve. We’re grateful for our employees, who have worked tirelessly to support our clients. And we are especially grateful to the healthcare and essential workers who have helped Greater Washington, D.C. recover. My teammates and I remain fully committed to the work to come in 2021 and beyond.
Lawrence Di Rita Greater Washington, D.C. Market President
Working together Grateful for our partners in Greater Washington, D.C. who gave our community support when it needed it most. 250,000 PPE masks donated 12,197 PPP small business client loans totaling $1 billion Bank of America employees
To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 21
HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
Africa’s CDC Head Concerned About Fair Vaccine Distribution
The Director Says COVID-19 Endemic Possible on the Continent Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer John Nkengasong, director of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, shared concerns about Africa being left out of vaccine distribution as the world’s richest countries begin to distribute newly approved vaccines for COVID-19. “How do we develop a framework for fair, equitable, timely distribution of COVID-19 vac-
cine?” Nkengasong said during a COVID-19 briefing last week. The director continued that his appeal is to countries who bought three to four times the amount of vaccines they needed and for them to be shared with countries that are poorer. “It will be an extremely unpleasing view to see Africa stalled and not be vaccinated while witnessing the whole world be vaccinated. That will become a moral issue that we have to be
very, very careful with.” Nkengasong’s warning comes as the continent of 54 countries has seen a surge in COVID-19, adding 100,000 new cases last week with more than 2.3 million reported infections in total. The director said the countries reporting the most new cases are South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Kenya. “Unless we try to vaccinate at least 60 percent of our population we will definitely have COVID as an endemic on our continent,” he said. “Africa already has enough endemic diseases we don’t need COVID to become disruptive and continue to challenge health systems in the manner that other diseases have.” The director says the 60 percent vaccine target to reach herd immunity is a target the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is taking seriously. But he says they will not get there if some countries hoard vaccines they don’t need. “My appeal to those who have acquired more or excess vaccines is ‘Let's sit down around the table…a special session at the UN and just really have an open courageous dialogue that will establish trust,’” Nkengasong said. “That will establish credibility
5 John Nkengasong, the director of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. / Screenshot.
and speak to all that we’ve been seeing from the pandemic. We need to show global cooperation, global solidarity. The time for that is now.” The World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed Nkengasong’s sentiments during a United Nations General Assembly meeting in early December. “We simply cannot accept a world in which the poor and marginalized are trampled by the rich
and powerful in the stampede for vaccines,” Ghebreyesus said. The director-general added that the light at the end of the tunnel is “growing steadily brighter” towards the end of the pandemic, but greed from some nations can slow progress down. “This is a global crisis and all vaccines and therapeutics must be shared equitably as global public goods, not as private commodities.” WI
Doctors Address Impact of Racism on Healthcare
Victims’ Families Criticize Sentence Reduction Legislation
Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer
Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins
The pandemic has put the health care system under the microscope on many levels. Treating COVID-19 gives off a hot glare from the perception that people of color are not being cared for equally during this historic health crisis. That perception has spilled over to people of color not trusting the COVID-19 vaccine that is now rolling out. On Dec. 4, 2020, an internal report from the Centers for Disease Control affirms what has been reported during this pandemic. The report says, “fundamental problems of inequality and discrimination are putting Black Americans at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus, and also making COVID-19 deadlier for them.” The American Medical Associa-
tion (AMA) has taken steps to address racial disparities by adopting a policy that recognizes racism as a public health threat. The AMA has long worked with stakeholders like the National Medical Association (NMA) and National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) on issues pertaining to health equity. “The groundwork for the new policy on racism was laid out by the AMA’s Commission to End Health Disparities, which was created by NMA, NHMA, and AMA in 2002,” said Willarda V. Edwards, MD, MBA, a member of the AMA board of trustees. “This pandemic has exacerbated longstanding health inequities in these communities and has also “ripped off the band-aid” to reveal deep disparities in health care, such as the lack of access to comprehensive care and higher rates of chronic disease that put Black and
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RACISM Page 23
5 Willarda V. Edwards, MD, MBA, a member of the American Medical Association (AMA) board of trustees. Edwards also led the AMA Task Force on Health Equity and created AMA Center for Health Equity. (Photo provided by the American Medical Association.)
If not for her death, and that of several others, along South Capitol Street during a 2010 mass shooting, the late Brishell Jones would most likely be preparing for a socially distant 27th birthday celebration with family and friends later this month. Nardyne Jefferies, Jones’ mother and anti-violence activist, said those thoughts entered her mind last Thursday as she tearfully picketed in front of the Wilson Building in opposition of legislation that could induce the early release of her daughter’s convicted killers, and hundreds of other young violent offenders. Much to Jefferies’ chagrin, the D.C. Council unanimously approved what’s known as the Second Look Amendment Act earlier this
month, at a time when violent crime continues to ravage the District and the public fervor for police accountability has, in part, compelled Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Peter Newsham’s transfer to another jurisdiction. “The D.C. Council can do more proactive measures to save youth, [like] putting resources into them prior to them committing these egregious acts. Put the money into the education system and community activities,” Jefferies told The Informer on the afternoon of Dec.10, just hours before she and others converged on the Wilson Building. “Monitor the agencies that are supposed to render these services. There are a lot of social workers that are bombarded, and money is being used on everything except fos-
HEALTH Page 24
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RACISM from Page 22 Brown patients at a higher risk of COVID-19 disease, complications, and death. A close look at health care disparities by race began in 1982 through research and reports by Deborah Prothrow-Stith, MD, who is currently dean and a professor at Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine in Los Angeles, Calif. The AMA’s work on its new policy began on the heels of the 2002 Institute of Medicine’s (now the National Academy of Medicine) Unequal Treatment document. AMA’s House of Delegates (HOD), the legislative and policy-making body of the organization, takes the new policy deeper. AMA also acknowledges the health consequences of violent police interactions and denounces racism as an urgent threat to public health, pledging action to confront systemic racism, racial injustice, and police brutality. “The AMA recognizes that racism negatively impacts and exacerbates health inequities among historically marginalized commu-
nities. Without systemic and structural-level change, health inequities will continue to exist, and the overall health of the nation will suffer,” said AMA’s Edwards, a past chairwoman of the NMA which represents African American physicians. Contributing to the recent AMA policy deliberations were medical students from every state and medical specialty. According to Edwards, the AMA’s Medical Student Section (MSS) along with other AMA Sections and Councils, helps to generate reports and resolutions that are voted upon by the AMA’s House of Delegates. “Collectively, medical students, residents, fellows, and physicians all help give voice to and advocate for change that helps influence health policy, ultimately shaping medical education and the practice of medicine,” said Edwards, a Baltimore, Md.-based internal medicine physician. “Addressing inequities in health care and in society is a priority for the AMA. Along with this new generation of physicians-to-be, we acknowledge that health is created beyond the walls
of hospitals and doctor’s offices.” Tracking the implementation of best practice in health care fairness, will be one of the responsibilities of the Center for Health Equity created by AMA. The mission of the Center is to ensure that health equity becomes part of the practice, process, action, innovation, and organizational performance and outcomes. Aletha Maybank, M.D., M.P.H., has been named AMA’s chief health equity officer to head the Center. Maybank joined the AMA after serving as deputy commissioner and founding director of the Center for Health Equity within New York City’s public health department. She is a pediatrician and preventive medicine/public health physician. “Threading health equity into the fabric of the AMA requires urgency, patience, and perseverance. This work starts by looking inward to unearth how our own institutional practices and policies may have exacerbated inequities. The path recognizes that we must do more as institutions to protect people,” Maybank continued. “Although
HEALTH
5 Aletha Maybank, M.D., M.P.H., chief health equity officer at the American Medical Association (AMA). Maybank heads the AMA Center for Health Equity. (Photo provided by the American Medical Association)
the AMA and physicians cannot control all conditions that need to change to achieve health equity, the AMA has a role to identify their importance and to urge those who can have a direct role to act.” Edwards led the AMA Task Force on Health Equity, that established the AMA’s Center for Health Equity. “Our call is to center equity in all
aspects of the health system and to dismantle racism in all its forms,” said Edwards. “Some of the next steps will include challenging ourselves and others to push upstream toward racial healing and transformation. Officially naming racism as a public health threat was key in moving us toward finding meaningful solutions to advance equity.” WI
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 23
HEALTH
HEALTH from Page 22
ter children,” Jefferies added, as she continued to stress that she doesn’t oppose other means of serving local youth. “Don’t wait until this person is a repeat offender to give them another chance. My daughter doesn’t get another chance at life, nor do any of the other victims in the District.” The Second Look Amendment Act and other criminal justice reform efforts in the District and around the country have relied on the premise that juvenile offenders, particularly those who’ve experienced past trauma, don’t develop the mental maturity necessary to self-regulate until they’re well into their twenties. If approved again on Tuesday, the Second Look Amendment Act would allow more than 500 adult violent offenders to petition for early release if they committed their offense before the age of 25. This legislation builds upon the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA), a 2007 bill that provided
a means of sentence reduction for 16- and 17-year-old violent offenders who served 20 years of their sentence. Last year, the D.C. Council approved the lowering of that threshold to 15 years. Since the passage of IRAA, more than 70 violent youth offenders have sought early release, with only 17 motions receiving rulings. In the more-than-a-dozen motions granted, youth offenders were serving time for rape, armed robbery, and armed kidnapping convictions. Last summer, the Office of the U.S. District Attorney for the District of Columbia released a memo opposing the Second Look Amendment Act, primarily because the process would ignore the nature of the crime committed. In reflecting on the pushback among survivors of violent crime, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) noted that judges deliberating the reduction of an inmate’s sentence often prioritize family members’ voices. He said the D.C. Council took
similar steps in creating a survivors’ fund geared toward addressing concerns that survivors expressed about navigating the post-conviction process. “As we look to make reforms to our criminal justice system, the victims’ voices are front and center,” said Allen, chair of the council’s Committee on the Judiciary. “My job is not to make a judgment about which victim is right. No matter their decision, they must be listened to and respected.” This month, the District’s year-todate homicide rate surpassed 190, a total that was 20 percent higher than what MPD recorded last year. Authorities allege that a recently reported homicide involved a teenaged triggerman. In social media forums, residents of affected communities often debate about the best means of curbing violent crime among this demographic. While she made an attempt to understand the plight of some youth offenders, Rashida Washington disregarded any notion that the Second Look Amendment Act would be of
5 Nardyne Jeffries (Courtesy photo/thetrace.org)
any benefit to District residents. This holiday season, she and her children will commune, once again, without Devonte Washington, their son and brother who a teen gunman shot and killed in front of them four years ago. “This bill will add a lot more to the nonsense going on in the streets,”
Washington told The Informer. “I understand some people get caught up, but [there are] some flight risks, like the person who took my son’s life and premeditated doing these things. I don’t know how they can release intentionally violent killers. It’s detrimental to families. WI
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dccollegesavings.com Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program. For more information about The DC College Savings Plan (“the Plan”), call 800-987-4859, or visit dccollegesavings.com to obtain a Program Disclosure Booklet, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing. The Plan is administered by the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Finance and Treasury. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC (“ACSR”), the Program Manager, and its affiliates, have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations including recordkeeping and administrative services. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC serves as the Investment Manager.
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 25
EDUCATION Bowser’s Contact Sports Restrictions Raise Many Questions about Alternatives Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins After a surge in coronavirus cases across the region, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced new restrictions, including the cancellation of socially distanced outdoor activities in the District’s public schools and high-contact youth and amateur sports exhibitions.
DCPS
BRIEFS
Though individual teams could host practices, physical interactions would be at a minimum. For some local educators, like Charles Boston, such circumstances provide the opportunity for alternatives, like cycling and cross-country track, that not only youth could practice within the parameters allowed, but with longterm benefits to their academic and social well-being. Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer
DCPS IMPACT AID SURVEY
Each year, DCPS asks all families to complete the Impact Aid survey to generate additional federal funds for the school system. This year, the survey has moved
“Now that contact sports have been minimized, there’s nothing for students to do,” said Boston, one-time Ward 7 school board candidate and founder of Activity Works Tutoring. Later this month, Activity Works will host an outdoor Wednesday and Saturday Academy for students in Ward 7, thanks in part to funding provided by Howard University Hospital. Participants, most of whom will be from Kimball Elementary School, Sousa Middle School and Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, will spend the holiday break walking or cycling through Ward 7’s outdoor spaces while listening to a student-friendly podcast about science, social studies and language arts that includes comprehension quizzes and discussion questions. Malcolm X Elementary in to an electronic format using the Seamless platform and will be open for completion through Dec. 22.
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
The academic leadership of Washington Latin Public Charter School will change at the end of this year with the departure of Diana Smith and the appointment of Jimmy Kelly as the school's next principal. While Smith will be missed for 13 years of committed service, Kelly's dedication to Washington Latin, combined with his experience as an educator and skill as an administrator, make him a natural choice as her successor, the school said in a statement. Kelly assumes his new post in July.
SCHOOL REPORT CARD
The Bowser administration also announced the release of the 2020 DC School Report Card, which includes the graduation rate as well 5 Raheen Frith advises his classmates to grow at their own pace. (Photo DCPS)
26 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
DC BRIEFS Page 27
Southeast launched a similar program “You would think that school officials would’ve figured out something, whether that’s trying to recruit students to run cross country or engage in some physical activity so their learning won’t suffer,” Boston said. “The benefits of being active are scientifically proven.” Data from the D.C. Department of Health showed nearly 20 COVID outbreaks at District public schools between August and November, connected to interactions in the classroom, outdoors and during community activities. One case involved a student at Tyler Elementary School who participated in an on-campus garden club, according to a Dec. 2 letter signed by Principal Jasmine Brann. This week, Bowser and her governing counterparts in Maryland and Virginia anticipate the first shipment of coronavirus vaccines this week at a time when the D.C. metropolitan region has amassed more than 500,000 COVID-cases and 10,000 COVID-related deaths. Though Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) predicted a post-Thanksgiving surge, he has hesitated to follow county executives who’ve since imposed restrictions on dining and indoor activities. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) also encouraged residents to wear masks and follow a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew. In addition to restrictions on youth contact sports and group exercise sessions, Bowser has limited indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 25. She also banned restaurant
alcohol sales after 10p.m. However, she stopped short of imposing a new stay-at-home order, reportedly out of a belief among District officials that many residents wouldn’t comply. Amid the flurry of questions about what type of venues, if any, should remain open, the District launched CARE classrooms. This happened after D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) officials, under pressure from the Washington Teachers’ Union, reneged on phased reopening plans for Term 2. Like some other D.C. parents who’ve struggled on the virtual learning journey, Elsa Falkenburger said that DCPS hasn’t fully involved families of various perspectives in dialogue about the best means of educating students during a pandemic. While Falkenburger, president of the Tyler Elementary Parent-Teacher Association commended school officials for their quick reporting of its Nov. 18 COVID case, she revealed her apprehensions about the city’s ability to devise a meticulous, well thought-out reopening plan. “I don’t think that our city was in the position, when the pandemic started, to have a great effort of community engagement,” Falkenburger, a mother of two Tyler Elementary students, told The Informer. “In order to make the decisions that people want, you have to be in touch with the community. Those in D.C. Public Schools really want to make schools open [but] we weren’t in tune with what parents wanted. It’s difficult to build things that everyone wants.” WI
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DC BRIEFS from Page 26 as several other updated measures. "Particularly given the unanticipated challenges presented by COVID-19, I am encouraged to see an increase in our graduation rate," Bowser said in a statement. "This demonstrates the resilience of the District's students and teachers, as well as the families and community partners who are committed to ensuring our young people have a fair shot and the resources necessary to succeed in college and career." Meanwhile, the four-year graduation rate for DCPS is 68.68 percent, an increase of 3.6 percentage points, compared to the four-year graduation rate of 76.58 percent for public charter schools, a slight increase of 0.22 percentage points. The DC School Report Card can be accessed at DCSchoolReportCard.org.
RON BROWN GRADUATION RATE
Ron Brown High School's first graduating class had a 77 percent graduation rate for 2020. The school serves males of col-
PG COVID from Page 12 She also had a message for those wearing masks and face coverings incorrectly: “If you wear a mask that is below your nose, you don’t have on a mask. That’s the reality.” Officials in the Baltimore and D.C. areas also announced similar restrictions. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who began his first day in office Dec. 9, announced tighter restrictions to close indoor and outdoor dining in the city which went into effect two days later. The order also includes 25 percent capacity in retail stores, houses of worships, gyms, malls and the Maryland Zoo. Anne Arundel County banned indoor dining and decreased capacity at retail stores, gyms and casinos following Prince George’s but are scheduled to end Jan. 13. Montgomery County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban indoor dining based on an executive order recommended last week by County Executive
EDUCATION
or, who have historically had a lower graduation rate compared to the District overall, and school officials say they are working hard every day to change that.
'NEVER GIVE UP'
Months after he started reflecting on what he did to sabotage himself, author and youth advocate Raheen Frith challenged his fellow classmates to never give up. "If you failed your classes, dropped out of school or you're in school/university now and not where you want to be and feel like giving up, DON'T," he tweeted recently. "If you're going through hell, why stop? Think about it. You try, try and try and feel as if nothing works right? Mhmmm, I know that feeling too-o-o well, but YOU have a PURPOSE despite all the crazy things happening around you. Grow at your OWN pace! All it takes is time, dedication, prayer, acknowledging and appreciating your mistakes. THERE IS NO SHAME on your JOURNEY TO PURPOSE." Check out Raheen's YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/RaheenTV) for more insightful information. WI Marc Elrich. Restaurants and other establishments that sell food may continue to provide drivethrough and carry-out services. “These are tough decisions but we have to make them for public safety,” said Councilman Will Jawando (D-At-Large). During the council meeting, Del. Eric Luedtke (D-Montgomery Council) released a statement that he plans to introduce proposed emergency state legislation to exempt county restaurants and bars from paying alcohol license fees this year. His bill also seeks to reduce the fees paid by business with licenses to sell alcohol both on- and off-premises by half with the option of the county to retroactively reimburse half of the fees paid for 2020-21. “Thousands of Montgomery County restaurants and bars and the workers who staff them are struggling to make ends meet right now,” he said. “This industry needs our help and reducing alcohol license fees is one small way to help them make it through COVID-19,” he said. WI
3 Ron Brown High School's first graduating class boasted a 77 percent graduation rate for 2020. (RBHS photo)
Greater DC Chapter National Action Network: Mid Atlantic Regional Headquarters for Nation of Islam: A host of Imams, Pastors, Reverends of DC & Metropolitan area: National Congress of Black Women: 100 Responsible Fathers Inc.: (President Elect) Linda Thomas, PG County NAACP: Stand Up! For Democracy in DC (Free DC): Jennifer GelenciaHealing for Humanity: Cease Fire. Don’t Smoke The Brothers & Sisters: Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association: VLB PRODUCTIONS:
Mayor, Muriel Bowser: DC Citizens and the entire country are depending on you.
VETO B23-0171 Minor Consent for Vaccinations Amendment Act of 2020 A CALL TO ACTION to all citizens of the country BEFORE DEC 22/20 YOUR one email
counts! Our United emails will DEFEAT Bill 23-0171!!!!!!! Email Mayor M. Bowser to VETO B23-0171 @ Mayor@dc.gov or email @ emo@dc.gov
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 27
Open Letter to Voters: Why Georgia Is Important To Black America Black voters across the country turned out in unprecedented numbers with purpose and passion for the Nov. 3 General Election. Their overwhelming participation in one of the nation’s most important elections proved that Black votes count and Black voters matter. We still have unfinished business, as all eyes are now on Georgia, where the results of a much anticipated and hotly contested Jan. 5 election runoff will impact the plight of African Americans and African American communities throughout the country. At the center of political discussions are the issues of socioeconomic justice, police reform, inclusion, empowerment and civil rights. Despite well-documented attempts to suppress the Black Vote, the Black Press, along with national civil rights organizations and local grassroots efforts, fought to make sure voters were armed with the information necessary to make sure their ballots were cast and counted. This resulted in the largest voter turnout of Black people in a presidential election in the history of this country. However, the job of the Black Press and Black voters is not over. As publishers of nine of the nation’s leading Black newspapers – The Baltimore AFRO, Dallas Weekly, Houston Defender, Michigan Chronicle, New York Amsterdam News, Sacramento Observer, Seattle Medium, St. Louis American, and The Washington Informer – we are compelled to support our fellow publishers of Atlanta’s Black newspaper, The Atlanta Voice, in urging all Georgian’s – particularly Black voters – to stay engaged and to vote in the runoff election. Georgia’s native son Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reminds us that, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” This is our call to action. Voters in Georgia cannot be silent: VOTE on Jan. 5 because what happens in Georgia will impact everyone in the U.S. and beyond, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, or sexual orientation. We must finish the fight in Georgia. The stakes are high and impact all of
28 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
us. We need Georgians to elect leaders that will put Americans back to work, bolster small businesses to rebound from the effects of the pandemic, rescue families from evictions and foreclosures, provide appropriate PPE to frontline and essential workers, retain affordable healthcare, lower prescription drug costs, and restore our country’s prominence in the world. Your vote will make a difference. How? Early voting in Georgia began on Monday, Dec. 14 and ends on Friday, Jan. 1. Don’t delay, go to the polls and cast your vote. For others across the country, remember it takes a village, and we all must do our part, including: • Contact friends and family members who live in Georgia and make sure they are aware of important voting dates and deadlines. • Encourage them to vote early and reach out to their extended network in Georgia to ensure they do the same. • Volunteer to assist phone banks and safely distribute literature throughout the community if you decide to visit. • Donate to non-partisan groups that have a strong history of voter engagement in Georgia. We have the power to fight voter suppression, get souls to the polls, re-ignite the flame of our political clout in America, and create a narrative that provides the foundation for African Americans to fully participate in all aspects of the American dream. Georgia, we’re counting on you to let your voices be heard. Vote on Jan. 5. We know you will make us proud!
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
Violent and Destructive Protests Teach Youth the Wrong Lesson
A former MPD officer, after being honored as Officer of the Year in 2019, recently turned in her badge, apparently disgruntled over the policies and procedures that continue to guide the police force in the District. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Dec. 12, nearly three dozen people were arrested during the evening after a rally supporting President Trump turned into a night of chaos and violence. Protesters, allegedly connected to white nationalist groups, looked for and found anti-Trump counter protesters and engaged several in fights. According to MPD officials, at least four stabbings occurred. Police initially found a way to keep the two factions separated, leading to growing frustration among the more vocal and antagonistic Proud Boys – an organization guided by male chauvinist ideologies who remain unconvinced that Trump lost the recent presidential election. Tensions flared after nightfall as the Proud Boys and others with similar sentiments sought to take over Black Lives Plaza where they were met by police who attempted to thwart their plans of accessing the District’s central location for those advocating for justice for Blacks and others of color. Meanwhile, so far unidentified people destroyed banners in front of four churches, including Asbury United Methodist Church, which affirmed their support of justice advocates, burning banners which read “Black Lives Matter.” Asbury counts as one of the District’s oldest Black churches. D.C. Mayor Bowser said in a tweet Sunday, “faith-based organizations are at the very heart of our community and an attack on them is an attack on all of us.” Some within the ranks of Black Lives Matter DC have criticized police and the Bowser administration for allegedly protecting the Proud Boys and others as they marched through the District, and “threatened lives, damaged historic churches, destroyed and burned property.” We hope and believe that those who broke the law will eventually be brought to justice – no matter what faction they represent. We support peaceful protest in all of its forms. But when citizens cross the line and misuse their constitutional right of free speech, such actions cannot be condoned. America continues to meander down a treacherously, slippery slope – one which we can ill-afford to allow to escalate further. If for no other reason, we must remember that America’s youth are watching. What lessons are we teaching them? While we may not all agree and while the recent outcome of the presidential election illustrates how divided our nation currently stands, we are all Americans. That should be our central message and guide our actions both today and in the future. WI
Biden In – Trump, COVID-19 Out
Three hundred and six is a lucky number, no matter how one looks at it. For President Donald Trump, it was the number of electoral votes he received in 2016 to become the 45th president of the U.S. Though Trump did not receive the majority of the popular vote, the Electoral College’s 306 votes counted the most towards taking Trump over the top . . . literally. This week, President-elect Joe Biden sealed his bid for the presidency when, once again, the Electoral College delivered 306 votes to him and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, affirming the popular vote and paving the way to the presidency in January 2021. Back then, Trump called the 306 electoral votes an “overwhelming victory;” today he is overwhelming the American electorate with lawsuits and false claims of a fraudulent election. We believe 306 speaks for itself. And so, with Trump out and Biden in, the nation is now celebrating, though cautiously, a shot of hope crossing America and into the arms of frontline workers who are the fearless fighters against and sometimes the victims of COVID-19. The U.S. is among the world’s nations leading in infections and deaths with over 16 million infections and nearly 300,000 deaths due to the worst pandemic this country and the world has seen. Shut-downs and shut-ins are weighing heavily on everyone while frustration is growing rampant with ceaseless warnings to exercise social distancing and mask wearing. The storyline, so far, is a positive one with a growing group of health professionals leading the way in a military-style roll-out of vaccines that most Americans will have access to in 2021. We cannot stress enough for everyone to watch, read and listen to the information that just may save your life or the life of a loved one. WI
TO THE EDITOR Dig Deep for Kids This Year
I want your readers to know as we near Christmas and gift-giving time that they should consider playing Secret Santa to a few children this year. Lots of parents are struggling to keep the bills paid, let alone buy gifts, and many kids will be disappointed this holiday season. Be it kids you know or kids you don't, reach out and see what you can do if you can. Just a thought. Happy holidays. Roger Ford Washington, D.C.
Readers' Mailbox
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Don't Doubt the Vaccines
I know that we as a people doubt the sincerity of the U.S. medical industry and we have every reason to, but I think many of us with pre-existing conditions, asthma, immune diseases and so on should seriously consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This could be the difference between life and death. Honor the many lives lost and protect yourself. Gail Thomas Laurel, Md.
The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 29
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Julianne Malveaux
The Biden Cabinet — Mainstream, Moderate, Middling
I neither expected sparks nor extreme surprises as President-elect Joe Biden begin to announce his Cabinet. I did expect diversity, and we've seen it. But I didn't expect the number of Obama-era retreads to be included in this Cabinet. As I write this in mid-December, I can hardly contain my disappointment that Tom Vilsack, the man who fired Shirley Sherrod for specious reasons,
is being asked, again, to lead the Department of Agriculture. Many of us had hoped that Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who served several years on the House Committee on Agriculture, would get this position. Instead, she has was nominated to be the secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), still a Cabinet position. HUD, however, is one of those "Black folk or people of color" positions. Robert Weaver, an African American who holds a doctorate in economics from Harvard, was the
Guest Columnist
first HUD secretary. Noted attorney and civil rights activist Patricia Roberts Harris was the eighth. Some HUD secretaries were quite distinguished and qualified, others (like present Secretary Ben Carson) much less so. In any case, Congresswoman Fudge will do an exemplary job, no matter where she serves. But I am among those, including the legacy civil rights leaders, who is not excited about Vilsack returning to Agriculture. There is no one under 50 among the Biden nominees. There are few
progressives among the Biden nominees. A glimmer of hope lies in the fact that the Council of Economic Advisers leans somewhat left and is also labor-centered, with the nominated chair, Cecilia Rouse, a Princeton University labor economist. The others, Jared Bernstein and Heather Boushey, have past relationships with the Economic Policy Institute, a worker-focused think tank in D.C. (I serve on their board). It is also hopeful that Janet Yellen has been nominated as Treasury secretary. She is worker-focused and the first woman
to hold the position. But in retreading Vilsack and Kerry, choosing international expert Susan Rice to lead the Domestic Policy Council and choosing other mainstream moderates, Biden has thrown ice water on the hopes and dreams of the progressives who put their interests aside to unite around him. Where is the appointment for Mayor Pete Buttigieg, whose youth and knowledge will bring much to the Cabinet? Who will be the secre-
MALVEAUX Page 53
Marc H. Morial
Health Care, Voting Rights, Pandemic Recovery at Stake in Ga. Runoff Elections
"Support for the majority-vote plan reinforced the moderate segregationist position. It did not remove anyone's right to cast a ballot, but it was commonly regarded as hampering African Americans—the stigmatized bloc voters—from making their votes count more effectively at the polls. In similar fashion, especially following passage of the
1965 Voting Rights Act, southern white politicians devised electoral techniques to offset the rising power of Black ballots." — Civil Rights in America: Racial Voting Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2007 In most states, the winner of an election is determined by a plurality — the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, regardless of whether that number is a majority of votes. In Georgia, however, if no candidate wins a majority, the top two
Guest Columnist
vote-getters face one another in a runoff. In 1962, the Supreme Court struck down Georgia's old county-unit system, a "kind of a poor man's Electoral College" that had been created 45 years prior to amplify rural voters' power while disadvantaging Black voters. The runoff was instituted to undermine the influence of Black voters. The segregationist state representative who proposed it, Denmark Groover, had been defeated in an earlier race and blamed his loss on
"Negro bloc voting." In 1990, the Department of Justice sued to overturn the runoff system, saying it has had "a demonstrably chilling effect on the ability of Blacks to become candidates for public office" and calling it "an electoral steroid for white candidates." The department cited elections in more than 20 Georgia counties "where at least 35 Black candidates won the most votes in their initial primaries, but then lost in runoffs as voters coalesced around a white opponent."
Now, almost 60 years later, a voting system that was designed to dilute the Black vote could result in the election of the state's first Black U.S. senator. On Jan. 5, two runoff elections for Senate will take place in Georgia. No candidate in either race earned more than 50% of the vote in the Nov. 3 general election. Voters there will choose between incumbent Kelly Loeffler, who was
service work. Next Up endorsed Scott in the primary election based on his record of fighting for better schools, working to end gun violence, and improving opportunities and wages for working families. Christian Menefee became the first Black person and the youngest person ever elected as district attorney in Harris County, Texas. Harris County's population is greater than the population of more than half the states. Next Up endorsed Menefee as part of
a slate of candidates committed to stopping unjust police killings of civilians and protecting Black and brown communities through greater accountability for law enforcement. In Florida, Nancy Metayer was elected to the Coral Springs City Commission. An environmental scientist and public health advocate, Metayer is the first Black woman and only the second Black person to serve on the commission
MORIAL Page 53
Ben Jealous
The Other Good News from the 2020 Election
While President Donald Trump continues to hog media attention with his dishonest "stolen election" claims, we should devote some attention to the good news that a diverse group of young progressive leaders were elected to office all across the country this year. People For the American Way's Next Up Victory Fund supports young progressive candidates who
demonstrate leadership ability and a commitment to making positive change. Since 2017, we have helped more than 300 promising and accomplished young progressives get elected to state and local office. This year, some of our endorsed candidates were running for office for the first time. Some were running for reelection. Some were stepping up to a position of greater responsibility. A majority were women and more than two-thirds were Black, Indigenous, or people
30 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
of color. Eighty-five of them will be serving their communities in public office next year, and some of them will be helping to lead our nation in the years ahead. Here are a few of the 2020 success stories that can give us all hope for a brighter future. Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott was elected the city's youngest mayor since 1904. He was first elected to the city council in 2011 when he was just 27 years old — and he had already built a record of community
JEALOUS Page 53
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Yanet Amanuel
Reimagining Policing to Save Black Lives
We remember Emanuel Oates, Anton Black, Leonard Shand, Korryn Gaines, Manuel Espina, William Green, Tyrone West, Christopher Brown, Gary Hopkins Jr., Robert White, Finan Berhe, Freddie Gray, and too many more. These are the names of just a few of the Black Marylanders killed by police. One victim of police killings, Wil-
liam Green, is the cousin of Nikki Owens, who is a strong advocate against police violence and for reimagining policing. "This has to stop happening," Owens said. "There are people left behind when you kill someone. These police officers don't understand this." It is a terrible shame that over many years, and many killings, the General Assembly has yet to pass a reform to policing that has actually saved Black lives. Legislators owe it to the victims of police violence and their families to
Guest Columnist
move their Black Lives Matter tweets and posts into action in the next legislative session. A coalition of more than 90 organizations across the state has five demands: • Repeal the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBR). • Revise the Maryland Public Information Act to make records of police internal investigations and misconduct records transparent so that we can hold police departments accountable for how they police their own. • Statutory limits on police use
of force. • Get police out of our schools. • Give Baltimore control of its police department. On Oct. 29, community members came together for a People's Hearing on police reform, where they discussed why these five demands are important. Even though they are only the first steps to begin to address all the ways in which policing needs to be reimagined to stop Maryland police from terrorizing Black and brown communities, these five demands will start to shift power over
law enforcement into the hands of the community. A Bill of Rights is meant to protect people from the government, not police from accountability. During the People's Hearing, Dorothy Elliott, mother of Archie Elliott III, who was killed in 1993 by police officers Jason Leavitt and Wayne Cheney, said: "Our loved ones should have equal justice, equity under the law. We demand to have our voices heard."
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Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Biden Should Revive the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
A new president takes office with the sense of possibility that comes with a new dawn. This is particularly true for Joe Biden, taking office after the divisive turmoil of Donald Trump's years in office. Biden inherits truly fearsome troubles — among them the spiking pandemic, the collapsing economy, corrosive inequality, catastrophic climate change and entrenched structural racism. He stood up for Black Lives Matter and has promised a new day for civil rights,
with particular emphasis on police reform. America's institutionalized racism goes far beyond the police, of course. We've witnessed the spread of brazen voter suppression schemes since the Supreme Court disemboweled the Voting Rights Act. Our public schools grow ever more separate and unequal. Blacks and Latinos have suffered disproportionately in the economic collapse surrounding the pandemic, and from the pandemic itself. The racial gap in housing, health care, wealth and more grow worse. And now as America grows more diverse, discrimination against other minorities from Latinos to Native Americans
Askia-At-Large
demands redress. Biden will no doubt appoint an attorney general sensitive to these concerns. Across the government, civil rights divisions will be revived and recharged. Action on voting rights, on reducing mass incarceration, on police reform will follow. As part of this renewed commitment, Biden should consider steps to revive and empower the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, preferably with new leadership, new authority and adequate staffing, to undertake the crucial mission of monitoring civil rights progress, investigating abuses and recommending remedies. The U.S. Commission was created under President Dwight D. Eisen-
hower, a Republican, in the 1957 Civil Rights Act. Its mission was "the continuous appraisal of the status of civil rights and the efficiency of the machinery with which we hope to improve that status." It was charged with collecting data, holding hearings, providing a clearinghouse and coordination of state and private agencies working in civil rights. It would issue regular reports and make recommendations in regard to remedying civil rights abuses. In its early years, the commission played a vital role. Its prestigious members helped develop the case and formulate the reforms that informed the early civil rights acts, the Vot-
ing Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, among others. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan sought to weaken the commission, reducing its staff and resources. After illegally attempting to fire three of the commissioners, Reagan forced a compromise in which eight commissioners would serve staggered six-year terms, with half appointed by the president and two by the speaker of the House and two by the president pro tempore of the Senate. Since that time, the commission has declined in stature and
votes in the just-concluded election, 11 million more than in 2016 when he won the presidency, even though his opponent in that contest got 66 million votes — 3 million more than he did. In 2020, he got more votes than any incumbent president in history, he bragged. What he didn't say is that his opponent got more than 80 million votes, and defeated him in the key battleground states, resulting in a 306-232 Electoral College margin for Joe Biden — the same margin Trump declared to be a "landslide" in 2016.
Only this time, the prevaricating POTUS said that his opponent's votes were illegitimate and that he was robbed of a second term. At least 55 times, #45 and his team challenged the vote outcome in courts in seven states, and twice before the Supreme Court. Virtually ach and every case was laughed out of court because there was no evidence — not a single shred of evidence — that there were any improper ballots cast resulting in his de-
JACKSON Page 54
Askia Muhammad
What if Trump Had Won?
When I was a child in elementary school, we had fire drills, and earthquake drills and atomic bomb drills. The country was afraid that world leaders would destroy the planet and kill all its inhabitants in a nuclear war. The atomic bomb drill we practiced had us bend over, put our heads down and crawl under our desks. The drill led to a funny parody by comedian
Dick Gregory. In case of a nuclear attack, he said, we should "bend over, put our head between our knees, and kiss our ass goodbye." Thankfully, that doomsday never arrived. But we have just passed an even worse constitutional "doomsday" in this country — and it's no laughing matter, because it will happen again. Donald J. Trump, the impeached, philandering, multiple-bankrupted grifter who managed to win a term as president of the United States but suffered a devastating popular vote and
Electoral College defeat for reelection on Nov. 3, along with dozens of members of Congress, 18 state attorneys general and dozens of "fellow travelers," just demonstrated that they are willing to stop at nothing — including the open destruction of the constitutional principles they profess — in order to maintain political dominance in this country. The Donald, who told more than 25,000 confirmed lies during his four years of hell in the White House, boasted that he got nearly 74 million
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ASKIA Page 54 DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 31
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HOWARD UNIVERSITY’S LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE CONTINUES
Longtime Friends Psalmayene 24 and Kamilah Forbes Talk Black Stories, Stage and Screen Studio Theatre to Present ‘Psalm’s Salon Event’ Dec. 17 D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor Two Howard University graduates will “chew the fat” for a provocative discussion about the significant contributions made by Blacks both in front of and behind the camera and why Black stories and storytellers remain essential in continued efforts toward true racial equality during a virtual event hosted by D.C.’s Studio Theatre. Local playwright, director and actor Psalmayene 24 will wel-
come Kamilah Forbes, executive producer for the legendary Apollo Theater and entertainment industry trailblazer, as the featured guest on the final Psalm's Salon virtual event of the year on December 17 at 5 p.m. Psalm's Salons began in June 2020 as an online gathering space to highlight the work of creatives, signal-boost local and Blackowned businesses, kick back to live music and promote a sense of community. During each broadcast, DJ Nick tha 1da spins live music, sampling from the Library
(Courtesy photo)
of Congress Citizen DJ tool. Psalm breaks the ice with a "mental health drink break" and in a nod to the hip-hop tradition with a theatre twist, guests pick their Top 5 stage productions.
"I'm elated to have my longtime friend, Kamilah Forbes, as the final salon guest for 2020,” Psalmayene 24 said. “When we were at Howard together, a bunch of young artists creating art that existed at the nexus of hip-hop and theater, she was there. Chad Bozeman was another of our compatriots and friends also at Howard University.”
5 Psalmayene 24 (Courtesy photo)
32 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
5 Kamiliah Forbes (Courtesy photo)
A dedicated steward of Black stories and pioneer of hip hop theatre, Forbes has become an in-demand director of stage and screen. Her stage adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates's “Between the World and Me” was just released on HBO. And recently we learned that she will produce, with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Films and Plan B, a film version of Coates's latest
bestseller, “The Water Dancer” for MGM. "I'm elated to have my longtime friend, Kamilah Forbes, as the final salon guest for 2020,” Psalmayene 24 said. “When we were at Howard together, a bunch of young artists creating art that existed at the nexus of hip-hop
PSALM'S Page 33
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PSALM'S from Page 32 and theater, she was there. Chad Bozeman was another of our compatriots and friends also at Howard University.” “While you may not see her name in the credits for ‘Hamilton,’ the aesthetics that ‘Hamilton’ used were influenced and shaped by the work she’s done. She’s simply the ‘Godmother of Hip-Hop Theater.’ Maybe she doesn’t have the pop culture name recognition that those in front of the camera have but she’s a major player behind the scenes. I'm looking forward to discussing Kamilah's legendary career and sharing this conversation with Studio's audience." Studio Artistic Director David Muse echoed Psalmayene 24’s sentiments. “It is an honor and thrill to welcome Kamilah Forbes back to DC – albeit virtually," Muse said. “She's a thought leader, community builder and director whose work resonates with the brain and body. I invite you to share in what is sure to be a fascinating conversation between these artists.” Psalm's Salons are supported by a capacity building grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Building Demand for the Arts program. The program funds artists and arts institutions working to forge long-lasting relationships with diverse audiences. Studio, working with Psalm, has committed to expand on its efforts to forge meaningful connections with African-American millennial audiences in the District.
And while some lament the challenges the entertainment world continues to face due to the current health pandemic, Psalmayene 24 said he sees profound opportunities both now and in the new year. “With the reinvigorated Black Lives Matter movement, a lot of producers are looking to Black creators to respond to this moment,” he said. “They’re looking to us for guidance, for leadership and to help them interpret the times in which we currently live.” “I actually think this is the best time in American history to be a Black artist. Despite this difficult period in history and even amidst the turmoil and chaos, it offers fertile ground for our art and our careers,” he said. Psalmayene 24’s directing credits include “Native Son” by Nambi E. Kelley at Mosaic Theater Company, “Word Becomes Flesh” (recipient of five 2017 Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Direction of a Play) by Marc Bamuthi Joseph at Theater Alliance, and “The Shipment” by Young Jean Lee at Forum Theatre. He has received commissions from the African Continuum Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Imagination Stage, The Kennedy Center, Theater Alliance, Solas Nua and Mosaic Theater Company. His one-man play, “Free Jujube Brown!,” is published in the anthology “Plays from the Boom Box Galaxy: Theater from the Hip-Hop Generation (TCG).” The event is free and will be streamed live on Studio Theatre's Facebook and YouTube pages. WI
LIFESTYLE
(Courtesy photo)
ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE AND HISTORY®
THE 2021 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING THE 95TH ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY THEME
The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity Monday, February 1, 2021
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT - OPEN TO PUBLIC Announcement of the Black History theme and Introduction of ASALH’s Inaugural Virtual Black History Month Festival
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT - OPEN TO PUBLIC Diving with a Purpose
Saturday, February 6, 2021 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT - OPEN TO PUBLIC ASALH Prince George’s County Truth Branch Event Featuring a conversation with Dr. Bernice King
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT - OPEN TO PUBLIC From the Continent to the Americas: Foodways, Culture and Traditions in the African American Family
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 FREE COMMUNITY EVENT - OPEN TO PUBLIC Presentation of the Inaugural ASALH Book Prize
Sunday, February 28, 2021 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST
Sunday, February 28, 2021 7:00 p.m. EST FREE COMMUNITY EVENT - OPEN TO PUBLIC ASALH and PBS Books Present: A Conversation with Ngugi Wa Thiong’o and Sundiata Cha-Jua
Marquee Event
Saturday, February 20, 2021 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST (TICKETED EVENT: $50.00) Finding Our Roots in African American History A Conversation with… Henry Louis Gates and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham
Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham
Acclaimed for his scholarship, his documentary films about African, Afro-Latin, and African American History, and his popular television series, “Finding Your Roots,” Henry Louis Gates, Jr., has brought fascinating African American family stories to the wider public. The Black History Month Festival in 2021 is proud to feature a conversation between ASALH’s national president Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham and Henry Louis Gates, Jr., who will share his thoughts and motivations in popularizing Black History through the heritage of African American families and communities and their search for roots. ASALH BRANCHES WILL HOST VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH ASALH BRANCH EVENTS CAN BE FOUND AT ASALH.ORG/BRANCH-EVENTS
ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE AND HISTORY THE FOUNDERS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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WWW.ASALH.ORG | 202-238-5910 | #ASALH
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Tina Turner Reflects on Life in New Pictorial Autobiography
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Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer At 81, Tina Turner quietly reflects on her “imperfections and all” in a telling new autobiography replete with photographs which illustrate her many choices for fashion and artistic expression. In “That’s My Life,” the Queen of Rock n’ Roll reflects on growing up in Nutbush, Tennessee and how her hometown became an escape from the harsh realities of her life. “I was the child who always had scraped knees and tousled hair because I climbed trees and rolled in the grass,” the ‘Private Dancer’ singer writes. “As an adult, I wanted my clothing to reflect that free spirit and keep it alive. Leather, feathers, silk, and other natural fibers – metals, stones and gems make me feel at one with the natural world I love.” Turner’s life story, as chronicled in the blockbuster 1993, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” remains well documented. The unspeakable battering
and sexual assault besieged upon her by her former husband, Ike Turner, raised eyebrows within the music industry. It also secured Tina Turner a new generation of adoring fans because of what she overcame. Now, Tina Turner’s newest book attempts to focus more on her and not the terror heaped upon her during her 18-year marriage to Ike. The 320-page hardcover book captures Turner’s vast shoe collection and wigs. It contains quotes from people like Mick Jagger and Oprah Winfrey while chronicling her many collaborations, performances and what she calls her defining moments. Turner writes that she “became stronger, more confident, happier, loved,” capturing her three-decade romance with German music executive Erwin Bach who she married in 2013. “I wanted to create an atmosphere of mutual respect. I never dressed to appeal to the men in the audience,” Turner told NBC News this month. “I wanted to show women that it
5 Tina Turner “That’s My Life.” (Photo courtesy Simon & Schuster)
was possible to look glamorous and exciting without being immodest — that I enjoyed looking good in a way that was joyous and celebrated my femininity without exploiting it.” “I often had three generations of fans at my concerts: grandmothers, mothers and fathers, teenagers and children. I wanted everyone to feel comfortable because it was all about having a good time together,” she said. WI
Was College Basketball Star Keyontae Johnson’s Sudden Collapse Due to COVID-19 Exposure? University of Florida Standout Player Remains Hospitalized in Serious Condition Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Since the first confirmed reports of COVID-19 in the U.S. in March, the virus has illustrated its ability to impact the lives of those young and old – often with deadly results. And following the sudden collapse of a University of Florida (Gators) basketball player during a recent matchup with Florida State University [FSU], speculation has escalated as to whether his earlier exposure to the virus may be the root cause of his mysterious breakdown. On Saturday, Dec. 12, team standout Keyontae Johnson, 21, had just pulled off a powerful dunk and returned to the opposite end of the court with his teammates when he suddenly began to stagger, falling forward and collapsing to the floor, unconscious. He would be rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital with his coach by his side where he was placed in a medically-induced coma. After doctors listed him in critical but stable condition, he was flown by heli-
copter from Tallahassee to Gainesville. Keyontae reportedly has been able to talk with his family and doctors and has even spoken virtually to his teammates on Tuesday, Dec. 15. His parents said in a statement that he continues to show remarkable progress. Keyontae, a 6-foot-5 junior, hails from Norfolk where he was a high school legend. As a Florida Gator, he averaged a team-high 14 points last season along with 7.1 rebounds per game and a team-high 38 steals. He scored five points in four minutes Saturday before his collapse. FSU Head Basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton told the Associated Press after the game, “We’re just all hopeful and praying that he’s OK. If it affected our players in an emotional way, I can imagine what the situation was with his teammates.” Johnson and several other University of Florida players tested positive for COVID-19 during the summer. In some people, the virus can lead to myocarditis – a viral infection of the heart muscle. In its most severe stage,
5 Keyontae Johnson (Courtesy photo)
myocarditis can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and possible death for those previously considered as healthy. Federal and state officials continue to scramble to secure COVID-19 vaccinations for first responders and front line hospital workers nationwide while collegiate teams struggle to complete seasons in which positive diagnoses have sidelined players and coaches and caused the postponement or cancellation of games. University of Florida officials say they’re uncertain when the team or Keyontae will play again. But as for the future of Keyontae Johnson, it remains to be seen if this college superstar will be able to continue his quest for action in the NBA. WI
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Business Man Views Philanthropy as the Gift that Keeps Giving James V. Page, Jr. Planning Scholarship at Historic Black College
By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer For local businessman James V. Page, Jr. it was the influence of his great-great Aunt Alma that put him on the right path as a troubled teenager, and more than 30 years later it is still her influence that inspires his work as a philanthropist. “What compelled me to get into philanthropy was my great-great aunt. She was the one that taught me a lot about money and the value of money and my education,” said Page, president and founder of Page After Page Business Systems, Inc. [dba Page Global]. He says he’s been in philanthropy most of his business career in Washington, DC and has given upwards of one to two million dollars to various causes in his 29 years of business. “I’ve given in ways from someone who is homeless and looking for a job, to donating thousands to the Alexandria Philharmonic Orchestra [with the focus of bringing orchestra music to local schools in the District].” “Then it just kind of grew to local charter schools in Prince George’s County, the National Baptist Convention, USA and now we are looking forward to supporting Jackson State University [JSU] in Mississippi and their athletic department.” Page says he’s in the planning process of starting a scholarship or a fellowship program at JSU, for athletes who achieve high academic success. “It only exists if you create it,” he said. Getting involved with higher education came about when Page decided to return back to college a few years ago. A hard fought rejection letter from Georgetown University motivated him to keep going. He pivoted to support the goals at the University of the District of Columbia [UDC], but things didn’t quite pan out
how he hoped philanthropically. “I decided what school could benefit from not only my over 25 years of being a local executive but also a scholarship program? So I decided to enroll into UDC’s school of business, only to find out they weren’t interested in an executive MBA program at that time,” he said. For Page being a Black philanthropist means being met with a certain level of skepticism others don’t typically face. “Philanthropy in the Black community is somewhat of a mystery because I don’t think that we see African Americans as being philanthropist,” he said. “We see them as robbing from someone and giving to the poor.” “Whenever you see somebody giving you try to look to see why? Either they’re short here or stealing here or there’s a quid pro quo. Or they’re not very good parents or they’re not very smart people with their money.” “I don’t think that it comes across as you really have some very honest, wealth-building, well-meaning people that want to support others and the community and continue to grow and give back at the same time.” Even with a few road blocks along the way Page is excited about his blooming relationship with JSU for many reasons, chief among them is his own Mississippi roots. “My great-grandfather was from Gulfport, Miss., he was stowaway on a train and went up to New York. He ended up being a bartender for Truman’s administration,” he said. My great-great aunt Alma was a maid servant for the late Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor. “My story is full circle if you read the signs. My current house is on 19th street. I bought two houses in Arlington, one on 19th street and one on 19th road. My grandmother lived on 19th street in Mississippi.” Page says with more and more neighbors struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now the pressures of the holiday season, he’s inspired to do more.
5 Jimi Page has offered support to Alexandria Philharmonic Orchestra and to UDC, among others
“I feel an appreciation in philanthropy being able to give, cause I found that in my giving I get. I get a sense of supporting my brothers and sisters; I get a
sense of clarity of what’s going on in the world and individuals that are struggling,” he said. “It’s also inspirational in thinking of new ways to grow our
business personally and professionally. It makes me continue with a stronger work ethic, a stronger focus in terms of what can I do, to give even more.”
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LIFESTYLE
On the Move: Michelle Davis-Younger Breaks Three Glass Ceilings
New Mayor of Manassas Garners Votes from Diverse Constituency Erica Johnson WI Contributing Writer In 2018, Michelle Davis-Younger made history after becoming the first African American elected to the City Council in her hometown of Manassas, Va. Now, just two short years later, she’s achieved another first – this time securing a political trifecta as the first Democrat, woman and African American elected as mayor of Manassas. In a city of roughly 41,000 residents, Davis-Younger defeated her City Council colleague Theresa Coates Ellis, a Republican, in a race in which every vote counted. Davis-Younger won with 7,903 votes, or 51.2 percent while Ellis lost with 7,514 votes or about 49
percent of the vote. “My dad’s going to be 87 in January but he cried like a baby,” said the mayor-elect. “My parents are lifelong residents, born here in Manassas and never left. They saw the ugly segregated Manassas and have now seen their daughter become the mayor. My mother scrubbed floors in houses on Grant Avenue near Old Towne Manassas where I’ll be sworn in.” “The mayor doesn't vote in Manassas unless there’s a tie, so I'm going to miss being able to vote on things and letting people know where I stand on issues. But my constituents will still have my commentary letting them know my perspective. It's really the council that has a lot of power,” Davis-Younger said.
Dr. Claudrena Harold, a professor of African American History at the University of Virginia, counts the victory of Davis-Younger as part of recent trend of Black women being elected to powerful positions in different levels of government. “Without question, she stands on the shoulders of millions of African-American women who have worked to deepen the wells of democracy,” she said. “Her election underscores the changing demographics of not just Northern Virginia [which just four years ago was GOP-dominated] but the larger nation.” Manassas also holds special significance in history, representing the place where the first battle of the Civil War would be fought.
“Just a few months after the southern states seceded from the Union, in response to Lincoln’s election, the Battle of Bull Run was fought on July 1, 1861,” Harold said. “It was a wake-up call to a lot of Americans that this Civil War was going to be a real war” said Paul Quigley, director, Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech. Davis-Younger said that while she appreciates the celebratory spirit that has accompanied her victory, she’s ready to get to work. “Breaking barriers is great. But now I can set the tone of the city to sing a different tune rather than the way it’s always been done” she said adding that she realizes that as the “first” she faces many challenges in achieving her campaign goals. Kenneth Nixon, Davis-Younger’s campaign manager for both her Manassas City Council campaign and her run for mayor, will continue to help her navigate many of obstacles before her. “As an African-American woman, she must establish her legitimacy and credibility,” Nixon said. “She has to make sure she runs an
orderly, productive meeting when she [takes] that gavel to establish her leadership and her presence.” “For the last two-and-a-half years she campaigned on being a bridge builder. So, they’re going to be looking to see if she reaches out and whether she can come up with solutions that benefit everyone. One big issue is going to be education and strengthening the relationship with the school board. Another is transportation. There’s a lot of traffic that comes from the county and flows through the city,” he said. And while Davis-Younger said she’s aware of these challenges, she still encourages people especially youth to get involved with their local governments and to never give up on their dreams. “I’ve been a single mom. I’ve been broke, busted and disgusted,” she said. “I have been fed up and I have felt like I was all alone. But [we all] have a purpose in life. Every single day that we get up is another chance – one that we should not waste,” she said. @the.original.femme.fatal WI
5 Michelle Davis-Younger (Courtesy photo)
36 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
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Real Talk, Creating an Inclusive American Dream Join the conversation, in this five-part discussion hosted by Carlos Watson, on positively resetting the American Dream, together. #realtalk
Aida Rodriguez Producer, Stand-Up Comedian
Jalen Rose Athlete, Commentator
Carlos Watson Host
Jasmine Davis Trans Activist
Eddie Glaude Jr. Princeton Professor
Ta-Nehisi Coates Author, Journalist
John Kasich Former Governor of Ohio
Angela Duckworth Professor
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 37
LIFESTYLE
Prince’s ‘Sign o’ The Times’ Proves to be an Absolute Masterpiece
Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer “In France, a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name/by chance his girlfriend came across a needle and soon she did the same…” That’s how one of the greatest albums in history opened. The title track to Prince’s “Sign o’ the Times’” was greeted by critics and fans alike: pure excitement. Thirty-three years ago, with hit singles like “You Got the Look, “Adore” and “Housequake,” Prince did the unthinkable. His “Sign o’ the Times” outperformed on every level, “Purple Rain” and “1999.” In short, “Sign o’ the Times” served as a certifiable masterpiece. It was Prince’s “Thriller,” his “Sgt. Pepper,” or “Mona Lisa.” But what sets Prince apart – no one thought Michael Jackson could top “Thriller.” Even the King of Pop knew he could never exceed his
best. No one expected the Beatles to beat “Sgt. Pepper” and they never did. And, indeed, Leonardo da Vinci couldn’t replicate the artistic genius of the “Mona Lisa.” Prince twice topped what many believed represented his artistic crescendo. Many thought the Minneapolis-born superstar would never top the “1999” album which he released in 1982. Yet, less than two years later with the release of “Purple Rain” which topped the charts worldwide. With hits like “When Does Cry,” “Baby I’m a Star” and “Take Me with You,” “Purple Rain” became the first to win both Best Album Grammy and Best Original Score Oscar. A groundbreaking tour and blockbuster film followed the album’s release. After releasing “Around the World in a Day” in 1985 and “Parade” in 1986, to little excitement (compared to “Purple Rain”), some critics and fans opined that Prince had reached
his creative peak. Then came “Sign o’ The Times.” The opening song and title track begin with a convincing bass and synthesizer and approval from Prince, “Oh Yeah,” he screeches before launching into a tour de force of artistry. The entire album counts as ear-candy. On “U Got the Look,” Prince, with guest Sheena Easton, sings: “Here we are folks. The dream we all dream of/ Boy versus girl in the World Series of love/ Tell me, have you got the look?” On “Housequake,” he rocks: “We’re gonna shake, we’re gonna quake/'Cause we got the baddest groove that we could a make.” Turning to his sexual side on “If I Were Your Girlfriend,” Prince pleads: “If I was your girlfriend, would you let me dress you/I mean, help you pick out your clothes before we go out? Not that you’re helpless But, sometimes, sometimes those are the
PRINCE Page 52
5 Sign O’ The Times. (Photo courtesy Amazon)
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LIFESTYLE
Cosby Prosecutors Suggest Celebrities Should Know Law Better than Public Many Legal Experts View Notion as Both Ridiculous and Unreasonable
Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer By the spring of 2021, Bill Cosby will learn whether he must remain in prison or if the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has decided to grant him freedom. On December 1, his attorney Jennifer Bonjean of New York made what seemed like a convincing argument that Cosby didn’t receive a fair trial. The high court agreed to hear Cosby’s appeal on two grounds: The testimony of five women who claimed Cosby drugged and assaulted them decades ago and the entertainer’s agreement with the former District Attorney that a civil deposition would never be used to prosecute him. Bonjean hammered away at both, appearing to score crucial points with the seven justices. Tellingly, however, remains the mind-boggling argument from the state’s appellate lawyer, Adrianne Jappe. Jappe asserted that Cosby should have had a “better understanding of the law as a celebrity.” While the justices appeared flustered by Jappe’s dissertation, others flat out rebuked that argument. “Celebrities have access to expensive legal teams but those legal teams are generally through their television network, movie studio or record label and not necessarily someone they themselves personally went on a hunt for and sought out,” Michael Freeby, music video director recently nominated for an MTV award, told the Informer. “I have actually been present in several instances where celebrities big and small have asked their team to find someone else on their team who knows their lawyer’s information because the celebrity did not have any knowledge of who their personal lawyer was apart from the fact that they had one,” Freeby said. “Being surrounded by yes people, some celebrities certainly think they’re above the law but in my experience, I do not truly believe that they are necessarily studying it, specializing in it, or even having an active interest in it. Celebrities specialize in whatever talent it was that made them famous. “To claim we should expect them to excel at something unrelated makes no sense. Celebrities are always at
fancy restaurants but it doesn’t mean I would expect them to know how to prepare an exceptional five-course meal. I feel Bill Cosby has been a ubiquitous household name for so long that if he truly were a legal expert, we the public would have known by now,” he said. Blake Hardwick, a marketing manager at the law firm, Greenberg & Stein, said it’s unconscionable to believe celebrities should receive treatment separate from the general public. “That’s just not how equality works. Understandably, there are some aspects which need to be taken more cautiously due to public representation and televised cases but if we’re honest here, in an ideal world, every case would be treated with utmost importance,” Hardwick responded. “Just because someone knows the law well doesn’t mean they aren’t going to break it. Just like an ordinary citizen might have an excellent understanding of what they’re doing wrong, so might a celebrity. And they should therefore be treated the same.” “There should be no preference nor scrutiny just because of their public ranking. The difference should only come with how well an individual’s lawyer handles a case and whether they’re able to prove if the individual is guilty or not guilty, because that’s their job,” he said. Cosby has served more than two years of a three-to-10-year sentence after a jury convicted him in 2018 of aggravated indecent assault. The entertainer has maintained his innocence, and, in his only prison interview, he told the Black Press that unless his appeals were successful, he expected to serve his entire sentence. He offered that parole boards typically want inmates to show remorse and, because he hadn’t committed the offense, Cosby remained adamant that he wouldn’t admit to any crime. If the court’s questioning of prosecutors during the appeal hearing serves as any indication, it appears the entertainer won’t have to face a parole board. Regarding Cosby’s agreement with former District Attorney Bruce Castor, Justice David Wecht noted that the case has clear implications beyond Cosby. “What is the lesson that emerges from your position in this case re-
garding the reliability of prosecutorial decisions? What is the implication for the thousands of promises made by prosecutors across the commonwealth every day or every week – plea deals, immunity agreements, non-prosecution agreements and agreements to cooperate with witnesses?” Wecht asked prosecutors “If your office’s word is not its bond and we validate your position here, what is the lesson that emerges from beyond this case for all cases going forward in Pennsylvania? Do you understand my question?” he asked. His colleague, Justice Debra Todd,
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pronounced, “Castor closed the case.” Wecht followed by offering this take to prosecutors: “A sitting district attorney made a decision memorialized in a press release. You don’t like that; you being the successor office that is, but why does that not bind you as the successor office?” Justice Max Baer then said there’s little doubt that “Cosby didn’t have a fair trial,” adding that the five women who testified to uncharged, unproven and until recently, unknown allegations, were “extraordinarily prejudicial to Cosby.” WI
5 Bill Cosby/WI File Photo
DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 39
LIFESTYLE
Country Music Superstar Charley Pride Dead at 86 from COVID-19
‘Friday’ Films Star Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister Dies at 62 WI Staff Report Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who played the felon neighborhood bully Deebo in the 1995 film, “Friday,” and its “Next Friday” sequel, has died. He was 62. Lister was reportedly found dead Thursday at his apartment in Marina Del Ray, Calif., after friends’ attempts to contact him failed and a wellness check was issued. While the immediate cause of death remained unknown as of late Thursday, Lister may have died of natural causes, according to police. However, as reported by at least one media outlet, although the 6’5” foot actor who also played roles in several other films, was diagnosed earlier this year with COVID-19, he overcame the virus. The newspaper additionally reported that Lister, who was blind in his right eye since birth, had recently become sick with signs of breathing difficulty.
WI Staff Report
5 Tommy "Tiny" Lister (Photo by Glenn Francis of www. PacificProDigital.com)
Among those most devastated by Lister’s passing was rapper/actor/film writer and director Ice Cube, who had gotten to know him well through their work together on the two Friday movies. "RIP Tiny 'Deebo' Lister," Cube posted on the day of Lister's passing. "America's favorite bully was a born entertainer who would pop into character at the drop of a hat terrifying people on and off camera, followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already." WI
Charley Pride, the nation’s first Black country music superstar revered for his smash hit, “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” has died. He was 86. The Mississippi native died on Saturday, Dec. 12 due to complications from COVID-19. While he grew up idolizing country music icons such as Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubb, Pride’s father forbade him to become a country music singer, citing the tawdriness of the music. However, as Pride continued to embrace music from the Grand Ole Opry, it was at the request of singers Red Foley and Red Sovine who heard him singing a Hank Williams song that he headed to Nashville in 1962, according to CMT.com. Pride, who purchased his first
guitar from money earned picking cotton, was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. Listed among his most notable accomplishments were 29 No. 1 hits as well as recognition in 1971 as CMA Entertainer of the Year. WI
5 Charley Pride (Courtesy photo)
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Visit www.communityenergycenter.org to learn more. The Community Energy Center, a cooperative with the National Newspaper Publishers Association and National Association of Hispanic Publications Media, will provide information and perspectives on the integral role of the energy sector in daily life for American families in a wide range of communities.
40 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
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LIFESTYLE
Washington Informer Selected as Report for America Host Newsroom Staff Writer
The Washington Informer is proud to announce that it has been selected as a Report for America [RFA] host newsroom for 2021, joining 64 local newsrooms that will hire 300 reporters nationwide. An initiative of The GroundTruth Project, Report for America is a two-year program (with an option for three) that delivers a wide range of benefits to its corps members. Beyond paying up to half of the journalists’ salaries, it provides ongoing training and mentorship by leading journalists, peer networking and memberships to select professional organizations. “We are honored to participate in this program and proud that RFA was able to expand its reach to more diverse newsrooms and journalists throughout the country. We encourage local journalists interested in covering communities of color to apply to RFA by the January 31, 2021 deadline,” said Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer. “Report for America provides a unique opportunity for journalists to really sink their teeth into local, issue-oriented reporting that is missing from so many newsrooms today,” said Norman Parish, recruitment director, RFA. “Beyond talented reporters and photojournalists, we are looking for individuals who see journalism as a public service and want to make a difference within their communities.” Rolark Barnes said the journalist to be hired by The Washington Informer will focus on health issues and healthcare disparities in D.C. “COVID-19 is just another example of the disparities in healthcare, specifically in the African-American community,” she said. “It is our hope that through increased coverage that we will help to address this issue and find ways to contribute to building a healthier community.” “With the local news system shrinking, it’s important that we both put more and more reporters in the field – and that we help newsrooms that are working to-
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5 A few tools for a reporter. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)
ward becoming more sustainable and more grounded in the community,” said Steve Waldman, president, and co-founder of Report for America. “It’s particularly gratifying that newsrooms have, en masse, decided that they want to do better coverage of communities of color.” Daily and weekly newspapers, digital-only news outlets, radio and television stations are among the newsrooms chosen. Their applications, according to Walden, defined the most compelling gaps in coverage and plans to deploy corps members to fill those gaps. Walden said the team at RFA observed certain new patterns leading RFA to double the number of host newsrooms owned by people of color. Additionally, more locally-owned, for-profit news organizations were selected rather than news organizations owned by private equity firms or hedge funds. They also demonstrated a surge in demand from newsrooms to address previously neglected beats. “There is a growing awareness that the crisis in local journalism has everything to do with the crisis in our democracy but we believe trusted, local journalism breaks down barriers and brings people together. Supporting local news through Report for America is
part of the way forward – a way to restore civic engagement and respectful dialogue across the divides in our country,” said Charles Sennott, GroundTruth chief executive officer and co-founder of Report for America. “We can’t wait to work with our newsroom partners and our reporting corps to restore journalism from the ground up.” While Report for America is geared toward emerging journalists, it is also piloting a small “experienced corps” for 2021, with positions available for mid-to-latecareer journalists with eight or more years’ experience. Report for America, launched by The GroundTruth Project in the fall of 2017, looks to place 1,000 journalists into local newsrooms by 2024. It is supported in its efforts by several philanthropic leaders, including the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Facebook Journalism Project, Natasha and Dirk Ziff, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the Lumina Foundation, the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Heising-Simons Foundation, the Henry L. Kimelman Foundation, the Tow Foundation and the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation. WI
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 41
LIFESTYLE
Civil Rights Groups Urge Biden To Keep His Word On Top-Level Appointments By Jayjuan Jones and Hamil Harris Special to the Washington Informer President-elect Joe Biden has begun to announce some of his appointments for potential cabinet and transition team positions. However, his early selections to the Biden team have prompted some criticism.
Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), who is often credited with reviving Biden’s candidacy after endorsing him in the Democratic primary in South Carolina, is among the most notable to express concerns about Biden’s initial appointments. “I want to see where the process leads to, what it produces,” Clyburn told Juan Williams, a columnist for The Hill newspaper, in regard to the lack of diversity in his selections
currently. “But so far it’s not good.” These expressions from Clyburn and others, like NAACP President Derrick Johnson, indicated widespread concern in the civil rights community. Johnson had said on CNN that he was confused as to why Biden “has failed to confirm a meeting with the civil rights groups nearly a month after Election Day”.
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Due to the criticism about his current team picks, Johnson and representatives of a string of other civil rights groups met with Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Tuesday, Dec. 8. On the day before that meeting took place, the Biden administration announced that he has selected retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the former commander of U.S. Central Command, to be his secretary of defense. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black man to become secretary of defense. His other picks of African Americans include Rep. Marcia Fudge as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Linda Thomas-Greenfield, ambassador to the United Nations, and Cecilia Rouse as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers. But civil rights leaders, apparently pushing for secretary and director level positions, say Biden’s initial appointments and nominations are not enough. They push for appointments to additional key positions such as attorney general.
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The Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, said a Black attorney general is one of his requests given the effort by President Donald Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr to gut vot-
ing protections and Civil Rights. This has also been an explosive year for national protests against police shootings of Black people. “We need him to have an Attorney General that will immediately restore those consent decrees and immediately deal with the Voting Rights Act,” Sharpton said in a press briefing by the civil rights leaders following the meeting with Biden and Harris. “You can’t mourn John Lewis on one hand and not move to protect what he was fighting for and what he shed blood for on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.” An official with the Biden-Harris transition, speaking to The Hill, defended the team’s push for diversity, noting that 46 percent of all campaign staff were people of color and 52 percent were women. As well, Biden’s team noted that he is still in the early stages of appointments, having only named fewer than a quarter of the federal positions he plans to highlight.
‘REFRESHING’ COMMENTS
Both Biden and Harris told CNN’s Jake Tapper in a televised interview that they are simply “not finished yet” as Biden repeated his promise to appoint an administration with record level diversity that “looks like America.” After spending nearly two hours with Biden and Harris, the civil
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www.mhcdo.org 5 Gen. Lloyd Austin III (Courtesy photo)
42 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review "The Christmas Table" By Donna VanLiere
c.2020, St. Martin's Press $17.99 / $24.50 Canada / 240 pages
"Christmas at the Island Hotel" By Jenny Colgan
c.2020, William Morrow $15.99 / higher in Canada / 352 pages
horoscopes
DEC 17 - 23, 2020
ARIES You could be receiving spiritual messages today, but the message may be garbled. Like trying to make out small details on a foggy morning, it's important to wait until you have the entire message. What you are receiving today is just a piece. Don't take this message out of context; instead, file it away for later. Lucky Numbers: 6, 34, 39
"In a Holidaze" By Christina Lauren
TAURUS Two money houses come together for you in a difficult square. If you approach an opportunity from a fearful place, it could result in a misstep. The purpose of this aspect is to recognize you are co-creating with the universe. What you envision, you can manifest. But this is a two-edged sword, for envisioning fearful things can draw monsters. Lucky Numbers: 7, 25, 28
"The Twelve Dates of Christmas"
GEMINI Today, you could end up playing a game of telephone where each person passes along the message that degrades just a little bit each time. The final message has no resemblance to what was originally said. If you receive disturbing news, go find the source. It's likely something quite different was said. Lucky Numbers: 5, 11, 12
c.2020, Gallery Books / $16.00 / $22.00 Canada / 336 pages
By Jenny Bayliss c.2020, G.P. Putnam & Sons / $16.00 / $22.00 Canada / 368 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer
The forecast calls for snow this weekend. And that's perfectly fine with you – you've been binge-watching Christmas romances, and while it's easy to poke fun at them, they're like comfort food. Boy meets girl in a magically snowy place, girl hates boy, there's a dog or maybe a kid, and a tree and a handyman, some sort of funny mix-up, and love by movies' end. Predictable. Easily enjoyable, which is exactly what you want, so why not try these four Christmas romance books... Nothing says "holiday" more than people around a table at a big meal. In "The Christmas Table" by Donna VanLiere, a piece of furniture built fifty years ago by hand and with love lands in the home of a woman who was never mothered, but is about to become a mother herself. Once the table is in place, she finds a secret inside it, one that inspires her to think of the woman who owned that table so long ago. "The Christmas Table" isn't a boy-meets-girl kind of tale, but it's surely a love story all the same. With a pandemic about, and since you planned on staying in anyhow, how about visiting a Scottish hotel in "Christmas at the Island Hotel" by Jenny Colgan? In this novel, a new hotel is set to open by the holiday, and its proprietors are working hard to ensure everything's perfectly ready – and that includes hiring kitchen staff. One of those staff-members is a woman looking for a better life. The other, secretly, quietly, is a member of royalty. And to think you thought travel this Christmas was out of the question... For sure, a holiday isn't a holiday without laughter, so consider looking for "In a Holidaze" by Christina Lauren. It's the tale of a woman with a life she absolutely hates, the holidays aren't what they were when she was a child, and they're about to change even more. Driving away from the most disappointing, mistake-filled Christmas celebration she's ever had, she silently begs the universe for help – and she gets exactly what she wishes for. "In a Holidaze" is a fun, funny romance meant to quash any kind of holiday blues. And finally, appease your inner Christmas romantic with "The Twelve Dates of Christmas" by Jenny Bayliss. This is a girl-meets-boy, times a dozen as a woman who's tired of looking for love reluctantly agrees to try a new dating agency. There's twenty-three days to go until Christmas, though, and the question remains: will she even need mistletoe this year? If the TV commercials haven't yet nudged you toward the holidays, and the pandemic hasn't made you crave comfort, then you're in luck: Christmas romances are out in abundance, and these four are perfect, as addicting as frosted Christmas cookies and Mom's fudge. They'll put you in the right mood for lighting the tree, grabbing hot cocoa, finding a snuggly blanket, and reading in front of a warm, crackling fire. Indeed, with these four novels, the forecast for enjoyment is good. WI
CANCER After a challenging week, you can recognize how much stronger you have become over the course of this year. You've been able to adapt to new circumstances, pull together what you need, and create new opportunities for yourself. Take a little time today to celebrate your personal growth. Lucky Numbers: 10, 32, 46 LEO An adventure awaits, but you may be held back, thinking there's some piece of equipment or information you're lacking. This is an illusion, and by asking the right questions, you can find that you have everything you need to take this on. Like any illusion, you have to proceed forward, trusting yourself; it's only then that you feel there's solid ground beneath your feet. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 19 VIRGO Relationships can be hard and confusing, especially familial connections. Today can be especially difficult trying to communicate with siblings or cousins. Try to be extra-clear, and even then, it may not help. You may want to stick to backgammon or a Christmas movie marathon instead. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 50 LIBRA As much as you try to communicate what you want to others today, no one seems to understand or do things correctly. It's important today to not take this personally as Neptune is just obfuscating everything between you and others. Step back and wait to discuss plans on another day. Lucky Numbers: 29, 35, 59 SCORPIO You may feel enormous enthusiasm today about a project or creative opportunity, but use caution when committing your resources to this venture. Neptune can cause things to sparkle, blinding you to the trouble that may lie underneath. Take action today to be creative, but keep your wallet closed. Lucky Numbers: 16, 18, 57 SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius native, you are known for your eloquence and articulation, but today things could get quite muddy — especially regarding important discussions with family members. There can be miscommunications on both sides, and irritation may follow. Save any crucial conversations to another day. Lucky Numbers: 12, 14, 26 CAPRICORN You may be flooded with psychic impressions today or wake in the morning, remembering detailed dreams. But the message is garbled and confused. Put analysis aside. Let thoughts come and go without judgment. The information you're receiving will make more sense later in the week. Lucky Numbers: 5, 34, 48 AQUARIUS Miscommunication is very likely, especially around money matters and a dear friend. There may be some confusion about who's paying for what or how borrowed money is to be repaid. While you may have a plan to bring up this topic, today's aspect does not support a happy ending. Put communication about money and friendship on the back burner for now. Lucky Numbers: 10, 38, 49 PISCES It would behoove you to spend some time learning how to make connections with others through technology. Figure out videoconferencing, look into how to self-publish, or expand your email newsletter list. Don't shy away from technology, but incorporate it into your life in a way that's useful to you. You don't have to learn everything. Like learning a foreign language, you just need a few phrases to start off with. Lucky Numbers: 6, 23, 29
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 43
CAPTURE the moment
For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com
BLACK LIVES STILL MATTER On Sunday, Dec. 13, one day after a sign which read “Black Lives Matter” was destroyed by pro-Trump protesters on the grounds of an historic Black church in the District, its pastor, the Rev. Ianther Mills, had this to say: “We will put up a bigger sign.” The new sign, posted on the front door of the church, expresses the congregation’s solidarity: “We stand with you.” (Hamil Harris/The Washington Informer)
5 Antagonists set fire to the Black Lives Matter sign at Asbury Methodist Church in Northwest on December 12. (Screengrab)
44 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
SPORTS Washington Defense Shows Off in Road Victory over 49ers By Daniel Kucin Jr. WI Sportswriter danielkucin88 No Alex Smith, no problem. Despite losing Smith to a calf injury in the first half, the Washington Football Team relied on its stellar defense to gut out a 23-15 win against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 13 in Glendale, Ariz. Though Washington enjoyed a double-digit lead in the second half, the score didn’t indicate the type of game the Burgundy and Gold put together defensively, as neither Smith nor backup Dwayne Haskins could effectively move the ball downfield for the game’s duration. However, the 49ers did jump out to a quick seven-point lead as quarterback Nick Mullens led a seven-play, 52-yard drive with running back Jeff
Wilson punching it into the end zone from a yard out 33in the first quarter. Despite missing his first attempt before San Francisco’s initial scoring drive, Washington Football Team kicker Dustin Hopkins nailed a 51yard field goal with 5:50 remaining in the second quarter. Just two plays later, Washington rookie defensive lineman Chase Young forced Wilson to fumble, and defensive lineman Daron Payne scooped it up to regain possession. Hopkins booted through another field goal on the ensuing possession, cutting the deficit to one point after the drive fizzled out on the San Francisco 13-yard line. The game opened up for Washington with just two minutes remaining in the first half when Young made yet another huge play after Payne forced Mullens to fumble. The for-
mer DeMatha Catholic High School phenom picked up the rock and scampered into the end zone on a 47-yard return for a touchdown to take the lead for the first time in the game, 137. “I’m at a loss for words … I was just out there playing ball, and good things happened for me today,” said Young as he was on Facetime call with his mother during the press conference. “When I picked it up, I was like ‘I can’t go down, I gotta score.’” Washington tacked onto the lead on the opening drive of the second half when Hopkins hit a 21-yard field goal. Mullens and the 49ers threatened to score two offensive possessions later but an 11-play, 68-yard drive was interrupted by an errant pass to rookie safety Kamren Curl. The seventh-round draft pick not only lead his team in tackles but also made arguably the biggest play of the game by taking the interception 76 yards to paydirt as Washington extended their lead to 16 points near the end of the third quarter. However, Haskins (7-of-12, 57 yards) just couldn’t get it going and left a tired defensive unit to fend for themselves the rest of the way. “I’m grateful that we got a win,” said Haskins. “I’m not a finished product by any means, and I’m just trying to be as great as the guys that I watch on tv every day, and having somebody like Alex [Smith] in the room with me is a great example. He has been helping me out throughout this whole process.”
5 Washington Football Team defensive lineman Chase Young picked up a fumble and returned it 47-yards for a touchdown to take the lead for the first time in the game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 13. (Daniel Kucin Jr./The Washington Informer)
The 49ers defense held star wide receiver Terry McLaurin in check (two receptions, 24 yards), and J.D. McKissic only managed to muster 68 yards on the ground. Mullens bounced back on the next possession and hit four different receivers on a 60-yard scoring drive at the start of the fourth quarter after hitting fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a sixyard touchdown. Mullens was still hot after the score and found wide receiver Kendrick Bourne for a successful twopoint conversion attempt. Washington was losing steam and momentum as they punted on every single possession in the fourth quar-
African-American Stars Discuss ‘The Culture & Journey of the Black Baseball Player’ Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners and Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers earned American League and National League Rookie of the Year Awards, respectively, in 2020, marking the first time in 36 years two African Americans won the award in the same season. Doc Gooden of the New York Mets and the Mariners’ Alvin Davis were the last African-American duo to accomplish that feat in 1984. “It’s super special, man, especially with the tone of the country and the tone of the world right now. This has been going on for a while, so we’re always fighting to make our mark . . . give something for the commu-
nity to look up to,” stated Lewis, a talented outfielder who beat out White Sox outfielder Luis Robert and the Astros’ right-hander Cristian Javier for the award in the American League. “So, if I have the opportunity to expand my platform in that way, or just do something that people can look at and get on there and speak well, I just take a lot of pride in that. I know Devin does as well,” Lewis said. Lewis, teammate Justin Dunn, New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith and former manager and MLB Baseball Development Consultant Jerry Manuel participated in a discussion through “The Culture & Journey of the Black Baseball Player” powered by @MLBDevelops.
The special panel, moderated by Seattle Mariners play-by-play announcer Dave Sims, featured conversations about the group’s challenges and triumphs as Black men in both baseball and America. When questioned about what’s needed to attract more Black players to the sport, Lewis told Sims that baseball needs to embrace African-American culture. “Play, have fun with it, talk smack to each other,” he remarked. “If we can embrace that a little bit in a way that just makes it more of a safe place again to where we can just enjoy one another. I think when a kid watches, the kid will see, ‘okay, they’re not disrespecting the game, they’re playing the game hard, they’re playing the game the right way, but
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5 Dominic Smith of the New York Mets. (Photo courtesy D. Benjamin Miller via wikicommons)ton Informer)
they’re having a lot of fun with it, and they’re really being who they are,” Lewis said. Smith, who earned MVP votes in 2020 and led his teammates in Black Lives Matter protests, said tough
SPORTS Page 46
ter after that. The game finally came down to the last minute and some change when linebacker Jeff Bostic and cornerback Ronald Darby took down Bourne short of the sticks fourth and 12 to seal the game. Washington clocked the ball on the next possession and gave Mullens one last heave with one second remaining in the game as the Burgundy and Gold left with a 10-point victory. Washington (6-7) notched their fourth consecutive victory and now sits atop the NFC East Division once again by a narrow margin over the New York Giants, who lost to the Arizona Cardinals 26-7 most recently. Though it wasn’t pretty, the Washington Football Team must like what they have seen defensively up to this point this season as they prepare for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Seattle (9-4) blew out the New York Jets 40-3 as quarterback Russell Wilson had a field day, throwing for 206 yards and four touchdowns minus an interception. However, Seattle will match up against a Washington defense that turned two takeaways into points against the 49ers, accounted for 40 tackles, and got to the quarterback four times. Washington is now ranked fourth in the league in total defense, while Seattle is eighth in total offense in what shapes up to be a must-see showdown in Landover on Sunday. “It’s crazy how the season started; I mean, we were on an uphill start. We are trusting each other every week, and I feel like everyone can see that. We just keep rolling, and who knows how far we can go,” said Curl. WI
DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 45
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46 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
APPOINTMENTS from Page 42 rights leaders said in a virtual press briefing that a new day is breaking in terms of African Americans being in the White House after four hard years of Donald Trump. But they are taking a wait a “Today the seven of us spent approximately one hour and 45 minutes with President-elect Biden, Vice-President-Elect Harris and Assistant to the President Cedric Richmond, discussing a range of very important issues relative to the transition of the future Biden administration and the challenges that this nation faces,” said Marc Morial, president/CEO of the National Urban League, who led the briefing after the meeting. “We talked extensively about the need for there to be a diverse cabinet, subcabinet and presidential appointments,” Morial said. “The president-elect said that he intends to make history when it comes to the appointment of African Americans and Hispanics to his cabinet and his subcabinet…and while we will not judge the ultimate outcome, to me it was refreshing to hear.”
OTHER CONCERNS
Also at the meeting were NAACP President Derrick Johnson; Sharpton; Sherrilyn Ifill president and director-counsel of the NAACP Le-
SPORTS from Page 45 conversations on Blacks in baseball must continue. “Keep pushing that conversation forward with our peers and with the front office,” Smith said. “I know we (the New York Mets) just got a new owner, and they’ve already reached out and commended me on my stance and how I feel. They let me know I have their full support and they want to bring more diverse opportunities for the community of New York.” During the interview, Smith told Sims that his mother taught him to respect people – everyone. “I treat people with the utmost respect because that’s what I want them to do to me,” the slugging Mets first basement declared. “So, to just see people to be treated as wrong or with disrespect just because of our skin color or where we come from or the type of fashion we like or the type of music we listen to … me personally, I just wasn’t raised like that.”
Johnson said, “I am encouraged that this will be an ongoing dia-
logue and that racial equity will be a priority. We dedicated people who report directly to the president just like in cooperate America…It is important for our democracy to work for everyone and not just certain people.” Ifill said that she emphasized to the President-elect about having a “civil rights agenda that would focus on voting and policing and I also raised the issue of what is happening in our prisons today in terms of COVID. We need a strong Attorney General who has a demonstrated record of criminal justice reform as well as civil rights.” In terms of the federal bench, not just at the Supreme Court, “but to think that the reforms that are needed throughout the federal judicial system. I think the President-elect and the Vice President-elect clearly listened,” Ifill added. Clarke concluded, “Under the Trump administration Black people have been silenced, marginalized and ignored. This meeting was intended to make clear that racial justice must be at the center of the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to confronting the profound problems that we face in the nation. This meeting was intended to ensure that Black people will be listened to and this administration will respect our dignity and humanity. WI
Dunn, who the Mets dealt to the Mariners in a 2018 deal, was asked about reactions and conversations following the civil unrest in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis. “We were fortunate enough to have a clubhouse, top to bottom, that understood. We’re a pretty tight family and pretty close,” Dunn noted. “Kyle and I were fortunate enough, along with all the other young African-American players to have some older, veteran presence in [teammates] Dee Gordon and Taijuan Walker who were able to speak up and have those conversations not only with our teammates, but with upper management and ownership. I know myself and I’m sure Kyle is extremely grateful for everything the Mariners did and how open they were for having our back and giving us the ability to speak and getting our message be heard,” Dunn said. Manuel added how grateful he is that today’s young African-American players can speak out.
He recalled his rookie season in the big leagues in 1972. “We had to stay on the different sides of the tracks. There were three Black players,” Manuel exclaimed. “We couldn’t stay where everybody else stayed. But you know what? We welcomed it.” After his playing career ended, Manuel spent nine seasons managing the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets. He offered some regret for not doing more to help other Black potential managers get a shot. “Sometimes I fault myself for not bringing someone else alongside me to take my spot. Rather than be comfortable, being the only ... I think that’s a dangerous place to be as a Black man,” Manuel said. “Trying to say, well, I’m the only announcer, I’m the only this, I’m the only that. That means I have fallen into the apparatus trap. I haven’t become myself and I haven’t brought my people with me.” WI
gal Defense Fund, Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights; and Melanie Campbell, president/CEO of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation. “There has been diversity with President-elect Biden’s initial appointments but before Rep Marcia Fudge was appointed to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development today there had not been any woman of color appointed to a statuary cabinet post,” said Campbell, also convenor of the Black Women’s Roundtable. Campbell added that one of her top concerns is how people of color are being treated in the COVID-19 pandemic. “They need to look at the issue of implicit bias in terms of how they are screening people during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Campbell said. “I shared my own story with President -elect Biden of being a COVID-19 survivor and how after sent home with Tylenol only to be back in the hospital the next day in ICU.”
ONGOING DIALOGUE
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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Put Your Thoughts Into Action!
The year 2020, called the year of clear vision, has helped every one of us see much clearer exactly who we are! While locked down for the past eight months, some have lost weight, and others have gained. This has been a time for us to make the best of our lives, making changes in our lifestyles, such as the foods we eat, losing weight, exercising, just working on our overall appearance. However, this requires us to put our thought into action. What good is a positive thought if it goes into one side of our brain and out the other side? Every building, every home, your computer, TV, cellphone, lights, cars, boats — everything around you began with a thought, someone's idea! Build your life with positive thoughts, and understand that negative thoughts are not from God. Grow your thoughts, using the faith you have, based on your understanding. Study something about yourself, observe when you feel excited about what you're doing, and also notice
when you absolutely hate what you must do. You won't be able to skip everything you don't like doing, but this is a measuring stick for you to figure out what you can turn into your major, definite purpose. There is a story of a bamboo tree, he parable of the Chinese bamboo tree teaches us lessons about patience, faith, perseverance, growth and development and, importantly, human potential. Like any plant, to flourish, the Chinese bamboo tree requires nurturing — water, fertile soil, sunshine. In the first year, there are no visible signs of activity or development. In the second year, again, no growth above the soil. And the third and fourth, still no signs. Patience is tested and we begin to wonder if our efforts will ever be rewarded. Finally in the fifth year — voila! There is growth … and what growth it is! The Chinese bamboo tree grows 80 feet in just six weeks! Those of you who become impatient and want things right now, and you simply don't believe and trust that God is working underground, doing things you don't even know about, you will miss out on tremendous blessings. Thoughts you hold create your belief. Your actions create your results. Take a pen and paper and create your destiny. Build an image of the life you want. See yourself in that image. There will be some gaps, but do
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
your very best to see the life you wish to live. That's called walking by faith and not by sight. We must see, feel and believe that we can have whatever it is we are seeing in our thoughts. The clearer your vision becomes, the more likely you will be able to make your dream come true. See every single step you must take. Just walk in the direction of your dream. Know why and what your purpose is. You are more than your idea. Redefine what it is you want. Think from a believing point of view. Shortterm decisions that have long-term effects do not have to shape your future. Overcome and achieve so much more! For instance, Tawana Williams, who was born without arms, wrote a book called "Unarmed But Dangerous"! Look her up. There are unlimited possibilities of things you can do to put yourself in the right state of mind. Fall in love with what you want to be, do or have. Become emotionally involved with what you want to happen. It's never too late to change your life. Ask yourself, where do I want to go from here? What is something I could do, should do, and if I would do this will make me get closer to my goal? What you focus on becomes the strongest, as long as you have the faith of a mustard seed. WI
John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
(301) 864-6070
Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com
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DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 47
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Blessed Word of Life Church
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org
St. Stephen Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”
Third Street Church of God
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor 800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax
Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net
St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM
Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM
Crusader Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM
48 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
themcbc.org
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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org
St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon
All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards
Israel Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org
Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42
New Commandment Baptist Church
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”
Peace Baptist Church
4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net
Christ Embassy DC
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “
Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 49
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2020 ADM 000615
2020 ADM 000351
2020 ADM 000647
Ronald Simmons aka Isaiah Ronald Simmons Decedent
Earma V. Jackson Decedent
Karen D. King aka Karen Denise King Decedent
LEGAL NOTICES
Darrell M. Jackson Personal Representative
Evelyn W. King Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: “Shedaricka Tonja Jefferson©’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ”JEFFERSON,SHEDARICKA TONJA©’, corp.sole Dba.: “SHEDARICKA TONJA JEFFERSON©”, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to the The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constistution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish Amercian. I am that I am: “Shedaricka Tonja Jefferson©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality /Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “shedaricka tonja jefferson el©”. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Persons. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV ), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, STATE OF TEXAS, BIRTH NUMBER : #142-69-222363, “SHEDARICKA TONJA JEFFERSON©”, to the depositor: “shedaricka tonja jefferson el©”, nom deguerre: “Shedaricka Tonja Jefferson©”. All property, of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: “shedaricka tonja jefferson el© “, nom deguerre: “Shedaricka Tonja Jefferson©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “Shedaricka Tonja Jefferson El Trust©”, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / done / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2020 ADM 000631
2020 ADM 000694
2020 ADM 330
2020 ADM 000655
Samuel J. Frazier aka Samuel Johnson Frazier Decedent
Florence Ramsey Decedent
Jean Marie Abbott Decedent
Nakia Gray, Esq. 800 Maine Ave., SW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20020 Attorney
Shari G. Kleiner 5614 Connecticut Ave., NW #107 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Shanequa Terry, whose address is 95 Flower Road, Valley Stream, NY 11581, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald Simmons aka Isaiah Ronald Simmons who died on May 28, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 3, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 3, 2021, 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: 12/3/2020 Shanequa Terry Personal Representative
Nakia Gray, Esq. 800 Maine Ave., SW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20024 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Darrell M. Jackson, whose address is 414 Webster Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Earma V. Jackson who died on November 22, 2017 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 3, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 3, 2021, 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: 12/3/2020
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW #400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Vivian Frazier, whose address is 403 Peabody St., NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Samuel J. Frazier aka Samuel Johnson Frazier who died on 7/28/2008 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/3/2021. 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 6/3/2021, 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.
Clarence Ramsey, Jr., whose address is 8534 Coltrane Ct., Ellicott City, MD 21043, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Florence Ramsey who died on April 24, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/3/2021. 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 6/3/2021, 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: 12/3/2020 Vivian Frazier Personal Representative
Date of first publication: 12/3/2020 Clarence Ramsey, Jr. Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
50 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Evelyn W. King, whose address is 6100 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD 20740, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Karen D. King aka Karen Denise King who died on 12/24/2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/3/2021. 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 6/3/2021, 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: 12/3/2020
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Shari G. Kleiner, whose address is 5614 Connecticut Ave., NW #107, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean Marie Abbott who died on October 5, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/3/2021. 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 6/3/2021, 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.
Doris B. Barnes Decedent Cheryl Chapman Henderson, Esq. 4920 Niagara Road, Suite 200 College Park, MD 20740 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS N. Kurt Barnes, whose address is 201 West 70th Street, #11J, New York, NY 10023, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris B. Barnes who died on July 24, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/10/2021. 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 6/10/2021, 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: 12/10/2020
Date of first publication: 12/3/2020
N. Kurt Barnes Personal Representative
Shari G. Kleiner Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Washington Informer
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of White Flag Surrender Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: '' Hazine Chermon Chery '', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: "CHERY, HAZINE CHERMON", corp.sole Dba.: " HAZINE CHERMON CHERY", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Taino Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea AI Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Taino Moorish American. I am that I am: '' Hazine Chermon Chery '', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality/ Status/ Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " zin rae' el ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA, Dba: Health, Florida Department of, Dba: Vital Statistics, Dba: STATE OF FLORIDA,: Birth No.: 109-82-071805, '' Hazine Chermon Chery'', is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Hazine Chermon Chery Trust". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact (including HAZINE C CHERY C.U.S.I.P. # 316145812, HAZINE C CHERY C.U.S.I.P.# 316203850, any notes, bonds, or other evidences of indebtedness or obligations, and/ or any security/ derivative in connection thereof) , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor/ Beneficiary/ Bailor/ Donor/ Principal/ Creditor: " zin rae' el© ",nom deguerre: "Hazine Chermon Chery©", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: "Hazine Chermon Chery Trust", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary/ trustee/ agent/ bailee/ donee/ debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. All open accounts (future accounts included) shall be recorded during a regular course of business as Closed Accounts and/ or Offset Accounts to which no further additions can be made on either side, but which remains still open for adjustment and set-off (One of two accounts that balance against each other and cancel each other out when the books are closed). Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved.
2020 ADM 000725 Gerald R. Watson Decedent Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kimberly L. Watson, whose address is 243 Savannah Street, SE, Apt. D, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gerald R. Watson who died on December 13, 2018 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/10/2021. 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 6/10/2021, 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: 12/10/2020 Kimberly L. Watson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: '' Eric Christopher Darden © '', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " DARDEN, ERIC CHRISTOPHER©", corp.sole Dba.: " ERIC CHRISTOPHER DARDEN ©". Being trustee of “DARDEN, ERIC JOSIAH©”, corp.sole Dba.: “ERIC JOSIAH DARDEN©” and ‘‘ DARDEN, ELIJAH CALIPH© ’’, corp.sole Dba.: ‘‘ ELIJAH CALIPH DARDEN© ’’, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Taino Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea AI Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Taino Moorish American. I am that I am: '' Eric Christopher Darden © '', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality/ Status/ Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " eric christopher el ©". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: [1] THE CITY OF NEW YORK, VITAL RECORDS CERTIFICATE BIRTH NO. 156-82-333657, ‘‘ERIC CHRISTOPHER FIELDS©”, [2] The State of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Health Department, REGISTERED NUMBER: V1568596, CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 201814205, ‘‘ERIC JOSIAH DARDEN©’’ and [3] The State of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Health Department, REGISTERED NUMBER: V1568598, CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 201917055, ‘‘ELIJAH CALIPH DARDEN©’’ is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Eric Christopher El Express Trust ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor/ Beneficiary/ Bailor/ Donor/ Principal/ Creditor: " eric christopher el© ",nom deguerre: " Eric Christopher Darden ©", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: "Eric Christopher El Express Trust", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary/ trustee/ agent/ bailee/ donee/ debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. All Rights Reserved.
LEGAL NOTICES SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF BERNALILLO STATE OF NEW MEXICO RICHARD MERCADO, Plaintiff, v. No. D.202.CV.2020.06257 GROUP ONE: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE FOLLOWING: LEE L. HOFER, deceased, and ESTHER M. HOFER, deceased, GROUP TWO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JOSE RUBEN MERCADO-SANTIAGO, deceased, GROUP THREE: ALL UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS OF INTEREST IN THE PREMISES ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFF AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSON WHO MAY HAVE CLAIM OF LIEN, INTEREST OR TITLE ADVERSE TO THE PLAINTIFFS, Defendants. FILED 2ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Bernalillo County 12/1/2020 11:42 AM CLERK OF THE COURT Luke Tessman NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF SUIT STATE OF NEW MEXICO to THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JOSE RUBEN MERCADO-SANTIAGO, deceased, GREETINGS: You are hereby notified that Richard Mercado, the abovenamed Plaintiff have filed a civil action against you in the above-entitled Court and cause, the general object thereof being quiet title to property located at 3905 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Unless you enter your appearance in this cause within thirty (30) days of the date of the first publication of this Notice, December 11, 2020, judgment by default will be entered against you.
Dated: 12/1/2020
PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF CLAIM TO PROPERTY Public Notice No. Date Closing Date 199500939 11/16/20 12/25/2020 THIS IS NOTICE AND A CONTRACT IN ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION (1) LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, according to law that a Superior Claim of rights under Section 8-105 NOTICE OF ADVERSE CLAIM. Section 3-306 CLAIMS TO AN INSTRUMENT. Section 1-308 reservation of rights of the Uniformed Commercial Code. Pursuant to Section 20-343 of the Code of the District of Columbia. We the family hereby giving notice to all parties claiming interest in the ESTATE OF BETTY ROY OSBORNE property known as: 2608 17th street N.E. Washington, D.C. 20018 (LOT 826 SQUARE 4127) NOTICE TO AGENT IS NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL, NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO AGENT. Take a moment to read this before you proceed any further. I do not wish to communicate under any circumstances excluding federal judicial review THIS LEGAL NOTICE IS TO ADDRESS ALL PARTIES IN THE NATURE OF A MIRANDA WARNING TAKE DUE HEED OF ITS CONTENTS. IF, FOR ANY REASON, YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND ANY OF THESE REGULATIONS, STIPULATIONS AND WARNINGS. This notice is to inform all parties that a superior claim to said property as exists and if any person, party, officers of the court, law enforcement officers including representatives, agents, contractors as defined in black’s law dictionary has a superior claim that you wish to communicate in writing, signed under the penalty of perjury as required by your law, and as shown in this instrument. all parties claiming an interest superior to affiant as required by law to respond within (30) days to 2608 17th street N.E. Washington, D.C. 20018, Your failure to timely do so leaves said persons in position of accepting full responsibility for any and all liabilities for monetary damages incurred by affiant, as indicated herein, by any adversely affected injuries cause by your overt or covert actions/ omissions, and/ or the actions/omissions of your fellow public officers and agents in this and/or any relevant matters as described herein. (2)YOUR FAILURE TO TIMELY RESPOND WITHIN ALLOTED TIMEFRAME you have (30) days from the date of this document is posted by the clerk of the public record to respond and rebut the presumptions of this contract/notice point by point, by submitting to me signed, certified, authenticated documents of the laws that rebut these presumptions point by point ,on and for the public record under the penalties of the law including perjury. this notice is to all responsible parties, i.e. officers of the court, Real Estate Agents, Brokers, Investors and or law enforcement officers including local, state , region, area, country, corporation, representatives, contractors, agencies and any such entity or person that may bring any type of action, whether civil, criminal, contract to purchase, contract to represent by agent or other, against affiant or in effort to buy, transfer or convey said property known as: 2608 17th street N.E. Washington, D.C. 20018 (LOT 826 SQUARE 4127) NOTICE TO AGENT IS NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL, NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO AGENT. Whether in this country, state, region, area, county, corporation, federal zone, or any venue and or/ jurisdiction. Your failure to timely rebut the statements and warnings herein constitute your complete tacit agreement with all regulations and stipulations contained herein. your presumptions that I, the undersigned am a “corporate fiction” or “legal entity” and under your corporate “united states” jurisdiction and The District of Columbia are now and forever rebutted. Furthermore, affiant reserves all rights reserved UCC 1-308, UCC 1-103 all rights reserved to sue such persons in a court of law for all monetary damages, liabilities and/or adversely affected injuries. Said NOTICE declares right to discovery to know if there is in fact any claim, rights or objection by way of sale, exchange, mortgage, charge, gift, maintenance, inheritance, possession, lease, tenancy, sub-tenancy, lien, license, hypothecation, transfer of title or beneficial interest under any trust right of prescription or pre-emption or under an agreement or other disposition or under any decree etc. Falling which the negotiations shall be completed, without any reference to such claims and the claims if any, shall be deemed to have been given up or waived. Affiant: c/o Mr. Osborne, Saladin (Secured Party) Location: 2608 17th street N.E. Washington, D.C. 20018 Lot 826 Square 4127 Purpose: All parties NOTICE This 16th Day of our Lord in the year 2020. _________________________________________ ______________________________ Saladin Osborne (Secured Party) Notary Public
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: '' Sully Federico Pimentel Pereyra© '', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " PEREYRA, SULLY FEDERICO PIMENTEL", corp.sole Dba.: " SULLY FEDERICO PIMENTEL PEREYRA©". Beign trustee of “PIMENTEL, SOPHIA STELLA©”, corp. sole Dba.: “SOPHIA STELLA PIMENTEL©”, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Taino Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea AI Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Taino Moorish American. I am that I am: '' Sully Federico Pimentel Pereyra© '', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality/ Status/ Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " mack el ©". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: [1] THE CITY OF NEW YORK, VITAL RECORDS CERTIFICATE BIRTH NO. 156-83-100920, ‘‘ SULLY FEDERICO PIMENTEL PEREYRA© ”, [2] The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, REGISTERED NUMBER: 865, STATE FILE NUMBER: 064122,”SOPHIA STELLA PIMENTEL©” is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Mack El Trust". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor/ Beneficiary/ Bailor/ Donor/ Principal/ Creditor: " mack el© ",nom deguerre: "Sully Federico Pimentel Pereyra©", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: "Mack El Trust", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary/ trustee/ agent/ bailee/ donee/ debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. All Rights Reserved.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2020 ADM 000742
2020 ADM 000735
2020 ADM 000738
Renee Carol Schilhab Decedent
Theodore C. Wade Decedent
Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney
Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
Lueella Grant Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Regina Payton, whose address is 261 Hawaii Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lueella Grant who died on March 18, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/17/2021. 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 6/17/2021, 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: 12/17/2020 Regina Payton Personal Representative
2020 ADM 000728 Estate of Julia Williams NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Elmore Manuel Williams and Deborah Cason Daniel 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 10/31/1986 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise In the absence of a Will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative Date of first publication: 12/17/2020 Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 503 D. St., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
2020 ADM 000743 William Alexander Benavides Decedent Nakia Gray, Esq. 800 Maine Ave, SW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20024 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Milagro de Los Angeles Benavidez, whose address is 328 Allison Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Alexander Benavides who died on June 18, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/17/2021. 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 6/17/2021, 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: 12/17/2020 Milagro de Los Angeles Benavidez Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Stanton Barbour Bullock, whose address is 5036 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Renee Carol Schilhab who died on June 14, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 17, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 17, 2021, 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.
Mark V. Wade, whose address is 1820 Upshur Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theodore C. Wade who died on August 27, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 17, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 17, 2021, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: December 17, 2020
Date of first publication: December 17, 2020
Stanton Barbour Bullock Personal Representative
Mark V. Wade Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020 51
CL ASSIFIEDS
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.
2020 ADM 000758 Pauline Gray aka Pauline Adams Gray Decedent Gerald R. Belton, Esq. 12607 LaGrange Court Fort Washington, MD 20744 Attorney
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Augustus Pannell, whose address is 13801 Palmer House Way, Silver Spring, MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Pauline Gray aka Pauline Adams Gray who died on 5/19/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 17, 2021. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 17, 2021, 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.
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Date of first publication: December 17, 2020 Augustus Pannell Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2020 ADM 000777
2020 ADM 000751
Venious Aster Parker, Sr. Decedent
Eleanor Merryman Hardy aka Eleanor Hardy Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Venious Parker, Jr., whose address is 1131 3rd Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Venious Aster Parker, Sr., who died on September 13, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/17/2021. 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 6/17/2021, 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: 12/17/2020 Venious Parker, Jr. Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Randolph Willson Hardy, whose address is 2829 Connecticut Ave., NW #413, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eleanor Merryman Hardy aka Eleanor Hardy who died on September 8, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/17/2021. 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 6/17/2021, 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: 12/17/2020 Randolph Willson Hardy Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
52 - DECEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
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PRINCE from Page 38 things that bein’ in love’s about.” Then, on “Hot Thing,” he demands: “Hot thing, maybe you should give your folks a call/Hot thing, tell them you’re going to the Crystal Ball/Hot thing, tell them you’re coming home late if you’re coming home at all.” And on one of the most memorable love songs ever written, Prince introduces “Adore.” “Until the end of time, I’ll be there for you/ You own my heart, and mind/I truly adore you/ If God one day struck me blind, your beauty I’ll still see/ Love is too weak to define, just what you mean to me.” “Boys are cocky. “Sign O’ the Times” was an album made by a grown man,” Susan Rogers, Prince’s sound engineer from 1983 to 1987, told the BBC. “The charts had moved on, and hip-hop was taking over. There was a world outside his door; there was restlessness; there was curiosity; there was the AIDS epidemic,” Rogers recalled. The BBC wondered whether “Sign o’ The Times” should be considered the greatest album ever made. Michaelangelo Matos wrote for Rolling Stone in 2004 that the album represented “the most complete example of Prince’s artistry’s breadth and arguably the finest album of the 1980s.” Music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote, “Prince utilizes a palette of genres, from bare-bones electro-funk and smooth soul to pseudo-psychedelic pop and crunching hard rock, touching on gospel, blues and folk along the way.” Don McLeese of the Chicago SunTimes proclaimed Prince’s performance on “Sign o’ the Times” as “a one-man show, a tour de force and a combination that pop’s former prodigy has come of age.” And Robert Christgau of the acclaimed Village Voice in New York heaped this praise on “Sign o’ the Times,” saying: “The most gifted pop musician of his generation proving what a [man] he is for two discs start to finish. Prince’s one-man-band tricks and multi-tracked vocals make Stevie Wonder sound like a struggling ventriloquist. The objects of his desire are also objects of interest, affection and respect.” Writer’s note: Take a break from the pandemic and do yourself a favor and revisit “Sign o’ the Times.” You’ll be glad you did. WI
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MALVEAUX from Page 30 tary of Labor? Bernie Sanders would like the position and is highly qualified for it. But so, too, is Thea Lee, president of the Economic Policy Institute, or Bill Spriggs, an African American labor economist who was an assistant secretary under President Obama. What about the attorney general? Of the four front-runners, only one, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, is African American. There are opportunities for the Cabinet to be younger, more progressive and more diverse. President-elect Biden has to consider their concerns. For a week or so, I've been encouraging patience, telling people we need to wait to see "the whole thing" of this Cabinet. But I'm reminded (thank
MORIAL from Page 30 appointed to her seat by Gov. Brian Kemp last year, and challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr.'s former congregation. They will also choose between incumbent David Purdue, a businessman first elected to the seat in 2014, and challenger Jon Ossoff. The results will determine which party controls the Senate for the next two years. If the challengers win, the Senate will be split 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris able to cast a tie-breaking vote. In other words, the elections will determine whether the Biden agenda will receive a fair hearing or face a level of obstructionism unprecedented until Barack Obama's presidency. The outcome of these elections
JEALOUS from Page 30 in the city's history. In North Carolina, Ricky Hurtado became the first Latino Democrat to be elected to the state legislature and Nida Allam was elected to the Durham County Commission, making her the first Muslim woman elected to any office in the state. Rebecca Mitchell was part of the success story in Georgia this year. She was elected to House District 106, unseating the powerful Republican House Ways and Means Committee chairman. In addition to the importance of putting a diverse group of talent-
you, Congressman Jim Clyburn) of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s book, "Why We Can't Wait," that Black people are always waiting, always being cautioned to be patient, always being told that it is not yet time for our concerns to be addressed. We have been cautioned on patience by both our friends and by those who would oppose us. President-elect Joe Biden still has selections to make, and he can make them younger and more diverse. I'd also encourage him to speak up about the racism that has increased in our streets with these "Proud Boys" defacing Washington, D.C., churches and roaming through our streets picking fights with people. We need a strong voice to stand against this racism. It wouldn't nec-
essarily come from the mainstream, moderate and middling. Those like the so-called Proud Boys (what are they proud of?) aren't likely to listen to Biden since they've been given the thumbs-up by the tantrum-throwing loser who can't figure out how to concede this election. But President-elect Biden would be well advised to speak firmly about this racism. Perhaps he should, as NAACP President Derrick Johnson said, appoint a race czar, just as he has selected the climate czar in John Kerry. In any case, the middling and the moderate, those who enjoy the status quo, aren't the ones to fix a mess that has been brewing for more than 400 years. President-elect Biden has never been especially bold, but this is a moment for boldness. WI
will determine whether Congress passes a coronavirus stimulus bill that provide more aid for struggling businesses, jobless workers or cities and states facing massive layoffs of front-line workers like police, firefighters, health care workers and teachers. President-elect Biden's proposed COVID-19 response plan calls for expanding coronavirus testing resources and increasing the country's capacity to make personal protective equipment by leveraging the Defense Production Act. He has also backed legislation that would create a separate COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force. The outcome of these elections will determine the future of the Affordable Care Act. At risk is the insurance coverage for 20 million Americans who have gained coverage either through the exchanges or through the expansion of Medicaid.
Millions more are facing the loss of coverage because of preexisting conditions — including, possibly, the more than 16 million who have been infected with coronavirus. These elections could determine the future of the Voting Rights Act. It has been almost a year since the House passed the Voting Rights Restoration Act, which would reinstate the parts of the act that were stripped out by the Supreme Court in 2013. The bill has been stranded in the Senate. Also stranded in the Senate has been the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a plan to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve by addressing systemic racism and bias. For more information about the Georgia runoff elections, including key dates, go to www.ReclaimYourVote.org. WI
ed people in office, the excitement generated by these candidates can have "up-ballot" effects — boosting congressional and presidential candidates by increasing turnout. According to TIME, part of the story in Georgia this year, where Next Up endorsed 17 candidates was "unprecedented youth voter turnout." The success of so many young progressive leaders is a hopeful affirmation that America's future does not belong to white supremacists or politicians who try to delegitimize and disenfranchise Black voters. Our future belongs to Americans who embrace our destiny as a diverse, multiracial,
multicultural democracy. We all know that everyone doesn't share that vision. Some are fighting it tooth and nail. One of the most harmful legacies of the Trump era is the way that he energized extremists and created a climate in which people could feel comfortable expressing their bigotry. Those are all reasons why it is so important that we invest in young people who have a clear sense of where we are, where we need to go, and what it will take to get us there. We can't wait to see the great things these young winners will accomplish in the years ahead. WI
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LEOBR shields officers from discipline by stating that a police officer can only be disciplined after a mini-trial is conducted, with fellow officers as the judges. It's an absurd way to run a workplace. It is precisely because law enforcement officers have so much power over people they are supposed to serve — including legally killing them and depriving people of their liberty — that we cannot shield them from discipline. If LEOBR is repealed, officers would still have the same employment rights as any other state or local government employee. As for a use of force policy, the statewide coalition agrees that a good one should have clear definitions of lethal and non-lethal force. Statistics have shown police are twice as likely to threaten or use force against Black and Latinx people than against white people, which is why creating an enforce-
JACKSON from Page 31
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AMANUEL from Page 31
effectiveness. Biden should seek to revive the commission. He should appoint a new director of national stature, and commit the resources needed to rebuild the staff and the functions of the commission. He should seek new legislation to give the president power to nominate the commissioners, investing them with greater authority. An active commission could help spearhead the investigations and reforms vital to addressing civil and human rights in this country. It could review
ASKIA from Page 31 feat! Not even the three justices he appointed to the Supreme Court backed his baseless, preposterous claims! The final treason came when the attorney general of Texas — clearly pandering and sucking up for a pardon in the face of a five-year federal investigation into his own corruption — filed suit against the states of Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, alleging that the certified election results in those states be thrown out, and that despite the overwhelming will of the voters expressed at the ballot box in an open and free and fair election, Trump should be declared president. They demonstrated openly that nothing — not the will of the voters, not the Constitution — should stand in the way of them holding on to power, because in those "suspect" states, the overwhelming majority of Black voters
able use of force policy for Maryland is so necessary. This same systematic racism that pervades our policing system also trickles down to school police, called school resource officers. In Maryland, Black students make up 56% of school-based arrests statewide, even though they are only about a third of the student population. This is a gross disparity. Getting the police out of our children's schools is just one way we can curb the over-policing of Black and brown children. Children shouldn't be treated like criminals for doing immature, childlike acts. Fortunately, we can do better by our children and provide them with counseling and restorative approaches — all methods that have been proven to foster better behavior. To move closer to a better future for Black children in Maryland, police should no longer be walking the halls of our children's schools. McKayla Wilkes, a leader and activ-
ist in the community, spoke out against school resource officers. She has personally been affected by SROs while she was in school. "I was put on probation for skipping school," Wilkes said. "Instead of them offering me an ear, resources or someone to talk to, I was taken to jail. … What is it going to take to get these resource officers out of our schools? It's only a matter of time before a situation that happens on the streets happens in our classrooms. These officers are armed. These are the same officers from the same police departments that are killing Black people." Policies that don't fundamentally change the institution of law enforcement are simply Band-Aids on a corrupt system founded in white supremacy. Impactful steps are urgently needed to protect Black communities from police violence. Together, we can reimagine policing and finally begin to repair the decadeslong harm the police have done to Black communities. WI
how civil rights legislation should be updated to address the challenges of a much more diverse country. It could hold hearings on voter suppression and gerrymandering — and on reviving the Voting Rights Act — to bring public attention to what is a growing problem. It could investigate the challenge of reforming police forces into effective agencies of public safety. What's clear is that no department or bureau of government can undertake this effort. Each has its own sphere of authority and concern. Inter-agency efforts are cumbersome and seldom effective.
An independent commission could in fact serve the function Eisenhower envisioned — providing a central monitoring agency across the broad range of civil rights concerns and helping to define the next generation of reforms. As the new president selects the officials that will work to fulfill his pledges of civil rights and criminal justice reform, and as he formulates his initial package of administrative and legislative actions, he would be wise to include revival of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights as a central element in that agenda. WI
in Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia and Milwaukee who chose Trump's opponent Joe Biden were all fraudulent and had to be nullified! Had that maneuver prevailed, there would be no reason to consider the United States anything resembling a "democratic republic." That concept would have simply been tossed into the trash heap, and the Trumpified Republikkkan Party will have prevailed. Period. After their defeat, the sore losers — including those from the mythical states of "New California" and "New Nevada," suggested that they should bond with other "law-abiding states" and should "form a Union," or better a new Confederacy. They should secede. These fiends will not give up. They lost at Appomattox in 1865, but despite the Reconstruction, they did not give up. Their like-minded Nazi brethren lost again in Europe in 1945. They
lost the Second Reconstruction when the civil rights movement dismantled apartheid from the lawbooks in this country in 1954 (though it remains in practice). They will not surrender, concede. Their ultra-right-wing GOP standard-bearer Barry Goldwater was humiliated in the 1964 presidential election. Richard Nixon took up his mantle, only to later be disgraced and shamed from office. Then came Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush, and finally, Donald J. Trump, who almost, almost pulled off the final fascist coup. They are relentless. They are like the Terminator in the movie. Every atom of their being is aimed for white domination. And trust me, they will try again. Donald J. Trump may have been defeated — this time — but Trumpism is far from dead. WI
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