Issuu

Vol 61 No 11

As School Lottery Process Gets Underway, a Local Grandmother Fights an Old Battle

Serving Our Community in the DMV

December 25 - 31, 2025

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer As prospective public and public charter school students begin to rank their 2026-2027 school choices on the My School DC Lottery, Stacy L. Dawkins continues to take the legal route to ensure that her grandson, a nonverbal child with autism, can spend the remainder of this school year in the Pre-K4 seat that Takoma Elementary School approved him for previously. Dawkins said that, had it not been for what she describes as D.C. Public Schools’ (DCPS) abrupt denial of her grandson’s match at Takoma Elementary last spring, he would currently be receiving speech and occupational therapy services in the Northwest-based school. Instead, in the absence of what she considers a viable pre-

SCHOOL LOTTERY Page 33

Veteran Activist Responds to Jeffery Carroll’s Appointment as Interim Metropolitan Police Chief MPD, National Guard Reject ‘Week of Healing’ Outreach

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

5 Community members welcome students back to school in late August. As prospective public and public charter school students begin to rank their 20262027 school choices on the My School DC Lottery, one grandmother is taking the legal route to ensure her grandson has a seat in the school that approved him previously. (WI File Photo/Shevry Lassiter)

While it has yet to be determined whether Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll will navigate the D.C. Council confirmation process, some of the activists weighing in on his appointment have minced no words in expressing their disappointment in D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s choice. April Goggans of Black Lives Matter DC says that, at the helm, Carroll will continue to perpetuate a culture at Met-

Christmas Trees Offer Decorative Beauty and Environmental Benefits

INTERIM CHIEF Page 11

Best of the DMV Culminates with Inaugural Winners Celebration

The Value of Evergreens and How to Properly Dispose of Them

By Micha Green and Jada Ingleton WI Managing Editor and WI Content Editor

5 Live Christmas trees on display at an event in November 2024. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

Capture the Moment Page 37

In a Nod to the Late James Wright, Black Businesses Sweep The Board

When native Washingtonian Hilary Daniel decided on a live Christmas tree this year, she had no idea about its many environmental benefits. She was simply following a beloved annual practice. “I have always gotten Christmas trees live,” Daniel, a mother of two and caregiver to her father, told The Informer. “That is a tradition from my childhood, and I continued it when I became a mother myself.” For Daniel, 34, artificial trees just don’t

What started with more than 15,000 votes and 2,000 nominations culminated in a night of honor on Sunday for the first-time winners of The Washington Informer’s Best of the 5 Anwar Saleem, executive director of H Street Festival, accepts the DMV (BOTDMV). category win for Best Cultural Festival, as part of the first-ever Best of the Hosted at Busboys and Poets Anacostia, the

CHRISTMAS Page 21

DMV Page 43

By Jada Ingleton and Demarco Rush WI Content Editor and WI Contributing Writer

DMV Winners Celebration on Dec. 21. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)

Celebrating 61 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information. DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 1

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wi hot topics

STACY M. BROWN WI SENIOR WRITER

Epstein Records, Cannabis Confusion, Kennedy Center Uproar Mark Turbulent Week for Trump

5 Democrat Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia is one of the many politicians criticizing the Trump administration for the lack of transparency in the Epstein files. (Courtesy Photo) In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes

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STAFF Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, WIN-TV Producer Ra-Jah Kelly, Digital Asset Manager Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Desmond Barnes, WIN Daily Editor Anthony Tilghman, Social Media Strategist ZebraDesigns.net, Graphic Design Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office/Circulation Manager Jada Ingleton, Content Editor REPORTERS Stacy Brown, National Reporter Sam P.K. Collins, Political/Education Reporter Brenda Siler, Lifestyle Reporter Ed Hill, Sports Reporter Richard Elliott, Reporter James Wright, Business Reporter Skylar Nelson, Sports Reporter Mya Trujillo, Environmental and International Reporter PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Ja Mon Jackson, Asst. Photo Editor Roy Lewis, Jr. Robert R. Roberts Anthony Tilghman Abdullah Konte Cleveland Nelson INTERNS Keith Golden Jr., Fall Intern

4 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

The Trump administration’s long-promised release of records tied to Jeffrey Epstein has raised more questions than it answered, fueling accusations that the Justice Department selectively disclosed information while shielding the president from scrutiny. After Congress forced disclosure through the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Justice Depart-

ment released more than 3,500 files related to the late sex trafficker. Lawmakers from both parties say the release falls short of the law’s requirements, with large portions of documents blacked out, entire pages rendered unreadable, and no clear explanation for why key material remains hidden. “The Trump administration failed to release all the Epstein files with proper redaction levels by the statutory date,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “They broke the law.” Despite years of rhetoric from President Donald Trump and his allies suggesting political adversaries would be exposed, the records do not place former

EPSTEIN Page 16

Betty Reid Soskin, Who Forced America to Tell the Truth About its Past, Dies at 104

5 Betty Reid Soskin, known for being the oldest ranger in the history of the National Park Service, before her retirement in 2022. She died on Dec. 21 at her home in Richmond, California. (Courtesy Photo/ National Park Service)

Betty Reid Soskin lived long enough to see the nation begin to correct its own record, and she spent her final decades making sure that correction did not come too late. Soskin, the oldest ranger in the history of the National Park Service and a relentless guardian of Black memory, died Sunday at her home in Richmond, California. She was 104. “To be a part of helping to mark the place where that dramatic trajectory of

my own life, combined with others of my generation, will influence the future by the footprints we’ve left behind has been incredible,” Soskin said in a 2022 press release when she retired from the National Park Service as the oldest park ranger. Her family said she died peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her, after a life she believed was complete. Few lives so fully spanned the American century or confronted it so directly. Born Betty Charbonnet, she was raised in a Cajun-Creole Black family that settled in Oakland after the Great Flood of 1927 destroyed large parts of New Orleans. Her family joined thousands of Black railroad workers who found the West Coast while working the sleeping cars and dining lines of Southern Pacific and Santa Fe trains, choosing distance from Southern violence in exchange for uncertain freedom

SOSKIN Page 5

Unemployment Climbs to 4.6% as Federal and Manufacturing Jobs Disappear The national unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, marking the fourth consecutive increase and the highest level since September 2021, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is the first time since June 2009 that unemployment has increased across four straight reports. Employers added 64,000 jobs nationwide in November, a modest gain that followed a sharp loss of 105,000 jobs in October, the worst monthly decline since December 2020. The October and November reports were delayed and revised because of the federal government shutdown, but the trend shows a labor market losing momentum. Federal employment continued to fall sharply. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that fed-

eral payrolls have declined by 271,000 jobs since January, when President Donald Trump returned to office, driven largely by deferred resignation programs and layoffs. Manufacturing remained under pressure, losing 5,000 jobs in November after shedding 9,000 in October, bringing total manufacturing job losses to 58,000 since January. An analysis by the National Women’s Law Center found that Black workers continue to face some of the steepest consequences of the downturn. Unemployment among Black men ages 20 and older rose from 6.6% in September to 7.5% in November. Black women ages 20 and older

UNEMPLOYMENT Page 16

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More Than 50 D.C. Residents to Receive Refunds in Getaround Case

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The car sharing company Getaround will pay $75,000 and refund more than 50 District residents after the Office of the Attorney General found the company misled customers about insurance coverage and charged large, unexpected damage fees, under a new settlement announced by Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb. The agreement resolves an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General that concluded Getaround violated District consumer protection law and broke the terms of a 2021 settlement with the city. “This settlement puts money back into the pockets of D.C. residents who were misled by Getaround and charged large damage fees after being led to believe that they were covered by insurance,” Schwalb said. Getaround has since stopped operating in North America, but the settlement requires the company to reform its practices and notify the District at least 90 days before resuming any business in Washington.The company operated as a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that allowed residents to rent vehicles from individual owners who listed their cars on the service. In 2020, the Office of the Attorney General received reports of more than a dozen car thefts tied to vehicles on the

SOSKIN from Page 4

out West. She came of age in a Bay Area that barely resembles the one that exists today. Soskin remembered ferries crossing San Francisco Bay before the bridges, Oakland International Airport as little more than two hangars, and the shockwaves from historic moments such as Amelia Earhart’s disappearance and the Port Chicago ammunition explosion that killed hundreds of Black sailors in 1944. World War II placed her inside the contradictions of American democracy. She worked as a file clerk in the segregated Boilermakers union hall A-36, watching Black labor power the war effort while being locked out of opportunity. That experience shaped her lifelong refusal to accept polished versions of history that erased inconvenient truths.

platform. Investigators found that Getaround’s practice of leaving keys unsecured inside cars and publicly displaying the precise locations of available vehicles appeared to make thefts easier. “Over 50 Getaround cars [were] either stolen or windows broken, according to Metropolitan D.C. Police. All this is happening by Getaround providing location of vehicles on their own platform to the [thieves.] This has been happening for over [three months] now and Getaround has not done anything,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, in January 2020. Following that initial probe, the company agreed to make immediate security changes to better protect vehicles listed on the platform. The 2020 investigation also uncovered evidence that Getaround misled users about the safety and security of the service, which in some cases led to cars being damaged or stolen. The Office of the Attorney General further found that the company had failed to collect, and remit required sales tax for car rentals in the District. In 2021, those findings led to a settlement that required Getaround to pay $950,000 in back taxes and penalties, obtain the necessary business licenses to operate legally in Washington, improve its customer support, and clearly disclose the terms of any vehicle insurance coverage it offered through In 1945, she and her husband Mel Reid opened Reid’s Records in Berkeley, one of the nation’s first Black-owned music stores. It became a cultural institution, a gathering place, and a witness to changing sounds and movements. The store remained open for more than seven decades, closing in 2019, long after Soskin had become a living archive of the community it served. Her work carried her into public service, including roles with a Berkeley city council member and as a field representative for California Assemblywoman Dion Aroner and State Sen. Loni Hancock. Politics, for Soskin, was never abstract. It was about access, voice, and whose stories were allowed to matter. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

the platform. According to the Office of the Attorney General, a subsequent investigation determined that from 2022 through 2025 the company continued to operate in violation of both that 2021 agreement and District consumer protection laws. The latest probe found that Getaround misled users about insurance coverage and did not clearly disclose exclusions, which left some customers facing large and unexpected damage fees. Investigators also concluded that the company misrepresented its customer service hours by claiming to offer around the clock support, misled users about how cars and drivers were vetted, and continued to operate in Washington without the required business licenses. Under the new settlement, Getaround must pay $75,000, which includes refunds for more than 50 District consumers who were misled about insurance coverage, charged

5 The car sharing company Getaround will pay $75,000 and refund more than 50 District residents after the Office of the Attorney General found the company misled customers. (WI File Photo)

significant damage fees, or had insurance claims improperly denied. Any remaining funds after those refunds are paid will go to the District as penalties. The company must also notify the Office of the Attorney General at least 90 days before restarting any business in Washington and submit its complaint resolution policy for review before resuming operations. In addition, Getaround is required to follow

ASALH

all District consumer protection laws, accurately disclose the terms of any insurance coverage it offers, and stop making misrepresentations about platform security features. “My office will always protect D.C. consumers from companies that seek to profit through deception, ensuring that all lawful businesses can compete in the District on a level playing field.” WI

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1760 – Poet Jupiter Hammon becomes the first published Black writer with his work, “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries.” 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. 1870 – Henry McKee Minton, an African American doctor who was one of the founders of Sigma Pi Phi and superintendent of the Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia for 24 years, is born in Columbia, South Carolina. 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

1894 – Harlem Renaissance-era poet and novelist Jean Toomer, author of “Cane,” is born in Washington, D.C. 1908 – Boxer Jack Johnson defeats Tommy Burns to become the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion. 1915 – Una Mae Carlisle, 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.

6 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

DEC. 25 - 31, 2025

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

LaBron James (right)

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 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.

Dec. 31

1900 – Famed African American sculptor Selma Burke is born in Mooresville, North Carolina. 1930 – Folk singer and civil rights Odetta is born in Birmingham, Alabama. 1948 – Donna Summer, known as the “Queen of Disco,” is born in Boston. 1972 – Baseball star Roberto Clemente is killed in a plane crash off the coast of Puerto Rico while en route to delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. WI

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Honoring Courage: Barbara Rose Johns’ Legacy Immortalized in U.S. Capitol By: Demarco Rush WI Contributing Writer

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On Tuesday, Dec. 17, family, friends, spectators and legislators across the political spectrum filled the U.S. Capitol Emancipation Hall for the unveiling of a statue honoring Barbara Rose Johns, the civil rights pioneer whose leadership as a 16-year-old student in Farmville, Virginia, helped lay the groundwork for the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education. “This is the story of someone whose courage changed the course of American history,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) told The Informer. Johns’ statue replaced former confederate leader Robert E. Lee’s, which was removed from the Capitol in 2020. Youngkin, who walks by the Johns statue in the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond daily to get to work, emphasized the freedom fighter’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement. “She stood in a moment in time to not only right a historic wrong of separate but equal,” the governor, “but to demonstrate that education is the key to everything and it should be equally attainable to everyone.”

Johns’ Story Highlights the Power of Youth Activism

5 People flock around the newly unveiled Barbara Rose Johns statue in the U.S. Capitol Emancipation Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 16. (Demarco Rush/ Washington Informer)

In 1951, Johns organized a student strike to protest segregated, poorly funded and unequal school conditions at Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia. She and her peers arranged a call to the school’s principal, convincing him students were in danger of being arrested downtown which prompted him to leave campus. This allowed her time to organize a “special assembly” of students in the separate gymnasium, where she would famously convince her peers to march down to and protest for better school conditions outside of the Prince Edward County courthouse and school board offices. The protest didn’t end there, students intensified their pressure on school officials by staying out of class in the weeks that followed, despite facing expulsion. “Barbara was so brave and courageous and we thank her,” Johns’ sister Joans Cobbs told The Informer Johns and her fellow students’ efforts helped catch the attention of the NAACP and eventually ended up prompting one of the five cases (Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County) later consolidated before the U.S. Supreme Court into the famous Brown v. Board of Education decision, which banned segregation in schools. The monument recognizes Johns’ role in the fight for educational equity and elevates the often overlooked contributions of young people in the civil rights movement. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), celebrat-

ed knowing that Johns’ legacy continues. “I’m thrilled that millions of visitors to the U.S. Capitol, including many young people, will now walk by her statue and learn about her story,” Kaine said. “May she continue to inspire generations to stand up for equality and justice.”

Johns’ Siblings Celebrate: ‘It’s Been a Long Journey’

For the Johns family, the unveiling was less about a monument and more about preserving the story of their sister and who she was beyond the history books. “It’s been a long journey to get recognition for my sister,” Ernest Johns told The Informer. “It was just horrible for African Americans [during segregation], so for her to stand up and put an effort to change things was really important to us.” After years of advocacy, the civil rights leader’s brother Roderick Johns was thoroughly pleased with the day’s turnout. “This is wonderful. [It doesn’t] get much better than this,” he said, “and God bless all the people that helped get this event [to the finish line].” Cobbs emphasized her sister’s statue unveiling in the U.S. Capitol as a proud milestone for the entire family. “This was such a momentous occasion and one that we all always remember,” Cobbs told The Informer. “[We know] her spirit is with us today.” WI

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D.C. Construction Firm to Pay $1.5 Million After Misclassifying Hundreds of Workers

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced that Brothers Mechanical Inc., a Virginia-based construction contractor with major projects across Washington, will pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it illegally misclassified hundreds of construction workers, denying them wages and benefits they were owed. The settlement stems from an investigation by the D.C. Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and covers work performed from 2020 to the present. According to Schwalb, the company worked on major developments throughout the District, including mixed-use and residential buildings in NoMa at 1200 3rd Street NE, 300 Morse Street NE, 300 M Street NE, and 1150 1st Street NE. Its crews also staffed projects at the Urby development in Navy Yard at 1399 Yards Place SE and at 100 V Street SW in Buzzard Point. Investigators alleged that Brothers Mechanical secured labor through subcontractors who supplied nearly 500 workers for these job sites. Schwalb’s office said it found that these workers were labeled as independent contractors even though they performed duties that qualified them as employees under District

law. Misclassification meant they did not receive overtime pay for working more than 40 hours a week, were denied paid sick leave, were excluded from unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation protections, and were required to shoulder higher tax burdens than properly classified employees. A message left for the company by the Informer wasn’t immediately returned. “D.C. workers are the backbone of our economy, and especially at a time when the cost of living in D.C. continues to rise, I will continue to prioritize ensuring that workers receive the wages and benefits they have earned,” Schwalb said. “This settlement puts money back in the pockets of hundreds of construction workers and sends a clear message that businesses will face consequences when they break the law, cheat workers, and undercut law-abiding competitors.” According to legal filings, Brothers Mechanical, which provides design, installation, and servicing for heating, cooling, plumbing, ventilation, and related systems, denied wrongdoing but agreed to pay $500,000 in restitution to impacted workers and $1 million in penalties to the District. The company will also be subject to sweeping compliance conditions for the next three years. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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5 D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb says that Brothers Mechanical Inc., a Virginia-based construction contractor with major projects across Washington, will pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it illegally misclassified hundreds of construction workers. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

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Poets Rodney Johnson and Amuche Chukwu check out The Washington Informer at the Pro Photo Pop Up Photography Sale on Saturday, Dec. 20 (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

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5 Children and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers interact during the 2021 National Night Out. Activists are concerned about the relationship between MPD and the public after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s appointment of Jeffrey Carroll as the interim police chief.

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During the earlier part of December, Goggans counted among more than 100 people who flooded Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest during a marathon committee hearing that allowed for discussion about MPD- federal law enforcement collusion, much like what Goggans and other activists said they witnessed during the first Trump presidency. Weeks later, on Dec. 18, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) sent a letter, co-signed by all her council colleagues, to outgoing Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith demanding several data points, including: the total number of federal agents that participated in joint patrols with MPD between Aug. 11 and Dec. 14; the nature of MPD collaboration in immigration enforcement; and how restrictions in federal law enforcement activity, as stipulated in the D.C. code, have been communicated. That information is due on Jan. 9, well after Smith’s last day as police chief. “Representatives from MPD were present to answer some questions from council members and I appreciate this engagement even though you, as chief, were unable to attend,” Pinto, chair of the council’s Committee on

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ing a federal court challenge, Carrolll led officers on Swann Street in Northwest in their use of “kettling”— a controversial practice where swathes of officers confine protesters into a space and conduct mass arrests. In his role as senior leader and chair MPD’s Use of Force Review Board, Carroll acknowledged the police department falling short in reviewing use-of-force incidents— including that involving the late Karon HyltonBrown— by narrowing the scope of investigation and ignoring context that could reveal discrimination and violation of policy. Goggans, who’s demanding a thorough council confirmation process, remains skeptical that a change in leadership is the end all, be all in rectifying several of the issues that she, other activists, and a significant portion of marginalized District residents have with the police. “With the same structures, oversight power, enforceable discipline, and continued reliance on the police, any chief will reproduce the same violence,” Goggans said. “Residents have been warned for years not to place hope, relief, or safety in the hands of any police chief. This appointment proves why.”

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ropolitan Police Department (MPD) that’s rooted in: domestic terrorism against Black people and other marginalized populations, harassment of Black female colleagues, and collusion with white supremacists. “It is not about merit, community trust, or accountability” Goggans told The Informer. “It is about loyalty, immediate, unquestioning loyalty to the police state and to political power, even when that loyalty requires suppressing dissent, violating constitutional rights, or protecting misconduct.” Goggans, a Black Lives Matter DC core organizer since 2015, recounted instances when MPD, under then-Executive Assistant Chief Carroll’s command, allowed the Proud Boys and their affiliates to gather and inflict harm on protesters during the first Trump presidency. In 2022, amid allegations of unfettered connections between police officers and white supremacist groups, a group of Black women MPD officers who filed a discrimination lawsuit against the department cited footage of Carroll standing alongside members of what civil rights organizations have deemed a white supremacist group. Those Black women documented what’s been described as years of disparate treatment, retaliation and hostility under Carroll’s leadership, all of which the current interim police chief allegedly ignored, even as complainants navigated Equal Employment Opportunity processes within the department. Goggans said she’s seen firsthand MPD’s collusion with white supremacists and violence against Black women. “I watched him stand calmly, without expression, while they threatened to kill us directly in front of him. There was no intervention. No acknowledgment of the danger,” Goggans told The Informer. “When they physically attacked people, there was still no response. At one point, I watched those same individuals spray MPD officers in the face with chemical irritants. Carroll did not react then either.” As revealed in the Black Lives Matter DC v. Trump lawsuit, MPD coordinated with federal agents to conduct similar activity near Lafayette Square during the summer of 2020. That same day, in what’s currently fac-

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Political Updates

Harris Appointed to State Senate By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter The Maryland Senate welcomed Kevin Harris (D- District 27A) to fill the final vacancy on Dec. 9, after he secured the support of the Democratic Central Committees in Prince George’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties. “I’m grateful to the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee for selecting me to move forward in the process for the District 27 senate seat. Your support means a great deal, and I’m committed to advancing the values and priorities of our community,” Harris post-

ed on social media shortly after the Nov. 24 vote. “Together we will continue pushing for effective solutions, and a better future for the residents of District 27.” Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) and former Sen. Mike Jackson, who vacated the seat to lead the Maryland State Police last month, both spoke on Harris’ behalf during the Prince George’s central committee meeting on Nov. 25. “I know that we need a leader who can be effective in Annapolis, and I know that Del. Harris is that leader,” Braveboy noted during her testimony on behalf of Harris.

5 Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson (D) presides over the swearing in of Senator Kevin M. Harris. Harris’ mother, Donna Strand, stands closely by her son. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

“He’s a good person. He’s a great leader, and he knows how to bring people together.” Harris, Del. Jeffrie Long Jr. (DDistrict 27B), and attorney Jason Fowler all applied for the vacant seat. The new District 27 senator received 16 votes before the Prince George’s committee, while 10 people placed ballots for Long Jr. Fowler received one vote from the Charles County central com-

Councilmember Hawkins, Del. Lewis Resign

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Two legislative seats are now vacant as County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D-At-large) and Del. Jazz Lewis (D- District 24) have announced their resignation to

take on new leadership roles. Hawkins announced that he was resigning his Prince George’s Council seat, effective on Dec. 19, and beginning a position as the county’s assistant deputy chief administrative officer for economic development on Dec. 21.

5 Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (left) is resigning from his seat to work on economic development in the Braveboy administration. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

12 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

“I want to express my sincere gratitude especially to you and the residents of Prince George’s County for the trust and support you’ve shown me throughout my tenure on the council. Serving on this body has been a profound honor, and I take immense pride in what we’ve achieved together,” he said in a press statement announcing his resignation. “As I embark on this new chapter, my commitment to the growth and success of the county is unwavering, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with you, dedicated colleagues and engaged citizens to elevate Prince George’s county to new heights.” There will be an appointment process through the council to select the next at-large member. Lewis, originally appointed in 2017, announced he would resign following a Dec. 16 special session and the unanimous election of Del.

mittee and one vote from the Calvert central committee. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D- Md.) and the Prince George’s Senate delegation endorsed Harris leading up to the vote, while Prince George’s County Education Association (PGCEA) endorsed Long Jr., citing his commitment to education. In Harris’ announcement, he cited his decade of military service and legislative experience as the vice chair of the educational and

economic development subcommittee as his biggest strengths. “For the past 40 years, the people of Prince George’s, Charles, and Calvert counties have been fortunate to have leaders in Annapolis who fight for them when no one is watching,” he wrote to announce his intent for the seat on Oct. 16. “In this moment, our community requires the same dedication in the next state senator.” WI

Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D- District 21) as speaker of the House of Delegates. He served as the majority whip for the past two sessions. His resignation will take effect on Jan. 5 and he will serve as the director of government relations for the University of Maryland- College Park. “This was not a decision I made lightly. Serving my home, the people, and communities of Legislative District 24 and Prince George’s County has been the honor of my life. Being a young man whose family wasn’t from Maryland, but chose this community, meant that our neighborhood, recreational teams, our church, and our public schools were the anchor for me and my family,” he said in an email statement on Dec. 17. “I have so much to be thankful for, and I led with a mindset of trying to be a “hometown hero” for those who never saw themselves in some of the rooms God has graced me with the opportunity to enter.”

LaTasha Ward, who ran for the seat in 2022, is planning to apply for the vacancy when it is made public. Several other candidates are rumored, including Board of Education chair Branndon Jackson (District 6) and lobbyist Maurice Simpson, who also applied for the 2017 vacancy. “Together, we have built a record of service, legislative achievement, and community investment that will stand the test of time. I am profoundly grateful for every resident who trusted me with their hopes, their challenges, and their belief that public service can still make a difference,” Lewis continued. “As I step into this next chapter, still rooted here in Prince George’s County, still committed to the public good, I want to reflect on what we built together, what this moment means, and why I believe with absolute confidence that the best is yet to come.” WI

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

The Jamie Tyler Foundation Partners with Lean On Us Unity for Holiday Toy Drive By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter While Jamie and Erana Tyler might be known nationwide as cast members on OWN’s “Love & Marriage: DC,” the couple does a lot of work through their mental health-focused nonprofit, including teaming up with a local organization to give back through a Dec. 21 holiday toy drive in Oxon Hill, Maryland. “Jamie and I are honored to support and volunteer with the Lean On Us Unity Childcare Center (LOUUCC) Community Toy Drive, an event we have proudly been part of for the past two years because serving children in our community means everything to us,” the Tylers told The Informer in a joint statement. “This special drive allows kids to shop for new toys and bikes donated by in-

credible supporters and partners, including The Jamie Tyler Foundation, creating joy, dignity, and unforgettable memories.” In addition to providing toys as part of the organization’s Whoville Community Toy Drive, the couple was excited to continue a holiday tradition that not only benefits the community, but brings joy to all. “Last year, we dressed as elves, served hot cocoa and cookies, danced to Christmas music, and watched each child leave smiling with toys and bikes in hand, moments that truly filled our hearts. This year, with the Whoville theme, we’re excited to return as the Grinch and continue spreading love, laughter, and holiday magic to the children we cherish so deeply,” they continued. “The Whoville Community Toy Drive is an annual initiative rooted in compassion, service, and commu-

nity responsibility. This year, the drive will support 200 children, ensuring they experience joy, dignity, and hope during the holiday season.” Priscilla Ofosu and Dianeda Short, the founders of Lean On Us Unity House of Faith, are overjoyed to aid the holiday spirit by giving back. “The Whoville Community Toy Drive was created to meet a real need—supporting families and children who may otherwise go without during the holidays. Giving through LOUUCC’s Whoville is about more than toys; it is about showing families they are seen, supported, and surrounded by a caring community,” the founders said in a statement submitted to The Informer. “Through collective generosity, Lean On Us Unity House of Faith & its Community Partners continue their commit-

ment to uplifting children and strengthening families, especially during moments that matter most.” WI

5 Dressed as the Grinch, Jamie and Erana Tyler bring holiday joy and toys to local families through the Whoville Community Toy Drive on Dec. 21. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

How to be a standout host this holiday season. 1. Always offer water. You can add fresh fruits and herbs to not only make the pitcher attractive, but also contribute to your theme while adding hints of flavors. 2. Food is a great way to show your skills and creativity - you can even menu pair items with cocktails to craft your theme. 3. Help guests keep track of how much alcohol they've consumed by not topping off their drinks. Remember, each standard drink of beer, wine, or sprirts contains the same amount of alcohol and takes the body about an hour each to process. 4. Serve a non-alcoholic drink as your welcome drink to ensure everyone feels included. 5. Help guests plan ahead by appointing designated drivers or rideshares.

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 13

BUSINESS A Word with Some ‘Best of the DMV’ Business Finalists By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer The relationship between a local business and its patrons is one in which both parties support each other in expanding resources and breathing life into the community. Perhaps no one can speak more to that special connection than the individuals and businesses that are finalists in The Washington Informer’s inaugural Best of the DMV contest. Alvin Creswell, one of the people to be in number, acknowledged the residents who poured into his business. “The support we’ve gotten from Deanwood and Ward 7 has

been absolutely amazing,” said Creswell, co-owner and investor of The Strand DC, a one-yearold establishment and finalist for Best Black-Owned Restaurant. “They’ve embraced us. They’ve told us they’ve given us positive feedback to grow again.” Creswell, an accountant, also gave his flowers to The Informer. “Without you guys, no one would know that we’re there,” Creswell said. “It’s events, articles, interviews like this that allow us to grow and be known throughout the community as well as D.C. as a whole.” Throughout much of July and August, hundreds of nominations

Request for Proposals E.L. Haynes Public Charter School is seeking proposals for the replacement of a synthetic turf athletic field. For more information and to request the full specifications, email contracts@elhaynes.org.

14 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

5 People gather in the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) during the 2023 DC JazzFest. Anacostia BID is a finalist for Best Business Improvement District for The Washington Informer’s inaugural Best of the DMV contest. (WI FIle Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

poured in for those thought to be the Best of the DMV, as it relates to business, philanthropy, education, and a slew of other categories. By the fall, the top nominees appeared on the official ballot. On Dec. 21, The Best of the DMV winners were revealed during a celebration and fundraiser at Busboys & Poets Anacostia. That venue, located in the heart of Historic Anacostia, is under the purview of the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID), one of 12 business improvement districts in D.C., and the only one of its kind east of the Anacostia River. Long before becoming a finalist for Best Business Improvement District, Anacostia BID has been doing its part to keep that stretch of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE “clean, safe, and vibrant,” said Ashley Templeton, the organization’s marketing and arts and culture program manager. “We’re doing the work around you that you don’t even know,” Templeton continued. “Plus, Historic Anacostia is now the Arts and Culture District. We are representing the soul of the city, the heart of the city. And for us, community is everything.” The Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce

(GWBCC), a Best in the DMV finalist for Best Chamber of Commerce or Business Association, has been forging similar connections locally and abroad— what Simone Ellison calls a matter of survival. “GWBCC is a regional hub for advocacy, policy support, making sure that our regional businesses in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have access to capital and procurement opportunities, as well as within the international diaspora,” said Ellison, GWBCC’s director of engagement and strategic partnerships. “We also work with the Deputy Mayor’s Office [for Economic Development] for international business opportunities anywhere from around the globe, and especially highlighting the continent.” Ellison said The Informer is a partner in that endeavor. “As Black business owners, specifically during this time as we’re pivoting…it means more than the world to us for having our businesses supported, specifically those businesses such as those that are members of the chamber, through the nomination process,” Ellison said. “We’re making sure to promote via our different platforms, social media, email platforms. It’s very important, as this media publication…that’s been around

for generations, is able to support Black business owners and business owners in the region.” Rico Scott, the Southeast native and Best in the DMV finalist known as DJ Dirty Rico, told The Informer he uses his platform to bring people together, in good times and not so good times. “My part of taking care of the community is through the music, making sure that we keep people tuned in to the radio station 24-7,” said Scott, a Best in the DMV finalist for Best DJ. “Also doing things in the community… when dealing with domestic violence, violence in the street, getting fundraisers done, and also being a part of the community and helping the less fortunate.” In reflecting on his ascent as a Best of the DMV finalist, Scott, a Majic 102.3 mainstay representing The NoiseMaker Nation and BaldHead Ent, paid homage to his hometown. “For me to get the support of the community means everything,” he told The Informer. “That’s where it starts, at home. I’ve never been one to actually be out of the state. I love being where I’m from. I love being where I’m at. To actually get the support of the entire DMV is ultra big for me.” WI

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Local Group Honors Powerhouses in Public Relations

BUSINESS

Longtime Media Maven Dr. Sheila Brooks Among Honorees WI Web Staff The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter (PRSA NCC) is honoring two powerhouse women in media and communications. Dr. Sheila Brooks and Shonali Burke have been selected as the 2025 inductees into the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame, and will be honored in a Dec. 19 celebration at the Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key. The organization started the hall of fame in 1999, then inducting 50 leaders with significant accomplishments in public relations as part of the PRSA NCC’s 50th anniversary celebration. Combined, the inductees hold more than 1000 awards, honorary degrees, charity board seats, advisory positions and more, with Brooks and Burke adding to the illustrious list. “Dr. Sheila Brooks and Shonali

Burke exemplify the highest standards of leadership, innovation and service in our profession,” said Crystal Borde, 2025 PRSA NCC president. A longtime media maven, Brooks is the founder, president and CEO of SRB Communications, which is celebrating 35 years, and has built communications campaigns that have helped public sector, public health and higher education organizations engage diverse and underserved communities, in order to strengthen and empower them. The highly lauded entrepreneur, journalist, philanthropist and Emmy Award-winner, has dedicated much of her career to giving back. She is the founder of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Student Multimedia Projects, a spotlight program for aspiring journalists and public relations professionals during the NABJ convention. The storyteller and mentor also

established the Dr. Sheila Brooks Entrepreneur Scholarship for graduate-level study for communications students. Further, the Washington Association of Black Journalists established the Dr. Sheila Brooks Community Impact Award, in recognition of her contributions to uplifting the next generation of communicators. She is also an advisory board member for the Jim Vance media-education program at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. “For nearly five decades,” Borde said, “Dr. Sheila Brooks has used communications to expand opportunity, elevate underrepresented voices, and mentor hundreds of emerging practitioners.” Brooks said she is “deeply honored” to have been selected for the PRSA National Capital Chapter Hall of Fame. “I am humbled to receive this honor from the communications community that has shaped my life’s work

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5 Dr. Sheila Brooks is one of the 2025 inductees into the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame. (WI File Photo)

and be recognized alongside titans in the industry,” she said in a statement posted to LinkedIn. “For decades, it has been an honor and a privilege to tell important stories, elevate underrepresented voices and mentor the next generation of communicators.”

Burke is a barrier- breaker and visionary, currently serving as managing director of People’s Light in Malvern, Pennsylvania, a cultural and civic center with theatre at its core. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 15

NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT from Page 4 recorded a 7.1% unemployment rate, higher than every other racial and ethnic group. The analysis also showed that Black workers remain unemployed longer than other groups. Black women face average unemployment spells of 14.5 weeks, while Black men average 12.1 weeks. By comparison, white women typically experience unemployment lasting 8.6 weeks, and white men about 9.6 weeks. Those national trends carry particular significance for Washington, D.C., where unemployment remains well above the national average. The most recent state-level data show the District’s unemployment rate stood at 6.2% in September, the highest of any state or jurisdiction. Local data from the District of Columbia Department of Em-

ployment Services showed that while total jobs in the District increased by 5,100 in September, the number of employed residents declined by 1,800 and the civilian labor force shrank by 1,200. “A small rise in unemployment doesn’t define us. Our community is strong, resilient, and moving forward together,” DOES Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes said when those figures were released. Democrats this week pointed to the November jobs report as further evidence of a deteriorating economic picture. Democratic National Committee Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer said the data shows working families are being squeezed by rising prices while layoffs and unemployment continue to climb. “As families struggle with the

5 People attend a job fair in Washington, D.C. The most recent national unemployment rate marks the fourth consecutive increase and the highest level since September 2021, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

cost of groceries and everyday necessities, they are also facing job losses and rising unemploy-

EPSTEIN from Page 4 President Barack Obama in the Epstein files. They also do not contain evidence tying Obama to Epstein or reveal incriminating material involving figures Trump has repeatedly targeted, including Hillary Clinton. While the files include photos of former President Bill Clinton in social settings with Epstein, reporting on the images notes no indication of wrongdoing. Further, Clinton has consistently denied any misconduct. By contrast, the release includes material that places Trump closer to Epstein than the administration has acknowledged. Among the documents is a photograph of Epstein holding a giant novelty check bearing Trump’s signature, an image previously referenced in materials assembled by Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The Justice Department has provided no context for the photo, leaving unanswered questions about why such material was included while other

“Unfortunately, today’s document release by [Attorney General Pam Bondi] and [Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche] grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that [Trump] signed just 30 days ago.” Rep. Thomas Massie (R) of Kentucky

records remain obscured. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Justice Department failed to comply with the law passed by Congress and signed by Trump, describing the disclosure as incomplete and misleading. Schumer cited documents that were entirely blacked out and said Democrats are exploring options to compel full

16 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

compliance. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who co-authored the Epstein Files Transparency Act with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, said the release did not meet the standards set by the legislation. Massie was more direct. “Unfortunately, today’s document release by [Attorney General Pam

ment, making it harder to make ends meet in Trump’s economy,” Witmer said. “Trump has dis-

missed affordability as a hoax while protecting massive tax cuts for billionaires.” WI

Bondi] and [Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche] grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that [Trump] signed just 30 days ago. The White House responded by declaring the release proof of transparency, a claim quickly undercut when journalists discovered that the Justice Department’s database was not fully searchable, another requirement spelled out in the statute. For Epstein survivors, the release was never about political theater. Maria Farmer, the first woman to file a criminal complaint against Epstein in the 1990s, said she waited decades for the government to make its records public. She described the federal response to her case as a catastrophic failure that protected power rather than victims and said meaningful accountability remains elusive. “This set of heavily redacted documents released by the Department of Justice today is just a fraction of the whole body of evidence,”

Schumer said.

The Patriot Games, Cannabis Reclassification, Kennedy Center Name Change

The handling of the Epstein files is part of a broader pattern of erratic governance that has defined Trump’s second term, marked by grand announcements, legal disputes, and public confusion. Days before the document release, Trump announced plans for what he called the “Patriot Games,” a fourday athletic competition involving high school students from every state and territory as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The proposal, which also includes a prayer rally on the National Mall and a massive monument dubbed the “Arc de Trump,” drew immediate comparisons to dystopian fiction and raised concerns about politicizing children for national spectacle.

EPSTEIN Page 17

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EPSTEIN from Page 16 “Instead of making health care affordable, they’re wasting millions on a Hunger Games version of American Gladiators,” singer-songwriter Ricky Davila wrote on X. Trump also signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III. While the move expands research opportunities and limited access to cannabis-derived products, it does not legalize marijuana at the federal level and leaves state laws unchanged, resulting in widespread confusion about its practical impact, particularly in states where recreational marijuana remains illegal. In Washington, another controversy erupted after a Trump-aligned board voted to add Trump’s name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Members of the Kennedy family have challenged the move as unlawful, citing federal statutes that prohibit additional memorial designations without congressional approval. Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, said she intends to remove Trump’s name once the administration leaves office, calling the action a violation of the law and an affront to her uncle’s legacy. Maria Shriver, daughter of the former president’s sister Eunice Ken-

nedy Shriver, also noted the name change as an affront to her uncle’s legacy. “He was a man who was interested in the arts, interested in culture, interested in education, language, history. He brought the arts into the White House, and he and my Aunt Jackie amplified the arts, celebrated the arts, stood up for the arts and artists. It is beyond comprehension that this sitting president has sought to rename this great memorial dedicated to President Kennedy,” Shriver wrote in a statement posted to X. “It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable. It is not.” After this recent move, Shriver, who is a journalist and married to Arnold Schwarzenegger, warned of more drastic changes with Trump in office. “Next thing perhaps he will want to rename JFK Airport, rename the Lincoln Memorial, the Trump Lincoln Memorial. The Trump Jefferson Memorial. The Trump Smithsonian. The list goes on,” she said. “Can we not see what is happening here? C’mon, my fellow Americans! Wake up! This is not dignified. This is not funny. This is way beneath the stature of the job. It’s downright weird.” WI

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5 As leaders seek more transparency related to the Epstein files, President Donald Trump has made a lot of announcements and decisions in the next week, including adding his name to the Kennedy Center. (Courtesy Photo/The Kennedy Center, Facebook)

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18 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

Congo Continues to Suffer Despite Signing of Peace Agreement

Offensive in DRC Continues to Target Civilians, Violating Terms of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer Despite the Dec. 4 ratification of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity to bring an end to the ongoing violence between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, fighting between the two countries resumed and intensified throughout the month, violating the agreement. On Dec. 9, Rwandan forces and the Congolese Rwandan-backed rebel paramilitary group, the March 23 Movement (M23), entered Uvira– the second largest city in the South Kivu province– and attacked with drones, killing at least 74 civilians and wounding at least 83. By the next day, the offensive had taken over the city, resulting in the displacement of 200,000 people. In the Dec. 12 United Nations Security Council meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix stated that diplomatic efforts and the hope generated by them are at risk due to the continuation of violence and constant ceasefire violations. “The growing gap between political commitments and their effective implementation on the ground undermines the credibility of the peace processes, weakens trust among the parties and fuels the sense of abandonment felt by civilians,” Lacroix said. The Washington Accords further build on a peace agreement signed in June 2025, which called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and an end to the Congolese government’s support for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia. They also include the Nov. 7 Regional Economic Integration Framework, which aims to foster economic cooperation between neighboring countries and enable investors from the United States to source from the region. Additionally, there is the April 25 Declaration of Principles, promoting peace between the two countries, as well as bilateral agreements between both countries and the U.S. Since the bloodshed, displacement and sexual violence have persisted, Javid

5 Hundreds of thousands of Congolese civilians flee just one day after the U.S.brokered peace deal between Rwanda and DRC, due to intensified conflict leading to the seizure of Uvira. (Courtesy Photo/Ntibonera Foundation, Instagram)

Abdelmoneim, international president of Doctors Without Borders, says civilians must be protected and provided with humanitarian assistance, as the alleged commitment to peace covers up the tragic conditions in DRC. “It is increasingly clear that ongoing peace efforts are serving to consolidate the extractive interests of powerful actors rather than to bring relief to the people of DRC,” Abdelmoneim said in an address to the UN Security Council. “None of this is new. The violence communities face is rooted in decades of resource predation and structural neglect.

Plagued By Exploitation

Congo is considered the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources due to the abundance of minerals such as uranium, cobalt and coltan. Its untapped resources are estimated to be worth $24 trillion. More than 50% of the world’s cobalt reserves are in the DRC, making it the largest producer of the mineral. Due to cobalt’s critical role in making rechargeable batteries for electric cars or mobile devices, Congo’s mines are incredibly attractive to investors like technology companies. Even though the country is rich in resources, it has one of the poorest populations in the world. An estimated 73.5% of the DRC’s population lived

on less than $2.15 per day in 2024, according to the International Widows and Orphans Fund (IWOF). “When we say free Congo, [we’re] talking about freeing Congo from exploitation, freeing Congo from extraction, freeing Congo from poverty,” said Maurice Carney, executive director at Friends of the Congo. Congo has been exploited for its resources since it was under Belgian rule before its independence in 1960. This has followed the country through its history, being one of the many factors that exacerbate its instability, as armed forces have historically controlled mineral-rich Congolese regions, causing conflicts over land ownership. An estimated 40,000 children, some as young as 6 years old, work in the Congo’s mines under harsh conditions such as incredibly small spaces, exposure to toxic chemicals and the risk of serious physical— sometimes fatal— injuries. These circumstances have made advocates skeptical of foreign investors and the United State’s intentions behind its peace deal. “So big companies are behind this internationally because they want to get all these minerals… at a cheaper price,” said Samuel Yagase, a grassroots leader fighting for justice in the DRC. “So maintaining instability is a strategy for them.” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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Standing Up for the District in 2025 AARP DC Staff Report As 2025 draws to a close, it’s clear that it was a pivotal time for older adults and their families in Washington, D.C. Across the District, advocates, caregivers, and community leaders rallied to protect the dignity, health, and financial security of seniors—facing both longstanding challenges and new opportunities for progress. Social Security remained a cornerstone of retirement security, marking its 90th anniversary as a vital lifeline for more than 84,000 District residents. The program’s enduring promise of guaranteeing inflation-adjusted benefits and lifting thousands out of poverty was celebrated even as concerns about its customer service and future grew. With administrative hurdles and funding shortfalls looming, AARP DC called on Congress and the Social Security Administration to recommit to efficient, transparent service and highlighted the importance of bipartisan solutions to safeguard benefits for future generations. Caregiving emerged as another defining issue. Family caregivers, which number over 109,000 in the District, provided billions in unpaid care, often at great personal cost. These unsung heroes managed medications, prepared meals, and helped loved ones live independently, all while navigating financial strain and limited support. Advocacy efforts from AARP DC focused on protecting paid family leave, securing funding for respite and memory care programs, and pushing for the Credit for Caring Act, which would offer much-needed tax relief to caregivers. Healthcare saw both progress

and persistent disparities. While most District residents reported satisfaction with their care, deep inequities remained, especially for Black seniors living east of the Anacostia River. Stark gaps in life expectancy, access to care, and cultural competence underscored the urgent need for expanded services and community-driven solutions. AARP DC continued to spotlight these disparities, urging leaders to address not just medical care, but also housing, nutrition, and transportation. Budget debates shaped the landscape for senior services. This year, we fought to preserve funding for home-delivered meals, the Safe at Home program, legal aid, and transportation programs. These essential supports help older adults remain safely in their homes and avoid costly institutional care. Proposed cuts to the Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL) raised alarms, prompting calls to restore funding and fully implement measures like the Certified Nurses Aide Amendment Act. Amid these challenges, the community also faced new threats from scams and fraud. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network launched a universal message—Pause. Reflect. Protect.—to help residents recognize and avoid increasingly sophisticated scams, empowering individuals to safeguard their finances and peace of mind.

Looking Forward to 2026

As AARP DC continues our work, we can’t do it without your help. We will keep fighting for the policies you care about and help all residents 50 and over in all 8 Wards live their best lives. If you want to volunteer with us to make real improvements in your neighborhood, your Ward, or across the District, join us! If you are interested, please email dcaarp@aarp.org with your

name, contact information, which Ward you live in and what issues you care most about! For the latest and most up to date information on the issues

listed here, and for upcoming announcements, please visit our website, aarp.org/dc, and follow us on social media at facebook.com/ aarpdc or x.com/aarpdc.

We wish everyone a very happy, health and safe holiday season and look forward to working with you or seeing you at an event in the new year!

We're in your corner. People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That’s a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your community. Find us at aarp.org/dc.

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 19

HEALTH Six Vaccines That Can Keep You Safe This Holiday Season With COVID-19, Flu, RSV Climbing Nationwide, Key Immunizations Before Gathering with Family By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation’s leading Black news publishers (of which the Informer is a member). Christmas, Kwanzaa, and other end-of-year holidays typically mean travel followed by close indoor contact with friends or loved ones — near-perfect conditions for nasty airborne viruses to spread. And when it comes to communicable illnesses, experts say, this holiday

season is going to be a doozy. Public health officials say winter is shaping up to be another three-virus merry-go-round, with rates of COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all on the uptick in many regions of the country. The flu has been declared “prevalent” in some states — meaning the virus has infected so many people that healthcare workers should take extra precautions. Still, given the mixed messages about vaccines coming from public health agencies under the control of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.— President Donald Trump’s Health and Human

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5 Public health officials say winter is shaping up to be another three-virus merry-go-round, with rates of COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all on the uptick in many regions of the country. (WI File Photo)

Services secretary— deciding whether to get seasonal jabs can be confusing. To make things a bit easier, Word In Black researched the top six vaccines that experts recommend before hugging older relatives, bouncing babies on your knees, or squeezing into airplanes and buses with fellow travelers. As always, consult a trusted healthcare professional for personal guidance. 1. Updated Flu Vaccine Seasonal flu still causes millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year and is the deadliest vaccine-preventable disease besides COVID-19.The flu sent a record-setting number of people to the hospital during the 2024-2025 season, even though flu shots are highly effective in reducing the risk of severe illness or hospitalization. Medical experts recommend, with rare exceptions, that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks for complete protection to kick in. The updated vaccines will protect against the specific flu strains the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say are currently circulating worldwide. 2. Updated COVID-19 Vaccine As of early December 2025, infections from the current COVID-19 strain are growing or likely to grow in most U.S. states. It’s also surging worldwide. Experts recommend getting vaccinated at least two weeks before traveling or gathering with family. In most

cases, it’s all right to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. 3. RSV Vaccine RSV can cause serious illnesses in older adults and is the leading cause of infant hospitalization. RSV infection levels are rising in much of the country, especially among children under age four. Authorities recommend the vaccine for all adults aged 75 and older, and for adults over age 50 with chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, or other complications. Infants and women who are in late-stage pregnancy should talk with their healthcare professional about whether to get the RSV vaccine. 4. Pneumococcal Vaccine Pneumococcal bacterial infection can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Cases often spike in winter, and can be deadly for older adults or people with chronic illnesses. Experts suggest all adults age 50 and older who haven’t had a pneumonia vaccine should get one. Many adults, even those in their 60s and 70s, haven’t had the jab, so be sure to check medical records before taking the shot. 5. Tdap or Tetanus Booster This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and the jab is crucial for both children and adults. Whooping cough in newborns can be life-threatening, and many infants are exposed to the disease by asymptomatic adults.

6. MMR & Varicella Outbreaks of measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox are on the rise, especially in communities with lower vaccination rates or among travelers. This year, the U.S. lost its status as having eradicated measles, and several outbreaks — some deadly — have occurred nationwide, most prominently in Texas and South Carolina. Before piling into a multigenerational house or traveling internationally, experts recommend confirming MMR-V vaccine status or immunity. 7. Shingles Vaccine Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that can cause severe pain and long-lasting nerve damage. People don’t catch shingles from others, but someone with shingles can transmit the virus that causes chickenpox to people who aren’t immune. All adults age 50 and older, as well as some adults age 19 and older with compromised immune systems, should get the shingles vaccine. 8. Travel-Specific Vaccines Those headed overseas during the holidays should check the CDC’s travel health site or visit a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Depending on destination and activities, experts may recommend: • Hepatitis A and/or B • Typhoid • Yellow fever (for specific countries) • Polio booster in areas where polio is still circulating WI

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OUR

EARTH

CHRISTMAS from Page 1 quite feel like Christmas. “I had a fake Christmas tree one year when I had an apartment. Now that I’m back in the house, back to live trees,” she said, adding that her 80-yearold father was also adamant about a real tree this year. “It feels more like the holiday to me, having a live tree. You can have a fake tree up for Easter and all that. Pine trees are a symbol of winter, so give me a real tree.” Most Christmas trees are evergreen conifers— such as firs, spruces or pines— known for their strong branches, needle retention, cone-like shape, and that classic smell that can turn a house from a basic home to a holiday wonderland. “I like them because it makes your house smell good,” Daniel said. “They’re very fragrant.” Daniel isn’t the only one advocating for real trees. In addition to boosting the local economy, Michael Wallace, director of communications at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, pointed to a tradition that brings physical health benefits in tandem with uplifting spirits. “For every Christmas tree that is cut, three seedlings are planted in its place, and while they’re growing, a real Christmas tree supports life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gasses and emits fresh oxygen,” Wallace told The Informer. As the seventh state leading in Christmas tree harvestation, and eighth ranked nationally in total acreage, Virginia holds more than 9,000 acres dedicated to the “best choice” for season’s greetings, said Wallace. “It’s great for local agriculture, being the farmer that actually grew the tree, and it’s a great way to create family memories – from going out to a farm to select a tree, to then taking it home and actually decorating it,” he continued. “The traditional choice, and the best choice, is always gonna be a real Christmas tree.”

Learn About Christmas Trees

and How to Dispose of Them Christmas Trees Boost the Environment and Economy

Investing in live trees hosts yearround benefits that puts sustainability and preservation ahead of a holistically thriving ecosystem, according to Kristen Heberlig of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). “Real trees are biodegradable and after the season can be recycled as mulch or compost, added to the landscape as food and habitat for wildlife, or placed into lakes and ponds to benefit aquatic life,” Heberlig wrote in a December 2024 CBF post. “Many communities offer recycling programs and curbside pickup. You may even know a local farmer who would appreciate your tree as a tasty treat for their goats.” While Denzel Mitchell Jr., executive director of the Farm Alliance of Baltimore, would rather avoid chopping down trees, he endorses the real thing versus plastic, particularly as it benefits the local economy. “My ideal choice would be to leave the trees outside to do their job of cleaning the air we breathe,” he said. “However, if you must buy a tree, then buy a live one grown organically from a local small business owner.” With the holidays in full swing, environmental advocates like Mitchell and Heberlig highlight the importance of understanding the benefits of Christmas trees and knowing what to do with them once the season has passed. “It is a small step we can take at holiday time,” Heberlig said, “that can lead to more resilient local waters and communities.” With watering and care, a Christmas tree can last up to four or five weeks, according to an October 2025 Better Homes and Gardens report. Once families are ready to get rid of their trees, the District of Columbia Department of Public Works (DPW) offers environmentally conscious annual protocols for District residents to follow. “I listen to the news to see when DPW is doing their tree collection,” Daniel told The Informer. “I put them

5 A brightly decorated Christmas tree next to a portrait of former President Barack Obama at the White House in 2022, during the Biden administration. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

in the designated space so that they can pick them up and properly dispose of them or recycle them.” DPW requires residents to discard holiday trees and greenery using the curbside tree boxes and the three dropoff locations— Bryant Street Sweep Shop and Guy Mason Recreation Center, both in Northwest, and DPW Salt Storage Facility in Southeast. “The D.C. Department of Public Works (DPW) will collect holiday trees and greenery from Jan. 2 through Feb. 28 from DPW-serviced households, which include single-family homes and apartment dwellings with three or fewer units,” according to DPW. “Natural holiday trees and greenery take up a lot of space and should never be placed within D.C.’s food waste dropoff bins.” A longtime farmer and environmental advocate, Mitchell also offered advice on tree disposal, especially if a family does it themselves. “When the season is over, ensure [the tree] is chipped and composted,” he told The Informer.

Teaching the Benefits of Christmas Trees as a Holiday Tradition

While she wasn’t always aware of their environmental pros, live trees have done more for Daniel than make her season merry and bright. “I dropped a branch one time and it replanted in my yard— up under my dogwood— and then took root,” she explained. Now that she’s aware of the added

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value they bring, the mother and paraprofessional in D.C. Public Schools plans to preach the good sustainability news about Christmas trees. “I’m letting [my children] know that by using this real tree, we are giving back to Mother Earth, and by recycling it the proper way, we are still giving back to Mother Earth,” she said. A father of five, Mitchell noted that lessons about the value of trees can come from purchasing them with a local entrepreneur, all the way to disposal, particularly when highlighting the story behind the beautiful addition to the

home. Teach the babies that the tree was probably once the play and resting place to dozens of animals. While Daniel is excited about the newfound knowledge of Christmas trees, as an educator raising two young children, she emphasized the importance of encouraging the appreciation of nature beyond the holiday season. “Teaching about the environment and nature is important to my parenting because I want my kids to know that their footprints affect the Earth,” she said, “and everything that they do on this Earth affects how long this

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 21

EDUCATION OPC Launches Adopt-a-School Program with ‘Generation Simulation’ at Anacostia High School

Role-Playing Program Gives Students Insight into Life After High School, From Budgeting to Maintaining Social Lives By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer For many teenagers across the nation, life after high school is just around the corner, bringing endless possibilities alongside increased independence and additional responsibilities. To give students a taste of what life may look like soon, the Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) launched its Adopt-a-School Program through an interactive “Generation Simulation” (GenSim) at Anacostia High School (AHS) on Dec. 4.

GenSim was created by Sheila Ruffin, OPC’s supervisory trial attorney. This activity is a 50-minute role-playing experience set on a fictional university campus during a pretend homecoming season, designed to teach students the importance of balancing school, social life, and bills through budgeting and collaboration. Through made-up scenarios, participants also learned about how access to energy can sometimes be unfair, experiencing pretend blackouts, high utility bills and Wi-Fi outages, and were ex-

5 Students negotiate and rally for payment at the fictional work study during the Dec. 4 Adopt-a-School Program’s “Generation Simulation” (GenSim) at Anacostia High School. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)

22 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

5 Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC)’s supervisory trial attorney Sheila Ruffin, creator of OPC’s “Generation Stimulation,” reflects with Anacostia High School students on the challenges and successes faced while participating in the interactive session that aims to teach youth financial literacy and responsibility. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)

posed to resources like OPC that are available to help them advocate for themselves in the future. “I wanted to do something that would keep them moving,” Ruffin told The Informer. “I wanted something to empower them so that when they faced a challenge in the scenarios that I made, it may reflect something that they’re going through, so they’d understand, possibly, ... what their family is truly going through.” Before the activity, Sandra Mattavous-Frye, head of OPC, told participants that they must be able to voice their concerns to their representatives and ensure they have equal access to energy and other resources. She emphasized that in a time when a higher energy demand causes higher utility bills, not only in Washington but nationwide, teaching younger generations how to advocate for themselves is crucial. “You are going to control the future,” Mattavous-Frye told the students. “It’s even more important that you know what the deal is and how to maneuver… to make certain your community and… your children have the things that they need to survive.”

Generation Simulation: A Makeshift Reality Check

In assigned groups, participants played roommates living off-campus, preparing for homecoming. With the option to portray characters such as a DJ/promoter, influencer, homecoming chair and custom merch entrepreneur, each student had their own duties, but still had to work together. The simulation was divided into three 15-minute periods, each representing one week. Each week, the six participating groups would take care of their essential expenses— rent, utilities, groceries and cellphone and Wi-Fi bills— while facing a dilemma that affected the entire household and another that affected one person. Through these scenarios, students learned what their priorities should be when dealing with these responsibilities. “Do the stuff that’s major first— your rent, your health— anything that has to do with [keeping] you off the streets,” 16-year-old Sebastian Frederick told The Informer. “They’re trying to prepare us for what’s next so we won’t be out there clueless.” One of the scenarios written for Sebastian, who played the homecoming chair, was that he had to

go to urgent care but left his laptop on the train during the trip there. This caused him to have to turn around and “buy” another Metro ticket to receive it. During this same week the group was affected by the gas being cut off, requiring a member to go to the Energy Help Hub, where they were to file a complaint with the fictional utility company. Places like the Energy Help Hub, the bank, the rent office, the Metro station, the grocery store, Urgent Care, a work study, a convenience mart, the mall and more were represented by different OPC staff sitting at tables throughout AHS’s media center. Aaliyah Thompson, 18, who played the entrepreneur in Sebastian’s group, once had to go file a complaint with the fictional bank due to an incorrect $500 deduction from their account. The high school senior told The Informer she appreciated this scenario because it reflected something she had once experienced in real life. “In college, you’re not going to have your parents to lean back on all the time, so you’re gonna have to do stuff on your own,” she said. “It’s like a practice run on if you’re going to make it or not.”

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OPC Page 23

OPC from Page 22

Preparing the Youth for their Next Steps

Ruffin thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the innovation and teamwork from the students. She told The Informer that from the beginning of the first simulated week, she had students trying to bargain with her over their expenses. The trial attorney witnessed participants scolding each other for not taking care of the responsibility assigned to them, prioritizing the essentials over the fictional homecoming concert. “So, as I phase out in the next 20, 30 years, they’ll be phasing in at a mid-level career, so I really want to plant these seeds now,” Ruffin told The Informer. “And if the seeds have already been planted, I’m hoping to water them and soil them, so I’m really just adding onto what they’re already learning.” Mattavous-Frye was impressed to see the students so engaged and motivated to take care of their fictional household. Having grown up in the South Bronx, which the OPC head says is similar to Anacostia, Mattavous-Frye was always reminded that she was above her circumstances and was able to achieve

anything she put her mind to. She credits that mindset to helping her succeed, and is committed to helping instill that confidence within the youth so they are efficiently equipped to strive in life. “That’s critical because the baby boomers, we have to move over to make room to make sure all the Gen Zs are really understanding the circumstances and… their value and… their potential,” she told The Informer. “Once they get a grasp of that, then they can do anything. The world is theirs to change.” Ruffin hopes that interactive, enjoyable, non-traditional educational opportunities like Generation Simulation help inspire future programming across different fields to help young people better understand subjects like healthcare, family law, criminal law and more. She believes a fresh take on education, like GenSim, can truly help students better grasp topics they learn in class, and that preparing adolescents for adulthood gives them the tools they need to effectuate change. “Thank you to the students. I honor them,” Ruffin told The Informer. “If I could leave a last word for them, it would be, ‘Change the country.’ I’m looking forward to them doing big things.” WI

EDUCATION

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across the region. Many stores are genuine neighborhood hubs, their long-time employees well-known and valued by regular customers. Furthermore, the company, through the Safeway Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors program, actively partners with local non-profits like DC Central Kitchen and the Capital Area Food Bank to combat hunger and provide nutrition assistance, demonstrating a clear commitment to regional issues. Safe-

“Safeway emphasizes its commitment to local DMV communities through philanthropy, grants, and initiatives that focus on the reduction of food insecurity. Our commitment goes beyond groceries, The Safeway Foundation through Nourishing Neighbors is dedicated to enriching the lives of people in our neighborhoods. We are happy to partner with local nonprofits to ensure families Weekly digital deals in our community have the resources they need to and special offers* thrive.” says Dana Ward, Easy online shopping Safeway Community Affairs Director

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5 Aaliyah Thompson converses with the “bank” after $500 was mistakenly taken out of her account. (Mya Trujillo/The Washington Informer)

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*Pick-up available until 7 pm. Visit safeway.com/foru for program details.

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EDITORIAL

Don’t Be Fooled by the Rhetoric and Distractions African Americans Must Vote in Force in 2026 to Reverse the Eradication of Civil Rights

In 2026, America will celebrate its 250th anniversary with great fanfare, pomp and circumstance. However, given the turn of events over the past year, Americans of color may mark the Fourth of July with mixed emotions. Consider the perspective of the great orator and abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, which he shared during a scathing speech on July 5, 1852, at an event honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine; you may rejoice, I must mourn,” he said. Douglass, an escaped slave, had a host of reasons for expressing such a sentiment. But that was before America ended slavery. That was before America recognized African Americans as people and not property. That was before grassroots efforts led by people of all races and ages put their lives on the line and ushered in the mod-

ern-day Civil Rights Movement, securing equal rights, justice and liberty for all. However, since the recent presidential election, there has been an unprecedented attack on the rights of Black Americans and America’s most marginalized citizens overall. Beginning in 2025, a new Trump administration Executive Order ended diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the federal government, rescinding previous orders and emphasizing merit-based hiring. While public opinion remains divided and legal challenges continue, shifts in corporate strategy reflect an abandonment of once-touted DEI goals that ensured fairness and representation. In addition, while the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has not been repealed, key provisions have been significantly weakened or “gutted” by a series of Supreme Court decisions, which have reduced its effectiveness in protecting minority

voting rights. At the same time, efforts by states to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections continue and have resulted in a significant and highly controversial wave of mid-decade redistricting activity and associated legal challenges. As of December 2025, six states have passed and implemented new congressional maps while at least four other states are either considering or in progress of following similar actions. These changes are just the tip of the iceberg. But with the midterm elections coming up next fall, African Americans must ignore the many distractions enacted by local, state, and federal officials, register to vote, study the candidates, review the choices on their respective ballots from top to bottom, and vote in November. The clock is ticking, and unfortunately, time is not on our side. WI

and

New Year from

The Washington Informer!

Grateful Hearts, Unbroken Voices

A Holiday Message from The Washington Informer As we gather with family and friends this Christmas season, our hearts are full of gratitude — for life, love, community, and the shared journey we undertake together. At The Washington Informer, we give thanks to our loyal readers whose trust energizes every edition, and to our dedicated team whose tireless efforts keep the truth alive in every headline and story. This year, we also remember and honor our late colleague, veteran journalist James J. Wright — a voice of integrity, courage, and compassion. James’ commitment to truth and to the Black community exemplifies the highest calling of the Black Press: to inform, uplift, and hold accountable. His legacy will live on in every word we publish. During this season of peace and hope, we recall the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., from his final Christmas sermon in 1967, when he preached that “If

we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional… our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation.” King’s call for a broader, more profound commitment to justice and unity echoes the mission of the Black Press — to shine light where there is darkness, to connect hearts where there is division, and to insist that our shared humanity is more powerful than the forces that seek to divide us.

This Christmas, as we celebrate with loved ones and reflect on the past year, we give thanks for the resilience of our community and the strength of a free and vigilant Black Press. We will continue to stand firm in our role, telling the stories that matter, amplifying voices that too often go unheard, and working toward a future built on justice, peace, and goodwill for everyone. Happy holidays to all! WI

At The Washington Informer, we give thanks to our loyal readers whose trust energizes every edition, and to our dedicated team whose tireless efforts keep the truth alive in every headline and story.

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TO THE EDITOR “Thank you for covering Bishop Jackson.” — Violette L Stephens in reference to the article: “In Memory of the Rt. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson”

“Such a timely piece. Grateful for the insights about supporting our mental health as we close out the year. I’m curious about the path forward for giving people resources for supporting their mental health in a world that continues to be uncertain. Thank you Dr. Patrise for bringing this important conversation to life!” - Isaiah Pickens in reference to the article: “Exhausted, Aware, and Awakening: How Black Americans Are Redefining Resilience in 2026”

DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 25

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

Congress Went Home. Health Care Didn’t Get Fixed. Americans Pay the Price.

Congress has headed home again, leaving behind a familiar mess. Health care costs are rising, insurance premiums are climbing, millions of people are struggling to stay covered — and lawmakers have once more failed to act. This is not a surprise. These congressional cowards love to run and hide, always leaving unfinished business, and

their cowardice has consequences. Health care consumes roughly 17% to 18% of U.S. gross domestic product, far more than any other wealthy nation. We spend nearly one out of every five dollars in the economy on health care, yet our outcomes — life expectancy, maternal mortality, chronic disease management — are among the worst in the developed world. That disconnect is not accidental. It is the result of policy choices, including the choice to do nothing. One of the clearest examples is Congress’s failure to extend the enhanced

Guest Columnist

Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, sometimes misleadingly referred to as “Obamacare subsidies.” These credits lowered monthly insurance premiums for people who purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplaces. During the pandemic, Congress expanded them, making coverage more affordable for millions of working- and middle-class families, including older adults not yet eligible for Medicare, gig workers, and the self-employed. Those enhanced credits have now expired. Not because they didn’t work

— but because Congress (including Democrats) chose not to renew them. The result was immediate and predictable. Premiums rose, in some cases sharply. For some families, monthly costs increased by hundreds of dollars. Many people responded the only way they could: by downgrading coverage, taking on higher deductibles, or dropping insurance altogether. Coverage did not disappear overnight — affordability did. This matters not only to individual households but to the entire health care system. When people lose afford-

able coverage, they delay care. Preventable conditions worsen. Emergency rooms absorb more uncompensated care. Hospitals, particularly rural and safety-net hospitals, face greater financial strain. Costs are shifted rather han reduced. And, as always in the United States, the burden falls unevenly. Health disparities are not just about biology or behavior. They are about access, affordability, and policy design. Black and Latino households, already more likely to be uninsured or un-

MALVEAUXPage 45

Ben Jealous

When Tough Times Come to Main Street, Love Matters Even More

This week’s column was supposed to be a celebration. A celebration of a wonderful little toy store in a joyful Midwestern town. A store that, heartbreakingly, is scheduled to close the week after Christmas. But circumstances intervened. Yellow Springs, Ohio, is the kind of place that makes you smile the moment you step onto its main street.

The kind of Main Street Generation X — and every generation before us — assumed would always exist. The kind that, to my children’s generation, now feels less like a living place and more like a memory: something America once built everywhere, and now struggles to protect anywhere. For decades, Yellow Springs resisted the fate that hollowed out so many towns like it. Its downtown endured in large part because of Antioch College, the pathbreaking liberal arts school founded by 19th-century education reformer Horace Mann. Mann believed

Guest Columnist

deeply in education. He did not believe in endowments. The result is a college that still stands for bold ideas, even as it has struggled financially in recent years. The town itself has fared better. Not by accident. In no small part because Dave Chappelle invested in it — not just money, but belief. Belief that culture matters. That joy matters. That small towns are worth loving. Even as he mourns the loss of a beloved local store, he continues to pour his presence, his resources, and his faith into keeping the town alive. Recently, I was back in town to see

Dave perform at his new club. My parents helped recruit his father to teach at Antioch in the late 1960s. So this place has always felt personal. Rooted. Shared. We were talking in a local coffee shop when Jamie Sharp walked in. She owns the Yellow Springs Toy Company — the store that has probably generated more smiles than any other place on the block. The kind of store that feels like childhood made visible. Wooden toys. Books. Games. Objects chosen with care. A place that invites wonder instead of noise.

Jamie told us she was closing the store. I asked why. I thought of the last time I took my son there. He loved it. Everyone did. You could feel it in the room. The quiet joy that comes from a place built not to extract, but to give.

ered the leader of the free world. The continued fall from grace for a man who habitually abuses the office he holds did not happen overnight, nor did it happen without help. Enablers such as Judge Aileen Cannon, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Rep. Jim Jordan all come to mind. As much as the president called the Epstein affair a “Democratic hoax,” it was no surprise that the president’s allies followed his lead by initially resisting the release of unclassified documents linked to Epstein. Nor should we be surprised by the lack of

transparency by the House Judiciary Committee concerning the attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith was appointed in 2022 to oversee investigations into Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden and Trump’s retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Smith’s team filed charges in both investigations but abandoned the cases

Jamie did not speak in abstractions. She spoke plainly. Tariffs had raised costs. Online giants had tightened margins. And then she said the thing that mattered most. People just do not seem to have as much money this year.

JEALOUS Page 45

David W. Marshall

Turning Point USA is Focused on the Future

The American people deserve to know the truth concerning the leaders they elect to political office. Specifically, the public has a right to know the truth about Jeffrey Epstein’s misconduct as a sex trafficker in addition to his connections with key public figures, which may include the current president of the United States. Congress just recently

passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act for that very reason. Despite the public’s right to transparency throughout our government, too many individuals in powerful positions of judicial and legislative oversight will consistently choose to protect and shield Donald Trump, “the person,” rather than “the honor of the U.S. presidency.” I always ask, what would be the GOP’s response if it were Barack Obama lying and doing mischief instead of Donald Trump? Barack Obama once called it “the honor of my life to serve you

26 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

as president.” His words illustrated how being a president with integrity is about selfless service, upholding democracy, and having a duty to serve that overrides personal or family gain. Sometimes, we don’t appreciate what we have until we lose it. The current occupant of the White House has diminished the honor of the presidency by proving to everyone he is above the law. Today, the current occupant is not only an embarrassment to the office he holds, but also to the nation once consid-

MARSHALL Page 45

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Donnie’s Blame Game

One would think the man now at the White House did nothing except the things he says he did! He did a prime-time speech a few nights ago, interrupting all other programs to blame everything on Joe Biden or the Democrats. He took credit for many things he did not do. He left out things he did do. He left out everything

about Epstein — the biggest case in town! He blamed President Biden and the Democrats for nearly everything! — for health care costs, for high-priced food, while he said the prices are going down tremendously. He said even eggs have gone down 82%! He said gasoline has gone down in some cases below $2 a gallon! He blamed us for high health care costs. He said housing availability had gone down because so many people have been deported, and their de-

Guest Columnist

portation has made more housing available to U.S. citizens. He says “affordability” is just a Democratic scam — even though Democrats are not in charge of the White House, the House or the Senate. We’re expected to forget all the things he promised to resolve on Day 1! While stirring up wars all over, he was desperately trying to get a Nobel Peace Prize. He says wages are up. Prices are down. Joblessness is down. He claims things are going so well that

he has time to walk through the halls of the White House, labeling untruths about his predecessors. He was trying so hard to convince himself of how successful he is by placing negative plaques of others in the White House under the portraits of whoever it is known far out-performed him: Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, or even George W. Bush, and others who are so far ahead of anything Trump could ever hope to do. Meanwhile, as he spouts gross untruths, others are suffering,

and he’s making silly comments on plaques in the White House about past presidents who run circles around him in what they did when they were in office. To him, it’s more important to tear down a part of the people’s White House to build himself a party room! His predecessors performed so high above Donnie. It really is true that when people can’t control you, they try to control how others view you. That’s exactly what

WILLIAMS Page 46

Marc H. Morial

Immigration Raids in New Orleans: A Bait-and-Switch on Public Safety

“What we are seeing unfold in our community is not public safety; it is a political stunt wrapped in badges, armored vehicles, and military uniforms.” — Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-La.) The Trump administration vowed its south Louisiana immigration sweep would target

violent criminals. In reality, a mere handful of those swept up in “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” have criminal histories of any kind. Far more of those detained have been accused of no wrongdoing and hold authorization allowing them to live and work in the United States. Meanwhile, school absences have spiked, sick and injured people — even pregnant women in labor — are avoiding medical care, and hotel and restaurant staff aren’t showing up to work, threatening New Orle-

Guest Columnist

ans’ vital tourism industry. Like immigration sweeps in other cities, Operation Catahoula Crunch is an abject failure and a bait-and-switch: the promise to take dangerous criminals off the street was replaced with a ruthless racial profiling initiative that accomplishes nothing but terrifying political theater. Public safety is the freedom to walk to work without fear, to send your children to school with confidence, to seek medical care when it is needed, and to trust that the

laws will be applied fairly. It is not a press conference. It is not a show of force for its own sake. And it is certainly not the indiscriminate use of raids that destabilize families, disrupt workplaces, and sow distrust between communities and the institutions sworn to serve them. When the vast majority of those detained in these raids have no criminal record, the narrative that these efforts are “taking the worst of the worst off the streets” crumbles under its own weight. We are left with a strategy that confuses immi-

gration status — a civil matter — with criminality. That confusion is not just a harmless mistake. It drains resources from the genuine work of crime prevention and investigation. It chills cooperation with law enforcement, especially among witnesses and victims who are essential partners in solving serious crimes. It sends the message that compliance and authorization don’t matter — that even if you follow the rules, if you’re part of a

MORIAL Page 46

Fred Redmond

The Voting Rights Act Is Under Threat. So Are Workers’ Rights.

In our workplaces, in our communities and in our government, the right to vote is how working people make our voices heard. The late Rep. John Lewis of Georgia proclaimed, “Your vote is precious, almost sacred.” The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing Texas to use a racially discriminatory congressional map

threatens that precious right once again — and with it, the foundation of worker power itself. A challenge out of Louisiana may soon make matters worse, threatening to further limit the strength of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 — the nation’s most powerful tool for correcting historical racial discrimination in voting, including the violence and suppression once used to keep Black voters from the polls. The VRA was brought to life by courageous civil rights and la-

bor leaders who risked everything to end racial discrimination at the ballot box. The law transformed American democracy by dramatically increasing Black political participation, expanding representation at every level of government and giving working people a real chance to shape the decisions that affect their lives. This fight is part of the labor movement’s history too. In 1963, labor leaders were key architects of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and labor unions

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mobilized 40,000 union members and provided resources. We offered critical lobbying support and testimony in support of the Civil Rights Act and the VRA — the passage of which in 1965 led to the filing of thousands of successful cases against workplace discrimination and eliminated many of the racist voting restrictions in the South. When Black voter turnout surged, so did worker power, especially in the South, where the VRA helped create a diverse coalition of working-class voters.

According to research from the University of California San Diego, the VRA narrowed the wage gap between Black and white workers by 5.5% between 1950 and 1980. Another study found that high-turnout communities saw more paved roads and streetlights; better access to city and county resources; and easier entry into public sector jobs such as police, firefighters and teachers. The lesson is clear: A strong

REDMOND Page 46

DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 27

LIFESTYLE Washington Informer Weekend Checklist WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV! By Keith Golden Jr. WI Intern As the holiday season winds down, the DMV offers a weekend packed with cultural performances, festive attractions and community-centered gatherings across the region. From Christmas Day football and Kwanzaa celebrations, to immersive theater, karaoke nights and waterfront light displays, there are plenty of ways for residents and visitors to stay engaged and connected through the weekend. To learn more about all the happenings around town and keep your social life lit, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

Thursday, Dec. 25

Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys

1p.m. | $85.00+ Northwest Stadium, 1600 Ring Road Landover, MD 20785 The Washington Commanders host the Dallas Cowboys in Landover Maryland, in a highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup. Attendees can expect an NFL showdown as the Commanders aim to secure a win against their NFC East rivals, with the game providing festive entertainment for families and football fans alike. Christmas Dinner at Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill Noon - 10 p.m. | $38 Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20001 Celebrate Christmas with a delicious holiday meal at the newly-renovated Article One –

5 “Calamity + Anacostia + Kinfolk” takes the stage Dec. 27 at Studio Theatre, offering a dynamic theatrical experience centered on community, resilience and cultural identity in Anacostia. The production blends storytelling, music and inventive stagecraft to spotlight local voices and lived experiences. (Courtesy Photo)

American Grill. The holiday meal will be served between noon and 10 p.m, featuring prime rib served with garlic whipped potatoes, locally sourced seasonal vegetables, and port au jus. Seating is available on a first come first served basis. Additionally, between now and New Year’s Day, Article One – American Grill is providing an ongoing holiday dining special. The meal features a French dip prime rib sandwich topped with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and served on house-made artisanal French bread, accompanied by port au jus with French fries or a side salad.

Friday, Dec. 26

Holiday Art Show & Sale Noon- 6 p.m. | Free Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard Glen Echo, MD 20812

5 Light Yards returns to The Yards DC on Dec. 28, illuminating the waterfront with festive holiday lights and interactive seasonal installations. The family-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to stroll, explore and enjoy a vibrant winter celebration. (Courtesy Photo)

28 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

Check out a curated selection of fine art, crafts and handmade gifts from local and regional artists. Visitors can browse unique creations, meet the artists and shop for oneof-a-kind holiday treasures in a festive setting. Presented by Glen Echo Park, the event highlights the area’s vibrant arts community and provides a family-friendly opportunity to support local makers. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection of artwork.

Saturday, Dec. 27

Sunday, Dec. 28

This performance offers audiences a dynamic theatrical experience centered on community, resilience and cultural identity in Anacostia. The show combines storytelling, music and inventive stagecraft, inviting viewers to engage with the lives and experiences of local residents through a creative and immersive lens. Presented by Studio Theatre, the production highlights regional talent and artistic expression and fosters conversations around heritage, identity and collective history.

Offering participants ages 48– 60 a relaxed environment to enjoy coffee while creating art, the event combines guided painting with social interaction. The daytime convening provides a fun and creative way for singles to connect over shared interests in a friendly, welcoming setting.

“Calamity + Anacostia + Kinfolk” 6 p.m. | $22.27+ Studio Theatre , 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

Trap Karaoke: Silver Spring 7 p.m. | $71.60+ The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 Presented by Trap Karaoke, the event highlights community-driven nightlife and music experiences in the D.C. area by inviting guests to sing along to their favorite hiphop and trap hits in a lively, interactive setting. The evening combines karaoke with a high-energy party atmosphere, giving attendees a chance to showcase their talents or just enjoy the performances with friends.

Paint & Coffee at Kafe Flame Tysons Corner 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. | $45.06 Kafe Flame, 7799 Leesburg Pike #140 Falls Church, VA 22043

Light Yards 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Free The Sundeck at The Yards DC, 305 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20003 Light Yards brings a display of holiday lights and interactive seasonal installations, inviting visitors of all ages to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy festive decorations, and experience a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of the season. A fun way to take in the District at night, the annual display highlights local creativity and community engagement while providing a safe and visually striking winter attraction. WI

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LIFESTYLE

A Father’s Blueprint, A Son’s Legacy

Carolina Kitchen CEO Dr. Lance London Builds an Empire Based on Vision, Family, Community By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer The lessons that shape Dr. Lance London were not learned from textbooks or boardrooms. For the founder of Carolina Kitchen, the tenets of success were learned from his father, Otis L. London. Raised in a life of poverty, his father dropped out of high school to work and support his siblings as his grandmother tried to eke out a living scrubbing floors. “My father’s greatest fear was that I wouldn’t be better than him,” remembered London. “Early in childhood, he told me, ‘No one in our family has ever been to college; you are going to be the first.’” London vividly remembers pivotal moments from his childhood. Lying flat on the floor of his family’s D.C. apartment, listening to ricocheting bullets of anger after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He also recounts enduring five armed robberies, all before the age of adolescence. Above the crime and poverty of those early years is another memory, one where his father took him to an empty lot, pointed to the dirt on the ground, and explained how one day, a

house would be built for their family where nothing yet existed. “I was taught early,” London said, “that almost anything in life can be accomplished, you envision it, you create it, then you outwork everyone else to achieve it.”

Character Before Currency

London’s father grew up in deep poverty. As a teenager, his work ethic quickly catapulted him to become the top newspaper boy for the Washington Daily News. At around age 15, barely old enough to drive, his sales skills won him a car, which he quickly sold in order to continue the financial support of his mother and siblings. From his earliest memories, London remembers his father’s valuable advice about life, hard work, dressing for success, and how to treat people. “My father would tell me and later my little brother stories of how hard he struggled, and of the men he would teach us to become,” said London. The Carolina Kitchen CEO recalls a lesson of even greater value taught by his father: success is intrinsically

LONDON Page 30

5 The Gatsby Showcase Foundation honors Dr. Lance London with an appreciation award for his leadership and community impact in 2023. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Two plans, same promise… we got you. From Medicaid to the new Healthy DC plan, two coverage options designed to fit your life today. Don’t miss open enrollment. Now through January 31.

5 Dr. Lance London opens the first Carolina Kitchen, featuring plant-based options, in Capitol Heights, Maryland in 2023. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 29

LIFESTYLE

LONDON from Page 29

tied to how you treat people. That principle, character before currency, would quietly shape everything London built. Entrepreneur Melvante Williams first encountered London in 1994 while attending Howard University. What began as a summer job selling life insurance quickly became a master class in leadership, discipline, and character development. “The reason why most people aren’t millionaires is that they are not million-dollar people,” Williams recalled as one of the first lessons learned from

London. “The money doesn’t come first; the money is attracted to a certain type of person and can only be sustained through forging a high level of character.” Williams watched London teach his team how to dress, how to speak, how to keep their word, and how to follow through. More than sales tactics, they were lessons about identity. London’s business vision, Williams said, is never average and never theoretical. “Lance London has a vision that is far beyond average goals. But the difference is that he undoubtedly be-

lieves it,” Williams explained. “In his mind, he is already figuring out the steps to make it happen.” And, just as the restaurateur watched his father’s journey, Williams witnessed London envision, speak, and work the impossible into reality. “I remember him telling me, ‘I am going to build a house.’ [At] 11 o’clock at night, we are out in the middle of dirt fields in undeveloped subdivisions with flashlights as he tells me my bathroom will be there, the bedrooms here, my terrace is going to be on this side,” Williams recounted. “There was nothing there, yet he

could already see it.” By the time London opened his first restaurant, he wasn’t just the owner; he had designed the building specifications and interior himself. The discipline he learned watching his father build from scratch had become his own blueprint. “You have to envision things way before you make them a reality. Your life is a mirror of your constant thoughts and beliefs,” said London. The Carolina Kitchen CEO continued, “I envision what it is that I want and what it takes to achieve it. I picture and even draw what I want it to be. As I’ve gotten more experienced, I now, like my father before me, have learned to envision it, even at the inception stage, as already being done.”

Losing Everything, and Building Again

EVEN THOUGH WE’RE WORKING,

TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET,

IT JUST ISN’T ENOUGH.

– SHAUNA

Washington, DC

30 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

Meet the 1 in 3 of our DMV neighbors currently facing hunger.

HungerIsHere.org

By early adulthood, London had founded L. London and Associates, training hundreds of Black professionals in sales and leadership. The office was a vision few had seen before. “Everybody in suits and ties,” recounted VP of Big City Foods, Dr. Dawn N. Moss. “Eighty Black agents. His goal was to teach everyone how to make at least $10,000 a month, and many were on track to do so.” But such huge successes did not make him immune to collapse. When unethical actions by some of his sales agents led to the loss of a major government contract, London found himself legally and financially responsible for millions of dollars in repayment. “I lost everything,” London said plainly. The loss wasn’t just financial. Years of progress disappeared almost overnight, forcing the entrepreneur to confront a level of challenge that very few people would be able to overcome. Mentee Andre Brown, founder of Vision 2911, said the key to London’s long-term success is rooted in sacrifice. “People don’t see the days without sleep, the constant teaching and talking until he loses his voice,” Brown said. “They don’t see what it takes to put everything you have on the line for something only you may believe in. And when it doesn’t work, what it takes to be brave enough to pivot and start again, even after losing

5 Dr. Willie Jolley and Dr. Lance London together at a celebratory event marking a milestone for Industrial Bank in 2024. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

millions, with hundreds of people still depending on you.” London rebuilt methodically, applying the same principles his father had taught him decades earlier: discipline, hard work, and an unshakable belief that setbacks do not define a person. Moss, who for 32 years has witnessed London’s evolution firsthand, credits a higher source. “He taught me, ‘When you go into business with God, you never go out of business,’” she recalled. “With that level of faith, there was no way he would fail.” That rebuilding would eventually lead to a second act few could have imagined. Today, London owns seven restaurants, none of which have ever gone out of business. London’s impact extends beyond food. In 2025, he made history as the first Black man in Prince George’s County to be awarded two liquor licenses and to open a spirits store. “Breaking barriers in a space where access has long been limited is undoubtedly historic,” said Brown. “It also demonstrates the very essence of who Dr. London is.” For London, the journey has never been about wealth alone. It’s about proving that character survives collapse, and that legacy is built not by avoiding failure, but by how you rise after it. “The lessons my father taught me still hold,” London said. “You don’t become successful because of what you gain. You become successful because of who you become when everything is taken away.”

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Saving Money and Staying Warm this Winter with Washington Gas Submitted by Washington Gas Winter temperatures have arrived in the DMV. The good news? Natural gas remains the most affordable way to stay warm this season. And Washington Gas is here for DMV families, providing affordable and reliable natural gas. According to the American Gas Association (AGA), for the same amount of energy delivered, natural gas is 3.5x cheaper than electricity.1 The latest projections from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predict that from November 2025 through March 2026, the average U.S. household will spend about $1,130 to heat with electricity. In contrast, homes using natural gas will spend just $640.2 That’s an average of nearly $500 in savings—money you might put toward holiday gifts, festive meals, and catching up on household projects. Natural gas is not only cheaper—it’s the choice of millions across the country. According to public polling, 8 in 10 homeowners in the DMV support the right to choose natural gas in their homes.3 One reason? The gap between gas and electric heating costs is widening even more. The EIA projects that natural gas heating prices will decrease by 1% compared to last winter, while electricity costs will increase by 4%.2 Higher retail electricity prices are the primary driver of these rising expenditures. That could mean more money back in customer pockets—perfect for making the holiday season a little brighter! Looking to save even more this winter? Washington Gas offers customers free energy-saving kits and practical tips to help you maximize efficiency. Plus, you may qualify for rebates to offset the cost of equipment upgrades, tune-ups, and more. Visit wgsmartsavings.com to learn how you can take advantage of these opportunities. As energy affordability becomes a growing concern nationwide, natural gas continues to deliver reliable, cost-effective warmth when you need it most. Don’t miss out on the chance to lower your heating bills, stay comfortable, and enjoy a warm, happy holiday season. Visit HerefortheDMV.com for more. Sources: American Gas Association. Affordable Energy Playbook. 2024, https://playbook.aga.org/affordable.1 U.S. Energy Information Administration. Short-Term Energy Outlook. U.S. Department of Energy, Nov. 2025, https://www.eia.gov/ outlooks/steo/.2 Public Release Survey of Natural Gas Customers in DC, VA, and MD, Conducted September 11 – 22, 2024.3

WASHINGTON GAS CONSTRUCTION NOTICE:

UPDATE ON PIPELINE REPLACEMENT WORK ON MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AVE., SE At Washington Gas, the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods guide everything we do. As part of our continued commitment to working with the community, we want to share an update on Phase II of the pipeline improvement project scheduled to resume along Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE (BCA #299512). This work is being carried out under the oversight of the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) through Washington Gas’s accelerated pipeline replacement initiative. With Phase I now complete, Phase II is anticipated to begin in January 2026. We will provide detailed information to all impacted residents, customers, and businesses two weeks prior to the start of construction. Neighborhoods that are impacted by this project include: • • • • • •

Brothers Place, SE Horner Place, SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE Raleigh Street, SE Trenton Place, SE Upsal Street, SE

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The project consists of: • 5,875 feet of main installation • 7,930 feet of main abandonment • 165 affected services Our contractor, Infrasource, Inc., will perform the work in alignment with DDOT’s safety and construction standards. While construction activity is expected to occur Monday– Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., weather permitting, we remain committed to reducing disruptions as much as possible and ensuring residents stay informed every step of the way. As partners in this process, we deeply value the community’s cooperation and feedback. If you have questions or would like to learn more about our construction efforts, please reach out to the PROJECTpipes Hotline at 202-624-6400, email Project_Pipes@washgas. com or visit washingtongas.com/projectpipes. We appreciate your patience and look forward to continuing to build a safer, stronger community together.

DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 31

LIFESTYLE

Phillips Collection’s ‘Out of Many’ Brings Together Historic African American Art Exhibit Highlights the Power of Black Art and Stories

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer With 75 works spanning more than a century, including paintings, prints, photos, sculptures, and mixed media from nearly 60 artists, the current exhibition at The Phillips Collection, in Northwest, D.C., is more than a massive undertaking. Based on a research project conducted between 2022 to 2024 by The Phillips, titled “Seeing U.S.,” this exhibition is a bold artistic statement at a time when Black narratives are under attack. “Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection” brings together works from historic collections of African American art at The Phillips, Howard University Gallery of Art, and David C. Driskell Center at the University

of Maryland, and has resulted in a groundbreaking display of the power of Black art and stories. Jonathan P. Binstock, The Phillips Collection’s Vradenburg director and CEO, explained the meaning behind “Out of Many,” which is on view until Feb. 15. “The Phillips has long been at the forefront of collecting and presenting modern and contemporary art of the United States,” said Binstock. “From the start, we wanted to be inclusive and to expand the lens of what modern art is.” Renowned African American artists included in “Out of Many” are the likes of Benny Andrews, Romare Bearden, William Johnson, and Jacob Lawrence. But the exhibition also highlights contemporary artists worthy of wider recognition, such as Aaron Mai-

er-Carretero, Mary Lee Bendolph, Simone Leigh, and Lex Brown. The Phillips Collection’s Senior Consulting Curator Adrienne L. Childs and Camille Brown, who serves as associate curator, were tasked with the challenge of shaping an exhibition created from multiple collections. “We created big buckets of themes covering people, places, and things,” said Childs. “From there, we drilled down and explored some recurring patterns, motifs, and ideas.” The work of Peter L. Robinson Jr. (1922-2015) was one artist Childs spoke about, whose painting “Rock Creek Park,” created in 2000, is from the Howard University Gallery of Art. A graduate of Howard and NASA’s former director of graphics

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and management presentations, Robinson’s view of the storied gathering place is an “abstract look with colorful shapes as if seen from above,” according to the description next to his artwork. “His work absolutely responds to aerial views of birth from space,” Childs explained. “His relationship with the future fueled his interest in modernism.” Leigh’s 2018 sculpture of a woman’s head, titled “No Face (Crown Heights),” is from The Phillips Collection and composed of a halo of hand-rolled blue terracotta rosettes, atop a black neck. The title alludes to the many years Leigh lived and worked in Brooklyn, New York. “The tendency when people hear Black women’s stories is to focus on what happened to them, not the intellectual labor and creativity

they brought to the situation,” said Leigh. “My work is about what they did from those compromised positions – the labor, the care, the love, the ideas.” Further, the timing of “Out of Many” coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, thus, the exhibition takes part in a nationwide reflection on the country’s evolving cultural and artistic identity. “This presentation considers the museum’s dynamic history of collecting art of the United States,” said Brown, “while featuring loans that help to expand and enrich the story of American art.” To learn more about viewing “Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection” at The Phillips Collection, visit phillipscollection. org. WI @bcscomm

5 “Scary Movie” (2023) is an acrylic on panel by Lex Brown from Deli Gallery, New York, now included in the “Out of Many” exhibition at The Phillips Collection in Northwest, D.C. until Feb. 15. (Courtesy Photo/The Phillips Collection) 12/17/2025 10:24:49 AM

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SCHOOL LOTTERY from Page 1 school alternative, Dawkins has opted for her grandson to receive a range of services elsewhere. “It’s an inconvenience,” Dawkins told The Informer. “He goes to ABA [therapy for autism] from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., so I have to take his lunch, his breakfast and everything, as opposed to if he was in school, I wouldn’t have to do those things.” Dawkins, a former federal government employee who was affected by the reduction in force earlier this year, said that keeping up with her grandson’s schedule has taken a toll on her. “Time goes by fast,” she explained, “so if I have something to do, it’s like I gotta rush to get him by 2 p.m., but if I call, they’ll let him stay a little longer.” On Nov. 15, Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE) and Steptoe LLP filed a civil complaint, on behalf of Dawkins and her five-year-old grandson against the D.C. government. The complaint alleges that DCPS violated the D.C. Human Rights Act when it denied Dawkins’ grandson, identified as CD, a seat in Takoma Elementary’s self-contained classroom. Dawkins, a Northeast resident, navigated the My School DC Lottery during the 2024-2025 school year out of frustration with John Burroughs Elementary School, which she said never provided her grandson, then a Pre-K3 student, with a dedicated aide. After reaching out to Takoma Elementary, and conducting research, Dawkins ranked Takoma Elementary among her top choices in the My School DC Lottery. According to the complaint, Dawkins received notice in March that her grandson had been matched to Takoma Elementary. However, as she explained to The Informer, school officials later reneged on their decision as Dawkins attempted to complete the enrollment process. “I got an email saying they can’t transfer his location of services (LOS) [the school building where a special needs child receives their Individualized Education Program (IEP) because of my address,” Dawkins said. “That’s not sitting well with me because everybody at John Burroughs that’s in [my grandson’s] class lives in Southeast.” Dawkins went on to tell The Informer that DCPS central office personnel told her that the My School DC Lottery was only for general education students. She then said that DCPS central office assured her they would help her find different school placements, but only after they unsuccessfully pressured Dawkins to keep

her grandson at John Burroughs. “[They said] ‘I’ll look for some other [schools]’ and I said, ‘Well, what other schools is available to him then?’” Dawkins said. “She said, ‘I’ll find out and I’ll get back to you.’ Never called me back. Never assisted me with any other schools or anything.” With her grandson’s last year of preschool soon coming to a close, and his transition into compulsory education to start soon after, Dawkins said she wants to put him in an environment where he can improve his speech. Though Dawkins noted some progress this school year, she said more can be achieved— much to her benefit and her grandson’s— in a setting like what Takoma Elementary provides. “He would get some sort of occupational and speech [therapy] at DCPS,” Dawkins said. “Not a lot, but maybe 20 to 30 minutes. I would still be seeking that outside of DCPS, but if I don’t put stuff on my calendar, I’ll forget because he has so many appointments. I’m getting pulled every which way but loose.”

A Question of What Special-Needs Students Can Get in the Lottery

mandates at least 20 hours of weekly instruction in a self-contained classroom, DCPS has the option of matching that student at a public school that can accommodate those needs. Families, even if referred by a public school or DCPS Division of Specialized Services, wouldn’t be allowed to use the My School DC Lottery to secure their child’s placement in the self-contained class of their choice. The student in question would instead be assigned placement based on proximity to their home and availability of resources. As Akela Crawford told The Informer, families of special-needs students have an entirely different set of circumstances to overcome when navigating the My School DC Lottery. Dawkins’ situation, she said, highlighted this reality. “DCPS gave multiple different reasons as to why they felt as though they can change the school from the school that Ms. Dawkins accepted and… stated that the school lottery is for general education students,” said Crawford, AJE’s director of legal services. “That’s what we have always been say-

ing: DCPS operates as if they don’t feel like students with special needs are entitled to school choice but with those specific words it’s in black and white and they can’t hide behind it.” On Dec. 10, AJE filed a preliminary injunction in an attempt to secure Dawkins’ grandson’s placement in a self-contained classroom at Takoma Elementary for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. Nadiya Pope, co-counsel on the complaint, told The Informer that the success of the injunction could cause a ripple effect. “That’s part of the systemic approach that we’re taking for future school years,” said Pope, AJE’s education justice attorney. “We understand that…if this policy that’s in place now is not changed, then even if Ms.Dawkins gets a lottery placement at Takoma this year…if she finds out Takoma’s not the right place…and she enters the lottery again, she could potentially be subjected to the same thing that happened.” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 After navigating her own challenges in enrolling her daughter in school, D.C. State Board of Education Representative Dr. LaJoy Johnson-Law is ensuring that the District’s updated graduation standards reflect the perspectives of special-needs families. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Assistant Attorney General Eli Koppel, the counsel representing the D.C. government, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. DCPS, however, issued a statement. “DCPS is committed to ensuring all students have access to high-quality education and support, including those receiving special education services,” the local education agency wrote in an e-mail. “While we cannot comment on pending litigation, we remain focused on partnering with parents and families to meet student needs. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and our obligation to maintain student confidentiality, we are unable to provide details on individual student cases.” On Dec. 15, the My School DC Lottery, the more-than-a-decade-old common application for all District public schools and most District public charter schools, opened for students seeking enrollment in: a Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 program; a dual language strand at a DCPS in-boundary elementary school; a DCPS out-ofboundary school; and selective DCPS high school programs. Though the My School DC Lottery is open to all students, the DCPS Special Education Family Guide states that, in cases when a student’s IEP

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wi book review “Stitching Freedom: A True Story of Injustice, Defiance, and Hope in Angola Prison” by Gary Tyler with Ellen Bravo c.2025, One Signal Publishers $29 288 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The seams are textbook straight. You made sure of it. There’ll be no need for a thread-ripper for you. No, you planned before you picked up a needle, and you were careful with each poke of the thread. A few snips here, a quick tack there, and you’ll be done. As in the new book “Stitching Freedom” by Gary Tyler (with Ellen Bravo), this project almost took a lifetime. Growing up in St. Rose, Louisiana, Gary Tyler tried to avoid major trouble. He says he was often the victim of racism in school, though, and he didn’t put up with it so he ran afoul of authority now and then. On the day he was suspended for “causing problems in the classroom,” he wasn’t worried; he considered it another day off. He didn’t know that it would be his last day of freedom for more than 41 years. After wandering around awhile, visiting with friends and a cousin, Tyler went back to the school that day, where an altercation on a bus ended in the death of a white teenager. Tyler was there, but he wasn’t involved; witnesses confirmed it, before telling different stories at trial, then recanting. Still, he was arrested for the murder, taken to jail, tried, and sent to Angola Prison, sentenced to die by electric chair. Still a teenager, Tyler was careful who he befriended in Angola, keeping away from trouble and finding mentors in the OGs who’d been there wwwawhile. With their guidance, he learned things he hadn’t known, legal terms, how to find the right lawyer, how to raise money and get by. They corrected his grammar and his thinking. They taught him how to present himself. He learned the value in service, and he became a prison seamster. Tyler says he knew prison would be bad, but despite that he knew other young men who’d been there, he underestimated how bad it would get. And he never would’ve believed he’d find men who’d become his family and who’d save his life. Crime features big in the news lately, doesn’t it? You could be forgiven if you’re feeling fatigue from it, but check out “Stitching Freedom.” Here, the crime is racism. Surprise: you won’t get the sense that author Gary Tyler needed a halo; no, he admits to being a bit of a rascal sometimes, with rather typical teen behavior before his incarceration. This honesty stretches: he also presents believable, abundant evidence that despite his proximity to where the crime occurred, he didn’t do what he was accused of doing. Through that account and beyond, he shows readers how racism kept him down, and how he kept his hopes up and his head high. “Stitching Freedom” isn’t scary or particularly scared-straight-ish, and there’s a bit of humor at the end in Tyler’s post-prison memories of learning about modern life. That means you can read his story yourself, and feel comfortable giving it to a teenager who needs it. Find this book, and then watch your time get all sewn up. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE DEC. 25 - 31, 2025

ARIES Holiday energy channels naturally into action, but Tuesday demands strategic restraint over impulsive moves. A family gathering surfaces old dynamics worth addressing directly rather than tolerating silently. Financial opportunities appear mid-week requiring quick assessment without hasty commitment. Someone’s honesty catches you off guard in the best way. Lucky Numbers: 14, 38, 61 TAURUS Material concerns ease when you realize security comes from adaptability, not rigidity. Wednesday’s unexpected development serves your interests despite initial discomfort. A professional contact resurfaces with timing you’ll later recognize as perfect. Relationships deepen through showing vulnerability instead of strength. Lucky Numbers: 6, 43, 58 GEMINI Communication becomes your superpower navigating holiday complexities with honesty and grace. Someone needs truth delivered kindly; you’re uniquely positioned to provide it Thursday. Creative projects demand attention as mental outlets become essential care. A younger person’s perspective shifts your understanding of recent situations. . Lucky Numbers: 19, 46, 74 CANCER Emotional closure arrives on something carried throughout the year, finally releasing its weight. Dreams this week contain messages worth recording before waking erases them. Thursday’s vulnerability with someone trusted deepens intimacy unexpectedly. Family dynamics test patience; your boundaries matter more than temporary peace. Past versions of yourself feel distant, showing real transformation. Lucky Numbers: 3, 27, 65 LEO Social connections sort themselves as authentic relationships strengthen while superficial ones fade. Holiday gatherings reveal who genuinely values you versus who enjoys your energy. Community involvement satisfies in ways individual achievements haven’t recently. Tuesday brings recognition from someone whose opinion matters deeply. Lucky Numbers: 15, 37, 69 VIRGO Professional accomplishments get noticed by people whose opinions impact your trajectory. A contribution you made without expectation receives acknowledgment Wednesday. Perfectionism loosens when you realize excellence doesn’t require flawlessness. Lucky Numbers: 10, 35, 63 LIBRA Restlessness signals readiness for growth rather than dissatisfaction with present circumstances. Educational pursuits intensify; that course or certification transitions from consideration to commitment. Belief systems evolve as you examine assumptions previously accepted without question. Someone outside typical circles teaches through entirely different perspective. Lucky Numbers: 21, 49, 71 SCORPIO Intensity deepens around shared resources and emotional investments requiring honest examination. Financial arrangements need transparency or reveal unsustainability by Wednesday. Someone’s revelation reframes recent dynamics completely. Lucky Numbers: 13, 42, 68 SAGITTARIUS Partnership dynamics reveal true balance as everything becomes crystal clear. Someone either matches your energy or demonstrates why continuation isn’t viable. Collaboration flourishes when contributions receive equal valuation. A commitment opportunity requires thorough consideration before enthusiasm overrides discernment. Romantic connections deepen through compromise that preserves rather than erases identity. Lucky Numbers: 24, 52, 70 CAPRICORN Daily routines transform from obligation into sustainable rhythms serving your needs. Health improvements manifest through small consistent adjustments rather than dramatic overhauls. Work efficiency increases by eliminating unnecessary tasks instead of optimizing everything. Colleagues provide unexpected support when you request help instead of shouldering burdens independently. Services you provide receive recognition translating into compensation Wednesday. Lucky Numbers: 4, 40, 67 AQUARIUS Creative expression demands execution beyond mental rehearsal and endless planning. Projects existing only as outlines need manifestation now. Romantic possibilities improve through genuine engagement instead of intellectual detachment. Children or younger perspectives inspire unexpected delight and fresh thinking. Lucky Numbers: 17, 44, 72 PISCES Home and family provide grounding comfort without confinement this week. Living situations improve through practical modifications or emotional breakthroughs. Real estate decisions benefit from patience rather than urgency or pressure. Emotional foundations strengthen when you insist on peace over accepting dysfunction. Lucky Numbers: 1, 31, 60

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 35

SPORTS Commanders Fall To Division Rival As Eagles Secure Second Straight NFC East Title in Week 16 By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer What looked briefly a potential upset in the first of the game turned into yet another frustrating home loss in the Washington Commanders’ 4-11 season. “It certainly feels terrible to hear that record,” said Head Coach Dan Quinn. “And that’s hard, that’s difficult. Based on what I saw at practice, I thought these guys would really play hard.” The Philadelphia Eagles secured a 29-18 victory Saturday at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. It was a result that was far more competitive than last season’s 55-23 NFC East Championship blowout but ultimately still familiar territory for Washington. With Saturday’s win, Philadelphia secured its second straight division title, becoming the first NFC East team in more than two decades to win backto-back division titles. Since 2017, the Eagles have been on the winning side

of the division rivalry, winning 13 of the last 17 meetings. The Washington Commanders did, however, provide a thrilling spark early on. Cornerback Mike Sainristil forced a fumble on the opening kickoff, which was recovered by rookie linebacker Kain Medrano. The fumble recovery set up a 20-yard Jake Moody field giving Washington a quick 3-0 lead in the first quarter. “I liked how we came out,” said Quinn. “Honestly, like the special teams, the forced fumble between [cornerback] Mikey [Mike Sainristil] on the hit and [linebacker] Kain [Medrano], I thought on the recovery it was one of the longest battles of a scrum you could ever see. It went on and on. And so, at the end of it came and he wasn’t giving up the ball.” The Commanders defense held early, forcing the Eagles to grind out their first touchdown, which was a 5-yard pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts to wide receiver DeVonta Smith. An Eagles missed field goal kept the

5 Eagles’ tight end EJ Jenkins pushes Commanders’ safety Will Harris after a play in the 29-18 Eagles victory over the Commanders on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

36 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

5 Commanders’ defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene looks to stop Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley as he attempts to move the ball upfield for Philadelphia in the second half of their 29-18 victory on Dec. 20 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

game within reach for Washington, as quarterback Marcus Mariota commanded an impressive drive, highlighted by a 40-yard completion to Terry McLaurin and a 14-yard reception by Deebo Samuel. Five consecutive runs inside the 5-yard-line ended with a 5-yard touchdown plunge by rookie running back Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, giving Washington a 10-7 halftime lead. “I feel like we try to play like that every week and come out on top,” said running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. “I mean, unfortunately, it just wasn’t happening. So, we try to come out like that every week.”

More Injuries, Tempers Flare, Looking Ahead

The game turned in a major way after halftime. With Mariota sidelined for concussion evaluation after a third-down incomplete pass to wide receiver Treylon Burks, the Eagles embarked on a 17-play drive that lasted more than 10 minutes. It ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Goedert, giving Philadelphia a 14-10 lead. Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson stepped in for Mariota on the next drive. Although Mariota had been cleared of a concussion, a right hand injury made his return to the game questionable in the second half. Johnson led the Washington offense to one first down before his pass

was intercepted by Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, giving Philadelphia excellent field position. “It’s challenging for sure and for Josh [Johnson] obviously, not getting a lot of the reps into that space,” said Quinn. “He’ll get more as it goes, and we’ll have a better sense for where it is for Marcus, but it’s a tough spot for anybody to go into. That was no different really with Marcus when he had to go in…oftentimes you’re game planning or designing one thing, but then you have to go in and do that job.” Washington’s defense could not recover in the fourth quarter. Saquon Barkley scored on a 12-yard run to extend the Eagles’ lead to two scores. But a 22-yard touchdown run by running back Tank Bigsby sealed the game for Philadelphia. Although Chris Rodriguez Jr. scored a 3-yard touchdown followed by a successful two-point conversion by Jeremy McNichols to counter late in the fourth quarter, it just wasn’t enough for Washington to take over. Tempers even flared late in the fourth quarter following a successful two-point conversion attempt, which made the lead 29-10 before Washington made its counter score. A sideline-clearing clash resulted in a flurry of flags, which led to the ejections of Washington defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, safety Quan Martin, and Eagles right guard Tyler Steen. “Eagles versus Commanders, man,

that’s how it goes, you know what I mean,” said McLaurin. “It gets physical. It gets testy… But, it comes with this game with these two opponents, you know what I mean? There’s, a lot of history, obviously, and you know they were beating us. So, they’re not going to throw in the towel, they’re not gonna take it easy on us. They’re trying to go for two and bury us, and as a team, you know what I mean, it’s not like you tell them, don’t go for two.” In the end, it was a game that signaled progress and hope, but ultimately reinforced the gap between Washington and the gap between Washington and the division leader. “I felt this is a group that’s ready to go do their thing,” said Quinn. “No one in our locker room is talking about who we don’t have or who wasn’t there, those things. And so, it was about how we’d go win it and that was really the only thing on our mind. But I’d expect that from them this week as we prepare again, how we go about it and how we go.” The Washington Commanders will now look ahead to Christmas day, as they are set for yet another NFC East division showdown against a 6-7-1 Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium. Kickoff on Thursday Dec. 25 is set for 1 p.m. “It’s an excellent group of guys,” Quinn said, “it’s a matter of can we go finish the whole thing?” WI

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CAPTURE the moment

Heart of the City Candles, owned and operated by Desmond Barnes and Derrell Simpson, hosted a toy giveaway on Dec. 22 at 2323 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. Sponsored by several local organizations and leaders, including: Build Our Cities DC, The Washington Informer, SEAS Consultants, LLC, Art to Go-Go, Anacostia Business Improvement District, TD Bank, and 93.9 WKYS, the annual event works to provide 500 toys for 500 children. Further, with several volunteers and an appearance from Santa Claus the giveaway is a moment to bring holiday cheer to local families. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 37

RELIGION DMV Faith Leaders Offer Prayers for the New Year By Jada Ingleton and Hamil Harris WI Content Editor and WI Contributing Writer As faith leaders of the Washington metropolitan region gear up for 2026, a collective mission moved by faith, leadership and the everlasting power of God thrive in the spirit of prayer and providence. From addressing crime and violence, to supporting vulnerable populations through assisted living and “Faith-i-tude,” here’s what local religious figures are praying for in the new year.

The Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Hyattsville, Maryland “My prayer for 2026 is for people to focus on the power of God, and his ability to bring us through any challenge that they encounter. We are building a $40 million [senior living solution] on our campus for people 55 years and active. People can go to the First Baptist Church of Highland Park and click on the Highlands.” The Rev. Dr. Unnia Pettus, best-selling author and founder of Nothing But God Ministries

5 The Rev. Henry P. Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church of Highland Park, prays for people to focus on the power of God. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

5 The Rev. Dr. Unnia Pettus encourages “Faith-i-tude,” the name of her upcoming book, in 2026. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

5 The Rev. Dr. Joseph Turner prays for peace in 2026. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

“In 2026, I am claiming restoration of my health, career and expansion of ministry. The last four years made me feel like I was losing everything – from my battle with three cancers [to] my ability to work. My book “Faith-i-tude” is coming out in February 2026. Faith-i-tude: Believe it. Speak it. Watch God do it.”

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me and he called to open the doors of the prison and set the captives free. We want to make sure that in 2026 we are doubling our effort to renew prison ministry. For example, on Dec. 20 we went into the Montgomery County Prerelease Center to hand out books, toys and clothing to help with transition of inmates that are soon to be released.”

“Violence and murder are on the rampage. The TV Tube is plastered with images of shootings and murders in random places. The National Guard have been deployed and are visible in communities among civilians. My prayer for 2026 is for peace and that God would heal the land; healing for those whose lives have been forever altered as victims; and those who would perpetuate violence and murder. The scriptures teach: ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ My prayer is Lord, heal the land!”

The Rev. Dr. Elwood Gray, president of the Black Ministers Conference of Montgomery County and pastor of Peace in the Valley Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Turner, senior pastor of Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C.

PRINCIPAL from Page 5

We want to make sure that in 2026 we are doubling our effort to renew prison ministry. The Rev. Dr. Elwood Gray Pastor

38 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

The Rev. Krishnan Natesan, senior pastor of Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, Maryland “My prayer for 2026 is that our community will come together, realize our strength, realize our power, and realize that we can overcome the adversities that we’ve dealt with in 2025. And that we unite in faith, solidarity, [and] we find ways to support our own businesses and individuals in our community.” WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Christmas Angels

This Christmas marks a profound milestone: the 25th anniversary of the day my mother, Fannie Estelle Hill Grant, became my “Christmas Angel.” She transitioned on Christmas Day in 2000 at 4 a.m. after a battle with Type 2 diabetes. Though two and a half decades have passed, the memory of her feels as fresh as yesterday. To honor her, I adorn my tree with angel ornaments, but her true legacy isn’t found in decorations — it’s found in service. My mother lived by the sentiment of the classic gospel hymn made famous by Mahalia Jackson: “If I can help somebody as I travel along ... then my living shall not be in vain.” She didn’t just listen to those words; she lived them. Despite having nine children of her own, she always found room for more. She opened our home to children in need, including one we still cherish today. Her name is Jacqui Williams. She became the “fifth Grant Sister.” This spirit of selfless love was evident at her funeral in North Carolina; the motorcade was so long you couldn’t see the end. I remember a stranger asking, “Who was that lady? Why are there so many people here?” The answer was simple: That is what happens when you live a life of giving.

Her life was a walking testament to Scripture: • Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” • Hebrews 6:10: God will not forget your “labor of love.” • Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these ... you did for me.” In these challenging economic times, with many facing the loss of food assistance and basic security, the call to serve is louder than ever. This year, I urge you to move beyond materialism. Become an “Earthly Christmas Angel.” Whether it’s providing groceries, clothes or a simple word of encouragement, make sure your living is not in vain. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mother Grant. We miss you, we love you, and your children, grandchildren, other family and friends promise to keep your legacy of love alive.

Ways to Give Back This Season

If you feel moved to become an “Earthly Angel” this year, consider these resources to help those in need: • Provide a Meal: Use the Feeding America Food Bank Finder to donate or volunteer at a pantry near you. • Donate Essentials: Find local shelters through Great Nonprofits to provide clothing and toiletries. • Support Children: Spread holiday joy through programs like

Toys for Tots. In closing, let me say Merry Christmas to all. It is my prayer that you will truly be blessed during this Christmas season, regardless of your belief. Enjoy all of the holidays, especially Hanukkah. To all of you out there who lost your mother, father, sister or brother, just know that their living was not in vain. As long as we live, we will continue to cherish their memory! Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year too! Let each of us pledge to make 2026 our best year ever! Begin by setting your goals, put them in writing. Tune in to my new podcast, also coming out in January! Stay tuned. WI

It is my prayer that you will truly be blessed during this Christmas season, regardless of your belief.

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DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 39

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724 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”

Blessed Word

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Church of Living Waters

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Joel R. Limerick Pastor

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

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

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times In Person Worship: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. Streaming: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org Prayer & Study: Wednesday @ 12 Noon and 7:00 P.M. www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

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

Reverend William Young IV 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)

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

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

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

St. Stephen Baptist Church Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: 12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study Baptism - 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm “We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Campbell AME Church

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org

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

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness - Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor

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www.livingwatersmd.org

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

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

4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

All Nations Baptist Church

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

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon, Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Emmanuel Baptist Church

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

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

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church 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

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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

www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

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

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:00am & 12noon Noon Day Worship – Wednesdays at Noon Prayer Call – Tuesdays 6pm & Thursdays 6am Dial: 1-872-240-3212 Passcode: 164695965

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

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

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

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262 Service and Times Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Wednesday - Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Web: shiloh7thday.org Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com "A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Place your church ad here! Contact Ron Burke rburke@washingtoninformer.com

A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Zion Baptist Church

Israel Baptist Church Rev. Lance Aubert Senior Pastor

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

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

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

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

Rehoboth Baptist Church

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor 5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

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

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

New Commandment Baptist Church Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

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

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958 Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

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

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

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday School: 8:15 AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

Peace 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 “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday

Service and Times Adult Sunday School: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Youth/Young Adult Sunday School 12:00 PM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

"Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ." Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

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

Join us for our live broadcast every Friday at Noon!

facebook.com/WashingtonInformer youtube.com/WashingtonInformerTV • X: @WashInformer Hosted by Denise Rolark Barnes - Publisher of The Washington Informer WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 41

LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright Notice for Publication Copyright Notice: All rights reserved regarding common-law copyright of trade-names/trade-marks, not excluding any and all derivatives and variations in spelling of any of said names. DERRICK BRYAN MARSEILLE©; Derrick Bryan Marseille©; derrick bryan marseille©; DERRICK MARSEILLE©; Derrick Marseille©; derrick marseille©; MARSEILLE, DERRICK B.©; Marseille, Derrick B.©; marseille, derrick b.©; MARSEILLE, DERRICK BRYAN©; Marseille, Derrick Bryan©; marseille, derrick bryan©; D. BRYAN MARSEILLE©; D. Bryan Marseille©; d. bryan marseille©; MARSEILLE, D.B©; Marseille, D.B.©; marseille, d.b.©; DERRICK B MARSEILLE©; DERRICK B. MARSEILLE©; derrick b marseille©; derrick b. marseille©; Derrick B. Marseille©; Derrick B Marseille©; D.B. MARSEILLE©; d.b. marseille©; D.B. Marseille©; D.B.M.©; d.b.m.©; MR. DERRICK MARSEILLE©; MR. DERRICK BRYAN MARSEILLE©; MR. DERRICK B. MARSEILLE©; and M. Gordon Kennedy© ; Michael G. Kennedy© ; Michael G Kennedy© ; Michael Kennedy© ; Gordon Kennedy© ; M. Kennedy© ; Michael G. K.© ; M. G. Kennedy© ; Kennedy, Michael Gordon© ; Michael Gordon Kennedy© ; Michael G Kennedy© ; M. GORDON KENNEDY© ; MICHAEL G. KENNEDY© ; MICHAEL G KENNEDY© ; MICHAEL KENNEDY© ; GORDON KENNEDY© ; M. KENNEDY© ; MICHAEL G. K.© ; M. G. KENNEDY© ; KENNEDY, MICHAEL GORDON© ; MICHAEL GORDON KENNEDY© ; MICHAEL G KENNEDY© ; and CARL ISAAC DAVIS©; Carl Isaac Davis©; carl isaac davis©; CARL I. DAVIS©; Carl I. Davis©; carl i. davis©; C.I. DAVIS©; C. I. Davis©; ci davis©; CARLISAACDAVIS©; CarlIsaacDavis©; carlisaacdavis©; CARL-ISAAC-DAVIS©; Carl-Isaac-Davis©; carl-isaac-davis©; CARL_ISAAC_DAVIS©; Carl Isaac Davis©; carl_isaac_davis©; CARL•ISAAC•DAVIS©; Carl•Isaac•Davis©; carl•isaac•davis©; CARL ISAAC D.©; Carl Isaac D.©; carl isaac d.©; C. ISAAC DAVIS©; C. Isaac Davis©; c. isaac davis©; C. I. D.©; C.I.D.©; cid©; CARLISAAC D.©; CarlIsaac D.©; carlisaac d.©; CARL D.©; Carl D.©; carl d.©; C. DAVIS©; C. Davis©; c. davis©; Carl I. Davis ©; CARL ISAAC-DAVIS©; Carl Isaac-Davis©; carl isaac-davis©; CARL I DAVIS©; Carl I Davis©; Carl Davis©; carl i davis©; C I DAVIS©; C I. Davis©; ci davis©; CARL ISAAC DAVÍS©; Carl Isaac Davís©; carl isaac davís©;Davis.C. I©; Carl-Isaac: Davis©; C-I.:Davis©; 0and Raleigh L. Burch©; Raleigh l. burch©; Burch, Raleigh L.©; BURCH, RALEIGH L.©; Raleigh l.burch©; Burch Raleigh L.©; RALEIGH BURCH©; respectively-Common Law Copyright© 1973, 1985, and 1990, respectively, by Derrick Bryan Marseille©; and Michael G. Kennedy©; and Carl Isaac Davis©; and Raleigh L. Burch©; and as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said tradename/trademarks. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

NOTICE OF AN UNREGISTERED CLAIM Notice is hereby given that Nicole–Star: Williams, a living woman and the Executrix and Beneficiary of the NICOLE STAR WILLIAMS ESTATE, publishes this Notice of an Unregistered Claim for the purpose of giving public constructive notice of her equitable title, right of reversion, and first-priority claim in the property described herein. The property subject to this Claim is the birth and estate record of “NICOLE STAR WILLIAMS,” documenting the birth of a female child on May 26, 1983, registered with Los Angeles County Vital Records on June 13, 1983, including the original and amended records reflecting the corrected name Nicole–Star: Williams, and all commercial, fiscal, and administrative estates, accounts, securities, credits, book-entries, and proceeds created through or arising from such registration. All beneficial rights in this property revert to the living woman and are held through the NICOLE S WILLIAMS LIVING REVOCABLE TRUST. The Claimant has never abandoned, transferred, conveyed, waived, or otherwise alienated her beneficial interest in the above-referenced property. She maintains continuous identity, ownership, and right of reversion. No superior equitable claim has ever been produced. Abstract of Title: Original Source: The life and private estate of the living woman Nicole–Star: Williams. First Public Entry: Registration of the estate record titled “NICOLE STAR WILLIAMS” on June 13, 1983. Custodial Holding: Administrative and fiscal custody under federal authorities, including the Secretary of the Treasury, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the Custodian of Alien Property. Reversion and Priority Claim: All rights, titles, interests, credits, securities, and derivative proceeds revert to the living woman and are presently held through the NICOLE S WILLIAMS LIVING REVOCABLE TRUST. Notice to Agent is Notice to Principal. Notice to Principal is Notice to Agent. This Notice is directed to all fundholders and fiscal agents, including the Secretary of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Custodian of Alien Property, and all administrative or commercial custodians of the registered estate. A true copy of this Notice is concurrently served by United States Postal Service Registered Mail, establishing the Claim as a Registered Security under Universal Postal Union regulations. Any party asserting an adverse or superior claim must submit a written objection within thirty (30) days of first publication of this Notice to: Nicole–Star: Williams c/o Post Office Box 322 Corona, California 92878 Failure to rebut shall constitute agreement, estoppel by acquiescence, and final perfection of this Unregistered Claim as uncontested and binding.

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

2025 ADM 001105

2023 ADM 000849

2025 ADM 001231

Charles E. Saul aka Charles Edward Saul Decedent

Annie Marby Decedent

Cassandra Satterfield Decedent

Lynee C. Murchison, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Mitchellville Rd., Suite 500 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

James Woodard & Acquanda Woodard, whose addresses are 324 55th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019 & 2810 Shipley Terr., SE, Apt. 102, Washington, DC 20020, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Annie Marby who died on May 13, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/18/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/18/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Kenneth D’Wayne Tinch, whose address is 24 35th Street NE, Washington DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cassandra Satterfield who died on 9/2/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/18/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/18/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

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

Copyright Notice for Publication Copyright Notice: All rights reserved regarding common-law copyright of trade-names/trade-marks, not excluding any and all derivatives and variations in spelling of any of said names, HENRY NATHANIEL MCLUCAS, JR, ©: HENRY N. MCLUCAS, JR, ©; Henry N. McLucas, Jr©; HENRY MCLUCAS, JR ©; Henry McLucas, Jr ©; HENRY NATHANIEL MCLUCAS, JR. ©; HENRY N. MCLUCAS, JR. ©; Henry N. McLucas, Jr. ©; HENRY MCLUCAS, JR. ©; Henry McLucas, Jr. ©; HENRY NATHANIEL MCLUCAS©; HENRY N. MCLUCAS©; Henry N. McLucas ©; Henry McLucas© and TISHA TRIVONA PINKARD©; Tisha Trivona Pinkard©; tisha trivona pinkard©; TISHA T.PINKARD©; Tisha T. Pinkard©; tisha t. pinkard©; T.T. PINKARD©; T.T. Pinkard©; t.t. pinkard©; TISHA PINKARD©; Tisha Pinkard©; tisha pinkard©; PINKARD, TISHA TRIVONA©; Pinkard, Tisha Trivona©; pinkard, tisha trivona©; PINKARD, TISHA T.©; Pinkard, Tisha T.©; pinkard, tisha t.©; PINKARD, T.T.©; Pinkard, T.T.©; pinkard, t.t.©; T. TRIVONA PINKARD©; T. Trivona Pinkard©; t. trivona pinkard©; Ms.TISHA PINKARD©; Ms.TISHA T. PINKARD©; Ms.Tisha Pinkard©; Ms.Tisha T. Pinkard©; Ms. T.T.PINKARD©; Ms.T.T. Pinkard©; Ms. TISHA TRIVONA PINKARD©; Ms. Tisha Trivona Pinkard©; ms.tisha pinkard©; ms.tisha trivona pinkard©; ms. tisha t. pinkard©; ms. t.t.pinkard©; ms. t.pinkard©; Ms. T. Pinkard©; Ms. T. PINKARD© and Vergina Johnson©; VERGINA JOHNSON©; Vergina V. Johnson©; VERGINA V. JOHNSON©; Vergina Valencia Johnson©; VERGINA VALENCIA JOHNSON©; V. Valencia Johnson©; V. VALENCIA JOHNSON©; V. JOHNSON©; V. JOHNSON©; V.V. Johnson©; V.V. JOHNSON©; V.V.J.©; VV.J.©; v.v.j.©; v.j©; Johnson, Vergina©; JOHNSON, VERGINA©; Johnson, Vergina V©; JOHNSON, VERGINA V©; Johnson, V©; JOHNSON, V.©; Johnson, Vergina Valencia©; JOHNSON, VERGINA VALENCIA©; Johnson,V.V.©; JOHNSON,V.V.©; Johnson, V. Valencia©; JOHNSON, V. VALENCIA©; Ms. Vergina Johnson©; MS. VERGINA VALENCIA©; Ms. Vergina V. Johnson©; MS. VERGINA V. JOHNSON©; Ms.Vergina Valencia Johnson©; MS. VERGINA VALENCIA JOHNSON©; Ms. V. Valencia Johnson©; MS. V. VALENCIA JOHNSON©; Ms. V. Johnson©; MS. V. JOHNSON©; Ms. V.V. Johnson©; MS. V.V. JOHNSON©; MS. V.V.J.©; Ms. V.J.©; ms.v.v.j.©; ms.v.j.©; Ms. Johnson, Vergina©; MS. JOHNSON, VERGINA©; Ms. Johnson, Vergina V.©; MS. JOHNSON, VERGINA V.©; Ms. Johnson, V©; MS. JOHNSON, V.©; Ms. Johnson, Vergina Valencia©; MS. JOHNSON, VERGINA VALENICA©; Ms. Johnson, V. V.©; MS. JOHNSON, V.V.©; Ms. Johnson, V. Valencia©; JOHNSON, V. VALENCIA©; and LACHEZ MONTENISE MCLUCAS©; Lachez M. Mclucas©; lachez m. mclucas©; LACHEZ M. MCLUCAS©; Lachez Montenise Mclucas©; lachez montenise mclucas©; L.M. MCLUCAS ©; L.M. Mclucas©; L.M. McLucas©; LACHEZ MCLUCAS©; Lachez Mclucas©; lachez mclucas©; MCLUCAS, LACHEZ MONTENISE©; Mclucas, Lachez Montenise ©; mclucas, lachez montenise ©; LACHEZ M. MCLUCAS©; MCLUCAS, LACHEZ M. ©; mclucas, lachez m.©; No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners in red ink, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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

2025 ADM 001247

2022 ADM 000938

2025 ADM 000844

Henry T. Holmes Decedent

Nathaniel Carl Cannon Decedent

Taye Bezuneh Tessema Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Samuel C. Hamilton, Esq. 8601 Georgia Ave. #504 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

2025 ADM 001257 Daniel Andre Haufler Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kai-Uwe Hilger Spicher, whose address is 4645 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Daniel Andre Haufler who died on 2/27/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/18/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/18/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/18/2025 Kai-Uwe Hilger Spicher 4645 Reservoir Rd, NW Washington, DC 20007 Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

42 DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Stacy Anita Saul, whose address is 1249 Kearney Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles E. Saul aka Charles Edward Saul who died on 2/11/2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/11/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/11/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/11/2025 Stacy Anita Saul Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

LEGAL NOTICES

Date of first publication: 12/18/2025 James Woodard Acquanda Woodard Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES

Date of first publication: 12/18/2025 Kenneth D’Wayne Tinch Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Naionnda J. Dorsey, whose address is 1702 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Henry T. Holmes who died on 10/25/2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/18/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/18/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/18/2025 Naionnda J. Dorsey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Kevin Judd, Esq., whose address is 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 900, South Building, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nathaniel Carl Cannon who died on 12/17/2014 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/18/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/18/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/18/2025 Kevin Judd, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Alem Taye, whose address is 5058 Gaither’s Chance Dr., Clarksville MD 21029, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Taye Bezuneh Tessema who died on 4/3/2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/18/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 6/18/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 12/18/2025 Alem Taye Personal Representative

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INTERIM CHIEF from Page 11 Public Safety and the Judiciary, said about the Dec. 4 hearing in her letter. “However, questions remain and those are included herein. MPD’s formal response will help provide clarity to the committee and the public, ensure accountability, and bolster public trust.” Because Carroll will serve throughout the duration of Bowser’s final term of mayor, it’s yet to be determined whether she will put him through the confirmation process. That uncertainty hasn’t stopped discussions, however. Days before Bowser revealed her appointment of Carroll, Pinto told The Informer about the qualities she seeks in the person taking MPD’s top spot. Her concerns center on recruitment and community trust. “We need to be able to handle our local crimes locally with our local police department,” Pinto said. “They [the next police chief] need to be someone who is committed to ensuring that civil rights and human rights are upheld for every District resident, that there’s transparency and accountability within the department. Someone who can be a good partner to us on the council and our community, with our faith leaders, with the mayor, as we navigate this uncertainty with the federal government.” Carroll, an MPD veteran of more than 20 years, has served in various roles, including as head of the department’s Special Operations Division. During his tenure, he oversaw operations related to the World Series, Stanley, and more recently, the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol. On Dec. 17, the newly minted Interim Chief Carroll spoke before an audience that included Bowser’s public safety team and members of his family, expressing his gratitude to the mayor and MPD colleagues for this career milestone. “Your confidence in me is both humbling and motivating, as I’m committed to leading this department with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of duty to the people that we serve,” Carroll said. “I appreciate your leadership and your continued support for the Metropolitan Police Department. Public safety is not the responsibility of one individual or one department. It’s a shared effort. I look forward to working closely with the community, all of our district agencies and city leaders, to keep the district safe, strong, and united.” Carroll steps into interim chiefdom amid questions about alleged crime data manipulation. The U.S.

Justice Department and U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued reports accusing Smith of pressuring subordinates to wrongly categorize crimes, which federal and congressional officials said lowered MPD officer morale. Bowser, who lambasted the reports as incomplete, has since revealed that the D.C. Inspector General will conduct an investigation. Meanwhile Carroll said his areas of focus include: improving officer training in crime data classification; enhancing policy and technology control; and enhancing the records management system to alert members to changes and compel further review. “Something we’re looking at is the development of a dedicated auditing team,” Carroll said, “to look at all the reports on the backend to make sure that reports, after they’re completed, submitted by the officials from the various bureaus and police districts, there’s an independent group within the police department that can look at those reports and make sure they’re appropriately classified.” Carroll also spoke about MPD’s current relationship with federal law enforcement, as outlined in a postsurge mayoral order that sparked controversy earlier this year. He told reporters that he hasn’t given much thought about whether to dissolve that enhanced relationship. “Right now I just wanted to kind of take a look at the operations of the police department, kind of see where we’re at, and then any decisions about policy changes and things like that, give it a little time with that,” Carroll said. “We’ll continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners. We’ll continue not to be directly involved with immigration enforcement as we have in the past. And, again, we’ll continue to work forward to make this city a safer place.”

A Valiant Attempt at Unity that Fell Short

Deep in the trenches of Ward 8, where community members have a polarizing relationship with MPD, Charnal Chaney conducted her annual Week of Healing activities— all as part of an effort to address deep-seated trauma preventing unity. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com. Between Dec. 8 and Dec. 14, Chaney and a cohort that included activists, clergy and healers of various modalities hosted events in communities east of the Anacostia River.

DMV from Page 1

Dec. 21 inaugural Winners Celebration brought holiday cheer and regional pride to Southeast, D.C., as scores of supporters, finalists and voters gathered to cheer on who they deem the top culture shapers in the District, Maryland and Virginia. “We really wanted to give the power to the people to allow them to tell their stories,” said Ra-Jah Kelly, chief officer of technology and grants at The Washington Informer, ahead of the event. “There is a lot of negative narration [about] the DMV, and…as someone who’s lived here my entire life, traveled other places, lived other places – I know this is an amazing, welcoming community with… amazing people doing [transformative work]...every day.” With the support of Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, and sponsorship from Safeway, Kelly spearheaded what he considers a timely charge to highlight the depth of positive impact coming out of the metropolitan region. Among the winner’s circle announced at Busboys and Poets are: The Spotlight DMV (Best Digital Creator); Anacostia BID (Best Business Improvement District); Creative Designs by Jamila Boddie (Best Event Planner); Eastern Market (The Best Main Street and Best Farmers Market); The StoreHouse (Best DMV-based Nonprofit), and H Street Festival, which earned recognition as the Best Cultural Festival. “People are judging [Black people] by our challenges, we have to judge us by our strength,” Anwar Saleem, executive director of H Street Festival, said while accepting the honoree. “We have to begin to show people what we’re all about…that there’s a lot of good in us. Nobody else is going to do that but us.” With a performance from JoGo Project that catapulted people straight to the dance floor and sounds from DJ Lance Reynolds, the event highlighted the footprint of Black leaders, creatives and institution across more than 200 categories. As audiences enjoyed food and drinks from Busboys and Poets, Rolark Barnes and Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green lauded Black-led and centered enterprises such as: the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, Rent The Dress DC, and Noble Integrative Health, the latter earning the top rank in acupuncture and Black-owned businesses overall. Kelsey Nicole Nelson swept in multiple categories, including Best Community Journalist and Best Social Media Influencer, while the historically

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 The Washington Informer’s Ron Burke, director of marketing and programming, Micha Green, managing editor, and Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes kick off the staff holiday party ahead of the Best of the DMV Winners Celebration at Busboys and Poets Anacostia on Sunday, Dec. 21. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

Black Morgan State University was celebrated for its alumni organization, and Howard University won Best DMV HBCU and Best HBCU Homecoming. For the locally revered sports reporter, the wins served a full circle moment. “To be honored by a hometown paper I read in my home growing up, it’s special— I’m still taking it all in,” Nicole Nelson told The Informer. “Even more humbling is that this award was a community vote.” As for Tomika Anderson, founder of Manifest Greatness Media, celebrating the prime of the nation’s capital means recognizing the Black entrepreneurial talent at its core, exemplified by many of the leaders honored Dec. 21. “D.C. is Chocolate City. Our Black businesses…are the heart and soul of this community, and have always been,” she told The Informer following her slam-dunk in Best PR or Marketing Firm. “To be honored in this category, in this city, means everything.”

The James L. Wright Memorial Scholarship

An evening marked by celebration for Black businesses offered a fitting backdrop to officially announce The Washington Informer Charities’ James L. Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund, dedicated to the late longtime WI staff writer whose funeral was held Dec. 19. Known and celebrated for his business reporting, Wright marked a more than three-decade career championing untold stories with passion and consistency, said Green. In his wake lies a footprint to be emulated across generations of truth-seekers resisting in the face of injustice. “You all are here making sure that we are able to do the work every day. Your stories matter. Your journeys as we navigate this very challenging time

matters,” Green told the room on Sunday. “This [scholarship] is just so appropriate for him, and, I believe, how he’d love his legacy to be carried on.” Kelly added the scholarship was created to seed early career journalists with Wright’s similar knack for “telling about the community” and lifelong learning. For Nicole Nelson, the deep roots of storytelling and courageous reporting thrives not only through the late reporter’s legacy, but all beneficiaries of the Black press, including herself. “I would read and learn from Black writers who led with distinction and empathy as they were the entrusted standard bears of our history. Papers like The Washington Informer were my introduction to the possibilities into the world of journalism,” she said. “I see my role as a journalist, as a way to give back to the community and tell their stories. Thank you to everyone for seeing me, my brand and what I hope to continue to build.”

Winners Tout Mission, Importance of Preserving Black Spaces

Sunday was a night masked in as much recognition as rejuvenation for a bevy of local innovators. Some winners – including Tee Wright, owner of Rent The Dress DC – noted the particular importance of uplifting spaces where Black ownership thrives with opportunities to forge communal connections and partnerships. “We know what’s going on in the world, and it’s important for our community to support one another. And we have what we need right here,” she told The Informer. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2025 43

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MALVEAUX from Page 26 derinsured, were disproportionately affected by rising premiums. Older adults aged 50 to 64 — too young for Medicare but often facing higher health risks — were hit particularly hard. People with chronic conditions faced higher out-of-pocket costs or narrower provider networks. Geography compounds the problem. Because health care is still largely administered state by state, access and affordability vary dramatically depending on where you live. States that refused to expand Medicaid under the ACA continue to have higher uninsured rates and worse outcomes. Rural areas face hospital closures and provider shortages. In effect, Americans experience different health care systems depending on their ZIP code. This fragmentation is expensive and inefficient. It weakens bargain-

JEALOUS from Page 26 But what stayed with me was what she did not say. This was not surrender. This was not bitterness. Dave told her to stay in touch. And it was clear she is an entrepreneur who loves her town — someone closing one chapter, not abandoning the story. Home still matters. And this is almost certainly not her last act. That understanding traveled with me. After I returned home, I spoke with a friend who owns a paddleboard factory in Florida. Orders still come in for his most expensive models — the ones bought by people with yachts. But the middle is gone. The heart of his business has vanished. He named the paddleboard and kayak companies that have failed as middle-class families quietly pull back from anything that feels optional. The NAACP and the National Urban League have warned that Black unemployment has surged this year, now topping 8%. That matters. It always does. But it does not, by itself, explain

MARSHALL from Page 26 after Trump was re-elected to the White House, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that bars a sitting president from criminal prosecution. As a result, Trump emerged victorious and untouchable with the help from sympathizers who played a part in successfully delaying the judicial process through legal maneuvers.

ing power with drug companies and insurers. It creates massive administrative waste. And it normalizes inequality as a feature rather than a failure of the system. Congress’s inaction also reinforces the growing sense that health care insecurity is something individuals must navigate alone. That framing is wrong. Health care is not merely a personal expense; it is economic infrastructure. It shapes labor markets, retirement decisions, family finances, and long-term productivity. Medical debt remains one of the leading sources of financial stress for American households, even among those who are insured. What makes this moment especially troubling is that we know what works. Other wealthy nations negotiate drug prices. They provide universal baseline coverage. They invest in primary care and prevention. They achieve better outcomes at lower cost.

The United States does not lack technical solutions; it lacks political will. Letting enhanced ACA tax credits expire was not an inevitability. It was a choice — one that made health insurance less affordable, widened disparities, and destabilized coverage for millions of people. Congress went home without fixing health care, but the consequences did not take a recess. Health care policy is often discussed in abstractions — budgets, subsidies, market dynamics. But at its core, it is about who gets care, when they get it, and at what cost. When Congress chooses delay over action, inequality fills the gap. A system this large, this expensive, and this unequal does not fail quietly. It fails in bodies, budgets, and lives. And every time lawmakers walk away, Americans are left to pay more — for less. WI

what is happening on Main Streets — or at a factory in Florida. Something broader is moving beneath the surface. For generations, Black Americans have said that when white America gets a cold, we get pneumonia. What is striking now is how widely the symptoms are spreading. Economic fragility has moved beyond the places segregation and redlining engineered it into. It is showing up on Main Streets. In small businesses. In kitchen-table conversations across this country. Look closely at the numbers and you see what economists call nuanced joblessness. The unemployment rate looks manageable. But beneath it are families working fewer hours than they need. Earning less than they used to. Falling behind as costs rise. Quietly losing ground. Taken together, it is hard not to feel we are standing near the edge of a recession. Families feel it first. Small businesses feel it next. Wall Street always feels it last. This was not the story I planned to tell when I set out to write this column. It was supposed to be an interview with

Ms. Sharp. A celebration of a store and all the smiles it created over the years. But when I reached out, she told me she could not do the interview. Not mine. Not anyone’s. Ending this chapter was painful. The messages she sent were gracious. And heavy. As I read them, and reflected on my conversations with her — and my friend who owns the factory — I felt something else settle in. We may be entering a season of deeper economic pain. For families. For workers. For shop owners. For towns like these. For all of us. Still, what endures is what people choose to build. Thank you, Jamie Sharp. Thank you to your store — for all the smiles, the joy, and the childhoods it helped shape. And thank you to those who choose to stay. To invest. To keep faith. People like Dave Chappelle, Jamie Sharp, and so many others who believe that small towns — and the people who love them — are worth fighting for. There are always better days ahead for the America we build with love. WI

In May 2024, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely postponed the start date for the trial, citing several unresolved pretrial issues. The action, combined with her slow pace on other matters, made a pre-election trial virtually impossible. The delays by Judge Cannon aligned with Donald Trump’s legal strategy of pushing his criminal cases past the election date, thus

allowing him to use the powers of the presidency to end any federal prosecutions against him. The Trump-appointed judge would later dismiss the entire indictment against Trump, ruling that special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional. Whatever happened to justice being blind? WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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he is trying to do with President Obama and others who don’t go along with his hurtful foolishness. He just came out with renaming our beloved Kennedy Center, indicating the building would now be called the Trump-Kennedy Center! His hunger for unearned positive things to be hooked onto himself is so great that he goes around begging for a Nobel Prize for his so-called peace efforts and ending wars he never ended. Some were made worse by him! He’s still trying to start a war with Venezu-

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targeted community, you are vulnerable. New Orleans understands resilience. We know what it means to rebuild from devastation, to hold together through storms, both literal and political. Our city’s strength has always come from neighbors who show up for one another: cooks and carpenters, artists and nurses, faith leaders and small business owners — many of whom are immigrants whose labor, culture, and civic engagement knit the fabric of our local economy. The raids don’t merely fray that fabric; they rip at its seams. Employers lose trusted workers. Children come home to empty chairs at the dinner table. Congregations rally, again, to hold families together in the face of uncertainty the government itself has manufactured. Furthermore, when individuals who have authorization to remain

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democracy gives working people space to thrive. When democracy is weakened, workers pay the price. In 2013, the Supreme Court issued its Shelby County v. Holder decision and gutted the VRA, ruling that states with histories of racial discrimination no longer needed federal approval to change voting laws. Almost immediately, a race to the bottom began. States wasted no time closing polling places, shortening early voting hours and passing restrictive ID laws. The targets were clear: young people, shift workers and communities of color — the same groups driving today’s organizing momentum. In the years since Shel-

ela. He loves honoring and pardoning criminals like the Jan. 6 crooks, but claims he is ending violence and getting rid of drugs and a boatload of other things while being a criminal for many crimes himself! He wastes taxpayers’ money on things to please himself. My people are paying the price for his gross misbehavior. He’s blaming President Biden and Democrats for his inability to succeed. His need to receive undeserved awards and recognition by placing his name before President Kennedy’s makes him feel like a man!

My people are bearing the brunt of his foolishness with the highest rate of unemployment when we’ve done so much to build this country. Yet he’s having fun trying to block our success. What else does he do? He runs around the world embarrassing Americans. He blames President Biden and other Democrats for the economic woes he himself created. And who is cheering him on? Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker who knows a blue wave is coming next year. So, as the song says, “people get ready!” WI

are detained, the legitimacy of these raids is not just questionable; it is compromised. Due process is not an inconvenience; it is the bedrock of American law. Immigration enforcement must be lawful, targeted, and accountable. If the mechanism repeatedly ensnares authorized residents and long-time community members without criminal records, then the mechanism is broken — or it is being used for purposes beyond public safety. Law enforcement should be focused on evidence-based priorities: violent crime, trafficking, exploitation. City and federal agencies should invest in community policing models that build trust, not fear. Employers should be partners in compliance, clear on their responsibilities and confident that adherence to the law protects their workforce. Courts and administrative bodies must have the resources to process immigration cases efficiently and fairly, so people are

not trapped for years in limbo. And elected leaders — at every level — must speak with moral clarity: We will pursue safety without sacrificing justice, and we will measure success not by theatrics but by outcomes that make neighborhoods tangibly safer. New Orleans has never been defined by exclusion. Our music, our food, our faith traditions, our entrepreneurial spirit — these are the gifts of many peoples, many journeys, woven into something singular and beautiful. Raids that cast wide nets in the name of public safety but capture mostly non-criminal, authorized residents are not a solution; they are a distraction. They do not protect us; they divide us. And they risk something precious: the trust without which no city can truly thrive. Public safety and human dignity are not opposing goals. They rise and fall together. We can choose both. WI

by, wages for Black teachers, city workers and health care aides have fallen, while corporate power has only grown stronger. The Texas congressional map offers a glimpse of a future without the VRA: diluted working-class voices in a system that answers only to the wealthy few. These attempts to roll back the clock on racial progress should sound an alarm. When politicians get a green light to manipulate voting maps and take intentional steps to block representation on the basis of race, they can use that power to dismantle protections for union power, fair wages and retirement security. Democracy depends on rules that keep it fair. Those in power understand this — and some are

working overtime to erase the rules entirely. But America’s unions have never accepted a world where working people are silenced. We fought for the Voting Rights Act because this movement knows our fight for fair pay, safe jobs and dignity at work is the same fight as the struggle for the ballot box. Workers built this democracy, and we will defend it. We will continue to push Congress to do its job and pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to fully restore and permanently protect voting rights and ensure access to free and fair elections. Voting rights are a labor issue — because when democracy breaks down, worker power breaks down with it. WI

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