Issuu

VOL. 53, NO. 8 • DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

The Washington Informer Salutes America’s Pearl Harbor Veterans

John Conyers, Jr. Resigns from Congress

Holiday Pop Up Bar Opens Page 30

Williams Sisters Fund New Resource Center in SE

Retires Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Tennis Star Siblings Employ Education to Honor Slain Sister

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

In the face of mounting allegations of sexual harassment, the longest-serving member of Congress, John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), abruptly resigned on Tuesday, Dec. 5, ending a career that has spanned 52 years.

5 Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation (BCBF) Chair Bernard Demczuk, introduces (L-R) Karis Douglas 6, Sarah Ramsun 8, and Sienna Douglas 8, all part of Chess Girls DC during BCBF’s “Holiday Thank You Social” held at Ben’s Next Door in Northwest. BCBF honored organizations that make a difference in the Greater Washington area. The honorees were: PEPCO, The Washington Informer and The Afro Newspaper. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Scores of young girls wielding over-sized tennis rackets and dreams of stardom filled the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center [SETLC] on Saturday, Dec. 2, eager to get a glimpse of two women whose prowess on the courts allowed them and their family to eventually escape their crime-plagued community. But for Venus and Serena Williams, their return to the Center had a somewhat somber purpose: the launch of the Yetunde Price Resource

TENNIS Page 11

Sixth Woman Adds Name to HU Sexual-Assault Suit 5 John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) /Courtesy photo

Conyers, 88, who represented the Detroit area, relented to growing pressure from Democratic leaders and stepped aside as an increasing number of female former aides accused him of mistreatment and undesired advances. He has denied any wrongdoing. The revered politician, and a

CONYERS Page 38

By Tatyana Hopkins WI Staff Writer A sixth woman has joined a federal lawsuit accusing Howard University of mismanagement in the investigation of sexual assault allegations. Her allegations are detailed in the lawsuit, which includes the cases of five other women. In May, those five women sued Howard, accusing the university of a “discriminatory and retaliatory response to multiple complaints of sexual assault and harassment.” The lawsuit alleges that five former or current students were raped or sex-

ually assaulted on campus between 2014 and 2016 by fellow students and university employees, and that the school did little or nothing to help them. “Howard is deliberately indifferent to students’ Title IX rights,” the suit said, referring to a federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex. It accuses Howard of failing to follow its own policies of timely investigations of such matters and investigating sexual assault claims within 60 days, failing to communicate the status of pending investigations regard-

HOWARD Page 31

5 President of the Congress Heights Community Association Monica T. Ray (left) at the Anacostia Toy Drive Holiday Celebration at the Anacostia Playhouse in Southeast on Tuesday, Dec 5. /Photo by Mark Mahoney

Celebrating 53 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

Now Published by Dr. Charles Vincent

Her Legacy Continues.

In memory of Mickey Thompson Vincent, Founder and Publisher.

Dr. Charles & “Mickey” Vincent

The 32nd Annual Olender Foundation Awards The Earl H. David Memorial Award Winners from Howard University School of Law and the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law) (L-R) Tracy Hillhouse Price (UDC), Jason Barros (UDC), Oral John (UDC), Katherine Broderick (Presenter and Dean, UDC School of Law), Jack Olender (Founder of the Jack and Lovell Olender Foundation), John Blake (UDC), Dora Myles (UDC), Denisha Jones (UDC)

Paul Berry (MC) and Jack Olender (Founder of Olender Foundation) with Beverly Perry (Special Assistant to Muriel Bowser, Mayor of the District of Columbia)

Father and Daughter: Kevin Thomas Sr., and Denisha Jones (Earl H. David Award Recipient)

Therrell Smith (Celebrating a life of 100 years)

(L-R) Ryvell Fitzpatrick (Howard), Vanessa Stephens (Howard), Ky’Eisha Penn (Howard), Danielle Holley-Walker (Presenter and Dean of the Howard University School of Law), Jack Olender (Founder of the Jack and Lovell Foundation), Victoria Burnette (Howard), Jennifer Breaux (Howard), Edgar Gonzalez (Howard)

Jack Olender (Founder of the Jack and Lovell Foundation) and Dr. Robert Peter Gale, Recipient of the 2018 Peacemaker Award.

Jack Olender (Founder of the Jack and Lovell Foundation) and City Councilman Jack Evans (Ward 2)

Jack Olender (Founder of the Jack and Lovell Foundation) and Celia Barriteau

Annamaria Steward (45th President of the DC Bar Assoc. and Former Assoc. Dean of Students at Clarke School of Law at UDC) and Paul Berry (Master of Ceremonies)

Father and Daughter: Dana and Chelsea Grambling

Charles Allen (Former Olender Presenter) and Missy Allen.

Denise Rolark Barnes (Publisher Washington Informer and Recipient of the 2012 Olender Foundation Generous Heart Award)

he Olender Foundation (Founders Jack and Lovell Olender) each year awards scholarships to students and lends support to a wide variety of organizations that serve the residents of the District of Columbia. The 2018 recipient of the Peacemaker Award is Dr. Robert Peter Gale. Dr. Gale is recognized, among other things, for his humanitarian activities; He coordinated the medical relief efforts for the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the former Soviet Union. Twelve students from the Howard University School of Law and the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law received Earl H. Davis scholarships. The scholarship presenters were Katherine S. Broderick (Dean of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law) and Danielle Holley-Walker (Dean of the Howard University School of Law). Paul Berry was Master of Ceremonies. www.olender.com

Hon. Carol Schwartz (Former Member, DC City Council), Dr. Marilyn Brown (DC Educator), and Rachel Williams.

Social Sightings - THE MAGAZINE Subscribe www.SocialSightings.com Kendra Handy/Editor Dr. Charles Vincent/Photographer Brian Young/Graphic Designer l

Social Sightings-The Column is published in the Hill Rag, DC Mid-City, East of the River Journals, The Washington Informer Newspaper and in the Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlingnton, Loudoun Woman Magazines 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com

2 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

Around the Region................ 4-11 PG County............................. 12-13 Business..................................14-15 National...................................16-17 International................................18 Health ................................... 20-21

PAGE

Education ................................... 22 OpEd...................................... 25-27

PAGE

Lifestyle................................ 28-34

Sports...........................................36

PAGE

Religion.........................................39 PAGE

JOIN US AT DCâ€™S ANNUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL FAIR!

EXPLORE your DCPS and public charter schools (PK3-12). LEARN more about the application process for the public school lottery.

SATURDAY, DEC 9 | 11AM - 3PM

DC ARMORY | 2001 E CAPITOL ST SE FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING Interpretation in American Sign Language, Spanish, Amharic, Mandarin, Vietnamese and French available.

BRING the whole family for free health screenings, story time, and more!

Stadium-Armory Orange/Blue/Silver lines B2, D6, E32, 96, 9 The lottery application for school year 2018-19 opens on December 11, 2017. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 3 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

around the region

W I HBreak O T the T OCycle P I C of S Women Domestic Violence

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

COMPILED BY WI EDITOR D. KEVIN MCNEIR AND WI STAFF WRITER WILLIAM FORD

Terrance Sterling Shooting by MPD Deemed ‘Not Justified’

By Tia Carol Jones

www.washingtoninformer.com

law enforcement. She said they

threat,” she said.

mid-October, friends in support of Terrance gathered at the aU.S. Attorney’s for the District of CoWI In Staff Writer had comeSterling together to bring Among Office the programs Marlow

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

lumbia to request an investigation by the U.S.ofDepartment Justice shootingtoand death of sense uniformityofin the into way the wants seesubsequent implemented areD.C. WhenTerrance L.Y. Marlow's 23-yearresident Sterling by an officer of the District’s police department, Brian Trainer. citizens wanted answers and domestic violence victims and stricter The restraining order policies, old daughter told her asked the father among other questions, why lethalsurvivors deadly force used against an unarmed man. Theyfor alsovictim's sought tofamilies bring more are was treated. more rights offocused her daughter herBlacks “She's attention tothreatened crimes against including injury lodgedto by intervene law enforcement officials. using herand/or own death personal on behalf of a viclife,Now, and the theMetropolitan life of theirPolice child, story, her own Use personal pain to Board Department’s [MPD] of Force Review determinedviolence that the shooting tim,has a domestic assess- of she knew something had Sterling was not justified. to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further done. Out of her frustration about Marlow. training forJudiciary law enforcement Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie,said Ward 5, who chaired the Council’s Committee on the at the time of Sterwith enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protecling’slaw shooting and requested more information on the status of the shooting investigation, has issued the following statement: of the situation, she decided who readsreview Marlow's willto an tion mandatory “While I am heartened to see to that the internal processbook has come end,Act theand length of time itcounselhas taken to start Saving isPromise it.” She said that she our “puts the have ingfull forconfidence batterers. in the integrity of our reachthe a resolution troubling.camWe must“get continue to ensure residents paign. case in such a way, the average we are to eradi- for police department. Today, I am pleased that the Department has taken steps to fully“Ifensure thatever theregoing is accountability “It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must the officer’s actions and provide Mr. Sterling’s family with some measure of closure.” that won't turn my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicshared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ence at the District Heights Also present at the event was said. The proposed $6.4 billion purchase of D.C.-based WGLthe Holdings the parent of see WashDomestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, ex- Inc., Marlow wouldcompany also like to ington by District AltaGasHeights Ltd., reached a key arrangement in the state of Maryland earlier this week. on May Gas, 7 at the wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raiseThe two companies signed settlementwho withwas thesentenced MarylandtoEnergy Administration Municipal Center. The asymposix consecawareness[MEA], amongMontgomery children inand Princewas George’s countiesbyandthe local utive unionslife ahead of awithout review by Maryland’s Service schools. Commission. sium sponsored terms parole publicPublic and private She Underand the agreement, Washington will spend $70 extend its natural gasbeservice Family Youth Services by aGas Maryland jury for hismillion role in to feels children need to educat-areas and another million to create the the Maryland Gas Expansion Funded– about a MEA-administered tranche to Center of the$33 city of District Beltway Sniper attacks in domestic violence. promoteand economic development, creation and the expansion isof natural infrastructure intopasunderHeights the National Hook- job 2002. Mildred Muhammad “Wegas have to stop being Up of Black served partsWomen. of the state. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilMarlow written book,history “We arehas proud of oura long service to the our domestic company violence,” will be in an an of organization thatregion helpsand thebelieve drenthat about “Color Me Butterfly,” is a more even stronger positionwhich to deliver valueofto domestic our customers as partMarlow of the AltaGas family,” said Terry survivors violence said. story about four generations of ofand theirHoldings children.Inc. and Washington McCallister, chairman and CEO WGL Gas in has a published statement. Marlow worked to break domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. D.C. she Council’s Committee discussed a measure She Last saidweek, everythetime readsHousing Mildred Muhammad said that“Iwould plan to take these policies to require candidates for the she office of advisory neighborhood two and implore them to excerpts from her book, still people who wantcommissioner to help ato submit Congress proofs residency the Board as a condition for eligibility for the ballot. can not ofbelieve thetowords cameof Elections domestic violence victim must change our laws,” Marlow said. The requirement ensure that candidates withinthey the single member district from her. “Color would Me Butterfly” be carefulreside of how go into “I will not stop until these poli(SMD) are running represent.the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” won the they 2007 Nationalto “Best Anita Bonds, who introduced the bill in June, sense provision to Jones can be reached Books” Award. that she called may itbea “common in “survival Tia Carol strengthen integrity in the community’s most immediate local government.” “I was justthe16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net mere rumors that lives you outside my “Even eye first blackened anda commissioner my “Before get oftotheir 'I'mSMD goingcreates the appearance impropriety disillusion robust lips bled,”ofMarlow said. which is likelytotokill you,' itresidents started and as adiscourage verbal theWI participation that is criticalpresifor [commissioners] to properly represent the interests of Elaine Davis-Nickens, dent the National Hook-Up theirofconstituents,” Bonds said. 5Anita Bonds /Courtesy photo of Black Women, there is no Paul Trantham, said he has reached out to several agenA current Wardsaid 8 commissioner, consistency inallegations the way of domestic cies regarding commissioners living outside of their SMD with little avail and violence are dealt by investigations of such claims. has facedissues retaliation for his with personal “Where can anyone go and fill out an application form and [only] be required to raise their right hand and not be required to provide identification of who they are or their residency [to run for public office]? The [D.C] Board of Elections,” Trantham testified. “This has gone on too long without any action.” The bill remains under review in the housing committee.

Maryland Gives Support to Washington Gas Proposed Merger

D.C. Measure to Require Proof of Residency for ANC Candidates

The Washington Informer Newspaper THE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Denise RolarkSr. Barnes published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at Washington, THE D.C.WASHINGTON and additional mailing ofSTAFF INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published fices.weekly News on andThursday. advertising deadline postage Periodicals paid atMcNeir, Washington, D.C. and additional D. Kevin Editor is Monday to News publication. Anmailing prior offices. and advertising Monday prior to publication. Rondeadline Burke,isAdvertising/ Marketing Director nouncements must be received two two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Announcements must be received Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressBarnes, Assistant Photo Editor by es The Washington Informer. to The Washington Informer,All3117Lafayette Martin Luther King, IV, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, rightsD.C. reserved. John E.be De Freitas, Sports Editor 20032.POSTMASTER: No part of thisSend publication may reproduced withoutPhoto written permischange addresses to TheThe Washsionoffrom the publisher. Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee Dorothy Rowley, Online Editorthe return of ington Informer, 3117 Martin rates Luther photographs. Subscription are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers be received ZebraDesigns.net, Design & will Layout King,notJr.more Ave.,than S.E.a Washington, D.C. week after publication. Make checks payable to: Mable Neville, Bookkeeper 20032. No part of this publication may Dr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist be reproduced without written permisTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER sion from the3117 publisher. The Informer Social Media Martin Luther King, Jr.Tatiana Ave., S.E.Moten, • Washington, D.C. Specialist 20032 Newspaper cannot guarantee the return Phone: 202 561-4100 202 574-3785 Angie• Fax: Johnson, Circulation of photographs. Subscription rates are E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will www.washingtoninformer.com REPORTERS be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, PUBLISHER Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s Timothy THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes County Writer), Eve M. Ferguson, Hamil 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E STAFF REPORTERS Harris, Tatyana Hopkins, Jade James-Gist, Washington, D.C. 20032 Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia D. C. Jones, Laiscell, Lauren Poteat, Edwin Lake, KevinEdMcNeir, Phone: 202 561-4100 Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, Fax: 202 574-3785 Martell Pegues, Dorothy Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, JosephRowley, Young Brenda Siler, news@washingtoninformer.com Sarafina Wright (General Assignment Writer) Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper www.washingtoninformer.com LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. De Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, PHOTOGRAPHERS Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic John DesignE. DeFreitas, Joanne Jackson, RoyLassiter, Lewis, Robert Shevry Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt

“

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic Bowser Cites Success of Robbery Intervention Task Force violence. I plan to take these D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently highlighted the ongoing success of the Robbery Intervention Task Force and urged residents to take advantage of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Exchange Zone Program. The topartCongress andStronMayor launched the Robbery Intervention Task Force inpolicies December 2015 as of the Administration’s Safer, ger DC plan. Since the implementation of the task force, robberies have decreased across all police districts. Year to them toof 2014, change our date, the District has experienced a 27 percentimplore reduction in robberies; since the end robberies have decreased by 33 percent, including decreases in all eight wards. “The Robbery Intervention Task Force is one way we are building a safer, stronger keeping residents and laws. I will notDC and stop until their property safe from repeat offenders,” Bowser said. “Since launching the Task Force, we have seen robberies decrease in every police district. By participating in and spreading the word about Safe Exchange Zones and our Private policies are passed. Security Incentive Program, residents can help us buildthese on this progress.”

“

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

In addition to launching the Task Force, the Bowser Administration has also made it easier for residents and L.Y. Program – Marlow an businesses to support MPD’s work by launching and expanding the Private Security Camera Incentive Paul Trantham initiative to encourage residents, businesses, non-profits and religious institutions to install security camera systems on their properties and register them with the DC Police Department. The program includes a network of more than 7,600 private security cameras. Since launching the Administration’s Safer, Stronger DC plan the District has seen a 23 percent decrease in all violent crime, a 14 percent decrease in homicides, a 19 percent decrease in assaults with a dangerous weapon and a 14 percent decrease in sexual assaults. 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com Roy Lewis, Demetrious Kinney, Mark

Mahonny, CIRCULATION Lateef Mangum, Travis Riddick

4 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION D.C. Charter School Tackles Education Gap for Black Boys

By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer

Despite constant gains in technology, infrastructure and industry across the United States, Black and brown children are still hampered by some of the largest educational gaps in the nation. Of the Black and brown children suffering academically throughout the U.S. school system, boys in particular seem to be affected the most, with extremely high educational literacies disparities found in the nation’s capital and neighboring Baltimore. With a mission to address and correct these educational imbalances, Shawn Hardnett, founder and CEO of the North Star College Preparatory Academy for Boys, recently collaborated with four other D.C. and Baltimore all-male schools for the inaugural “Black and Brown Hackathon,” in order to better facilitate and support Black and brown boys. “While being here in D.C., my focus has always been on supporting Black and brown boys using the arts,” Hardnett said. “Through my many volunteer roles in education, I noticed a tremendous lack of adequately trained teachers and a [low] number of Black and brown boys succeeding academically and I really wanted to do something that would allow me to correct that. “Through the help of some very special educators, community members and parents, my goal … is to give Black and brown boys a platform to share their own experiences in school and what it would take for them to do even better,” he said. During the Dec. 2 event at the partnering Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, 100 male students and over 150 male and female volunteers participated in critical thinking exercises, friendship building games and

leadership training. Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, Washington Latin Public Charter School and Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys also took part in the event. “I’ve been to D.C. plenty of times, but when I learned that there was a leadership program for young Black boys going on, that made me really want to go,” said participant Denzel Mitchell. “Today was fun because we got a chance to talk about all these problems that happen to young Black males so that we can help them and enjoy fun activities.” Desmond Johnson, an eighthgrade student at the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys known for collectively organizing and helping other students, said the program had already begun to help him. “Being here makes me think about how I can do and be something better than what I’m doing and being now, and really makes me want to show and tell younger kids how to improve and hopefully how to accomplish their dreams — and my own, too,” Desmond said. And while students like Raymond Weeden III, a sixth-grader who attends Washington Latin Public Charter School, are fortunate enough to have a ever-present male role model in their lives, Kerel Thompson, a STEM instructor at North Star, said there is still more work to be done. “Whenever we talk to Black and brown male students, they always list the same issues, with concentration stemming from home issues, attention from girls and the need and want to be cool,” Thompson said. “Our goal is to provide them with structure, keep them engaged and send them a message that they can be and do whatever they want in life. … We are concerned about boys, because we know they are in trouble and we as a society need to start finding out why.” WI

5 Students and volunteers participate in the inaugural “Black and Brown Hackathon” at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in D.C. on Dec. 2. /Photo by Roy Lewis

Join Washington Informer Charities for Nats Winterfest, returning this December 16 and 17 to the Washington Convention Center. Winterfest will again feature two days of fun, including games, children’s activities and special appearances by your favorite Nationals players, coaches, mascots and Santa! Don’t miss the highlight of the holiday season

Toy Drive December 16, 2017

CAN’T GET ENOUGH WI NEWS? VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR EVEN MORE INFO ON OUR COMMUNITY! WWW.WASHINGTON INFORMER.COM

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Fans are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to Winterfest to benefit Washington Informer Charities and win a chance to meet a Nationals player. Gifts can be dropped off at the Toy Donation area near the main stage. Each individual that donates a toy(s) will receive one entry form, and 10 donors will be randomly selected to meet with a Nationals player, take pictures and receive autographs. There is no limit to how many gifts a fan can donate. However, fans will only receive one raffle entry per donation per day. The meet and greet will take place late in the afternoon on Saturday, and each winner may be accompanied by one guest. Toy Drive December 17, 2017 to benefit DC Housing Authority For More Information or to Purchase Tickets, Visit nationals.com/winterfest

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 5 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

AROUND THE REGION

WEEK OF DEC 7 - 13, 2017

Source: Black America Web

DEC 7

DEC. 12

1942 – Reginald Lewis, the first African-American business owner to build a billion-dollar company, is born in Baltimore.

1868 – Henry Hugh Proctor, a minister, author and lecturer who formed the basis for the Atlanta Music Festival, is born outside Fayetteville, Tenn. 1925 – Famed singer and entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. is born in New York City.

1899 – George Grant patents an improved golf tee. 1940 – Grammy-winning singer Dionne Warwick born in East Orange, New Jersey. 1963 – East African country Kenya gains its independence from the United Kingdom. 1975 – The National Association of Black Journalists is founded in Washington, D.C. 1995 – Willie Brown wins a runoff election to become the first black mayor of San Francisco.

DEC. 9

DEC. 13

DEC. 8

FULL-SERVICE SIGN AND ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS Professional VISUAL BRANDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS to help grow your business

...because image matters Call Today! 301-273-3462

Stacey Brown “Chief Image Builder”

stacey@signarama-silverspring.com

8930 Brookville Rd Silver Spring, MD 20910 signarama-silverspring.com MBE/DBE Certified | Woman-Owned Business

but I’m never alone. I have Life Alert.®

For a FREE brochure call:

1-844-887-1831

DISH DEALS!! 190 Channels $ .99 /mo. Now only ...

ADD HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

for 24 months

.95 /mo.

Switch to DISH and Get a FREE Echo Dot

“Alexa, go to HGTV.”

Control your TV hands-free with DISH Hopper + Amazon Alexa

where available

LIMITED TIME! Mention offer code FreeEchoDot Requires internet-connected Hopper® or Wally® and Echo, Echo Dot or Amazon Tap device.

CALL TODAY - PROMO CODE: FreeEchoDot

1-855-402-3370

1872 – Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchhack becomes the governor of Louisiana, the first Afri can-American to serve as governor of a U. S. state. 1922 – Comic legend Redd Foxx is born in St. Louis. 1972 – Ralph Bunche, the first African-American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, dies in New York City at 68.

DEC. 10

1963 – The East African territory of Zanzibar gains its independence from the United Kingdom. 1964 – Civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. receives the Nobel Peace Prize. 1967 – Soul singer Otis Redding dies in a plane crash near Madison, Wisconsin, along with four members of the Bar-Kays. Redding was 26. 2005 – Seminal comedian Richard Pryor dies in Los Angeles at 65 after a longtime battle with multiple sclerosis.

DEC. 11

1926 – R&B singer/songwriter Big Mama Thornton of “Hound Dog” fame is born in Ariton, Alabama. 1938 – Jazz pianist McCoy Tyner is born in Philadelphia. 1964 – Soul singer Sam Cooke is fatally shot by a motel manager in Los Angeles. He was 33.

Requires credit qualification and commitment

6 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

1916 – Pro boxer Archie Moore, the longest-reigning world light heavyweight champion of all time, is born in Benoit, Mississippi. 1967 – Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Jamie Foxx is born in Terrell, Texas. WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

JAMIE FOXX WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

VIEW P INT

AROUND THE REGION

By Sarafina Wright

Michael Flynn, former national security adviser for President Trump, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and has agreed to cooperate with the Russia probe.What are your thoughts? JONATHAN A. WASHINGTON / RANDALLSTOWN, MARYLAND

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the feds. He is going to do everything he can to protect his son. If that means 45 goes down, or his son-in-law, then so be it. All this talk about fake news was B.S. from the start. Now we know it is real.

SHEILA MINGO / TAMPA, FLORIDA

Where is the Commander-in-tweet? I’m waiting to hear that that wasn’t the real Michael Flynn, and that fake news is lying again.

PATRICIA MOREHEAD / CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Russia pulled a coup on the USA. Took over our government without firing a single shot. They have put in place a possible civil war with all these gun-toting, hood-wearing Trump worshiping folks ready to make ‘Amerikkka’ great again. People being sold into slavery on the other side of the world. Never again. Not here. Not now.

JASON JD /

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Impatiently waiting for Sarah Sanders to come out and say Michael Flynn was just a low-level campaign volunteer who mostly made coffee and that Trump has never even heard of him before today.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 7 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

AROUND THE REGION By D. Kevin McNeir / WI Editor/@dkevinmcneir

The World According to Dominic Something’s Fishy About Waiting So Long to Report Sexual Assault The list just gets longer and longer it seems, as more and more women, and a few men, step forward claiming that they’ve been sexually harassed by prominent members of our society – from political icons to entertainment moguls. In some ways, it feels like Pandora’s Box has been abruptly thrown wide open and from what I can see, there’s no end in sight. At least not for a very long time. Now we’re hearing phrases like “zero tolerance policy” being bandied about both by officials at The Boston Symphony Orchestra and Rep. Nancy Pelosi on The Hill, among others. Meanwhile, fingers continue to be pointed at men, most recently Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records and James Levine, the recently-suspended former music director of the New York Metropolitan Opera. And while there’s no justification for sexual harassment, and certainly none for sexual assault, which is a crime in and of itself, I’m beginning to wonder “how long is too long”

when calling out anyone who may have been the perpetrator of harassment. Because I’ve been thrown into a quandary, I asked my daughter, Jasmine, an educated, beautiful woman of 27 if I was overreacting. She said no adding that if anyone ever harassed her, she’d call her Daddy right away so he (that would be me) could handle things. Levine has been charged by three men for abuse that occurred decades ago. Simmons stepped down from his companies after a woman said he sexually assaulted her in 1991. How long is too long? Even U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore of Alabama faces charges of sexual misconduct by multiple women that took place decades ago. One has to wonder what took these women and men so long to finally confront their alleged abusers. While I can never understand what women routinely face each day living in a world where men are generally in charge and often feel free to do whatever “floats their boat,” I can’t understand why anyone would remain silent for de-

cades, allowing pain and humiliation to fester within. Years ago, as a teenager, an older male cousin tried to rape me. Believe me, I fought brother off with every bit of strength I could muster. He failed in his attempt. And later that day, I told my parents. I didn’t wait until my 30th birthday. I didn’t hold off until the new millennium. I told my parents right away because I knew they would always be there to protect me from whatever evil might come my way. Maybe Pandora’s Box has been opened. Perhaps the time is finally ripe to seek justice for those who have been sexually harassed. But there’s something troubling, at least to me, about those who wait until seemingly opportune times to publically lodge their complaints. Sexual harassment is wrong, period. I just hope and pray that now women, and men, will begin to feel more at ease about confronting those who cowardly seek to use their influence and power for sexual gratification – immediately, if not sooner. WI

The Law Office of Nigel M. Atwell Special Education Lawyer

(301) 864-6070

EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge SERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

8 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Does your child have – or do you suspect she has – a learning or other disability? • Has your child failed academically, especially in reading? • Has the school ignored your comments on the IEP, or your request for an evaluation or your child’s education record? • Has the school blamed your child’s behavior for her academic failure? • Has the school retaliated against you or treated you or your child differently? • Has the school determined that your child is progressing but at home your child struggles with reading and comprehension? Does it feel like the school is not serving your child? Contact The Law Ofﬁce of Nigel M. Atwell for a free consultation. We serve children in traditional public schools and public charter schools. We serve low and moderate income families. We also handle Social Security disability claims and employment discrimination matters.

Call us at 703.407.4618 See us at www.lawoﬃceofnigelmatwell.com

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION

Race for At-Large Council Seats Already Underway

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The at-large D.C. Council candidates are already taking off the gloves approximately six months before the city’s primary in June 2018. So far, six candidates seek [2 or 3] the at-large seats in a way to implement change on City Council. Jeremiah Lowery said he’s running for council to “systematically change our city to ensure residents don’t have to go through the same issues that my faced.” Lowery, an organizer and advocate, said his mother spent part of her life in a broken foster care system and in homeless shelters. His father was unable to afford child care as a security guard so he took his children to work with him. At 28, D.C. native Marcus Goodwin wants to be the youngest member of council. “I have good perspective on how far you can push a deal before you kill it,” Goodwin said in a recently published article. “I know how far you can push it to get the maximum community benefits before you effectively hamper or kill the deal. I don’t think there’s anyone in City Hall who has that perspective.” Dionne Bussey-Reeder also wants a chance to serve her city on the council. She grew up on Kenyon Street in Columbia Heights. Her father worked his entire career at George Washington University and her mother ran a small business sewing upholstery for furniture companies out of their basement. She said her parents knew the value of a good education and pushed her to follow the rules, work hard, and graduate college with a degree. After graduating from Roosevelt Senior High School off of Georgia Ave, she went on to West Virginia State University, where she studied political science and served as president of the student government. “I grew up here in the District and have spent my life working in our communities,” Reeder said. “I have worked hard to be an honest broker that can bring folks together and deliver results. I’m also not afraid to talk about the big issues that impact residents every single day that many of our leaders don’t want to discuss.” Another political upstart, Aaron J. Holmes, envisions a govern-

ment that represents each city resident at each station in their life, prioritizing empathy, ownership and opportunity. “Each Washingtonian has more in common than they do different,” Holmes said. “This city has everything it needs to tackle its toughest challenges and I am not afraid to take those big issues.” Like Reeder and Lowery and others who may ultimately throw their hat into the ring, Holmes will have to contend with strong incumbents, Democrat Anita Bonds and independent Elissa Silverman. The two swept to council in 2014 and each said they’ve lived up to their campaign promises. Both are seeking another term and an opportunity to do more. Bonds’ goal is for young people and those who’ve long called the District home to have greater opportunities to continue living in their hometown with services and programs that meet their needs, Meadows said. Bonds said that she champion policies that have produced concrete results, such as the historic funding in affordable housing initiatives, stronger rent control laws and rights for renters. “This District is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis that has affected many of our long standing minority residents that can no longer afford to raise their families in their own hometown, including my 94-year-old mother,” Bonds said. “I feel the pressure firsthand. We have preserved, protected or produced nearly 10,000 affordable housing units since I became chair of the Housing Committee. The need is great, but I have new ideas to add to our toolbox to be able to meet the demand and provide relief to the high cost of living.” Silverman said she believes that a transparent governing process helps ensure all residents’ voices are heard. She said she’s committed to improving the quality of life for residents in all eight wards. “Certainly our strength is that the District is some place that both people and companies want to be,” Silverman said. “We still attract a fair number of newcomers and we’re certainly attracting companies and startups because D.C. is an attractive place to live in and do business in.” For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

1. At-Large Council member Anita Bonds, 2. At-Large Council member Elissa Silverman, 3. At Large Council candidate Dionne Bussey-Reeder, 4. At-Large Council candidate Aaron J. Holmes, 5. At-Large Council candidate Jeremiah Lowery, 6. At-Large Council candidate Marcus Goodwin /Courtesy photos

DOES YOUR SCHOOL HAVE THE NEXT D.C. WINNER?

3 6 TH ANNUAL WASHINGTON INFORMER SPELLING BEE OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 3 - 8 DC PUBLIC, CHARTER, PRIVATE, PAROCHI AL AND HOME SCHO OLS ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE

ENROLLMENT ENDS DECEMBER 15, 2017 WWW.SPELLINGBEE.COM

- -

' ' ' '

JASON MOORE JASON.MOORE3@DC.GOV

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 9 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Denise Rolark Barnes Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com 202-236-8831

5 (L-R) Josiah Offutt, Myles Kennie, and Ezekiel Campbell race to the finish in the sack race - one of the events held at the Friendship Tech WinterFest in Southeast on Saturday, Dec. 2. /Photo by Mark Mahoney

net

Who’s Reading the Informer? Sala Damali reads the Washington Informer. /Photo by Roy Lewis

WORDS TO LIVE BY

n upper and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bold; Independent 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light. t Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program may be utilized.

Denied Beneﬁts? Unable To Work? Fighting For Your

We Can Help!

Helping 1000’s Get The Beneﬁts They Deserve

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS For Over 35 Years!

Do You Qualify For Disability Beneﬁts? Call For A FREE Evaluation

Assisting With: - Initial Applications - Denied Claims - Hearings

We Simplify The Process & Strive For Quick Claim Approval.*

(855) 549-3119 Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration. Member of the TX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states. * The process for determining each applicant’s disability benefits varies greatly, and can take upwards of two years.

10 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

“I had felt for a long time, that if I was ever told to get up so a white person could sit, that I would refuse to do so.” – Rosa Parks

recalling her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on Dec. 1, 1955. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

AROUND THE REGION $100K top prize

5 Venus Williams, Southeast Tennis Learning Center Director Cora Masters Barry and Serena Williams-Ohanian on the red carpet during the launch of the Yetunde Price Resource Center on Saturday, Dec. 2. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

TENNIS from Page 1 Center for which they have provided funding and named in honor of their slain sister. The new addition to the pristine tennis facility located in Southeast will assist those adversely affected by community violence to identify, access and utilize support services which currently exist in Ward 8. Mayor Muriel Bowser, former DC First Lady Cora Masters Barry and a host of others, including celebrities and everyday folk from the District, welcomed the Williams sisters and their family for a forum that even included some tennis training for the youth. During the day, Venus and Serena also participated in the taping of a TV special on domestic violence that addressed ways that those caught in the deadly cycle can reclaim their lives. Yetunde Price, the elder half-sister of, and personal assistant to the Williams sisters, lost her life at the age of 31 – the victim of a drive-by shooting on Sept. 14, 2003 at the hands of a member of the infamous and deadly Southside Crips in Compton – the California community known for gang violence and where the Williams sisters grew up. Serena shared her thoughts with The Washington Informer, one of only a small number of media outlets invited to the opening. “For our family, it was tragic to lose our sister but we are happy that we have made something positive out of it and can help others who have had similar painful experiences,” she said. “Family, emotions, children – there are so many things you have to go through. We’re just happy that there is now a place in this community where those seeking to move on with their lives can go. For some, it will be a means of honoring and remembering their loved ones who were victims of domestic violence.” While growing up in Compton, an area of Los Angeles plagued with poverty, crime and social disparities, Richard Williams pushed his daughters to excel in tennis until they became the best in the world. With the same spirit that has allowed her to fight back from seemingly inevitable defeat in many tennis matches, Serena said she wants women to know that they have that same spirit to overcome. “Sometimes, when I find myself behind in a tennis match, I push through,” she said. “I continue to fight. Similarly, whether it’s domestic abuse or the loss of a loved one, we must try to push through.” Venus Williams said they began their non-prof-

it organization last year in Los Angeles and now they want to spread the message about domestic violence around the globe. “We went to educate people in this country and around the world.” She added that returning to SETLC felt in many ways like a homecoming. “We have a long history here and we have spent a lot of time at the Center,” Venus said. “To be part of this is bigger than anything that we can do on the tennis court. This is beyond our dreams.” As Bowser entered the tennis center, she embraced Masters Barry who first had the vision for SETLC when the land on which it now stands formerly only yielded weeds, tufts of grass, broken glass and shattered dreams. Looking around the Center, and with the added opportunity to speak with the tennis superstars, Bowser described the community-friendly afternoon as “fantastic.” Before his death, former DC Mayor Marion Barry said that “Cora” had put her life into the tennis center. Masters Barry noted that the Williams family has been there almost from the beginning. “Since our opening, and with the help of the Recreation Wish List Committee and many other volunteers, we have continued to grow,” she said. “And the Williams family have provided more than we can ever thank them,” she said. “They volunteer as tutors and serve as board members. It is a blessing to have them join us and to assist us in serving the youth of our community.” The Yetunde Price Resource Centers focuses on three pillars of action: community-based case management navigation; community education that partners with schools and law enforcement and offers instruction in problem-solving and conflict resolution; and expressive arts therapy for victims and at-risk individuals whose recovery is facilitated through poetry, creative writing, music, dance and dramatic arts. “I am proud of the Center because there are an unbelievable amount of success stories coming out of here.” Serena added, who noted that she never realized the challenges one must face in becoming a mother – or the joy that comes. “I just love every moment of being a mom – I just love this,” she said. WI Editor D. Kevin McNeir contributed to this article. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

2018 D.C. Lottery

WE ASKED. YOU VOTED. INTRODUCING SIX NEW TICKETS WITH OVER $750K IN INSTANT CASH PRIZES

Don’t forget the 2nd Chance Contest to win $500,000 that could be used towards buying a home in DC. dclotteryneighborhoods.com #showyourdc DC Scratcher games may continue to be sold even when all the top prizes have been claimed

DCL1551 | Neighborhoods 2.0 | Washington Informer | 1/2 Pg Vertical | 5 x 13.75” | 4C

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 11 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Unions Endorse Donna Edwards Again

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

Four union groups that supported Donna Edwards when she walked the halls of Congress stand by her again in her bid for Prince George’s County executive. The unions officially endorsed her Thursday, Nov. 30 at the UFCW Local 400 headquarters in Landover. The United Food and Commercial Workers union also supported Edwards when she ran for Senate against Chris Van Hollen in last year’s Democratic primary. “We need to make sure we endorse candidates who share values that our members see themselves in that candidate and understands the struggles of our members,”

said Dyana Forester, political and community affairs director for Local 400. “When Donna made the decision about what she was going to do, we decided that we need to be with her.” Edwards’ other union endorsements are UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO (Montgomery County Government Employees Organization) of Gaithersburg, Unite Here Local 25 of Northwest and LiUNA! (Laborers’ International Union of North America) of Reston, Virginia. All four unions represent more than 10,000 members who reside in Prince George’s County. Although the unions’ endorsements carry some weight, Edwards faces two other popular lawmakers in the June 26 Democratic primary — Prince George’s

5 Former Congresswoman Donna Edwards greets members of the various unions that endorsed her bid for Prince George’s County executive at the UFCW Local 400 headquarters in Landover on Nov. 30. /Photo by William J. Ford

State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks and state Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-District 26) — as well as former Obama administration official Paul Monteiro, who is making his first bid for an elected office. Lewis S. Johnson, who hasn’t returned emails for comment, also filed with the county Board of Elections to run for the executive seat. Current County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, who is term-limited, will run in the gubernatorial Democratic primary race. As for Edwards, she worked with all four unions either as a community activist and leader in

private sector organizations such as the Arca Foundation, or her eight years in Congress. Edwards, who currently resides at National Harbor that she addresses on her mail as “Oxon Hill,” worked with Unite Here Local 25 of Northwest, which represents hospitality workers in the D.C. region, to organize and receive contracts with the Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor. “The people who are working there are living better because of the work she did,” said John Boardman, executive secretary with Local 25. “We have a special relationship with her. She’s been like that from day one.”

Gino Renne, president of UFCW Local 1994, said his organization didn’t endorse a candidate in last year’s Senate primary because of its allegiance to both Edwards and Van Hollen, but has no such problem backing Edwards’ run for county executive. “I am disappointed in politicians because they say one thing and do another. Donna is not like that,” Renne said Friday. “She says something and she does it. She always stood on the right side. In today’s political world, that is a rare commodity. We will fight for her every opportunity we can.” WI

Racial Discrimination Alleged in Funding of Prince George’s Stormwater Program By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

5 Sandra Pruitt (left), executive director of the People for Change Coalition, discusses the complaint her group filed against the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment for racial discrimination during a press conference in Largo on Dec. 1. /Photo by William J. Ford

12 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

Prince George’s County is one of the biggest majority-Black jurisdictions in the nation, but a local group alleges those same people didn’t receive fair consideration regarding grant money for a stormwater management program. The People for Change Coalition, a nonprofit organization that assists minority-owned businesses in the D.C. area, filed a complaint with the county’s Human Relations Commission after an application it submitted along with several others was denied this fiscal year. The coalition held a press conference Friday, Dec. 1 in Largo outside the building where the environment department resides to discuss the complaint filed with the county’s Human Relations Commission. Sandra Pruitt, executive director of the coalition, said one Black nonprofit, Global Health and Education

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Projects of Riverdale, was awarded a $50,000 grant to conduct an adopta-tree program for homeowners. She said the coalition has received approvals for other projects during the Stormwater Stewardship grant program’s four-year existence, but not more Black-owned organizations must be included in the approval process. “The majority of grants have gone to entities who are white [and located] in and outside of the county,” Pruitt said. “That is a huge concern to us because Prince George’s County is a majority Black county. We cannot reap the economic benefits from this grant fund.” If the coalition received approval this fiscal year, it planned to assist several community organizations establish a pet waste station, which allows people pick up after their pets and dispose the refuse into a compartment to prevent runoff into streams and other waterways that contaminates fish, crabs and other water creatures people eat.

“We pay these tax dollars and can’t get poop bags?” said Pat Fletcher of Landover, whose local community group would’ve received assistance from the coalition if the grant received approval this fiscal year. “That’s a slap in the face and we need to be mad as hell. I want my poop bag.” According to the complaint received this month, the coalition contends the county’s Department of the Environment violated the program “by denying funds to Black-led companies and nonprofit organizations and steering them away from applying in favor of White-led companies and nonprofit organizations.” The agency disperses all grant money to the Chesapeake Bay Trust, an Annapolis-based nonprofit organization established in 1985 that seeks to improve the Chesapeake Bay region and protection of the environment statewide. This fiscal year, 15 recipients re-

ENVIRONMENT Page 31

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY New Prince George’s Hospital Breaks Ground in Largo

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

More than 100 area officials and residents gathered last week in Largo to celebrate the groundbreaking for the long-awaited University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center, a $543 million project two decades in the making. The 11-story building, slated to include a cancer and trauma centers and 205 beds near the Largo Metro station, will serve residents in Prince George’s County and three counties in Southern Maryland. When the facility opens in 2021, it will replace the more than 70-yearold Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly. Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, one of 11 dignitaries to speak at the Nov. 30 event, told a few personal stories about spending time at the hospital in Cheverly when his wife became ill. He briefly explained how he became closer with doctors, nurses and staff and other patients’ families. “We are building a building today, but that is not what we’re doing,” he

said. “What we are doing is giving hope to those who come in there and don’t know the people they are trusting their loved one to. What we are providing is that level of comfort and hope to people we don’t know and may not thank us on their way out, but we are thankful they are there.” Officials have said the hospital will help improve health care in the largely Black jurisdiction plagued by high rates of obesity, heart diseases and other ailments. The ceremony took place on the grounds of the Boulevard at the Capital Centre, which may encompass new businesses — and with a name change, Indigo, to reflect the Blue and Silver lines at the Largo Metro station. According to site plans from Retail Properties of America, which owns the boulevard property, 53 of the 77 units at the boulevard are available to lease. A project touted as one of the most important projects in recent county history didn’t go smoothly, particularly regarding the certificate of need, which took three years to receive state approval. Gov. Larry Hogan, who grew up

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

in the county, admitted that officials engaged in “spirited negotiations” for funding the new hospital. “For decades, the citizens of Prince George’s County, Southern Maryland and the region have not had the level of high-quality patient care that they deserve,” he said. “I am proud to have been a strong supporter of this project since day one. I am pleased we are finally able to get this vital project underway.”

TODAY’S CONCERNS

County officials have attempted to change the reputation of Prince George’s Hospital, which fights the perceptions of bad customer service, lack of care and dilapidated conditions. Although Prince George’s has five hospitals, the county’s health department noted in a report last year “the county lacks quality health care providers [and] surrounding jurisdictions are perceived to have better quality providers.” The hospital’s status took another hit when its neonatal intensive care unit closed twice last year after several patients tested for potentially deadly bacteria. The University of Maryland Med-

3 A rendering of the University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center, slated to open in Largo in 2021. /Photo courtesy of the University of Maryland Medical System

ical System (UMMS), which state officials sought as favorable when it would manage the new regional medical center, has worked to improve various programs at Prince George’s Hospital that received national recognition for cardiac surgery. Since 2014, the hospital has performed nearly 300 procedures for patients who traveled outside the county for heart surgery. The hospital took a major hit last month when Oluwafemi Charles Igberase, also known as Charles John Nosa Akoda, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for fraudulently delivered babies and offered prenatal care for five years at the hospital. According to the district attorney’s office, Akoda, 54, of Bowie, used a false

Social Security number to obtain a license in Maryland. Several patients who received care from Akoda have filed a lawsuit against the hospital. The hospital said it plans to defend itself against the suit. “Dr. Akoda held physician’s licenses in good standing in the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” hospital officials said in an issued statement. “We are deeply committed to high quality patient care, delivered with compassion and an expectation of integrity from every member of our team. We are disappointed that our expectation of integrity was not met in the case of Dr. Akoda given his complex, sophisticated identity theft scheme.” WI

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 13 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

BUSINESS Gina Barilone Overcomes Divorce, Challenges to Succeed as Entrepreneur By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Ginna Barilone’s friends know all about her Mzz B Productions, a business she started after a sudden and painful divorce two years ago. But what many probably don’t know is just how this Haitian immigrant started an entertainment company that’s taking Maryland by storm, with less than $500. “I created a website and designed business cards,” Barilone

said. “I knew I needed the educational piece so I had to quit a dead-end job and I went back to school to earn a second degree in business management and a certification in entrepreneurship.” Mzz B Productions, which has selective band combos, is a feebased entertainment company that offers dance and other styles of bands and solo performers, including Barilone who’s performed at weddings, casinos, and various other locations in Mary-

land, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and the District. The company’s “MELo” band consists of an electric variety of local musicians who perform jazz, Latin fusion and a blend of songs from artists such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and others. They perform at parties, weddings, private events and a host of other functions. But the business hasn’t been all glitz and glamour for Barilone — particularly as a black female business owner. “It’s challenging as a black woman living in Maryland and being a full-time student. I don’t qualify for any loans or funding,” she said. Then, there’s also the lack of financial backing and expertise that other established entertainment companies possess, Barilone said. Barilone also has had to contend with stereotypes. While growing up, she’d been told that Haiti was the poorest country in the world and that many who hailed from that nation rarely accomplished anything useful, she said. “Some days, my sisters and

I fought with black and white kids our age going to and coming from school,” said Barilone, who grew up in the Queens borough of New York City. “At some point, I stopped telling people where I was born, [but] I had to carry my green card everywhere … until I eventually became a U.S. citizen.” Barilone, who immediately noted that she’s proud of her Haitian heritage, points out that her father spoke six languages as a school principal in Haiti and her mother is a second-generation niece of former Haitian President Florvil Hyppolite, who served in that capacity from 1889 to 1896. While it didn’t begin as she initially envisioned it would, Barilone’s entertainment business has started to flourish. This year, she finished second in the Business Innovative Competition at The Community College of Baltimore County after previously winning the Dundalk Idol and Baltimore Idol contests, which is now called “The Voice of Baltimore” competition. “In one year, I went from booking 15 gigs, to having a total of 37,” Barilone said. “My business began with a passion,

concept and a mission.” Barilone has also displayed a philanthropic side, introducing a $500 scholarship program named “Mzz B’s Music and Dreams Scholarship,” which she awards to four students majoring in business, music and audio productions. Ultimately, she hopes her business’ success will allow her to give out 25 scholarships per year. “Philanthropists inspires me. I believe that we are all philanthropists if we tap into our humanity and forget about self-interest for a change,” she said. “I’ve had to reflect on the countless challenges of being a single mother raising children. My daughter Jade now 26 and my son Jordan, 22, motivates me,” Barilone said being a philanthropist is something she hopes will inspire her children. “Through giving, they will become better human beings and appreciate life through a whole different looking glass,” she said. “I have always pushed my expectations because I had to and I continue to push to find new ways to inspire myself through art, creativity and music.” For details or booking information, go to www.mzzbncompany.com. WI

GIFT GIVING This holiday season, The Washington Informer wants you to get in the spirit of giving! So we’ll be highlighting organizations who could use your support in the best way you can give it. This holiday season, give a little …

Gift

Time

DC SAFE

100 Black Men

As the city’s largest domestic violence shelter, DC SAFE helps about 8,000 domestic violence survivors through emergency services and court advocacy. They also offer the only crisis-housing program in the city for victims of domestic violence. Needs: Preloaded Metro cards, grocery store gift cards, food, personal care items (check out Amazon Wishlist) Website: dcsafe.org

Money

Prince George’s African-American The 100 Black Men of Great- Museum and Cultural er Washington, DC, formed in Center (PGAAMCC) 1995 as a reaction to the Million Man March. The program is de- PGAAMCC celebrates and voted to improving the quality of preserves the cultural and life for African-American males artistic contributions of Afin the city. Catering to boys ages rican-Americans in Prince 9 to 15, the program offers work- George’s County, Maryland. shops on leadership develop- It offers several educational ment, economic empowerment, tools to youth and the public. health and wellness and STEM. Needs: Donations to support Needs: Mentors youth exhibitions and educaWebsite: 100blackmendc.org tional programs Website: pgaamcc.org

5 Gina Barilone has overcome many challenges to start her own business. / Courtesy photo

14 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUSINESS

Business Exchange

NFL Gives $100 Million to Blacks’ Causes

by William Reed African-American males are only six percent of the United States population, but comprise 70 percent of NFL players. Seventy-seven percent of the NFL fans are white; 15 percent are black and 8 percent are Hispanic. Seventy percent of NFL owners are Jewish. The NFL’s viewership is down 10 to fifteen percent. In a poll, 85 percent of whites said NFL players kneeling in protest during the national anthem are hurting the cause of racial justice. Many whites have always been in a hurry for African-Americans to stop griping about discrimination and get over it. In a move to put more butts in stadium seats and in front of home entertainment centers, the NFL has committed $89M over seven years to social jus-

tice causes. NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell and a group of players agreed to partner on a plan to address social justice issues considered important to African-American communities. The agreement calls for the league to contribute $89 million over seven years to projects dealing with criminal justice reform, law enforcement/community relations and education. Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and former NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin head the Players Coalition, roughly 40 players who have negotiated with the league office about demonstrations during the national anthem. The initiative represents the NFL’s largest contribution to a social issue. The Players Coalition’s newly created nonprofit will get half the funds, which will be dispersed in varying amounts through 2023. The rest will be split — 25 percent each — between the United Negro College Fund and the Dream Corps. Players came to the table in a rare position of power, because many fans have cited protests as the main reason they’ve tuned out the NFL the past two seasons. Concerned about ongoing fan backlash and the angst of the league’s corporate partners, Goodell pushed hard to establish the framework of a deal.

The Players Coalition’s agreement does not include language calling for players to end protests during the national anthem in exchange for funds; there’s no implicit quid pro quo. But the NFL hopes this effort will effectively end the peaceful yet controversial movement that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started in 2016. Under the proposal, the $89 million has been earmarked over a seven-year period for both national and local projects. On the national level, owners this year will allocate $5 million, with their commitment growing annually and maxing out at $12 million per year from 2021 through 2023. At the local level, owners would put up $250,000 annually and expect players to match that amount, totaling

$500,000 for each team. In addition, there would be other fundraising opportunities, including telethons and auctions of jerseys worn in games. At $13 billion a year, the NFL is the world’s “most profitable” sport. To protect league revenues, Goodell and Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, sought for months to find common ground with players who took knees and raised fists. The owners could have attempted to push through new rules regarding the anthem in the NFL game-operations manual during offseason committee meetings. However, trying to force players to stand for the anthem would have undoubtedly triggered a fierce battle with the NFL Players Association. Meanwhile Colin Kaeper-

nick has accused NFL owners of collusive acts. But, there is likely no smoking gun that 32 teams decided to leave him without a job. One of the most disturbing things is the way that teams have lost their incentive to be good; rather, deciding to give fans a worse product than assume a modicum of risk. Team owners condemned President Trump’s comments that players who refuse to stand for the national anthem should be fired or suspended. The Jerry Joneses of the NFL might be conspiring against Kap, but based on their sense for business and the historical camaraderie with blacks, an enlightened Jewish owner may step forward and sign Kaepernick to a contract. Hey, Doug Williams, it’s time to make a move! WI

Going to school every day is critical to student success. Missing one or two days a month can quickly add up to 10% or more of the school year, setting students back academically. Visit Attendance.DC.Gov/CountMeIn for resources and sign the Every Day Counts! pledge.

#EveryDayCounts WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 15 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

NATIONAL

5 Judge Mary Terrell (left), founder of the High Tea Society and Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes stand with two young ladies recognized for their outstanding volunteer commitments during the tea held at the Woman’s National Democratic Club in Northwest on Saturday, Dec. 2. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter 3 (L-R) Barbara Booker, Marble Singleton-Murrell, Tina M. Harmon, Marian McIntosh, Denise Rolark Barnes, Barbara A. Reynolds, and Etrulia Troy Lee at the Just Friends Book Club Authors’ Holiday Brunch held at the Woodmore Country Club in Bowie, Md. on Saturday, Dec. 2. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Compiled by Lauren Poteat / WI Contributing Writer

South African Ambassador Talks Education, Race AMBASSADOR SERIES Home to iconic freedom rights fighters Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South Africa continues to be a place of beauty and great strength that is often overshadowed by race relations and social disparity plaguing the country. In a message of peace and awareness — and to build a larger bridge of support between Africans and African-Americans — Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, the 19th U.S. ambassador to South Africa, stressed the importance of education and togetherness. “When I think about the race relations going on in South Africa, I immediately think of Nelson Mandela, who said that ‘people are taught to hate, so if somebody can be taught to hate, they can also be taught to love,’” Mahlangu said. “A lot of things

16 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

are happening around us that may seem out of our control, but I think a great equalizer is education. “In starting with our own people bridging the gap between Africans and African-Americans lies in the question of education and the question of culture,” Mahlangu said. “Education is a tool that can help us to resolve the challenges of the world, that why its foundation is very important, if you are educated it puts you on the international standard...The world does not become very small for you, it opens the roads for you to travel in many directions and it gives you the opportunities to link up with the broader society of the world and build up your mental capacity to understand how people live and do things and most importantly, you become able to engage with your peers with the world. With education, you are a free man or a free

woman.” As a member of the Constitutional Assembly, the body that drafted the post-apartheid Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Mahlangu said that growing up in a place that gave his family little to no rights motivated him to get involved in public policy and education. “We were under a system that did not even allow us to go to school,” he said. “If we were allowed, we were told what to learn and the only important thing was to learn the language of other people and to write just a little, which could never bear many skills. Since 1994, we’ve changed the curriculum and I am excited about the university programs that the embassy is currently working where American college students will get the chance to study at places like the University of KwaZulu-Natal.” With the embassy’s involvement in education, community forums

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

and university events, the former leader of the South African Parliament’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament said these items fall in line with the legacy and mission of Mandela, who the institution honored on Dec. 5, the anniversary of Mandela’s death in 2013. WI

5 H.E. Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu /Courtesy of Embassy of South Africa

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

NATIONAL

Congress Recognizes First African-American Billionaire By Tatyana Hopkins WI Staff Writer On Nov. 30, 1987, Reginald F. Lewis negotiated the $985 million leveraged buyout of Beatrice International Food with his investment banker Michael Milken. It was the largest offshore transaction in the United States at the time and made Lewis the first-ever African-American billionaire. Thirty years later in 2017, on the anniversary of the deal’s Dec. 1 closing, the historic event made it into the U.S. Congressional Record. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) placed the event in the Congressional Record to honor Lewis’ work which he said changed the face of the country’s financial industry, opened doors for more African-Americans in the realm of business and personally inspired him. “I rise in honor of a native son of Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Reginald F. Lewis,” Cummings said on the House floor. “Mr. Lewis’ accomplishments changed the face of American business forever and

opened new doors of opportunity on Wall Street.” The 1987 deal established TLC Beatrice International Holdings Inc., which became the first African-American-owned enterprise to break the billion-dollar mark, grossing $1.8 billion in sales in its first year. Lewis died from brain cancer in 1993, but his philanthropic efforts continue to inspire young African-Americans. “[Lewis’] substantial philanthropic gifts have also continued to benefit Baltimore and, indeed, the nation,” Cummings said. “They have young Americans of color to dream bigger, and in Lewis’ own words ‘keep on going, no matter what.’” Cummings shared a moment with the Lewis family following his remarks, where he tearfully expressed the inspiration of Lewis’ accomplishments on his own life, which began as the son of two sharecroppers and said he wanted Lewis’ legacy to stay alive. Lewis’ widow Loida Nicolas

Lewis said the move to officially recognize her late husband’s accomplishments were intentional. “Thirty years ago, today, Reginald Lewis hit the front pages of all the newspapers, national and international, as the first African-American billion-dollar deal-maker, and now its on the records and books of Congress,” she said. Lewis would have celebrated his 75th birthday on Dec. 7, and his mother Carolyn Fugett said the congressional recognition was a “fitting” way to celebrate and that she hopes her son’s story will inspire young people to work hard and make an honest living. Raised in an East Baltimore neighborhood he once described as “semi-tough,” Lewis began selling The Afro-American newspaper on his own delivery route at the age of 10. In two years, he grew the route from 10 customers to a few hundred and sold it for profit. He later went on to be the first — and only person, to date — to be admitted to Harvard Law School without applying after he attended

a summer program at the school. He also established Wall Street’s first Black-owned law firm, where he focused on corporate law and structuring investments in minority owned businesses in 1970 just two after graduating. In 1987, Lewis founded a foundation in his own name to carry out his vision and mission for philanthropy to support educational programs for minorities and underprivileged youth, as well as showcase and preserve African-American art and culture. Shortly before his death, Lewis gave Harvard Law School the largest grant by an individual, up to that time, and later they renamed the law school’s international law center in his honor. The law center is the first major facility at Harvard to be named in honor of an African-American. The foundation continues its work today. Its grants currently support fellowships that teach minority lawyers to be law professors Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at Virginia State University, where he

5 Reginald F. Lewis became the country’s first African-American billionaire after his $985 million buyout of Beatrice International Food in 1987.

attended for undergraduate studies. “Young children need to know about this, that is anything is possible,” said Lewis’ aunt Beverly A. Cooper, who sits on the board of the foundation. The foundation tries to support young people at all levels of education levels to explore career possibilities, Cooper said. “He’s not even here, and he’s still making a difference,” she said. WI

A LITTLE PLANNING NOW BEATS

BORROWING LATER.

dccollegesavings.com

Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program. For more information about The DC College Savings Plan (“the Plan”), call 800-987-4859, or visit www.dccollegesavings.com to obtain a Program Disclosure Booklet, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing. The Plan is administered by the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Finance and Treasury. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC (“ACSR”), the Program Manager, and its affiliates, have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations including recordkeeping and administrative services. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC serves as the Investment Manager. CSWDC_04145 1017

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 17 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

INTERNATIONAL Christmas at the White House

Members of the Black Press attended President Trump’s holiday party for the media held last week. Special thanks to Trump’s liaison, Omarosa, for paving the way. /Photos by D. Kevin McNeir

Traditional Help Buttons

At Home In the Car On a Walk On Vacation At the Park Shopping

A Help Button Should Go Where You Go! To be truly independent your personal emergency device needs to work on the go.

Order Now & Receive a FREE Lockbox!

1-800-681-0667

Service availability and access/coverage on the AT&T network is not available everywhere and at all times. Current GPS location may not always be available in every situation.

Authority To Do Business: Kidd International Home Care, Inc. is a leading provider of diversified outsourcing solutions togovernment and commercial clients. We are a 23 year-old, privately-held, minority-owned business enterprise.

View

Sports Photos by John De Freitas

at:

 18 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

Kidd International Home Care, Inc. 6930 Carroll Avenue Suite 812 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (240) 839-7187 Contact Person: Michael L. Kidd

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Avoiding the Flu: Three Steps to Stay Healthy During Flu Season Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia It’s that time of year again, when people are at the highest risk of getting the flu. Most flu outbreaks reach their peak between December and March. With the holidays here and the get-togethers that come with them, the chance of people spreading the disease is high. That’s why it is so important to protect your family by learning what the flu is and how you can prevent it. The flu, short for “influenza,” is an infection caused by influenza viruses. The illness affects the nose, throat, and lungs, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Signs of the flu include: • Fever • Chills • Cough • Sore throat • Aches • Stuffy nose Millions of people in the United States get the flu each year. For most people, the disease will pass within 1 – 2 weeks. However, it can be dangerous and even fatal for some people.

Young children, the elderly, and people with long-term health issues are at the greatest risk for problems. People in high-risk categories should talk to their primary care providers (PCPs) if they start having flu symptoms. The flu is highly contagious, which is why it is important to protect yourself. The good news is that you can greatly reduce your risk of getting sick. Follow these three easy steps to help prevent the spread of the flu. Step 1: Get the flu vaccine There is no cure for the flu, so the best protection is not to get sick in the first place. Getting a flu shot is the single best way to prevent getting the flu. You need to get a new flu shot every year. This is because the flu shot changes yearly to protect against the most common influenza strains. Getting a flu shot each year helps ensure that you are always protected against the most common flu viruses. The flu shot is recommended for everyone over 6 months old. Shots may be available from your PCP or local pharmacy. If you are an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) member, we can help find the closest location to you. Call our Member Services department at

1-800-408-7511 for help. Step 2: Stop the spread of germs Experts believe the flu is spread through tiny droplets of moisture from our bodies. Coughing, sneezing, and talking could be enough to spread the disease. After the vaccine, good hygiene is the best defense against the flu. Use these easy tips to stop germs from spreading. • Keep your hands clean: Washing your hands with soap and water can help kill germs. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is also a good option when soap and water is unavailable. • Cover your mouth and nose: When you cough or sneeze, always keep your mouth and nose covered. It is best to cough or sneeze into a tissue and wash your hands after. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth with your arm instead of your hand. Coughing into your hand makes it easier to spread germs when you touch something else. • Avoid touching your face: Flu germs are most likely to get in through your mouth, eyes, and nose. • Keep things clean: Clean and disinfect surfaces to kill germs before they can spread. Do this at home, at work, and other places germs can spread.

Step 3: Follow the doctor’s orders If you catch the flu, you can still stop it from getting worse. Most people will recover from the flu on their own, but your PCP can also provide treatment. He or she may be able to prescribe antiviral drugs that can shorten the time you are sick and make your symptoms milder. This is especially important for people with a higher risk of problems. Doctors recommend anyone with the flu avoid contact with other people and get as much rest as possible. People showing flu symptoms should try to stay home until they feel better. If it is possible, wait 24 hours after you feel better before

leaving your home. It is OK to leave your home to get medical help or other necessities. Do you have more questions about the flu? AmeriHealth Caritas DC can help. Our Care Coaches are available and can help members make appointments or find resources close by. If you have questions or need assistance, call Member Services at 1-800-408-7511. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model.

I got a gift card for taking care of my health. You can too. You can get a $25 gift card if you: • Are an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia member

Rewards Program

• Are 12 – 21 years old • Get an annual physical exam

Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/giftcard to learn more.

Note: Member cannot get more than $50 in incentives each year. AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com 5400ACDC-17100158

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 19 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

HEALTH NAACP Concludes Listening Tour in D.C.

5 CEO and President Derrick Johnson of the NAACP speaks in Washington, D.C. at the last stop of the organization’s NAACP Forward: Today, Tomorrow & Always Listening Tour on Dec. 4. /Photo by Mark Mahoney

Aims for Relevancy in 21st Century By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer In its ongoing effort to reinvent itself, one of the nation’s oldest civil rights organizations took a slightly new approach in hearing from the the people on how to push the Black community forward. The NAACP concluded its seven-city listening tour on Monday, Dec. 4 in Washington, D.C., at the Dorothy I. Height Library in Northeast declaring strongly that they’re interested in implementing the community’s input. “This is a listening tour and that is essential for you to understand, we are not here to make speeches to you,” said NAACP

National Chairman Leon Russell. “The idea is we need to reimagine our association and in order to do that we need to hear from the people that we serve. We want to give you an opportunity to talk to us.” Russell contended that the NAACP has worked for the past six years to dive deeper into issues such as education, health care, civic engagement, economic sustainability, criminal justice and youth empowerment, but he needs to know from the people are those the right things they ought to have as priorities. “Within those things, what are the issues that we need to deal with specifically?” he posed to the audience. “What would help to carry out that mission

in those specific areas? How do we as an organization work with other folks, in fact who are those other folks we ought to be working with? Who should we be partnering with to carry out that mission? Where do we go from here, is the real question. What should we be looking to accomplish in 30 to 60 days, 180 days, 365 and longer. That’s our mission this evening. We are going to look to you to give us those ideas.” Newly-minted President and CEO Derrick Johnson believes that the NAACP has to take control of how the organization presents itself to the public. “Every time we go through a transition the question of relevancy comes up, as I look at the organization, and I’ve served on a state level and now national, no one exists the way we do, no one

has penetrated the way we have,” Johnson said. “What we have not been able to do is define our narrative and tell our story. In fact as a people and as a community we’ve had so many successes that we don’t value it until someone else tries to own it like the Blues. “We are a membership based advocacy organization, but often times we lose the fact that we are an advocacy organization and not service,” he said. Johnson asserted that advocacy sets policy that affects everyone’s lives and service organizations provides services. “A soup kitchen is very important to feed the homeless, but as the NAACP, we establish public policy so that no one is hungry. People ask us why don’t we have more mentorship programs, but that’s not our role — our role is to advocate for public policy

Bill Introduced to Stop ‘Revenge Porn’

Sen. Kamala Harris Takes Lead on Issue By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) is spearheading a bill that goes after those who maliciously expose private explicit images of others in acts of “revenge porn” or “sextortion.” Fellow Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) joined Harris in introducing the Ending Nonconsensual Online User Graphic Harassment (ENOUGH) Act of 2017 on Nov. 28, a bipartisan legislation that aims to stem an increasingly thorny issue among social media users. “Perpetrators of exploitation who seek to humiliate and shame

20 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

their victims must be held accountable,” Harris said. “It is long past time for the federal government to take action to give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on these crimes.” Speier previously introduced a version of the bill in the 114th Congress, the Intimate Privacy Protection Act of 2016. “For victims of nonconsensual pornography, technology today makes it possible to destroy a person’s life with the click of a button or a tap on a cellphone,” Speier said. “The damage caused by these attacks can crush careers, tear apart families and, in the worst cases, has led to suicide. “What makes these acts even more despicable is that many predators have gleefully acknowl-

edged that the vast majority of their victims have no way to fight back,” she said. “Even in states that have laws on the books, the average person can’t afford to take on these predators in civil courts. “Worse are the numerous victims who have mustered the courage and strength to pursue criminal charges, only to learn there is no law that protects them,” Speier said. “The ENOUGH Act will fix this gaping hole in our legal system.” The Act would ensure that the Department of Justice has an appropriate and effective tool for addressing serious privacy violations; Narrowly establish federal criminal liability for individuals who share private, explicit images without consent; and strike a balance between protecting the victims of these serious privacy vi-

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

olations and ensuring that vibrant online speech is not burdened. According to the bill a prosecution under the ENOUGH Act would have to prove that the defendant knew that the victim expected the image to remain private and that its sharing could cause harm to the victim. A prosecution would also have to prove that no reasonable person would consider the shared image to touch on a matter of public concern. “We are grateful to the ENOUGH Act’s bipartisan, bicameral supporters for protecting the victims of ‘revenge porn,’ ‘sextortion’ and other online crimes,” said Rebecca O’Connor, vice president of Public Policy, Rape, Abuse & Incest National

BILL Page 21

so that people have what they need.” The tour comes as part of the organization’s strategic plan to enhance its vision and mission, and to renew its commitment to the fight for civil rights amid an increasingly hostile political climate, voter suppression, income inequality, mass incarceration, police brutality and anti-immigrant sentiments. The NAACP’s national leadership kicked off the tour after its 108th Convention visiting cities and towns across the country including Detroit, Niagara Falls, Los Angeles, Nashville, Des Moines and San Antonio. With critical midterm elections this past November and the 2020 presidential race already on the radar, Johnson had a message for Black voters. “How many people have purchased RC Cola this week versus Coke?,” Johnson asked. “That’s what were dealing with with these elections. Presidential elections are like the Coca-Cola ad budget. There is a multimillion-dollar ad budget in reminding people that there is an election. So then that happens, voter turnout goes up. Then midterm elections is like the RC Cola ad budget for elections. [Voter turnout] goes down.” Johnson said that they are seeing across the country that when the ad budget goes up Black folks hit a very high voter count. “In some areas we are double-digit outperforming our white counterparts,” he said. “At the NAACP, we have to figure out along with you a better mechanism to encourage our folks to vote during midterm and local elections, because that’s where the power is. The power is in local governments and state governments and that’s where we need to show up.” WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

HEALTH

CBC Details Meeting with FBI Chief on ‘Black Identity Extremists’ Report By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Even as new FBI Director Christopher A. Wray assured Congressional Black Caucus members that no investigation had taken place by the agency into Black Lives Matter and other minority protest groups, new information began to leak that contradict that statement. Reportedly, Black Lives Matter protests routinely have been monitored by the U.S. government and have been seen as a potential threat, according to documents released by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The documents, which include internal emails and field reports, were circulated among law enforcement agencies last year, according to reports by Newsweek and Al Jazeera. The release of the papers reportedly came because of a lawsuit to expose the surveillance filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights and the civil rights group Color of Change. It also arrives as the nation digests a leaked FBI report in October that warned law enforcement around the country of a domestic terror threat that targets police. The FBI dubbed such so-called domestic-terrorists as “Black Identity Extremists.” On Wednesday, Nov. 29, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond (D-La.) and 2nd Vice Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.), provided an overview of their meeting with Wray in a teleconference with National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis; NNPA National Chairman Dorothy Leavell and a group of publishers, editors and reporters. “Listening to [Wray], and es-

BILL from Page 20 Network. “With sexual predators increasingly turning to the internet to do harm, we need effective tools for addressing these serious privacy violations. We look forward to working with Congress to help pass this bill.” William Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations, said that such online privacy violations exponentially and disproportionate-

pecially considering the meeting we’ve had with [Attorney General] Jeff Sessions, he appeared to be a breath of fresh air,” Bass said. Wray said the extremist document was done prior to his taking the post, but he admitted that it exists, Bass noted. “He promised that there would be no investigation or targeting of anyone. He said there had to be a three-point criteria before there could be an investigation,” she said. Namely, there had to be credible evidence of a federal crime; a credible threat of force or violence in that both of those would be in furtherance of a social or political goal, Bass said. Wray also admitted that the policy wasn’t new, the name simply changed, the congresswoman said. “They used to call it black separatist extremist and they changed it to ‘Black Identity Extremists.’ Needless to say, the representatives of the black caucus raised several concerns, one of which was how they even came up with the methodology and coming up with the category of Black Identity Extremists,” Bass said. Wray said the agency used “open source” documents, meaning mainstream media reports that Bass categorized as unreliable. She said Wray promised that no one would be investigated and surveilled unless the three necessary criteria was met. Both Bass and Richmond said the activity bears a striking reminder to COINTELPRO, which took place from the 1950s to the 1970s. That operation was a series of mostly illegal wiretapping and surveillance of primarily black activists. “I think this came from local law enforcement who were asking about violence directed at police

ly affect women and minors. “While 35 states have enacted statutes in this area, federal intervention is necessary to provide complete and consistent coverage across state lines,” he said. “This important bill would narrowly establish federal criminal liability for individuals who share private, explicit images without consent, while including civil liberty safeguards to ensure that only those who share with malicious intent are liable.” WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

and whether they should specifically be looking at the Black Lives Matter Movement,” Richmond said. “The FBI denies they were surveilling them, but we told them that we don’t believe it and our Intel shows differently. I know our ears on the ground tell us that it’s happening and they said that if it is happening, it’s not authorized,” he said. Wray, who was scheduled to meet with lawmakers including members of the CBC on Thursday, Nov. 30, has expressed a willingness to meet with CBC members regularly, Richmond said. Leavell said she appreciates CBC members’ efforts in the matter. “This could mean more than just this particular issue,” she said, noting that Richmond has agreed to contribute weekly columns to the NNPA to delve into such matters. “People maybe more considerate in doing things if they know that the Black Press will be on their case and [this collaboration] certainly shows our strength and that we can have a great impact,” Leavell said. Richmond has asked that any organization that believes its being surveilled to contact the newspaper that’s reporting this or the CBC. The Caucus has immediate plans to establish a hotline, Richmond said. WI

Get Your Health Back!

Replace all your expensive personal and household CANCER causing products with Freemart’s life-changing products. Find out how these products have kept arthritis away, helped grow my hair back, and made me healthier at 70 than I’ve ever been!

Call 240 454 3560 or visit www.newhealthways.com

DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about

No wait for preventive care and no deductibles – you could get a checkup tomorrow Coverage for over 350 procedures including

$1 a day*

Keep your own dentist! NO networks to worry about NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits

cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns…even dentures

you can receive

FREE Information Kit

1-877-308-2834

www.dental50plus.com/cadnet *Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150(GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6096C MB16-NM001Gc

Do you have sleep apnea? Do you have private insurance or a Medicare replacement plan? We may be able to help get your CPAP supplies at little or no cost to you with free shipping.

Call now to speak with one of our Care Specialists. The call is FREE.

1-855-688-1972

The nation’s #1 choice for CPAP and BiPAP Accredited by the Joint Commission We carry all the leading brands

Copayment and deductibles may apply.

DC HOUSING ENTERPRISES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: DCHE 2018-1 NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS (NMTC) APPLICATION ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES DC Housing Enterprises (DCHE) a wholly owned subsidiary of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) Application, Administration and Support Services. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services/Contracts and Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, December 4, 2017 and on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org. SEALED PROPOSALRESPONSESARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday,January 08,2018 at 11:00AM. Contact Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at (202) 535-1212 or by email at lwashing@ dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 21 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

EDUCATION National Farmers Group Elects First Black Woman as President By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The National Future Farmers of America FFA made history recently, electing its first African-American woman to the office of president. Breanna Holbert, an agricultural education major at California State University of Chico,

22 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

was named at the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis on Oct. 28 by thousands of delegates to represent the organization nationally. Holbert stated on her Instagram account what the historic moment meant to her. “This is my reality. Unique, beautiful, challenging and all encompassing,” she said. “This

5 Breanna Holbert celebrates her election with other newly-minted national officers of the National Future Farmers of America at the organization’s national convention and expo in Indianapolis on Oct. 28. /Courtesy of National FFA

jacket, this experience of a lifetime means nothing without the family, friends, advisers and mentors who have guided me and loved me without question. You are why I am here. I am so blessed.” Holbert will commit to a year of service to the organization, traveling more than 100,000 national and international miles

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

to interact with business and industry leaders, FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, state FFA leaders and the general public. The team of national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the country and help set policies that will guide the future of the organization and promote agricultural literacy. In 1928, 33 students from 18 states gathered in Kansas City, Mo., to form Future Farmers of America. Since its founding, African-Americans in leadership positions have been scarce. In 1974, Fred McClure was

the first African-American elected as a national officer and in 1994, Corey Flournoy was the first African-American male voted as president. Holbert is one of six African-Americans to hold a national office, NBC News reported. Mark Poeschl, CEO of the National FFA Organization, said Holbert, along with her teammates, “have the leadership skills to lead our organization during this next year.” “Together, she and her team will help tell the story of FFA and agricultural education and create awareness around premier leadership, personal growth and career success,” he told NBC News. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 23 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

24 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL Can Ballou Survive Latest Scandal? Officials at Ballou Senior High School face allegations that they allowed students to graduate who were chronically absent while others who received their diplomas could barely read and write. Ironically, the school’s principal was just removed from her post – less than a week after D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson gave the principal, Yetunde Reeves, his vote of approval. Meanwhile, the school system and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education continue to conduct investigations to determine what may have gone wrong at the Southeast Washington high school. Our children need to be educated. They need to earn their diplomas. And most important, they need to be well-prepared to assume their place in the world – certainly with the ability to negotiate their way with the ability to read and write at an acceptable level of proficiency. Youth in Ward 8 face more than their share of obstacles. No one would doubt that. But it should not matter where a child receives their education in the District. Children in every ward deserve to receive a quality education. We only hope that when the dust clears, officials conducting their investigations will not find that youth have been promoted and allowed to graduate without having received the skills they need to become gainfully-employed adults. If they were the recipients of “social promotion,” then a real travesty has been performed. And that would be a real crime. WI

Trump’s Travel Ban Victory Indicates a Troubling Trend The Supreme Court granted President Trump with a gift earlier this week – allowing him to fully enforce his revised order banning travel to the U.S. by residents of six mostly-Muslim countries, even while legal challenges to it continue in lower courts. But in an unsigned opinion released on Monday, the justices failed to disclose the court’s reasoning for lifting injunctions that had been issued by federal judges in Hawaii and Maryland. Trump and the White House can finally claim success after seeing courts eat away at various portions of the travel ban. And Trump seems to be in the driver’s seat should the Court be asked to decide the full merits of the president’s actions. Still, it seems as if America, once the “land of the free and home of the brave,” the country on the hill that always had its doors opens for those who sought a better life, or who hoped to escape persecution, has become, or at least is quickly becoming, a very different place. And we don’t like what we see. Trump has made no bones about his negative feelings about Muslims. Nor has he easily swallowed his lack of authority when it comes to revising immigration laws. That said, we simply cannot fathom why the president and other Republicans, as well as the justices of the Supreme Court, find it appropriate to ban people from entire countries on the grounds of their religious beliefs. Surely, there has to be something else in the equation. Or is there? WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

TO THE EDITOR Worst Yet to Come With GOP Tax Bill

Harbor Tree a Hit, Mall Tree a Miss

As I read the article “Tax Reform a Bleak Issue for Many Blacks” by Stacy Brown in your most recent issue, I got this sinking feeling that we minorities are indeed in for a bleak economic period when this new tax bill is passed. If we are not aware of the robbery by the GOP tax bill that is about to occur, we must not, as the article says, be paying any attention. We’re already at the bottom of the barrel, financially speaking, and it’s only going to get worse. Black people in particular will take a real hard hit. Actually, it has already started, as evidenced in the way we have been moved out of our longtime homes by foreclosure and by ridiculously high real estate taxes that seem to go up every year as the majority population takes over our city. Young black families who would like to live in the city can’t even afford a one-bedroom apartment anymore. Every house that goes on sale seems to be snapped up by a White buyer, either to live in it or to renovate and flip it. Then comes this new GOP tax bill, a scary thing, and more of us need to say, “No, we won’t take it!”

Thank you for the photo of the spectacular Christmas Tree at National Harbor on the front page of your Nov. 7 – Dec. 6, 2017, edition of your paper. The format of the photo gives the impression of a great big celebration. The tree is beautiful and colorful, and the fireworks set the whole picture in a festive mood. I wish I could say the same for the Christmas tree on the National Mall, which was lit by the Trump family last week. Whoever decorated that tree missed the point. It looks monochromatic and just doesn’t seem to capture the spirit of the holiday season. The Christmas decorations at the White House are a bit bizarre, even to the point of being eerie. I guess it’s a reflection of the people who live there. I choose to look at the tree that you featured on your front page, and I thank you for letting us see what a happy holiday should look like! Lacey Denton Washington, DC

Yvonne Adams Washington, DC

Readers' Mailbox

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

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 25 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

The Trump Trick Bag — Stacking the Courts Two people reported to work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on November 27, both expecting to lead the bureau. Leandra English, who had been chief of staff to former Director Richard Cordray (he resigned before Thanksgiving to return to Ohio to run for governor), was appointed to the director position by her old boss. Simultaneously, 45 appointed Mick Mulvaney, head of the Office of Management and

Budget, to hold the job. Reportedly, Mulvaney arrived at the office bright and early Monday morning, carrying a bag of doughnuts. Both Mulvaney and English sent memos to the entire staff asserting their leadership. Mulvaney rolled his sleeves up and got to work at an agency he had previously ridiculed. English headed to court to assert the right to her job. Now, here comes the trick bag. Leandra English found herself in Judge Timothy Kelly’s courtroom. The judge, in the US District Court, was appointed by 45. Is there any coincidence that English did not prevail in her suit? Mulvaney is right

Guest Columnist

when he says that no one should have expected the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to operate the same way under 45 as it did under President Obama. “Elections have consequences,” he crowed. With that smug bragging, he illustrates why other relatively (I use the word advisedly) principled Republicans put up with 45 and his antics. While too many of us are focused on 45’s foolish antics, flippant verbal attacks, and downright dangerous international behavior, the “Buffoonin-Chief” and the Senate are quietly packing the courts. 45 is moving faster than President Obama, Bush,

Clinton and Bush have, with as many as 200 positions already filled. Further, 45 is appointing younger and more conservative jurists than ever before. Kelley, for example, is in his late 40s. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was established by the Dodd Frank legislation of 2010, the Congressional reaction to the horrible abuses that banks engaged in to cause the Great Recession. It regulates the rules relating to mortgages, credit cards, insurance, and other financial instruments. It is the only agency that stands in the gap for consumers, the only one that has the

ability to stand up to banks and force them to be responsible. In its short existence, tens of millions of dollars have been returned to consumers, and thousands of bad actors have been outed on the CFPB web page. The election of 45 put this agency’s integrity in jeopardy because his election was the triumph of predatory capitalism. While 45 swore he was for the working class, which was campaign mumbo-jumbo. Instead, he always planned to gut the agency that was unpopular with Congressional Republicans, and the prepon-

MALVEAUX Page 45

By Brandon Terrell

What No One Told Me About Being ‘First’ to Go To College

I was reared and schooled in Detroit, where poverty and oppression eloquently danced while violence and crime serenaded the communities. The crime and oppression in my neighborhood drove me to submit a college application that changed my life’s trajectory. I wasn’t going to college to become an adult — I faced

mature challenges and struggles long before filling out my college applications. For me, higher education represented an escape from adult struggles. But I couldn’t escape the financial challenges. For first-generation college students like me, the responsibilities designed for mature adults were often delegated to us adolescents. Now that I’m in graduate school, I have some distance and perspective on what first-gens really need to thrive at a four-year college. And despite some model pro-

Guest Columnist

grams at universities, I fear the current political climate and threatened budget cuts will only make it harder for first-gens to obtain a four-year degree. I know from experience my journey as a first-gen and non-traditional undergraduate college student is devastatingly common. No one in high school or college spoke to me about the financial realities of being a student who couldn’t rely on family for support. FASFA, Pell Grants and loans were foreign concepts. The conversations I had

growing up rarely involved college. We talked about who was buying dinner that night or who needed to get a job to help pay bills. Survival was the goal. By the time I applied to college, I had already tangled with life and boxed with oppression, discrimination, stereotypical beliefs and negative ideologies, all while juggling school, plus a job or two. Life had prepared me for college. But the challenges never stopped coming.

Even as I struggled to pay tuition and buy meals when the food courts closed for the weekends, I often got calls from relatives who needed help buying groceries. Relief started with me. I had no safety net — I WAS the safety net. Completing college required a survival balancing act-maintaining my GPA, bridging gaps back at home, and navigating collegiate bureaucracies while carefully responding to microaggressions and preju-

TERRELL Page 45

By Chris B. Bennett

Do Black Lives Really Matter To Black People? For years, the African-American community has been asking and insisting that our professional athletes do more for our community. We ask them to give money towards initiatives and good causes, we ask them to be role models, and we ask them to stand up, speak up and speak out on issues affecting our community. And yet, as you read this article today, there are pro football players that have taken a stance against oppression, police brutality and the killing of Black people by law enforcement officers all across this country. Yet, these athletes are un-

26 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

der attack by the media, by “fans” who claim that they have ruined the game of football, because they will not stand during the national anthem … and yes, the players have even come under attack by the 45th occupant of the White House. The Black Lives Matter movement and the many of the NFL players are standing up (or kneeling) for justice and “just us.” We are demanding justice for things that happen to just us. We demand justice for the racial profiling that happens to just us. We demand justice for the excessive force that is used against just us. And we are demanding justice, on behalf of millions of voiceless African-Americans all across the country, for the

lives that have been lost as a result of law enforcement officers shooting us (unarmed, Black Americans) at alarming rates. Numbers don’t lie, and videos don’t lie either. Black men are killed by police officers in extrajudicial shootings at much higher rates that far outweigh the rate of that White men are shot and killed by police officers, which indicates to me that these killings repeatedly happen to just us; and think about the number of videos that we have seen that show Black people gunned down, choked out, manhandled and beaten; while at the same time we see videos of Whites blatantly disrespecting police officers and daring them to do something to them, and

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

those suspects are able to walk away unharmed. In protesting these atrocities, Colin Kaepernick chose to take a knee during the national anthem, because he didn’t want to stand up for the flag of a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. In fact, Kaepernick was quoted as saying, “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” For taking such a stance, Kaepernick is no longer employed as an NFL player. We hear all the excuses about why he does not have a job as a quarterback in the NFL. You can

believe the excuses if you want, but I would challenge you to answer this question: Do you honestly want to see Colin Kaepernick playing quarterback against your favorite team on Sunday? Your honest answer would probably be “No,” because despite any flaws or inconsistencies that he may have in his game, Colin Kaepernick is a game-changer. He is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback who can find his way to the end zone anytime he touches the ball. So why is he unemployed? You can answer that question for yourself. As a result of what many believe was the blackballing of Kaepernick

BENNETT Page 45

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Lynette Monroe

Hundreds Rallied for Meek Mill, But What About the Rest? Recently, hundreds of fans and supporters held a rally outside a Philadelphia courthouse, chanting for Robert Rihmeek Williams a.k.a. Meek Mill, to be released. The rapper was sentenced to two to four years in prison for violating his parole, stemming from 10 year-old charges, including drug possession and carrying a firearm without a license. Several media outlets have reported that the presiding Judge Genece Brinkley is

now under investigation by the FBI. In the United States, there are more than 61,000 people incarcerated for parole violations. So, to all of a sudden see thousands of people chanting and tweeting #FreeMeekMill is ironic, to say the least. Mass incarceration is a part of the rudimentary diet of Black people, appearing on the menu alongside predatory lending and housing discrimination. It is difficult to find a Black person who has been exempted from interaction with the criminal justice system, either through the incarceration of family and friends, an overnight stay for traffic violations,

Guest Columnists

or extended restrictions due to parole or probation agreements. I have a brother, cousin and boyfriend incarcerated right now. In Meek Mill’s case, I agree with the sentiment that the two- to fouryear sentence is unwarranted, however, our sole concern should not be whether or not the subsequent consequence for the violation of these terms is fair; he agreed to them and has violated those terms several times. The issue is a system that does not carry out justice equally, a system where if Meek Mill were White, statistically he would less likely be arrested or incarcerated in the first

place. Now, I know we protest for unarmed civilians murdered at the hands of police. It’s easy to yell, “F-- the police!” standing in a crowd of thousands of people, but where was that same outrage when Kalief Browder was held in Rikers Island for three years without a trial? He later committed suicide and Jay-Z produced a documentary about Browder’s tragic life. And what about the millions of Black men and women trapped in a system of injustice that don’t rap or rise to the attention of people like Jay-Z? Their stories go untold in the absence of media cov-

erage, sometimes, because they don’t fit the narrative that establishes purity as a prerequisite for grace. The support for Meek Mill in the Black community wasn’t unanimous; Blacks seem to have a much harder time forgiving these transgressions than their White counterparts. In August, when an 8-year-old biracial Black boy was hung by a rope in Claremont, New Hampshire by several older, White children, Claremont Police Chief Mark Chase said that the culprits should be protected. “Mistakes they make as a young

MONROE Page 46

By Charlene Crowell

Is Betsy DeVos Hindering Student Loan Protections? In case you haven’t yet heard, Richard Cordray, the first-ever director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), resigned in late November. President Trump’s unlawful appointment of Mick Mulvaney to serve as the bureau’s acting director signals a distinct shift in its future. Since enactment of the Dodd-

Frank Wall Street Reform Act, this column has chronicled how the consumer’s financial cop on the beat was working on their behalf. Besides powerful enforcement authority to bring nearly $12 billion in restitution and forgiveness to financially-harmed consumers, CFPB’s director is also legally empowered to promulgate rules that bring clarity and transparency over a range of financial services. The ballooning and unsustainable debt of student loans is a key area in which the CFPB took

Askia-At-Large

strong enforcement actions during the Obama administration. But the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue pledged to curb CFPB’s actions and appointed an education secretary, Betsy DeVos, to delay if not deny much of what CFPB accomplished, particularly in student lending. For example, the Gainful Employment rule was finalized in 2014 and took effect in 2015. Even so, DeVos has called for a new negotiated rule-making process for it and another key rule known as

Borrow Defense to Repayment that was set to take effect this year. With neither rule available to financially harmed consumers, a series of negotiated rule-making sessions on each was scheduled to revisit both rules. From Nov. 1315, the first negotiated rule-making was held on the rule known as Borrower Defense to Repayment. From Dec. 4-7, another convening began to address the Gainful Employment rule. Thousands of students who enrolled in now-defunct programs

were left with debts that the department’s delay in rule-making only worsens. What they do have are academic credits that no accredited educational institution will accept, and/or certificates and degrees that do not provide the requisite skills and knowledge in the fields studied. Currently, the Department of Education has approximately 95,000 pending complaints seeking relief under the Borrower De-

CROWELL Page 46

By Askia Muhammad

John Conyers, Fallen Hero

While I would not dare to judge the performance of his moral obligations in the light of multiple accusations that 88-year-old Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) is a sexual abuser of women on his Congressional staff, I can say without fear of successful contradiction that in spite of that ugly stain, he remains a hero without peer in terms of devotedly advocating in Congress for the best interests of Black people in America. Elected in 1965, Conyers was

a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1970. He told this writer than when he approached Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. about his idea of an organized caucus of the swelling group of nearly a dozen Black members of Congress in 1968, he said Powell asked him why he wanted to organize Black members of Congress. “In order to represent Black people all over the country in Congress,” he said he told Powell. When Powell asked why, Conyers said, “I represent Black people.” The Congressional Black Caucus was soon founded, and now, 47 years later, has 49 members,

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

both Democrats and Republicans, as well as two members of the Senate. Until it was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, Conyers introduced legislation in every single session of Congress after his assassination, declaring a national holiday be named for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. That shows me devotion, persistence. In 1973, Conyers was the first member of Congress to introduce articles of impeachment of President Richard Nixon. That shows me vision. In every single session of Congress since the 1980s, Conyers has introduced H.R. 40 — as in

40 acres and a mule — legislation to establish a federal commission to study the potential value of reparations payments to the descendants of slaves in the U.S. That’s why I lionize the flawed man. In 1987, the 100th anniversary of Marcus Mosiah Garvey’s birth year, Conyers held House Judiciary Committee hearings, featuring scholars and legal experts, discussing the legal justification for a pardon of innocence for Garvey, the founder of the back-to-Africa, Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). Garvey was unjustly framed, imprisoned and

deported by the U.S. government in the 1920s to halt his successful work of organizing Black people to seek a separate land in Africa for themselves. And he immortalized jazz — “American Classical Music” — with H.R. 57, a joint Congressional resolution which was celebrated with an award and a concert each year for 30 years now at the Annual Legislative Conference of the CBC. That’s some kind of special, list of accomplishments. “I don’t see many of us left standing,” Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) told this writer about

ASKIA Page 46

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 27 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE Christmas with Phillip Carter; Justin Young Releases ‘Blue Soul’ By Eunice Moseley WI Contributing Writer Stellar Award-winning singer Phillip Carter and his Sounds of Victory (SOV) choir just released “Christmas with Phillip Carter

& SOV.”“Our ministry has been around for many years,” he said of SOV, which was founded 20 years ago. “We always sung Christmas songs. I decided to make it a project to release.” Carter’s resume include serving

as assistant director for Howard University’s gospel choir, director of Georgetown University’s choir and director of Bowie State University’s gospel choir. A native of White Plains, Maryland, Carter started playing the piano at 18 months old. By the age of 9 he was directing choirs. “My style? I made a point to cater around songs that choirs can sing and directors can teach,” Carter said. He admitted when asked about the music ministry’s effect that he noticed SOV’s music has affected the hearts of women. “Joy in the midst of pain. In my personal ministry, I see that happen, but not as often as I hope. I remember deciding to follow Jesus and nobody else. I have never been off the music ministry path.” “Christmas with Phillip Carter & SOV” will also be a 30-minute special on the WORD Network. Go to www.PhillipCarterMusic.com for more information about the “Christmas with Phillip Carter & SOV”

ll ng A Calli , & ators v o n In ring Aspi urs! rene p e r t En

WETATi 2018 ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITION GOT A WINNING BUSINESS IDEA? Junior Entrepreneurship-STEM (E-STEM) Business Idea Pitch Competition Next Generation Entrepreneurship Business Idea Pitch Competition

wetati.com/entrepreneurshipcompetition Final Date for Submissions – February 28, 2018 at 11:59 PM SEALED results Grants/Awards will be presented April 6-8th, 2018 at University of Maryland College Park Register: wetaticonvention.com ; info@wetati.com 2017 RECIPIENT OF MD GOVERNOR’S CITATION AWARD IN MAKING IMPACT IN MD ECONOMY & COMMUNITY SERVICE

3 Philip Carter and SOV have released a Christmas collection of songs. /Courtesy photo

project and holiday special. Jazz saxophonist Justin Young recently released his fourth album, “Blue Soul,” featuring Jackiem Joyner (sax) and Matt Godina (keyboard). The first single, “Always There,” was co-written by Joyner, followed by “Jazz Along The 101,” co-written by Noel Hall (Kirk Franklin), and the latest single, “High Definition,” a pop/R&B-flavored selection. “I’m from Detroit, so I grew up listening to Motown … artists like the Gap Band, Kool and the Gang, Cameo, Rick James and Michael Jackson,” Young said of his influences. “Those were the songs my dad’s band played.” Young also liked Dr. Dre, and between his father’s Motown influence and his own, he came up with something fresh. “I was 3 or 4 years old practicing [drums] in my room,” Young explained when asked how he went from the drums to the sax. “As a kid, I wanted to be a drummer. My grandparents are ministers, so I started playing in church. Four years later, my dad said, ‘how open are you to playing the sax?’” His father explained to him that all boys want to be drummers, but few wanted to play sax. So he en-

couraged his son to switch instruments so he can get more jobs as a musician. Young said his father was right, after learning the sax he was always with a job and playing the sax also paid for his college degree from Michigan State University. Later on Justin Young secured a year long residency at Spaghettini’s Jazz Club in Southern California, where he relocated. “That groove thing,” he said. “Like Blues Brothers — the tambourine part, that is music.” Young said he took this album “back to the basics.” “I think that the song has to tell a story,” he said. Also featured on “Blue Soul” are Alex Al (bass), Hussain Liffry (bass), Ricky Lawson (drummer) and Sheldon Reynolds (guitarist). The album is released on Young’s own label JustinTime Records. Learn more about the “Blue Soul” release at JustinYoungSax.com. Eunice Moseley has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with her The Pulse of Entertainment column (www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com). She is also a public relations strategist and business management consultant at Freelance Associates, and is promotions director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. WI

“I’m from Detroit, so I grew up listening to Motown … artists like the Gap Band, Kool and the Gang, Cameo, Rick James and Michael Jackson. Those were the songs my dad’s band played.”

Tracee Wilkins PGC Bureau Chief NBC 4 Reporter; Presenter/MC

28 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

Carla Reid GM/CEO of WSSC, Awardee/Keynote

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

– JUSTIN YOUNG

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LIFESTYLE

Art Exhibit Shows Timeline of Southern California’s Cultural Evolution By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer In many ways, “Before the 45th: Action/Reaction in Chicano and Latino Art” is a time capsule of the development of culture in Southern California as it examines the output of a wealth of Chicano artists in 60 artworks from the ‘70s until present. The carefully curated exhibit, which includes paintings, sculpture, installations and mixed media works, visually records the dialogue between the United States and the Chicano population, the largest immigrant population in this country. But it is important to keep in mind that not all Chicanos are immigrants, as many parts of the largely Latino Southwest, including California,

were once part of Mexico. In a diverse and grandiose display, “Before the 45th” sheds light on that population and how it has developed and evolved over the decades through a visual montage. Curated by Julian Bermudez, the works included represent the ever-changing status of Chicanos in the United States, but also clearly demonstrates the continuing relationship these residents have with the motherland, Mexico. “There are still people who don’t know much about Latino/ Chicano art or culture. There are still people in certain regions who don’t really think about us at all,” Bermudez said. Part of that response by the Chicano community has come

5 A painting from a recent Chicano artists’ exhibit. /Courtesy photo

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

through the films of John Valadez, whose work is included in the exhibit. The filmmaker produced three episodes of the PBS series “The Latinos,” as well as other films shown on PBS. Most recently, he was a guest at Howard University where he showed his film “The Head of Joaquin Murrieta.” “[Nearly 15 million] people watched the initial broadcast of ‘The Latinos,” and those films end up being shown in high schools and colleges and become part of the curricula, and, by default, part of the American story,” Valadez said in a panel discussion about Latino art that complemented the exhibit. The question, according to Bermudez, is whether the visibility of Latinos is changing for the better. Through the works on display on the ground floor galleries of the Mexican Cultural Institute, extending through the fourth-floor galleries, the creative engine of artworks that show Chicano life in Southern California is highly productive and socially relevant. Many will find the simplistic colorful scenes everyday life by Carmen Lomas Garza familiar and approachable. But the realistic portraiture of photographer John Valadez (not the filmmak-

er) is less well-known and more revelatory of the hardness of life in Chicano California, grappling with the realities of economic disparity and criminal activity. The timespan of the exhibit stops at 2016, before the 45th president was elected on the platform of “building a wall” to halt further immigration from Mexico, the closest neighbor to California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. “We’ve entered kind of a dark period,” Valadez said. “For a long time it felt like we were making progress here, then all the sudden it feels like the brakes are on and we might be sliding back. Not might be, we are sliding back. This is a very tenuous and

tense time. But in the longer run, I’m probably more optimistic.” The thrust of the exhibit, which remains on view through Dec. 29 at the elegant mansion that once housed the Embassy of Mexico but now houses the Mexican Cultural Institute, is that Chicano art and culture are part of the greater American fabric. “This is a little bit of a blip — or a hiccup — but I personally think I have been seeing it progress,” said Bermudez, a Los Angeles native. “We have an initiative called ‘Pacific Standard Time: LA LA,’ which means Los Angeles and Latin America, that is meant to have 60 cultural institutions

ART Page 30

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 29 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE Miracle on 7th Holiday Pop-Up Bar Returns to Shaw By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The Drink Company, creators of the Cherry Blossom- and “Game of Thrones”-themed pop-up bars, is returning with its annual holiday craze along with new additions for the season. The “Miracle on 7th Street” returned to Shaw at 1839 7th Street NW on Friday, Nov. 24 for its third year, offering holiday-inspired fare until New Year’s Eve. “I love Christmas,” said Drink

Company President Derek Brown. “It’s more than just the presents, food and decorations for me. It’s about cheer. People just seem happier. Miracle is all about bringing some of that levity to life.” This year’s pop-up bar will have five winter scenes, including Chinese Food and a Movie, a room dedicated to those who don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas. The room includes takeout containers, Chinese food menus, Drink Company fortune

“The finest work the busy Second City has done in DC” Washington Post

“Glorious entertainment, full of bite and blister” DC Theatre Scene

“A hilarious work of art” Washington Informer

cookies, Chinese lanterns and a giant Menorah. Guests will enter through a Christmas decor explosion, designed by director Matt Fox and manager Adriana Salame Aspiazu of Drink Company, and can pose for photos in an antique sleigh from the 1800s. The designers said that childhood winter nostalgia is present throughout the bar with a working toy train, a Christmas tree and a gingerbread house that lets revelers walk into a room full of sugary treats. “It’s cloaked in great decorations and, of course, we make amazing drinks, but the real reason ‘Miracle’ is so popular and why it’s my favorite? Is because it’s a grand conspiracy to have fun and everyone is in on it, from the bartenders to the guests,” Brown said. The group also has brought back their signature holiday-inspired cocktails such as “Elf ’s Breakfast,” “Whobilation,” and “I Sleigh, All Day,” a play off of Beyonce’s hit song “Formation.” Inside the bar is a holiday-inspired mural of Beyonce that has set Instagram and social media ablaze. Senior bar manager Paul Tay-

5 The Sleigh Room inside Miracle on 7th Street Holiday Pop-Up Bar featuring a mural of a Christmas-inspired Beyoncé. /Photo by Farrah Skeiey

lor said the holiday pop-up bar is all about the season, nostalgia and drawing from friends, family and the food they love. “Classic holiday movies also serve as inspiration throughout the menu, and the story behind the ‘Elf ’s Breakfast’ is a perfect example,” he said. “As a child on Christmas morning, I’d eat a huge bowl of cereal to get the energy I needed to unwrap all the presents. So, we created a cocktail that reminded us of that — with a little help from Elf, of course — using cinnamon toast crunch, maple syrup and spa-

ghetti, the candy kind.” “Snow Angels, Ice Skating, Cookie Dough evokes Christmas past with cookie dough infused vodka, coffee liqueur, frangelico, creme de cacao, milk, and cookie dough bites,” Taylor said. “This milk punch is affectionately known to our bartenders and guests as the ‘cookie dough cocktail.’ But the kitsch factor doesn’t detract from quality. All of our cocktails are meant to be fun, and are sure to please even the biggest Grinch, but we also believe in making them excellent.” WI

ART from Page 29

Nia 2X RADIO — (The Voice of the People)

Hear The Best In Pod Cast RADIO keeping Black History Alive 4 EVER BY FELONIOUS MUNK // DIRECTED BY ANTHONY LEBLANC PRODUCED BY WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY, THE SECOND CITY, AND FELONIOUS MUNK

NOW PLAYING THRU DECEMBER 31 .

WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY WOOLLYMAMMOTH.NET // 202-393-3939 #WOOLLYCHAINS

RING IN

30 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

WMTC_Informer_12.7.indd 1

(A profanity free station)

ITH 2018 W

@ blackonblackunity.com then click Radio

Information nye oth.net/

ollymam

fo at wo

More in

Ida B.Wells Barnett

Truth is the language of ALLAH (God)

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

11/21/17 3:40 PM

do exhibitions and performances that talk about this dialogue between Los Angeles and Latin America.” The works come chiefly from the collections of AltaMed Health Services, the largest Federally Qualified Community Health center (FQCH), based in Los Angeles, where the exhibit originated. AltaMed’s collection is made of more than 1,000 works including prints, paintings, photographs, drawings, sculpture and mixed media. “Art is a form of visual story telling that transcends language and cultural barriers,” said Castulo de la Rocha, president and CEO of AltaMed Health Services. “It’s a powerful documentation of history and has the capacity to inspire future generations to not repeat the mistakes of the past.” The Mexican Cultural Institute is located in D.C. at 2829 16th Street NW. For more information and gallery hours, go to www.instituteofmexicodc.org. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LIFESTYLE

5 Howard Universitiy students refuse to ignore rape incidents. /Courtesy photo

HOWARD from Page 1 ing Title IX complaints, and leaving alleged victims without remedial measures or academic accommodations to “lessen and experience of an active hostile educational environment.” The lawsuit also alleges that Howard demeaned and treated victims of sexual assault with hostility and failed to protect those victims against retaliation when they asserted their rights under Title IX. “Howard’s response to reports of sexual assault amounts to an official policy of sex discrimination,” the lawsuit said. Buzzfeed first reported the sixth

ENVIRONMENT from Page 12 ceived a total of $1.3 million for initiatives such as environmental literacy in the county school system, restore streambanks and tree planting. Jana Davis, executive director of the trust, said about 39 applicants applied this fiscal year. She said about 66 percent of the stewardship program’s funds go directly into minority neighborhoods and the remaining 34 percent serves the general population where people of color reside. Davis said about 80 percent of the organizations approved for grants either reside, or have offices in the county with the other 20 percent located in the Maryland. All applications must include a statement on how the grant will serve minority communities, she said. “We have worked on diversity for a very long time. It is in the hearts of the staff here,” Davis said. “We always look for areas to improve. At the end of the day, not everyone can get funded.” According to the complaint, the county’s Environment Department had to submit information on the stormwater program from January 2014 to Oct. 31 to the Human Relations Commission by Monday, Dec. 4. Because a formal complaint has

woman’s allegations last week. The woman, identified as “Jane Doe 6” in court documents, said the man who raped her in April 2016 has previously been accused of sexual assault and reported to Howard officials. A year after her report, the same man was accused of attacking a third student at the school and remains on campus attending classes, court documents state. She also said the investigation of her case faced several delays and poor communication, including knowing the status of her alleged attacker at the university. The lawsuit said that Doe 6 was repeatedly asked to submit the same witness information and sup-

porting documentation, and that the investigation of her case has gone more than 500 days “without resolution.” Howard University would not comment on pending cases or those involving Title IX, but said that enforcement of the federal law and sexual harassment policies on the Northwest campus is “rigorous.” “Howard University takes very seriously all allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence and gender-based discrimination occurring on the university’s campus or involving the university’s students,” the school said in a statement. “The university has been, and remains, committed to diligently investigating any such allegations to ensure a safe and healthy community for our faculty, staff and students.” The report comes more than a year after scores of students took to the streets of the university’s campus in a #TakeBackTheNightHU demonstration to protest the alleged rape of two female students and Howard’s failure to properly investigate the claims. Two women in the lawsuit, known as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, claimed they were assaulted in 2015 and 2016, respectively, by the same male resident assistant, who was not immediately removed from his position.

The accusations led to policy changes at the school after it was revealed that the student employee had been banned from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2014 for falsifying information to obtain employment with campus police and “build social relationships” with young women on the campus, according to UCLA officials. At the time of his hiring, student employees at Howard did not undergo

Donate A Boat or Car Today!

“2-Night Free Vacation!”

800 - 700 - BOAT (2628)

w w w.boatangel.com

sponsored by boat angel outreach centers

STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

The Family Gourmet Buffet 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets OS Seasoning Packet (.33 oz.) 51689LCX | $199.90* separately

Plus, 4 more Burgers & 4 more Kielbasa

Combo Price $4999

FREE

been filed, a spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Environment declined to comment. Michael Lyles, executive director of the commission, also declined to comment because of confidentiality laws. In general, the average time to complete a case takes about 180 days, he said. Meanwhile, the coalition called for Davis and Adam Ortiz, the ex-

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

ecutive director of the county’s environment department, to resign. “We’re not just concerned about getting the projects into our communities, we [also] want people into our community to get some of the work,” Pruitt said. “To have only Black nonprofit approved? It’s telling me that the dollars are not a priority in the Black community. [Blacks] are concerned about the environment, too.” WI

criminal background checks, but the revelations of his alleged misconduct at UCLA prompted the policy changes. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and punitive damages for the six Jane Does, as well as a court order requiring Howard to revise its Title IX policies to eliminate “the active hostile education environment” for students who complain of sexual assault. WI

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price.

ATTENTION H.S. Seniors:

The MDDC Press Foundation is looking for an outstanding senior staff member from a high school newspaper in Maryland, Delaware or D.C.

Win a $1,500 CASH SCHOLARSHIP! Visit mddcpress.com/about/powell-homepage for details. Application Deadline: February 9, 2018

2018 Michael S. Powell

High School Journalist of the Year

SU_Press AssoAD_SAU_2015_Layout 1 8/20/15 11:24 AM Page 1

FIND THE

True Y ou at

Salisbury University offers valuable knowledge and experience to prepare students for any goal in life. Our excellent academics come with an affordable price tag, too.

There is no better way to learn about SU than to visit!

A Maryland University of National Distinction DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 31 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE

Fantasia Brings Holiday Joy to the DMV Releases First Christmas CD Just in Time for Santa By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor Fantasia has achieved a well-deserved reputation for her ability to infuse genres like R&B, country, pop and gospel within her performance, punctuating her unique style of singing – which undoubtedly attribute to her rise as one of the industry’s most accomplished, talented and sought-after vocalists. And as her fans know, she’s never satisfied to simply rest on her laurels, as she continues to be one of those entertainers who’s anxious, willing and able to take on new challenges in efforts to broaden her ever-expanding songbook. But if you have any doubts, just check out “Baby Patti LaBelle” when she takes to the stage on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Anthem here in the District where she’ll showcase music from her new CD, “Celebrating After Midnight” – her first collection of holiday music which comes just in time for the annual observance of the Christmas season. She promises to take her audience down memory lane with the long list of her hits that have endeared her to music lovers across the globe but she’ll also perform tunes from her new CD as well as a few other surprises that she’s been secretly working on in the studio – songs which she believes are “the kind of music and sound that need to be kept alive – songs for which people are hungry

5 The incomparable Fantasia. /Courtesy photo

and itching.” “People haven’t heard the kind of music I’ll be performing in a great while because music has changed so much,” Fantasia said. “I wanted to bring people back to where music started, when it’s foundation was rooted in love. We need more of that kind of music – the kind of music that will make men want to court women again. The kind of music that will make couples sit by the fireplace.” Fantasia hit the road earlier this month with Durham as her first stop. She’ll continue through late February, ending her tour in Reading, Pennsylvania. In an interview with The Washington Informer earlier this year, she talked about the music that she’s

Meet sexy friends who really get your vibe...

Try FREE: 800-603-6297 18+

32 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

now working on, what she hopes to accomplish and what fans can expect on this tour. “When I first got started on my latest project and went into the studio, I was kind of afraid,” she said. “But the more we fine-tuned the songs, the more the music began to happen. Suddenly, I realized that everything was great, that I was good. As I continued to sing, it was like a breath of fresh air had come over me. The music, the band, the arrangements – it was all perfect – it all fit.” “I’m going to bring together the sounds of James Brown, Tina Turner and Prince because they’ve each been so inspirational in my life,” she said. “Music should make you feel alive – it’s ‘rock soul’ and yes, it’s going to rock.” In preparation for her current tour, she remixed several classic Christmas tunes, putting her stamp on them and as she says, “making them my own.” “That’s the fun part of it – taking songs that are familiar and changing them, revising them so that they speak in ways with which I’m more comfortable. I’ve waited a long time to put together a holiday recording and I want it to be around forever. But it has to be a collection that shares my message to the world. It has to be my statement. It has to be . . . me,” she said. Fantasia promises to take her audience down a path that will include several musical styles – from jazz, funk, R&B and pop to even the old school “chitterling circuit style.” “I’ve got some Nat King Cole for you – but I’ve also got a little bit of ‘The Godfather of Soul’ too,” she said. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LIFESTYLE

TV One Christmas Movie Casts New Light on Blacks By Lauren Poteat WI Contributing Writer TV One will premiere this month a new holiday movie, “You Can’t Fight Christmas,” which aims to add something new to the usual Christmas groove as well as show African-American families in a terrific light. The movie, which stars Brély Evans, premieres Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. ET. Evans, who has also starred in shows such as “Being Mary Jane” and “Born Again Virgin,” said the film is a great alternative to the standard Christmas fare. “This is a movie that the whole family can watch,” Evans says. “You can enjoy this fixing dinner, wrapping presents and just spending time with family. When you think about all of the things that are happening around the world, it is so important now more than ever for African-Americans to be able to see other African-Americans in a positive light and remember who and what we are and this movie does just that. It’s

fun, romantic, relaxing and allaround entertaining.” Set at the fictional Chesterton Hotel, a classic landmark and epicenter of a small town’s annual Christmas celebration, expert interior designer Leslie Major (Evans) is busy preparing the lodging for the upcoming festivities when she lays eyes on the hotel owner’s grandson, Edmund James (Andra Fuller, “Here We Go Again,” “Black Jesus”), who quickly has her smitten. However, the plot takes quickly takes a turn as Leslie discovers that Edmund and his uptight business partner, Millicent (Persia White, “Girlfriends”), have secret plans that will shake up the hotel and entire town. Edmund intends to completely revamp the hotel into an upscale business resort once he inherits the place from his grandfather, and plans by the always-scheming Millicent somehow involve a wedding ring. Viewers will be on their toes during this fun holiday film, and will also have the oppor-

tunity during the premiere to interact with Evans, who will live-tweet the event. “In Hollywood it’s not every day that the curvy girl gets the guy,” Evans said. “However in this movie, that concept doesn’t even exist because the characters see each other as people and not just a title, which is also a very important message. So sit back, kick your feet up and enjoy a really good holiday movie made by people of color, for people of color.” WI 4 Stars from the new TV One film “You Can’t Fight Christmas.” /Photo by TV One

derrick Leon davis Prince George’s County Council Chair

Special GueStS richard Payne trio FAMe Jazz band & nat Adderley, Jr. divine dance Institute Largo High school Choir

Presented by FAMe - Foundation for the Advancement of Music & education, Inc. derrick Leon davis (district 6) Prince George’s County Council Chairman Lake Arbor Foundation, Inc.

Saturday, December 16, 2017 4:00pm doors open at 3:30pm HOst:

Jacquie Gales Webb 96.3 WHUr

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Kay Theatre University of Maryland, College Park University boulevard & stadium dr. College Park, Maryland 20742

tickets: $15 seniors: $10 reserve your tickets 301-405-2787 or at

Clarice ticket Office — CLICk Here www.FAMeMusic.org

9404

www.FAMEMusic.org

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

www.thelafi.org

of the National Capital Area

31398

9404

593836026

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 33 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE Horoscopes DEC 7 - 13, 2017

wi book reviewA

ARIES If you’ve made any decisions recently, it wouldn’t be surprising if you had second thoughts now. This might not be a bad thing if it allows you to explore new options, because these might work out better over the longterm. On another note, your focus could shift to business and financial affairs, as well as making key changes in your life. Lucky Numbers: 12,22, 40

“Blessed Life”

TAURUS Issues associated with shared finances and business matters could capture your attention over this week. However, don’t rush to make any big decisions or sign anything important. On another note, relationships come into focus as energetic Mars enters Scorpio, starting things up and offering a chance to clear the air. Negotiations can be fruitful if entered carefully. Lucky Numbers: 3, 11, 14

by Kim Fields with Todd Gold c.2017, Faith Words $22 ($26.50 Canada) 215 pages

GEMINI Someone may have made a promise, but it’s possible they might have to break it. If so, try not to take it personally. The best way to handle this might be to go with the flow. You could be very busy in terms of your efforts to stay fit and well. Energizing Mars moves into your wellness sector on Dec. 9, which can encourage you to work out. Lucky Numbers: 12, 20, 21 CANCER The coming days could be a little trying. If you have any deals or contracts in the pipeline, it might be just as well to hold fire for now and wait to see how it all pans out. When it comes to leisure time, dynamic Mars enters Scorpio on Dec. 9, and this could inspire you to organize fun events and get involved in holiday and creative projects. Lucky Numbers: 2, 22, 36

Blessed Life

LEO You’ll be in the mood to enjoy yourself, and with a delightful blend of energies showing up, it will be worthwhile to make the most of any available opportunities. As inquisitive Mercury continues retrograde, a romantic bond could seem promising but might not be smooth sailing for a while yet. But there is lots of fun to be had at home. As feisty Mars enters this zone on Saturday, you might feel ready to remove clutter and get your place ship shape. Lucky Numbers:19, 30, 39

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You have much to be thankful for this year. There’s a roof over your head, for beginners. You know where your next meal will come from. You can read, obviously. Running water, electricity, friends and family, the list goes on. Author Kim Fields (with Todd Gold) counts those happy things, too, and in her new book “Blessed Life,” she knows who gets credit. Born in Harlem with a pedigree in performing — her grandmother was a dancer, her mother an actress — Kim Fields recalls how much she loved Harlem, but she says she “would not trade growing up in Hollywood,” which is where she moved with her mother when Fields was 6. At age 8, as her mother’s L.A. star was on the rise, Fields tried out for her first role in a TV ad, later appearing in other commercials. She met Janet Jackson and they often played together, a friendship that led Fields to an appearance on “Good Times,” as a friend of Jackson’s character. Shortly after that first quick appearance, Fields was hired for a new spinoff television show, in part because she could roller skate. The show wasn’t a hit with audiences at first, but NBC had faith in “The Facts of Life.” “Going through puberty on television was not fun,” says Fields but she “handled” things. It helped that her mother kept her grounded; finding a church and connecting with God at age 14 also made a difference. Those things helped Fields during her trials and lifted her higher when things were good. Friends helped her search for love, introducing her to men and offering support when love went wrong. Professionally, work came and went in large roles and small projects. Fields went to college, worked behindthe-scenes in the film industry, fell in love, and got married. When that relationship fell apart, she became depressed and stayed in bed for weeks, asking God if he “still got a plan, right?” He did. It involved a new love, a family, more work, new focus and maturity. “What I’ve come to terms with,” says Fields, “is that as long as I’m moving forward … I’m winning at least half the battle.” “Blessed Life” is a bit of fresh air in the star-biography genre. While so many H’wood memoirs get oversaturated with chummy shouts of Look-Who-I-Know, author Kim Fields’ ubiquitous (in star bios) name-dropping feels incidental and totally natural here. Fields (with Todd Gold) doesn’t seem to be reaching to impress anyone; rather, her anecdotes are breezy and fun and pretty matter-of-fact, but she’s also open to laying out the ups and downs of being a child star, grown up. Even that is told simply, but with just a little embellishment and a lot of gratitude. Overall, we take the good, we take the bad, and we get a sense that the best aspects of Fields’ TV characters reflected the best of her, too. Most happily, this peek at stardom isn’t heavy on the drama and for that, reading “Blessed Life” is something to be thankful for. WI

34 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

VIRGO This week’s blend of energies encourages you to get your house in order, both literally and figuratively. Get busy with important DIY projects and handle any family disputes carefully. Entertaining could be a lot of fun, despite one or two obstacles to contend with. Once energizing Mars enters your sector of communication on Dec. 9, you may be ready to focus on a project that brings a lot of satisfaction. Lucky Numbers: 3, 13, 29 LIBRA Warm, tender feelings are enlivened this week, encouraging you to reach out to friends or family members you haven’t seen or heard from in a while. A very lively focus brings opportunities to convene with neighbors or support charities or other organizations in your neighborhood. Even though lively Mercury hints that you could encounter a few delays, an optimistic outlook can make all the difference. Go easy with your cash, though, as stirring Mars in your money zone can encourage you to shop. Lucky Numbers: 17, 25, 45 SCORPIO Finances get a boost this week, but not before you might have to scramble to tackle one or two problems. Delays to money coming in or going out might be a cause of frustration, but it’s nothing you can’t resolve. You’ll be motivated to get moving on key ideas, which could include earning extra cash. More than this, though, you could feel energized and eager to move ahead with a personal project that moves you deeply. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 23 SAGITTARIUS The week gets off to a pleasant start as friends and associates are likely to be in touch. Enjoy the company of a special partner or love interest, as the opportunities for romance are yours for the taking. Since chatty Mercury continues retrograde, try not have too many expectations. It’s best to go with the flow if you can. You could find that your dreams are more vivid and perhaps worth noting. Lucky Numbers: 9, 27, 54 CAPRICORN The focus on your spiritual sector could encourage you to take a short break to relax and recharge. If you can spare an hour or two to enjoy a massage or beauty treatment, you could find this very soothing and healing. It’s time for a pampering session and a chance to nurture yourself with a little tender, loving care. Stirring Mars heads into your social sector on Saturday, enhancing your involvement in all kinds of fun events. Get ready to party! Lucky Numbers: 29, 34, 41 AQUARIUS Friends are in touch and want to have fun. Romantic opportunities continue to flourish, although it’s best to go with the flow for now rather make any firm commitments. The more willing you are to network and interact, the more options you’ll have to take life to new and exciting levels. When Mars zips into your sector of career and goals on Saturday, you’ll be in the mood to get organized. You could even become a tad competitive about impressing those in authority. Lucky Numbers: 22, 25, 38 PISCES Travel and educational pursuits could hold a lot of appeal, particularly as you may be itching to expand your horizons. It’s a good time to let your curiosity lead you on to new and exciting adventures. You might have a few doubts to contend with, too, causing you to hold back. This is likely due to inquisitive Mercury’s retrograde phase. The words of a wise friend might be helpful here, inspiring you to have a go anyway. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 12

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

T:9.5” S:9.5”

Visit us at us.hsbc.com

WORLD’S BEST BANK 2017 Issued by HSBC Bank USA N.A. Member FDIC. HSBC was named The World’s Best Bank in the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2017.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM Photographers name: None Usage info: None

Studio #:

1164895

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 35 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER FILE: CRB-17-20_Washington_Informer.indd

PP: Kim Fijan

Created: 11-21-2017 11:19 AM

COLOURS: Cyan

T:12.375”

Helping you reach your dreams is our inspiration. The awards just happen.

B:12.375”

S:12.375”

Proud to be the World’s Best Bank.

SPORTS Wizards Pound Pistons Ahead of West Coast Trip By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Markieff Morris led all scorers with 23 points and seldom-used guard Tomas Satoransky notched a career-high 17 points off the bench as the Washington Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons 109-91 at Capital One Arena on Friday. Trailing 52-46 at the half, the Wizards began the third quarter on a 17-0 run to take control of the game, and Detroit never truly threatened from that point. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the longest run to begin a half so far this season. It was also Morris’ first 20-point game this season since the power forward returned to the lineup last month after recovering from sports hernia surgery.

“It felt good,” he said. “It’s about time I had a good game. I have to keep pressing forward and be more aggressive.” Washington outrebounded Detroit 49-32, despite Pistons center Andre Drummond, who came into Friday averaging a league-best 15 boards per game, pulling down 17 rebounds to go with 14 points. But Wizards head coach Scott Brooks said defense will be what he’ll continue to preach. The defense came through in the third quarter, when Washington held Detroit to 5 for 19 from the field and outscored the Pistons 35-15. A pleasant surprise for Washington came from Satoransky, whose minutes have increased during injured All-Star point guard John Wall’s recent absence. “It’s the first time I understand

5 Washington Wizards power forward Markieff Morris attempts to drive past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond during the first quarter of the Wizards’ 109-91 win at Capital One Arena in Northwest on Dec. 1. /Photo By Yusuf Abdullah

how important it is to stay ready here because you never know what the situation might be,” Satoransky said. “You never want to see anyone get hurt, but that’s what can happen and you have to stay ready mentally. It’s the tough part, but every professional should.” The Wizards improved to 3-3 on the season without Wall, who has missed the past four games with an inflamed left knee and

is expected out at least another week. Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson said despite missing Wall’s speed, the Wizards still played strong defense. “They did a great job of moving their bodies and moving the ball and just finding open shots,” he said. Washington is currently on a four-game West Coast road trip that began Monday in Utah. The

Wizards head back east on Dec. 12 to face the Brooklyn Nets before returning home the next night against the Memphis Grizzlies. “I think that’s why [Friday’s] game was so important because ... going to the West is also very hard,” Satoransky said. “We have to get some rest and be ready for travel and be ready to play these games.” WI

Wise Three-Peats, Wins Maryland 4A Championship Martell Pegues WI Contributing Writer As the “three-peat” chants filled Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Friday night in Annapolis, the inevitable was taking place. Dr. Henry A. Wise High School of Prince George’s County defeated Montgomery County’s Quince Orchard 38-20 to capture its third consecutive Maryland 4A state championship. Wise took control with a 25-point fourth-quarter, led by John Oliver, who amassed 221 yards on 31 carries, and Florida State University commit Anthony Lytton Jr. The Pumas have now won 42 consecutive games dating back to 2014. Wise head coach DaLawn Parrish spoke highly of his team, addressing that although they ac-

36 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

complished their goal of retaining their title, the work doesn’t stop here. “The 11-on-11 is over, but the work isn’t done,” he said. “We have ‘Q’ coming back, other players coming back and players moving up so for now we celebrate, but it’s back to the grind soon.” “Q” — or Quinton Williams, the Pumas’ junior quarterback — racked up 227 all-purpose yards (179 passing, 48 rushing) in Friday’s win, shaking off two interceptions to lead the fourth-quarter comeback. Despite the loss, the game was special for Quince Orchard quarterback Doc Bonner, as he was knocked out of the two teams’ previous matchup in the 2016 state final. Bonner accounted for 283 total yards (118 passing, 165 rushing) and two touchdowns, but came up short in the end.

5 The Prince George’s County Title Maryland 4A Championship held Dec. 1 held in Annapolis, Md. handed Dr. Henry A. Wise High School of Prince George’s County a victory over Montgomery County’s Quince Orchard 38-20. Wise junior tight end Deandre Clifton catches a pass. /Photo by Demetrious B. Kinney

Nevertheless, he was grateful to have finished the contest this goaround, calling the opportunity to play for Quince an honor. “You see kids holding signs supporting us, people in the local stores supporting us,” Bonner said. “I’m proud to be a part of

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Quince Orchard.” As Wise prepares for another title defense in 2018, the magnitude of their streak was put into perspective by Parrish, who said the end result of a championship is ultimately more important. “We completed our mission,

we made a goal at the beginning of the season to win another championship and we did,” Parrish said. “You can give me the chip, if we lose a game along the line, it’s OK. We’ve lost before, but now we’re prepared to win for a very long time.” WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 37 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

CONYERS from Page 1

IN TROUBLE WITH THE IRS? If you owe the IRS or state $10,000, $15,000 or more call us for a FREE, no obligation consultation.

Our FREE Consultation will help you:

þ þ þ

Resolve your past due tax problems End Wage Garnishment Stop IRS Tax Levies

We know your rights and are here to protect you. Our team of highly qualified tax attorneys deal with the IRS for you. We have successfully represented thousands of cases with the IRS.

Call now for your free consultation

844-634-7215

Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications? You can save up to 97% when you fill your prescriptions with our Canadian and International prescription service.

Their Price

CrestorTM

914.18

Typical US Brand Price

for 40mg x 100

Our Price

Rosuvastatin* $

148

Generic equivalent of CrestorTM Generic price for for 40mg x 100

Get An Extra $15 Off & Free Shipping On Your 1st Order!

Call the number below and save an additional $15 plus get free shipping on your first prescription order with Canada Drug Center. Expires December 31, 2017. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Valid for new customers only. One time use per household. Use code 15FREE to receive this special offer.

Toll free: 855-541-5141

Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders. Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com.

MOLD, MOLD, MILDEW & WATER LEAKAGE IN YOUR BASEMENT CAUSES HEALTH AND FOUNDATION DAMAGE.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM? WE WILL GIVE YOU A FREE EVALUATION, ESTIMATE & A FAIR PRICE.

founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, announced his retirement from a hospital in Detroit where he continues to recover from stress. He has endorsed his son, John Conyers III to replace him. Another Conyers family member, a nephew, has already declared his intention to run for the seat, setting up a potential interfamily showdown. Speaking on the harassment allegations, Conyers said his legacy “can’t be compromised or diminished in any way by what we’re going through.” “This too shall pass,” he shared during a local radio station interview on Tuesday. “My legacy will continue through my children.” When Conyers announced his retirement and for his son to replace him, a slew of citizens took to social media to express their views on the long-term legislator and civil rights icon. “Trump leads Republicans in circling the wagons in Alabama. Democrats set up circular firing squad in DC. Voters fed up,” Richard Painter, professor at the University of Minnesota and ethics lawyer for former President George W. Bush, said on Twitter. Keith Boykin, a White House aide to former President Bill Clinton, posted a tweet that listed 16 women who’ve accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct. Then Boykin published this simple message: “Rep. John Conyers is retiring. Now let’s retire the sexual predator in the White House.” According to a two-page letter dated Friday, Dec.1, the House Ethics Committee will investigate any alleged violations by members of Congress, officer, or other staff member involved in sexual harassment and employment discrimination.

5 John Conyers, Jr. /Photo courtesy Boston Globe

The letter, addressed to compliance officer Susan Tsui Grudmann, requests all records that involve hearings and decisions on sexual harassment claims. “The Congressional Accountability Act prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability,” according to the letter from committee Chairwoman Susan W. Brooks and ranking member Theodore E. Deutch. “House Rules have longed prohibited discriminatory conduct in employment.” Conyers, whose retirement became effective immediately on Tuesday, said in a letter to Congress that was read on the House floor by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), that his 53 years on Capitol Hill served as witness to a profound evolution in civil rights that led to the enactment of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and other landmark reforms. “I’ve been in the forefront of the civil rights movement. I’ve been a champion of justice for the oppressed and the disenfranchised.” Conyers wrote. “I never wavered in my commitment to justice and democracy. I am

proud to have been part of that rich history.” “I have been privileged to be a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and to represent the United States Congress by being dean,” he continued, adding that “I passed, as indicated, the law dealing with the Martin Luther King holiday, the Violence Against Women Act, the Hate Crimes Act, the U.S.A. Freedom and the extension of the Voting Rights Act.” “I have led the fight against mandatory minimums, hoping to reverse the devastating incarceration rates for African Americans and poor people. I have tried to pass a universal health care law. It has been an honor and a privilege of my life to represent the people of Michigan in the House of Representatives, but that responsibility will now fall to my colleagues and my successor. They have my deepest support and prayers.” In closing, Conyers’ letter simply stated: “Jobs, justice and peace.” WI Staff Writer William J. Ford and WI Contributing Writer Dorothy Rowley contributed to this report. WI

CALL (800) 420-7783 FOR 20% OFF!!!

CALL NOW AND RECEIVE 20% DISCOUNT WITH YOUR FREE ESTIMATE OVER THOUSANDS OF BASEMENTS REPAIRED IN THIS AREA.

Expert Software Development Higher Quality Than In-House Lower Cost Than In-House Faster Than In-House

Ask us how! TOLL FREE USA/CANADA

Experience the Difference

38 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

1-888-859-4853 itbgn.com/projects

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION

THE RELIGION CORNER

The Griffin Firm, PLLC

Do the Right Thing! So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. — James 4:17 The holiday season is upon us once again! From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, we all enjoy the love and festivities of family, friends and co-workers. Many of us are givers, always giving of our money and time to help others. There are always those who are takers. Though many reasons exist as to why a thief believes in finding ways to get something without actually putting in the work. Recently, during my Thanksgiving holiday, someone shared a story of how someone on her job did not do the right thing. In her position of which she was resigning, a petty cash box was involved. That cash box was kept in a small vault. While training the person who would take her place, the trainer shared with the new employee about the cash in that vault. The trainer training this new girl was honest, and it never crossed her mind to have someone counter-sign that petty cash envelope. Others were informed by her regarding the cash. When she inquired as to how to handle the cash, she was told to leave it in the vault. She never expected the money to come up missing! an investigation is underway. She hasn’t heard the outcome yet, and. Here is where the point of this article comes in. Do the right thing! There are many scripture on this very topic. Let me share a few. Galatians 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. When I heard the story of the missing petty cash, the first thought I had was, whoever stole Mt. Zion Baptist Church

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

that money will pay for it. The bible is correct, we do reap what we sew. She may lose her job behind this lapse in judgment. She made a bad choice. It will come back to haunt her. Do what is right, not what is easy. The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it. C.S. Lewis once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Theodore Roosevelt said, “Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you actually do what’s right.” In closing, during this holiday season, do the right thing! Give, and it shall be given unto you, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 1st Corinthians 13:4-6 says it this way: Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. When someone steals, they cannot rejoice in the truth, because stealing is another form of lies. You are taking something that doesn’t

• • • • •

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

with Lyndia Grant belong to you. It is dishonest, and when the amount is large enough, here in America, it is also criminal. Never allow temptation to get you. There is a scripture in the book of James 1:13-14 that says: When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Merry Christmas!

Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications? You can save up to 97% when you fill your prescriptions with our Canadian and International prescription service.

Their Price

Crestor

914.18

Typical US Brand Price

for 40mg x 100

Our Price

Rosuvastatin* $

148

Get An Extra $15 Off & Free Shipping On Your 1st Order!

Toll free: 855-541-5141

Generic equivalent of CrestorTM Generic price for for 40mg x 100

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

202-379-4738

(301) 864-6070

CHURCH LAWYERS MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

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

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

5101 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089

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

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.

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold”

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

www.mtzbcdc.org

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 39 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

RELIGION

40 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 41 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2017 ADM 989

Administration No. 2017 ADM 1291

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001299

Administration No. 2017 ADM 000663

Administration No. 2017 ADM 000146 Thelma M. Johnson Decedent

Edward Wolterbeek Decedent

Glinda D. Vardaman Decedent

Dorothy A. Reid aka Dorothy Reid Decedent

Graham Monk Decedent

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

Clark J. Hymes, Esq., whose address is 1032 15th Street, NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20005, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Wolterbeek who died on January 2, 2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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.

Bridget T. Dorsey, whose address is3473 Massachusetts Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Glinda D. Vardaman who died on July 29, 2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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.

Terrika R. Bailey, whose address is 1236 Canal Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy A. Reid aka Dorothy Reid who died on August 4, 2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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.

Graham C. Monk, whose address is 5713 6th St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Graham Monk who died on April 9, 2008 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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: November 30, 2017

Jennifer C. Concino, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #700, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma M. Johnson who died on July 1, 2016 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 May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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.

Bridget T. Dorsey Personal Representative

Terrika R. Bailey Personal Representative

Graham C. Monk Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Date of first publication: November 30, 2017 Clark J. Hymes, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration Number 2017 ADM 160 Estate of

Robert B. Hazelock aka Robert Bruce Hazelock aka Robert Hazelock Deceased

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been

filed in this Court by Angela Hazelock Mack for

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001295

Administration No. 2017 ADM 866

Pearlene E. Glover Decedent

Leamon Farrior Decedent

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

Angela Glover Burgess, whose address is 1616 Monroe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Pearlene E. Glover who died on May 11, 2017 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 May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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.

Dwayne Farrior, whose address is 3533 Glenmore Ave., Baltimore, MD 21206, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leamon Farrior who died on March 21, 2017 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 May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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: November 30, 2017

Angela Glover Burgess Personal Representative

Dwayne Farrior Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001318 Yvonne Harvey Decedent Valerie Edwards Antonoplos & Associates 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Washington, DC 20011

Date of first publication: November 30, 2017

complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is

filed in this Court within 30 days from the date

of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the will date October 5, 2016

exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses.

Date of first publication: November 30, 2017

1342 Sheridan Street, NW Petitioner/Attorney

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister

42 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

TRUE TEST COPY

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

Angela Hazelock Mack

one or more personal representative. Unless a

Donte Taylor Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Jennifer C. Concino, Esq. Personal Representative

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Donte Taylor, whose address is 7703 Starshine Drive, District heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yvonne Harvey who died on May 4, 2016 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 May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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.

standard probate, including the appointment of

Date of first publication: November 30, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2017 ADM 001245 Dorothy Lawson Edmonds Decedent Tanya A. Harvey, Loeb & Loeb LLP 901 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 300 East Washington, DC 20001 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Robert W. Edmonds, Robin E. Hudson and Wendy R. Hicks-Powers, whose addresses are 4923 8th St., NW, Washington, DC 20011; 319 Wagoner Dr., Fayetteville, NC 280303; 126 Weldin Park Dr., Wilmington, DE 19803, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Dorothy Lawson Edmonds who died on July 12, 2017 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 May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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: November 30, 2017 Robert W. Edmonds Robin E. Hudson Wendy R. Hicks-Powers Personal Representatives TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration Number 2017 ADM 001351 Estate of Helga M. E. Bailey Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Eliot Borders and LaShawn Jefferson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative.

Date of first publication: November 30, 2017 Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 910 17th St., NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

TRUE TEST COPY

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001103 Jean Courard aka Jean Andre Louis Courard Decedent Kisha L. Woolen, Esquire Tobin O’Connor & Ewing, 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

Mary Carolyn McRae Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Daniel D. Smith, whose address is 161 Fort Evans Road, NE, #345, Leesburg, VA 20178, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean Courard aka Jean Andre Louis Courard who died on February 26, 1996 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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: November 30, 2017

Carolyn A. McRae, whose address is 2326 Woodbark Lane, Suitland, MD 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Carolyn McRae who died on July 22, 2016 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 May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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: November 30, 2017 Carolyn A. McRae Personal Representative

Daniel D. Smith Personal Representative

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001053

TRUE TEST COPY

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001220 Vernice Y. Bunting Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Benjamin Kyler, whose address is 7412 Gambler Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vernice Y. Bunting who died on December 15, 2005 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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: November 30, 2017 Benjamin Kyler Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Administration Number 2017 ADM 1383 Estate of Celia Pinzon-Morlock Deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate. Appoint an unsupervised personal representative.

Date of first publication: November 30, 2017 Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

Administration Number 2017 ADM 1339

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001289

Administration No. 2017 ADM 1019

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001023

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001006

Estate of George Dounias Deceased

William Chester James Decedent

Isaiah Robinson, Jr. Decedent

Laureta B. Butler aka Laureta Beatrice Butler Decedent

Frances Elaine Cole aka Frances Cole Decedent

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

William Conrad James, whose address is 611 Galveston Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Chester James who died on September 30, 2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before May 30, 2018. 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 May 30, 2018, 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.

Maxine Robinson and Emily Frazier, whose addresses are 3629 Shenandoah Drive, Beltsville, MD 20705 and 410 Zelma Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Isaiah Robinson, Jr. who died on June 24, 2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 7, 2018. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 7, 2018, 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.

Andrea D. Hawkins, whose address is14209 Kenlon Lane, Accokeek, MD 20607, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Laureta B. Butler aka Larueta Beatrice Butler who died on December 26, 2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 7, 2018. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 7, 2018, 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.

Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Andrew Dounias and George A. Dounias for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representative. Unless a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will date December 18, 2001 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: November 30, 2017 Andrew Dounias 3465A Marigold Place Waldorf, MD 20602 Petitioner/Attorney TRUE TEST COPY

Date of first publication: November 30, 2017 William Conrad James Personal Representative

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Date of first publication: December 7, 2017

TRUE TEST COPY

Maxine Robinson Emily Frazier Personal Representatives

Anne Meister Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Date of first publication: December 7, 2017 Andrea D. Hawkins Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Michelle L. Cole, whose address is 202 Oakbluff Dr., Raeford, NC 28376, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frances Elaine Cole aka Frances Cole who died on June 5, 2016 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 June 7, 2018. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 7, 2018, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: December 7, 2017 Michelle L. Cole Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 43 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2017 ADM 001335 Sarah Rowe Hayden Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Gamble L. Hayden, whose address is 1643 Roxanna Road, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sarah Rowe Hayden who died on July 25, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 7, 2018. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 7, 2018, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: December 7, 2017 Gamble L. Hayden Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2017 ADM 1313 Joan M. Mahoney Decedent Kisha L. Woolen, Esquire Tobin O’Connor & Ewing 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maya Mahoney, whose address is 607 Little Street, Alexandria, VA 22301, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan M. Mahoney who died on October 11, 2017 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 7, 2018. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 7, 2018, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: December 7, 2017 Maya Mahoney Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

44 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

CL ASSIFIEDS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada. MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS - The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1-888-318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www.OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93 Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle! 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874 READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822 Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too. REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866437-6184 Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & Increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-420-4716 READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2016 ADM 1361

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kenneth Mitchell, whose address is 222 Bayshore Drive, Orlando, FL 32805, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Minnie Farmer Mitchell who died on May 9, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 7, 2018. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before June 7, 2018, 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 Mitchell Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone on your list! Save 20 percent off qualifying products from Personal Creations! To redeem this offer, visit www.PersonalCreations.com/ Beauty or Call 1-888-732-0679 Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with fast acting results within 30 days. Call to hear about our special offer 866-640-5982 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. You WIN or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your FREE Book & Consultation. 888-6495110 Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-760-5952 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days. HEAT YOUR HOME FOR 5¢ AN HOUR! Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft. Slashes your heating bills by 50%. FREE Shipping too! Use claim code 6239 WAS $499 NOW $279 Call 1-866-784-5182 CADNET AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 2000-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806 GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1-855-558-3509 EMPLOYMENT $$$WORK FROM HOME$$$ Earn $2,845 Weekly assembling Information packets. No Experience Necessary! Start Immediately! FREE Information 24hrs. www.RivasPublishing.com or 1-800-250-7884

Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 877-649-2138 Playmates or Soulmates you’ll find them on MegaMates. Gay or Straight call in. START CHATTING TODAY. Always FREE to Listen & Reply to ads. 800-982-8665 Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-877-625-2147 Promo Code CDC201625 AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 2002-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-368-1016 BUILDING MATERIALS Rubber Roofing EPDM B-Grade, Factory Rejects. 10’ x 50’ .045 $200. 10’x50’ .060 $235. 10’ x 100’ .060 $470. 10’x100’ .090 $490. Also OSI insulation 717 445 -5222 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Advertise to 500,000 Homes with a business card size ad. You choose the area of coverage in free community papers...we do the rest. Call 800-450-6631 or visit macnetonline.com FOR SALE Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off HEALTH/MEDICAL VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-800-503-7846 HOME SERVICES CALL EMPIRE TODAY® to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-800-213-4311 Dealing with water damage requires immediate action. Local professionals that respond immediately. Nationwide and 24/7. No mold calls. Call today! 1-800-730-9790

Paid in Advance! Make $1,000 a Week Mailing Brochures From Home! www.EasyCash77. com Earn $1,000’S! Processing Mail! Rush SASE: Lists/CAD, Springhouse, PA 194770396

LOTS & ACREAGE UPSTATE NY LAND! 5 to 41 acre tracts! Waterfront, old farmland, country bldg lots! Liquidation prices. Terms. Call 888-738-6994 NewYorkLandandLakes.com

HEALTH & FITNESS GENERIC VIAGRA and CIALIS! 50 Pills $95.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 800-317-2145

MISCELLANEOUS Movin and storage: Cross country Moving, Long distance Moving Company out of state move $799 Long Distance Movers Get Free quote on your Long distance move. Call 800-863-6081

MEDICAL Suffering from Knee or Back Pain? Learn How a Brace Can Help! Fast & Easy Medicare Approvals. FREE Shipping. Relieve Your Pain Now! 24/7 Call Center. CALL 1- 844-502-1809 MISCELLANEOUS DISH Network. 190+ Channels. FREE Install. FREE Hopper HD-DVR. $49.99/month (24 months) Add High Speed Internet - $14.95 (where avail.) CALL Today & SAVE 25%! 1-855-837-9146 A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-844-722-7993

Minnie Farmer Mitchell Decedent

Date of first publication: December 7, 2017

Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822

CL ASSIFIEDS

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+. HughesNet Satellite Internet ? 25mbps for just $49.99/mo! Get More Data FREE Off-Peak Data. No phone line required! FAST download speeds. WiFi built in! FREE Standard Installation! Call 1-855-440-4911 Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-428-1639 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket. Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855652-9304 ENJOY 100% guaranteed, delivered to-thedoor Omaha Steaks! SAVE 75% PLUS get 4 more Burgers & 4 more Kielbasa FREE! Order The Family Gourmet Buffet - ONLY $49.99. Call 1-855-895-0358 mention code 51689LCX or visit www.omahasteaks.com/ cook03

Dish Network-Satellite Television Services. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! HBO-FREE for one year, FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95 a month. 1-800-219-1271 MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV’S. LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY. Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA License #W1044. 410-636-0123 or www.LutheranMissionSociety.org “DONATE VEHICLES. Your donation trains disadvantaged at-risk youths in auto repairs, also provide vehicle donations to low-income families. Tax-deductible. MVA License# 8000113006823 301-355-9333 or www.auted.org” BUSINESS SERVICES Bulk advertising at its best: advertise in over 70 newspapers and reach millions of readers with ONE call. Broaden your reach and get results for pennies per reader. Call Wanda at 410-212-0616 or email wsmith@mddcpress. com. Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network – Let MDDC help you grow your business! Call TODAY at 410-212-0616 to increase your customer base and get results. EDUCATION/CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING-Get FAA certification to fix planes. Financial Aid if qualified. Approved for military benefits. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-8236729.

Become a published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-855548-5979

Looking for a great afterschool/weekend program targeted towards academic improvement – Call Stanford Tech 240-882-1673;Enroll now-Receive backpack with school supplies. www.stanfordtech.net.

WANTED TO BUY Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136

HELP WANTED EARN $500 A DAY: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents* Leads, No Cold Calls*Commissions Paid Daily*Agency Training*Life Insurance Required. Call 1-888713-6020

MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET) ANNOUNCEMENTS Lung Cancer? And 60 Years Old? If So, You and Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 800-897-7205 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out of Pocket.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Delaware New Move-In Ready Homes! Low Taxes! Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool. New Homes from low $100’s. No HOA Fees. Brochures Available 1-866-629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com.

CL ASSIFIEDS Classified Advertising network! Call today 410-212-0616 Ask for Multi-Media Specialist -Wanda & watch your results grow. NATIONAL ADVERTISING NETWORK, INC. (NANI) AUTOMOTIVE Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Make/Models 2000-2015! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330. EDUCATION / CAREER TRAINING 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Earn $1000 per week! Paid CDL Training! STEVENS TRANSPORT COVERS ALL COSTS! 1-877209-1309 drive4stevens.com FINANCIAL Over $10K in debt? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call National Debt Relief at 866-243-0510. HEALTH/MEDICAL Generic VIAGRA 100mg Generic CIALIS 20mg. 70 for $99 GREAT DEAL!!!! FAST FREE SHIPPING! 100% money back GUARANTEE! CALL NOW 888-869-9343 Se habla espanol 888-713-3919 FREE VIAGRA PILLS 48 PILLS + 4 FREE! VIAGRA 100MG/ CIALIS 20mg Free Pills! No hassle, Discreet Shipping. Save Now. Call Today 1-888-410-0514 VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed. Money back guaranteed! 1-888-278-6168 DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 888-623-3036 or http://www. dental50plus.com/58 Ad# 6118 OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-558-7482 MISCELLANEOUS DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 888-623-3036 or http://www. dental50plus.com/58 Ad# 6118 VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $95.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW 800-317-7404 Hablamos Espanol Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years Old? If So, You And Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 855-547-8865 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. A PLACE FOR MOM. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE. No obligation. CALL 855-741-7459 Bathe safely and stay in the home you love with the #1 selling walk-in tub in North America. For an in-home appointment, call: 888-308-5610 CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer. Nation’s Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960. CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-7767771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com FINAL EXPENSE INSURANCE. No medical exams! Premiums never increase. Benefits never go down. Affordable monthly payments. Call for a free quote! 877-587-4169 DISH Network-Satellite Television Services. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/ mo! 2-year price guarantee. FREE Installation. FREE Streaming. More reliable than Cable. Add Internet for $14.95 a month. 800-7181593. Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 866-951-7214 HOTELS FOR HEROES – to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org MOTORCYCLES WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (1976-1982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (19721975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!! 1-800-772-1142 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com

SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS Increase your customer base and get great results by placing your ads in the MDDC –

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

MALVEAUX from Page 26

by the NFL, many people across this country, many of them Black women, decided to boycott the NFL this season, and the boycott is and was successful, so much so that the NFL, mainstream media and the 45th occupant led people to believe that the low ratings of NFL games this season were a result of White men not watching the NFL, because Black players were protesting that national anthem. Then, the 45th occupant of the White House, in his puppeteering ways, stepped forward and said that the NFL should fire anyone who refuses to stand for the national anthem and accused those who chose to kneel during the national anthem of disrespecting the flag and being unpatriotic. Black folks took offense and I believe that they decided to watch the games in protest to “45.” I bet the ratings increased, too. Now, fast-forward to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stating that players on his team, who do not stand for the national anthem will not play, and “45” praises him for doing so. Ironic? I don’t think so. Don’t let them fool you, “45” and NFL owners have been joined at the hip in the process from the very beginning. The 45th occupant of the White House carried the water of the NFL owners, helped sway some sort of public opinion against the players and now the owners feel empowered to bring down their oppressive hammers on the players. The 45th occupant of the White House will take credit for bringing “law and order” to the plantation,

and the NFL owners will walk away with little or no blood on their hands. The real story is that a handful of players have stood up for what they feel is right. Now the question is, what is the African-American community going to do to support them? Do you have the courage to turn the channel when your favorite team(s) play on Sunday? Do you have the courage to publicly tell people that you support the players who choose to take a knee for justice and not just us? Do you have the courage to proudly wear the jersey of Colin Kaepernick, Michael Bennett or any other player who chooses to kneel or sit during the national anthem? Do you have the courage to start your own personal social media campaign supporting those players who take a knee to say that Black lives matter just as much as any other lives in this country? Are you willing to show your unwavering support for those who are standing tall by taking a knee during the national anthem? Will you write a letter, email or tweet to the NFL, the 45th occupant of the White House and your congressional delegation expressing your concerns about this issue? Do you have the backbone to stand up and advocate for freedom, justice and equality for those who are no longer here to speak for themselves? Don’t let the smokescreens fool you. The players have taken a very simple stance based on their principled beliefs. The NFL is taking a stance based on money, profits and financial interest. Until recently, NFL teams were not required to be

on the field during the national anthem, but they changed their policy after receiving money from the government to do so. Those who know me, know that I am a big fan of football and a lifelong fan of the Seattle Seahawks. However, while I support my favorite team, I also realize that there are things in life that are bigger than sports. I firmly believe that the value of a Black life is worth more than a victory by my team on Sunday, and more valuable than winning a playoff game or a championship. The message that the players are sending is about the most valuable commodity that we have — the value of life. For those of you who choose to protest, here is the best way (I believe) to do so: turn the channel during the NFL’s big three nights — Monday night, Thursday night and Sunday night football. It’s not enough to just turn your TV off and do some other activity. Turn to a channel owned by African-Americans during the games such as TV One (Cathy Hughes), Aspire (Magic Johnson) or OWN (Oprah Winfrey). This will send a clear message that African-Americans are turning away from football and will not allow anyone to spin that narrative. This not only shows that we are united in this fight, but it will also help these channels leverage our eyeballs into more advertising dollars and be able to bring additional culturally relevant programming to our community. It’s time to change the narrative from just us to justice, and you have the power to do it! WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

■ Executive Presentation Coaching ■ Media Training ■ Image Branding ■ On-Camera Coaching Doris McMillon President

BENNETT from Page 26

is widening, with only 14 percent of the most economically disadvantaged students earning a bachelor’s degree, according to a 2015 federal study. We need a different support system to thrive in college — mentors, help with living expenses, travel costs, tutors, flexible schedules and emotional support from other students who feel isolated, but are coping with similar struggles. We need to stop talking about college attainment in simplistic ways. It takes so much more than grit. WI

Let us help you develop the communication skills to compete and win!

.co dennis w.sade nis/ww

dice in majority white spaces. Spectators would classify the underlying factor of our motivation as “grit” or “determination,” but for many first gens, our motivation is simply survival. We have no choice. Missing an assignment, being too tired to attend a bio lecture after working more than 30 hours a week, failing a 300 level course, or even missing a tuition payment created a slippery slope back to the environment that suffocated dreams.

But we are a population colleges cannot afford to lose, as we represented 36 percent of students seeking a four-year degree nationwide in 2012. Politicians, educators, social workers, counselors and administrators must address the intersecting social and cultural challenges that precede our applications, accompany us to college and follow us even after securing a degree. Access to college and financial aid is not enough to secure a better quality of life for students coming from low-income backgrounds. The gap

You Can Say It Like A Pro!

Den : Sade

TERRELL from Page 26

the legislation that authorized the CFPB. And progressive lawyers must pay more attention to these flawed judicial appointments that 45 is making. These are absolutely frightening times, with 45 running amok at the People’s House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. He is running amok, and his foolishness is guaranteed to generate commentary and revulsion. But we can’t be so absorbed by the foolishness that we ignore what he is doing with the courts. WI

Photo

derance of bankers in his cabinet certainly guarantees the agency’s destruction. But the court’s swift finding against Leandra English reminds us that we can expect to find the tenets of predatory capitalism and consumer exploitation to be upheld by these newly packed courts. Court appointments have generated little attention. On at least one occasion, the American Bar Association has described a nominee as

“unqualified,” something that they rarely do. On another occasion, a man who has a law degree but who has never tried a case was nominated as a judge. Really? Less than political patronage, 45 is systematically presiding over a massive ideological shift in our nation. It’s a trick bag, one that many did not anticipate. Consumers who care about the protections we need against big banks and credit card companies need to write their elected representatives and urge them to strengthen

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

301.292.9141/FAX 301.292.9142/Mobile 703.819.0920 doris@mcmilloncommunications.com/www.mcmilloncommunications.com

BE DEBT FREE in 24–48 months!

If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how we can help. Call today:

1-888-318-8155 ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

AIRLINE CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance

800-481-7894

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 45 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Lutheran Mission Society

Alan Amrhine, Communications Director Lutheran Mission Society

“MDDC has connected donors with the LMS Vehicle Donation Program for over six years! Great exposure, cost effective, and Wanda is so helpful.”

Attention: VIAGRA & CIALIS Users There’s a More Affordable & Effective Alternative to U.S. Pharmacy High Prices! For discreet home delivery, CALL NOW!

800-995-1351

child should not have to follow them for the rest of their life,” he stated in response to inquiries about the investigation. In September, when 26-year-old Katie Layne Quackenbush of Tennessee was charged with attempted murder for exiting her vehicle and shooting 54-year old Gerald Melton, her attorney and father, Jesse Quackenbush, claimed she and her friend were being harassed and threatened with sexist remarks. “She didn’t try and kill this guy, she had no intention of killing him. She didn’t know that she hit him,”

CROWELL from Page 27

50 Pill Special:

Only $99 Plus Free Shipping!

Operators Available 24/7!

Pick a state! , any state MDDC Press works with fellow press associations across the country to give you the best possible buys on advertising wherever you need it. We take care of scheduling and placement at no extra cost to you, and you save time and money. Call Wanda Smith at ext. 6 today.

Press Service 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

TAYLOR from Page 27

1-855-721-6332 www.mddcpress.com

fense rule. When the negotiated rule-making session for Borrower Defense to Repayment was held, participating consumer advocates noticed a slanted towards between business interests compared to those who supported consumers and students. The rule-making session included industry lobbyists, representatives of for-profit colleges, consumer advocates and government officials. Participant requests to make the proceedings publicly accessible were denied. The federal Department of Education refused to allow live-streaming of its rule-making despite its availability and that it is frequently utilized at every level of

ASKIA from Page 27 the void Conyers leaves behind. His reputation will be rehabilitated in time, “if we understand that his reputation does not depend on the Euro-stream-media, and people outside his community,” Dr. Greg Carr, chair of the Department of African American Studies at Howard

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia. You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why… The Washington Informer is all about you! Name....................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................... City, State, Zip......................................................................................... Phone number (daytime)......................................................................... Yes! I want to subscribe for: 1 year/$45.00

2years/$60.00

Method of payment: Check Enclosed

Visa/MasterCard

Credit card number.................................................................................. Signature........................................................................................

46 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

he said immediately after her arrest. Why can’t we as Black people defend our family and friends with matching zeal? Why must we send our young men and women into the belly of the beast to “learn a lesson” we couldn’t teach them at home? Why have we accepted the disproportionate incarceration of Black Americans as the norm? Some still view incarceration as a subconscious right of passage to adulthood for Black youth in America? Take a few minutes and think about the number of people that you know who are currently incarcerated, have been incarcerated or on probation. Now, did you march

in the streets for them? Did you sign a petition for them? Will the FBI investigate the judges who sentenced them? Hell, did you offer to put money on their books? Did you accept a collect call? If so, probably not as much as you could have. Not as much as you should have. But I bet you were at the “welcome home” party. Anyway, I’m really happy for y’all. I’ma let y’all finish marching for Meek, but remember, according to a study by The Marshall Project, as of April 2017, an estimated 61,250 Americans are incarcerated for technical parole violations. They deserve your support, too. WI

government. “These sessions and rules will impact millions of Americans, most of whom do not live in the District of Columbia or cannot afford to miss days at work,” noted Ashley Harrington, a policy counsel with the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) and a negotiated rule-making participant. This precedent set by the mid-November rule-making does not bode well for the upcoming session on the Gainful Employment rule. This rule would require that career and technical training schools lead to income levels that enable its students to afford their student loan repayments. Particularly for Black and other consumers of color, higher educa-

tion has been preached as the best way to earn entry into America’s middle class, and reach financial independence. To finance educational costs, many of these consumers borrowed more heavily than other consumers before unfortunately discovering what they were promised was not being delivered. Transparency has been CFPB’s watchword — not just in student loans, but in every lending area. Now with a new acting director, a slow drag on rules could turn into a stop. And all the while, consumers with any unresolved or pending complaints on file with CFPB are forced to wait to learn their financial fates. For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI

University, said in an interview. “Just like Marion Barry here in Washington, D.C., John Conyers will never be knocked out of the minds and hearts of the citizens of Detroit and the people who remember what he did,” Carr said. “I would say that when this is over, and John Conyers is forced out of the Congress in ignominy, he will

never lose his status as an icon in Detroit, and with a little bit of a passage of time, as things are revealed I think some of that luster will be restored, beyond the communities who know him well.” Phyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, called Conyers “a hero, for all the things he’s a hero for,” “These are very serious allegations, and there is no reason not to assume they’re all true,” Bennis told me in an interview. “That doesn’t mean he didn’t win the battle for voting rights, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. He still has accomplished great things. It doesn’t mean those are not true, it means that he’s got serious flaws. I wish I had a better way to talk about it.” Personally, he will never achieve his ambition of serving another seven years or so to then become the longest-serving Congress member ever, but alas. Me, I lament that H.R. 40 has not been passed after more than 30 years, and I wonder who will pick up the torch that John Conyers carried for more than 50 years in Congress? WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

WANT BETTER REWARDS? WANT FREE SHIPPING? W A N T M O R E S AV I N G S ?

MEET THE NEW Macy’s Cardholders can discover their status and the benefits they’re eligible for by speaking with a store associate or visiting macys.com/starrewards.

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT DURING OUR BEST SALE OF THE SEASON! NOW–MON, DEC. 11

DESIGNERS THAT RARELY GO ON SALE!

With your Macy’s card or pass. Use promo code FRIEND online. Exclusions apply; see pass.

GET 15% OFF ANY BEAUTY PURCHASE With your Macy’s pass. Use promo code FRIEND online. Exclusions apply; see pass.

PLUS 5-DAY SPECIALS

EXTRA CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES & HOME ITEMS

% OFF

EXTRA 25% OFF JEWELRY & WATCHES EXTRA 15% OFF BEAUTY (PASS ONLY) EXTRA 10% OFF ELECTRICS/ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE, MATTRESSES & RUGS USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS 11/30-12/11/2017. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE FRIEND See macys.com/deals for online exclusions

SAVINGS OFF SELECT REGULAR-PRICED & SALE ITEMS IN STORE AND SELECT REGULAR-PRICED, SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS ONLINE

THURS-MON

EXCLUDES ALL: Deals of the Day, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, specials, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, gift cards, gourmet foods, jewelry trunk shows, men’s store electronics, previous purchases, restaurants, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, select tech accessories, toys, wine, 3Doodler, American Rug Craftsmen, Anova, Apple Products, Ashley Graham, Avec Les Filles clothing, Barbour, Breville, Briggs & Riley, Demeyere, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Fitbit, Frye, Global Cutlery, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Karastan, kate spade new york, Kenneth Cole men’s shoes, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, littleBits, Locker Room By Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Michele watches, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, New Era, Nike on Field, Nike swim, Panache, Rimowa, Rudsak, Sam Edelman, Shun, Spanx, Staub, Swarovski, S’well, Tag Heuer, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Vans, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford, Wüsthof & products offered by vendors who operate leased departments in any of our stores including: Burberry, Gucci, Longchamp & Louis Vuitton; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Brahmin, Chanel, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA & Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account.

30/25/10%

15% BEAUTY

FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 11/30-12/11/2017. MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE AT THESE AND OTHER SALE PRICES NOW THROUGH 1/2/18, EXCEPT AS NOTED.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017 47 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE LEADING CONTRIBUTOR TO M A RY L A N D â€™ S E D U C AT I O N TRUST FUND.

THANK YOU FOR A MONUMENTAL YEAR.

DISCOVER MORE AT MGMNATIONALHARBOR.COM 48 DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2017

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER