31 minute read
Around the Region
SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY
www.washingtoninformer.com
Visit our updated Web site and give us your comments for a chance to win a gift from The Washington Informer
Email comments to: rburke@ washingtoninformer.com
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. PeriodiPUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF cals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and adTheWashington Informer Newspaper D. Kevin McNeir, Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor vertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Dorothy Rowley, Online Editorof addresses to The Washington InformTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper er, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without weekly on Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Ron Taylor, Copy Editor written permission from the publisher. The Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Tatiana Moten, Social Media SpecialistInformer Newspaper cannot guarantee the Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER:Send change of addressAngie Johnson, Circulationreturn of photographs. Subscription rates es to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, REPORTERS are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. photographs. Subscription rates are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers will be received Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince THE WASHINGTON INFORMERnot more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E George’s County Writer), Jacqueline Fuller, Hamil Harris, Daniel Kucin, D. Kevin McNeir, Kui Mwai, Dorothy Rowley, Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com Phone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ulrich Fonou,PUBLISHER Ja’Mon Jackson, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF Anthony Tilghman REPORTERS Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert 4 - DECEMBER 24 - 30, 2020 Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt CIRCULATION Paul Trantham Women Break the Cycle of wi hot topics COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR, WI EDITOR
Domestic ViolenceLatinos Hold Mixed Views State’s Attorney Aisha
By Tia Carol Jones law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. on Use and Acceptance Braveboy Joins Toy and WI Staff Writer had come together to bring a sense of uniformity in the way Among the programs Marlow wants to see implemented areof Term ‘Latinx’Coat Drive for Kids
When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha more rights for victim's families of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personalN. Braveboy has partnered with Revelation of All to intervene on behalf of a viclife, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain toResources [ROAR] to deliver Christmas gifts and tim, a domestic violence assessshe knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickensnew coats to children throughout the community ment unit coupled with further done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. who are in need or who have been impacted by the training for law enforcement with law enforcement's handling COVID-19 pandemic. Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protecof the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will“I’m excited and overjoyed to be a partner in this tion Act and mandatory counselstart the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts thewonderful initiative. We have an opportunity to help ing for batterers. paign. case in such a way, the averagesomeone in need during this challenging holiday sea- “If we are ever going to eradi-
“It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at theson,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy. cate domestic violence, we must In a recent article published in The Atlantic, the writer, John McWhorter, a linguist at Columbia University, asked why the term “Latinx” hasn’t caught on among Latinos the way African American among Blacks in the late 1980s? Latinx, fashioned to get past the gender distinction encoded in Latino and Latina, has not replicated that success since its introduction, in 2014. It has been celebrated by intellectuals, journalists, that won't turn my family loose,” Marlow said. Marlow shared her story with the audience at the District Heights Domestic Violence Symposium on May 7 at the District Heights Municipal Center. The symposium was sponsored by the Family and Youth Services Center of the city of District Heights and the National Hookend of the day, the book will help people begin to have a dialogue about domestic violence. Also present at the event was Mildred Muhammad, the exwife of John Allen Muhammad, who was sentenced to six consecutive life terms without parole by a Maryland jury for his role in the Beltway Sniper attacks in 2002. Mildred Muhammad is look at both sides of the coin. We need to address both the victim and the batterer,” Marlow said. Marlow would also like to see programs designed to raise awareness among children in public and private schools. She feels children need to be educated about domestic violence. “We have to stop being pasApproximately 50 members of the community participated in ROAR’s Sponsor a Child for Christmas initiative, where new unwrapped gifts and coats were collected to be delivered to 60 children throughout the community. Other partners included: the Maryland National Capital Park Police; Prince George’s County Public School System; and Tanya Smith, president, ROAR. For more news and updates, visit http://twitter.com/ PGSAONEWS Up of Black Women. university officials and some politicians. But in the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilone recent poll, only 2 percent of America’s Lati nos said they preferred the term. Marlow has written a book, “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a an organization that helps the survivors of domestic violence dren about domestic violence,” Marlow said.Bowser Issues Order Latino was enthusiastically taken up as an alternative to Hispanic and newer term solved the problem created by the fact that Hispanic, which centers language, refers to Spanish-speakers and thus excludes people of Brazilian descent. Meanwhile, Latinx purports to solve a problem: that of implied gender. However, among the general public, only a few will admit they’re concerned about the bias encoded in gendered word endings. It seems the new term has greater use among the intelligentsia but not within the Latino community. story about four generations of domestic violence. The book is inspired by her own experiences, and those of her grandmother, her mother and her daughter. She said every time she reads excerpts from her book, she still can not believe the words came from her. “Color Me Butterfly” won the 2007 National “Best Books” Award. “I was just 16-years-old when and their children. “I lived in fear for six years. Six years in fear is a long time. It is not an easy thing to come out of,” she said. Mildred Muhammad said people who want to help a domestic violence victim must be careful of how they go into the victim's life, and understand that she may be in “survival mode”. Marlow has worked to break the cycle of abuse in her family, and is confident the policies she is pushing for will start that process. “I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws,” Marlow said. “I will not stop until these policies are passed.” Tia Carol Jones can be reached at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net for Holiday Pause of Activities, Extends Public Health Emergency my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued Mayor’s Order 2020-127 to pause various activities in the District from 10:00 p.m., on Wed., Dec. 23 until Fri., Jan. 15 at 5:00 a.m. Additionally, the order extends the “We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these lips bled,” Marlow said. Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, said there is no consistency in the way domestic violence issues are dealt with by to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI SCLC CEO Steele Says He’s ‘Hesitant’ to Take COVID-19 Vaccine During a recent airing of SCLC-TV with host Maynard Eaton, SCLC President/ CEO Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. discussed why he and other African Americans are "hesitant" to take the COVID-19 state of emergency and public health emergency for the District through March 31, 2021. Even for policies to Congress and vaccine. His argument includes a history in which
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM those activities that are not paused by the order, the mayor strongly encourages residents to be cautious this holiday season so as to limit the spread of COVID-19. The full Order is available at coronavirus.dc.gov/ phasetwo. “ implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed. L.Y. Marlow Blacks were treated like lab specimens rather than American citizens. Steele also joined 100 Black Georgia clergy in an open letter to U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler decrying her attacks on the prophetic tradition of the Black church.
AROUND THE REGION
Asbury United Methodist Church Replaces Banner Destroyed During Pro-Trump Rally
Hamil Harris WI Contributing Writer
Days after a “Black Lives Matter” banner in front of Asbury United Methodist Church was stolen and destroyed during a pro-Trump rally, the historic Black church in northwest D.C. held an event Friday morning to put up a new one.
Rev. Ianther Mills, Asbury’s senior pastor, was joined Friday by an ecumenical group of ministers during an outdoor service in front of the 184-year-old church.
D.C. police earlier this week released photos of the banner being burned on the street in front of the church during the pro-Trump demonstration Saturday, while religious leaders and city officials alike condemned the acts and vowed solidarity.
“That banner was removed by trespassers, that banner was removed by domestic terrorists, that banner was removed by those who promote hate,” said Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, the episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. “They used fire to bring people to silence, but we will not be silent.”
Several other pastors in the city said signs at their churches also have been destroyed.
The department is investigating the incidents as potential hate crimes, said D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham.
On Thursday, Enrique Tarrio, chairman of the far-right group Proud Boys, took responsibility for setting the fire at Asbury and dared authorities to arrest him for it.
While several African American pastors question whether D.C. police have done enough to protect their churches and prevent such incidents, Rev. Thomas Bowen, director of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office of Religious Affairs, said the mayor is strongly focused on keeping all churches safe.
“There were no permits issued for those who came into Washington, D.C. with hate,” said Bowen, adding that federal officials issue permits and none had been issued since the coronavirus pandemic. “We are a community of love, inclusion and diversity.”
Bowen, citing a famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr., said, “When one is impacted directly, it impacts all of us indirectly.”
WI
Stay Informed!
5 A "Black Lives Matter" banner is placed in front of Asbury United Methodist Church in Northwest on Dec. 18, days after a similar one was stolen and destroyed during a pro-Trump rally in the city. (Hamil R. Harris/The Washington Informer)
Times are Tough – Let us help with your water bill
The District government under the leadership of Mayor Muriel Bowser, Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) and DC Water have teamed up to help. District residents can apply to get their current and past due water bills paid from emergency funding.
If your annual household income is below $126,000, or if you have lost income this year, we encourage you to apply. You may even qualify for ongoing discounts.
call: 311 or (202) 350-9649 email: criac.residential@dc.gov website: doee.dc.gov/service/criac
Scan this for more information and an application:
www.washingtoninformer.com
black facts
SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
DEC 24 - 30, 2020
Need Help Getting Social Security Disability Benefits? We Can Help!
Steady monthly income depending on your paid in amount A lump sum payment of benefits owed from back-pay Annual cost of living increases
• We simplify the process & strive for quick claim approval
• Starting the process is easy and takes only minutes to complete
855-549-3119
Helping thousands get the benefits they deserve
Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration.
Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration. Member of the TX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 N W St Washington D.C. O ce: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states. Member of the TX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County Florida.
Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states.
FULL-SERVICE SIGN & ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS
Professional VISUAL BRANDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS to help grow your business
...because image matters
Call Today! 301-273-3462
Stacey Brown
“Chief Image Builder”
stacey@signarama-silverspring.com
8930 Brookville Rd Silver Spring, MD 20910 signarama-silverspring.com
MBE/DBE Certi ed | Woman-Owned Business DEC. 24 1898 – Irwin C. Molllison, the first Black to receive a federal judgeship in the U.S., is born in Vicksburg, Miss. 1951 – North African country Libya declares its independence as the United Kingdom of Libya.
DEC. 25 1863 – Robert Blake, a Union sailor during the American Civil War, helps fend off an attack upon a naval gunboat by Confederate forces, actions which resulted in him being the first African American to be presented with the Medal of Honor. 1907 – Famed entertainer Cab Calloway is born in Rochester, New York. 1951 – Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette Vyda Simms Moore, both educators, are killed in a bombing of their home in Mims, Florida, by suspected Ku Klux Klan members. The two are the first NAACP members to be murdered for civil rights activism.
DEC. 26 1908 – Boxer Jack Johnson defeats Tommy Burns to become the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion.
TIGER WOODS
1915 – Una Mae Carlisle
(right), a jazz singer, pianist and songwriter, is born in Zanesville, Ohio. 1924 – Harmonica player DeFord Bailey becomes the first Black musician to perform on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. 1966 – Black professor Maulana Karenga creates Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration of African heritage in African American culture. 1999 – Singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield dies from complications of Type 2 diabetes in Roswell, Georgia, at 57.
DEC. 27 1892 – The first Black intercollegiate football game is played between Livingstone College and Biddle College.
DEC. 28 1903 – Pioneering jazz pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines is born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. 1954 – Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington (top) is born in Mount Vernon, New York. 1977 – Karen Batchelor Farmer is nationally recognized as the first African American member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
DEC. 29 1907 – Robert Clifton Weaver, the first African American to be appointed to a U.S. Cabinet-level position, is born in Washington, D.C.
DEC. 30 1892 – Physician Miles V. Lynk publishes the first Black medical journal. 1928 – Pioneering blues and rock 'n' roll singer and guitarist Bo Diddley is born in McComb, Mississippi. 1975 – Golf great Tiger Woods is born in Cypress, California. 1984 – Basketball icon LeBron James is born in Akron, Ohio.
WI
view P INT
BY SARAFINA WRIGHT
With the holidays in full swing, everyone needs a soundtrack. What are your alltime favorite Christmas songs?
BRENDA LOWE /
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Can't forget James Brown with "Santa Go Straight to the Ghetto" and Otis Redding with "Merry Christmas Baby."
DOMINIQUE COLA /
WASHINGTON, D.C. "Silent Night" by The Temptations is a good one every year.
LENORE BATTLE /
WASHINGTON, D.C. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole! Chestnuts roasting on an open fire … a true classic. IF YOU WANT QUALITY WORK, JUST CALL!
Quality Assurance Home Improvement, Inc. “We Stand By Our Name”
FREE ESTIMATES! / Office: 301-248-3325
DECK FINISHED BASEMENT Kitchens • Bathrooms • Room additions • Retaining walls • Screen rooms • Carports •Sun rooms • Carports • Porches • Roofing • Siding Decks • Complete renovations • Enclosed porches • Basements Solid virgin final replacement Solid virgin vinyl replacement windows • Bay and bow windows Financing Available 90-day Deferment Payment
ADDITION & 4 SEASON SUN ROOM
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS A+ Rating in home improvement from the Better Business Bureau for 15 years straight 17 KITCHEN ADDITION
Bonded / Insured / Licensed MHCI#86727 / D.C. License #53005449 Lead Paint Removal Certified
KITCHEN
Visit our website today at: www.fortwashingtonhomecontractors.com
$2500 off Sunrooms & Additions Up to 15% off Any ServiceHomeowners are you in need of a new roof, kitchen, bathroom? If so, take advantage of our 90 days or 6 months deferred payment plan now for as low as $199 a month. Purchase today and receive FREE cable outlet For Senior Citizens Extra 5% Off and FREE A/C & Heating Unit With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases.
With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases.
ROOSEVELT ROBINSON /
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA I personally love the various artists that remade "Hallelujah" with Quincy Jones! To me, it's not Christmas until you hear this song!
ZION FLIPPIN /
WASHINGTON, D.C. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole! Chestnuts roasting on an open fire … a true classic.
Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com
(301) 864-6070 EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS
MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights,
COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA,
Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete,
Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts,
Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge
SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA www.jmlaw.net (301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net
All I Wanted for Christmas Was Good Health – ‘It’ Arrived Early by Special Delivery
When sharing their lists of special requests for what Santa should leave under the Christmas tree, several creative songwriters have suggested things like “my two front teeth,” “a hippopotamus” and “you.”
Of course, children have their own lengthy lists which include toys, hightech gadgets or envelopes filled with crisp dollar bills. Meanwhile, those who have long abandoned the youthful notion of a jolly old man delivering their heart’s desire on December 24th, the “All I Want for Christmas” list often bears a much bigger price tag: diamonds, furs, a sleek new car, a trip to a sun-drenched tropical paradise – even a new home or a partner with whom one can build a beautiful future.
Some of the hot ticket items I’ve mentioned above, I must admit, have been on my personal list in the past – sometimes even being featured repeatedly after my dreams failed to come true.
But this year, the gift which God gave to me – one which I certainly asked for and which I cannot say with assurance that I deserved because I had earned it – is good health.
This time last year, I went back home to Detroit for the Christmas holiday. It was trip to which I looked forward for several reasons: my firstborn child’s graduation ceremony during which she received her master’s in education; playing with my loveable grandson – a precocious little boy who started school this year; reviving friendships with those I hadn’t seen for far too long; and recalling memories of my recently deceased mother with my sister and others whose lives had been touched by Momma.
However, during my travels back home, I became suddenly and violently ill with what I thought at the time was simply a case of an intense mutation of the flu. But in the few hours between packing and preparing to board a flight back to the District, I became so cold, weak and confused that I would require a wheelchair, several thick blankets and plenty of fluids just to remain conscious.
In fact, during the flight, the senior flight attendant, after speaking with the pilot, said that they thought I should consider allowing them to turn the plane around and getting me to a hospital as quickly as possible. I continued to pretend that I was feeling better. I just wanted to get home.
It would be nearly two weeks later before I began to feel well enough to get out of bed and resume my hectic schedule. It would take even longer to regain my strength and recover the 10 pounds I had lost.
Many months later in early November, my greatest fears would be confirmed. I learned that the virus which I had contracted just before Christmas last year was more than just a bad case of the flu – I had been stricken with COVID-19.
Of course, the American public had no knowledge that even as early as last December, this new virus was already in our midst. It would not be until March that the medical community would sound the clarion call, warning of a new and deadly force that has since been responsible for the deaths of over 300,000 people.
During my illness, I did what I usually do when I come down with the flu – something which only happens to me every two or three years: I drank a lot of herbal tea, sipped on heaping bowls of chicken noodle soup, ate fresh fruit whenever I could stand it, took plenty of hot baths and slept for long periods of time.
So, it’s one year later and Christmas is almost here. This year, I’m alone – well actually, I have my two little companions with me: Baby Girl and Duchess who are keeping me busy and grateful for life, health and strength.
On my list for gifts that I want, I suppose I should say that I put in my request a lot earlier than usual. All I wanted for Christmas was good health – something that cannot be purchased at the shopping mall or ordered online. I didn’t realize how close I may have come to death. But the experience reminded me to take each day and make the best of it, to use my gifts and talents for good as if it were my last day on Earth and to be an obedient child of the King.
Yes, my Christmas gift – or blessing – came early this year.
In fact, it arrived special delivery on the wings of angels. WI
Harry Thomas III Joins the Family Business
Scion of Ward 5 Political Clan Wins ANC Seat James Wright hand. I remember as a child going “There’s a lot of development WI Staff Writer with my father to assist a resident taking place in the neighborhood who needed help, sometimes at 2 but there are also people who have
Harry Thomas III, 25, realizes a.m. in the morning.” needs,” he said. “As a commissionthat he has a well-known name in He was surrounded by politics er, I will focus on areas such as District politics but wants to chart all his life, Thomas said, but added Brookland Manor and Saratoga. his own path as an elected official baseball was his passion. He played I want to focus on creating more starting in January as the 5C06 the sport in high school at St. John green space in the district and help advisory neighborhood commis- College High School, in the col- build more affordable housing. sioner. lege ranks at Campbell University This district is a good place for me
Thomas’s grandfather, Harry and played internationally in Eu- to start my political career, it gives Thomas Sr., served as a commis- rope and South America before me the chance to serve my neighsioner in Ward 5 and represented coming back to the District at the bors and to see how the District the ward on the D.C. Council from onset of the coronavirus pandem- government works.” 1987-1999. His grandmother, Ro- ic earlier this year. Thomas said he Thomas, Jr. candidly admits to maine Thomas, has served on the wanted to change his focus from being a little concerned about his D.C. Democratic State Commit- the sport to politics and made the son becoming a politician. tee and has had stints as a commis- decision to run for commissioner “When he decided to run for sioner. His father, Harry Thomas in the Brookland-based neighbor- the position, I was a little nerJr., also has served as a commis- hood he grew up in. vous,” Thomas said. “Politics can sioner in the ward and worked as “After coming back home from be a tricky and dangerous business its legislator from 2007-2012 but playing baseball, I decided to look and it is not always fair. However, stepped down after pleading guilty at the next chapter in my life,” he he has the life experiences that will to felony theft of government said. help him do well. He is a meticfunds and falsifying tax returns. In the Nov. 3 general election, ulous and methodical person and
Presently, Romaine and Harry the voters in 5C06 elected Thomas that should serve him well as a Jr., represent Ward 5 on the D.C. to his first term with 50.59 percent commissioner.” Democratic State Committee. of the vote. He is defeating Thad- Romaine Thomas said she supWhile Thomas expresses pride deus James, who received 41.45 ports her grandson’s aspirations, in his kin’s accomplishments, he percent, and a few write-in candi- too. desires to establish himself in the dates. “I think he will make a good “family business.” The district Thomas will rep- commissioner,” she said. “He
“I have been around politics resent encompasses the southern makes good decisions. We as a all of my life,” he said. “I remem- end of the Brookland neighbor- family stand behind him.” ber hearing stories about how my hood with the Rhode Island Av- When asked whether he will folgrandfather helped people in the enue Metro Station on the Red low in the path of his grandfather ward in their time of need. I know Line close to its borders. “5C06 is and father and pursue the Ward 5 about my grandmother’s hard the neighborhood I grew up in,” council seat, he said “I will take work in the community and have he said. “It is a snapshot of D.C. one year at a time.” had the chance to see that first- as a whole.” “I don’t know what will happen
5 Harry Thomas III is the grandson of former D.C. Councilmember Harry Thomas, Sr., and the son of ex-councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. (Courtesy photo)
two years or six years down the road,” Thomas said. “For example, if six years down the road I feel that I am the best candidate to represent Ward 5 on the council, then I will run for it. I will never rule anything out.”
WI
@JamesDCWrighter
Become a Published Author with Dorrance. We want to read your book!
Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.
Complete Book Publishing Services
FIVE EASY STEPS TO PUBLICATION:
1. Consultation 4. Distribution 2. Book Production 5. Merchandising 3. Promotion and Fulfillment
Call now to receive your FREE Author’s Guide 877-420-7280 or www.dorranceinfo.com/informer
Lung Cancer? Asbestos exposure in industrial, construction, manufacturing jobs, or the military may be the cause. Family in the home were also exposed. Call 1-866-795-3684 or email cancer@breakinginjurynews.com. $30 billion is set aside for asbestos victims with cancer. Valuable settlement monies may not require filing a lawsuit.
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
AARP AUTO INSURANCE FROM THE HARTFORD
TO SPEAK WITH AN AGENT AND REQUEST A FREE QUOTE CALL THE HARTFORD TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU COULD SAVE: 1-877-579-9788
Do you or a loved one struggle on the stairs?
AN ACORN STAIRLIFT IS
A PERFECT SOLUTION FOR:
üArthritis and COPD sufferers ü Those with mobility issues ü Anyone who struggles on the stairs
THE PURCHASE OF A NEW STAIRLIFT!
CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE INFORMATION KIT AND DVD! 1-855-841-2971
*Not valid on previous purchases. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Not valid on refurbished models. Only valid towards purchase of a NEW Acorn Stairlift directly from the manufacturer. $250 discount will be applied to new orders. Please mention this ad when calling. AZ ROC 278722, CA 942619, MN LC670698, OK 50110, OR CCB 198506, RI 88, WA ACORNSI894OB, WV WV049654, MA HIC169936, NJ 13VH07752300, PA PA101967, CT ELV 0425003-R5.
DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve
If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day* Keep your own dentist! NO networks to worry about NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefi ts you can receive
No wait for preventive care and no deductibles
– you could get a checkup tomorrow Coverage for over 350 procedures including cleanings, exams, fi llings, crowns…even dentures
*Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150(GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6096C MB16-NM001Gc TOYS FOR TOTS Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks presents a gift card to a family at the “Stand Up and Deliver” drive-through event at Six Flags America in Bowie. Families pre-registered to receive toys at the Toys for Tots program held on Saturday, Dec. 19th with the Prince George’s County Public Safety agencies in partnership with the US Marine Corp. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
Who’s Reading the Informer?
District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Public Affairs Specialist, Daryl Levine, reads the Washington Informer (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
WORDS TO LIVE BY
“I am a woman that came from the cotton fields of the South. I was promoted to the washtub, the cook kitchen and I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. Everybody told me I was making a mistake by going into this business but I know how to grow hair as well as I know how to grow cotton.” – Madame C.J. Walker [Sarah Breedlove], Speech, 1912; born Dec. 23, 1867; first Black female millionaire in the U.S.
AROUND THE REGION
District's Mayor Bowser Selects Robert Contee as New MPD Chief
Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer
D.C Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Robert Contee, 31-year veteran and D.C. native, was named police chief by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) on Dec. 22.
Bowser’s actions scuttled the planned nationwide search to replace Chief Peter Newsham, who’s leaving MPD for the Prince William’s County top cop slot in 2021.
“I’m a hometown kid; this is the city that birthed me,” Contee told The Washington Post hours before Bowser’s formal announcement.
“I went to school here. I raised my family here.”
District officials had planned to embark on a nationwide search amid assertions from local residents that they should be involved in the process of finding the next chief for the 3,700-member police force, as tensions have deepened between police and residents over what they say are heavy-handed policing tactics.
A group tasked with developing police reform recommendations has implored D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) to include the most marginalized and policed of District residents in the search for Newsham’s replacement.
In a letter sent to the mayor’s office earlier this month, the D.C. Police Reform Commission called for the formation of a selection committee that would host meetings in each ward, and develop a set of selection criteria with community members.
Ron Hampton, a retired police officer and commission member, said the mayor should “allow the community to be in that process so they would play a role in the selection,” added Hampton. “Ultimately, the D.C. Council has to confirm that person, so they would need the support of District residents.”
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, the council passed emergency legislation, not only reducing MPD’s budget but forming the D.C. Police Reform Commission. As the District’s homicide numbers continue to rise however, Newsham, Bowser, and others have remained adamant about the need for aggressive, on-the-ground policing tactics.
Critics said that mindset set the stage, in September, for 18-year-old Deon Kay’s police-involved shooting death in Southeast. More than a month later, protesters would converge on MPD’s Fourth District Station after 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash while trying to evade officers chasing him for not wearing a helmet while driving a moped.
The D.C. office of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-DC) has also been at work. Last year, the organization sued MPD on behalf of Denise Price for its unlawful search of her Deanwood yard a week after her son, Jeffery Price, died in a dirt bike collision with a police cruiser.
This week, ACLU-DC supported the D.C. Police Reform Commission’s call for a transparent police chief selection process. Executive Director Monica Hopkins went further in suggesting that Newham’s successor not come from within MPD’s ranks. The ultimate goal, she said, should center on the installation of a police chief who, not only reflects the will of the people, but embraces widespread calls for defunding police and other reforms.
“The mayor could take a huge step forward to bring the community into her thinking for her vision about the next police chief,” said Hopkins.
“In other jurisdictions where these things happen, there’s a slate of candidates with people to meet in town hall presentations where the community asks them questions and facilitates the selection of a good candidate to get confirmed by the council. These decisions could have an effect on our city for decades to come.”
WI
@SamPKCollins
5 Robert Contee (Courtesy photo)
D.C. PREPARATORY ACADEMY REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
Environmental
Due Date: Thursday, January 7th, 2021 at 5:00pm Details: DC PREP is seeking full Environmental and Hazmat services for a large-scale renovation project located at 2330 Pomeroy Road SE over two phases. Contact: Emily Alexander Email: DCPREP@jairlynch.com
FCA
Due Date: Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at 5:00 pm Details: DC PREP is seeking full facility condition assessment to inform a large-scale renovation project located at 2330 Pomeroy Road SE over two phases. Contact: Emily Alexander Email: DCPREP@jairlynch.com
Architectural/Engineering Services
Due Date: Friday, January 29, 2021- 5:00pm Details: DC PREP is seeking full Architectural/Engineering Services for design and construction administration of a large-scale renovation project located at 2330 Pomeroy Road SE over two phases. Contact: Emily Alexander Email: DCPREP@jairlynch.com
Legal Services
Due Date: Friday, January 14, 2021- 5:00pm Details: DC PREP is seeking Legal Services for the renovation of a public-school facility (“Project”). Legal Services will serve as DC Prep’s counsel through the Project. Contact: Dan Englender Email: denglender@dcprep.org
