The Washington Informer - December 25, 2014 by The Washington Informer

Vol. 50, No. 11 Dec. 25 - Dec. 31 2014

YEAR

2014 REVIEW

and on DCTV 95 & 96

The CoLumn

Is Everywhere!

The 29th Annual Olender Foundation Awards

Atty. Jack Olender accepting the “2015 Generous Heart Award” for his late wife Lovell R. Olender presented by Atty. Harlow R. Case

Francis Tiafoe (“America’s Role Model 2015”) Honoree with presenter Jim Handly (News 4)

The 29th Annual Olender Foundation Awards were held at the Terrace Theater at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. This year the honorees were Francis Tiafoe, Master Sergeant Cedric King, Atty. Joel H. Fisher, Lovell R. Olender and Outstanding Law Students at Howard University School of Law and Outstanding Law Students at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. The master of ceremonies was Paul Berry. Debra Tidwell & Greg Twombley and the Washingtonians provided musical entertainment. The Earl H. Davis Memorial Prize was introduced by Annamaria Steward (Dean of Students UDC), Katherine S. Broderick (Dean UDC School of Law (David A. Clarke) & Danielle Holley-Walker (Howard University School of Law). Francis Tiafoe -America’s Role Model 2015 Award” was presented by Jim Handly, Atty. Gary Kohlman presented Master Sergeant Cedric King the “Man of Valor 2015 Award”, Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat presented the “Unsung Hero 2015 Award” to Joel H. Fisher who was represented by Susan Fisher Sullam. Atty. Harlow R. Case presented the “Generous Heart 2015 Award” to Atty. Jack H. Olender for his late wife Lovell R. Olender.

Master Sergeant Cedric King (“Man of Valor 2015”) with Atty. Jack Olender and Atty. Gary Kohlman

Meet Some of the Earl H. Davis Recipients

Atty. Jack Olender with Susan Fisher Sullam (Representative of Honoree Atty. Joel H. Fisher (“Unsung Hero 2015”) and presenter Amb. Stuart Eizenstat

Atty. Jack Olender with Master of Ceremonies Paul Berry

Atty. Jack Olender with the late Lovell Olender’s Caretakers holding her “2015 Generous Heart Award”

Derrick Petit, Akasha Perez, Vianca Simpson, Paris Anderson, Claudy Bince, Christopher Holiman and Pembe Besingi

Earl H. Davis Recipients Alex Reed (L) and Gary R. Redding (Far Right) with Katherine S. Broderick (Dean UDC Dave Clarke School of Law)

Sonja Manly Graines & Daniel Blackburn (Earl H. Davis Recipients) with Annamaria Steward (Associate Dean of Students UDC Dave Clarke School of Law)

Atty. Jack Olender with The 2015 Man of Valor - MSgt. Cedric King and his family

Want to get your events published in Social Sightings-The CoLumn - email SocialSightings@aol.com Theodore Rice Photographer * Kurt Pommonths, Sr, Photo Enhancer * Graphic Designer Social Sightings - The CoLumn is published in the Hill Rag, DC Mid City , East of the River & The Washington Informer 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com

2 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

12/25/2014 – 12/31/2014 From the Publisher Page 4 Black Facts Page 6 Mayor Bids Voters Farewell Page 8 Prince George’s Year in Review Page 12 Commentaries Pages 26-27 Year In Review Pages 28 -35 Sports Page 36 HAPPY 50th - The Washington Informer’s 50th Anniversary celebration honored 50 Influencers including radio talk show host and activist Joe Madison (on right), who shared reflections about his first meeting with Informer founder-publisher Dr. Calvin W. Rolark. He led the audience in Rolark’s iconic quote, “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Rehoboth BC Turns 150 Page 38

ARRIVE CLOSER TO THE DESTINATION. AND TO EACH OTHER. Northeast Regional’s downtown-to-downtown service makes getting to the heart of the action easy, so you can treat yourself to a well-deserved night on the town.

AMTRAK.COM BOOK 14 DAYS IN ADVANCE AND

SAVE ON ONE-WAY FARES FROM WASHINGTON, DC

This offer is valid for travel on the Northeast Regional train service only. Advance reservations are required a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to travel. Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. Blackouts apply on the following dates: 11/25/14-11/26/14, 11/29/14-11/30/14, and 12/19/14-12/21/14. Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times. Fares are subject to availability. Up to (2) children may accompany each adult at half fare. This offer is valid for coach seats only; no upgrades permitted. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. In addition to the discount restrictions, this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Other restrictions may apply. Amtrak and Northeast Regional are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

around the region

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

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

The Washington Informer Newspaper THE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414)Dr.isCalvin Denise Rolark Sr. Barnes W. Rolark, published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at WashingSTAFF WASHINGTON INFORMER ton,THE D.C. and additional mailing of- NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly Thursday. Periodicals paidW. at Barnes, Washington, D.C. and additional Denise Editor fices. Newsonand advertising deadlinepostage mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. is Monday prior to publication. AnAnnouncements must be received twoRon weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director nouncements must be received two Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressweeks event. Copyright 2013 Barnes, Assistant Editor es toprior The to Washington Informer, 3117Lafayette Martin Luther King,IV, Jr. Ave., S.E. Photo Washington, by D.C. The 20032. Washington Informer. All No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permisJohn E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor rights POSTMASTER: sionreserved. from the publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of change of addresses to The rates Washphotographs. Subscription are $30 per year,Rowley, two yearsOnline $45. Papers Dorothy Editorwill be received not more than 3117 a weekMartin after publication. Make checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther Brian Young, Design & Layout King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 20032. No part of this publication may Neville, Bookkeeper 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr.Mable Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 be reproduced without written permisPhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 sion from the publisher. The Informer Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com Newspaper cannot guarantee the return www.washingtoninformer.com Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Angie Johnson, Circulation PUBLISHER be received not more than a week after Denise Rolark Barnes publication. Make checks payable to: REPORTERS STAFF REPORTERS THE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing Stacy Editor Brown, Tia C. Jones, Laiscell, Eve Ferguson, Sam P.K.EdCollins, Carla PeayLuther King, Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, 3117 Martin Jr. Ave., S.E Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Ron BurkeD.C. 20032 Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young Washington, Rowley, Barrington Salmon Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper Phone: 202 561-4100 LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax:John 202 574-3785 E. De Freitas Sports Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, PHOTOGRAPHERS www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt Lassiter, John E. DeFreitas, Shevry

Women Break the Cycle of WASHINGTON INFORMER Domestic Violence

YEAR IN REVIEW

By Tia Carol Jones

law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a viclife, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessshe knew something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further done. Out of her frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement withIt’slaw enforcement's said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protectime to say farewell handling to 2014, but notDavis-Nickens without sayofingthe situation, to who advertisers reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselThank You to she our decided readers, subscribers, start the Saving Promise it.”forShe and supporters for making thiscamyear extra“get special Thesaid she “puts the ing for batterers. paign. Washington Informer. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradi“It seemsmarked to be our a vicious cycle It October 50th anniversary. appears notget to it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must person can have gone unnoticed, many of you that won't turn because my family endhave of extendthe day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. ed us your heartfeltsaid. congratulatory words loose,” Marlow Marlowmessages help and people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicof encouragement to continue doing what we do shared her story with the audilogue aboutfor domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow years to this, theHeights entire Washington ence at come. the For District AlsoInformer present at the event was said. staff is deeply grateful.Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exDomestic Violence Marlow would also like to see Thanks of Heights our advertisers and sponsors, on May 7 to at the thesupport District wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise The Washington Informer has been able to maintain our Municipal Center. The sympowas sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in annual programs, under the auspices of who Washington Insium was sponsored by the utiveestablished life terms without parole public and private schools. She former Charities, Inc., our non-profit affiliate Family and Youth literacy Services Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatto promote 21st century within by ouracommunity. Center of thethecity of January Districtby co-sponsoring the BeltwaytheSniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. We kicked-off year last Heights andMartin the National Hook2002. Mildred is “We have to stop being pasannual Dr. Luther King, Jr. Holiday Peace Walk, Muhammad DENISE ROLARK BARNES, Publisher Up of Black Women. theyouths founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilwhich attracted hundreds of adults and from Marlow hastowritten a book, across the city Martin Luther King Avenue in South- ments local events told inabout The Washington an organization that helps the asdren domestic Informer violence,” “Color Me Butterfly,” is a for over theviolence past 50 years. Severalsaid. of those photographers east, where they marchedwhich in solidarity peace andoftodomestic survivors Marlow participated in a panelMarlow discussion by break the honorabout the legacy Dr. King. story fourof generations of and their children. hassponsored worked to newspaper where they shared stories about their profesFebruaryviolence. marked our Annual American domestic The4thbook is African “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, Heritage by Tour. by the film, 12 Years Slave,is a sion manner capturedthe some of theirshe inspired herInfluenced own experiences, years inafear longand time. It is in which and isthey confident policies we were excited to travel with nearly 300 individuals to award-winning images. and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that nearby Alexandria, There, the Alexandria ConOn October 23, we honored 50 Washington Influher mother and Virginia. her daughter. of,” she said. process. vention and Visitor’s Association coordinated an aweencers at our 50th anniversary celebration at the CarneShe said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said take these some Black History experience by leading us to some of gie Library in Northwest.“IItplan was to truly a fun andpolicies excitingto excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a Congress and implore them to the most historic landmarks many of us pass by everyday. event and we were honored to have so many people there can not our believe came domesticonce violence victim must changetoour Marlow said. Among stops the was words Freedom House Museum, a to celebrate with us. Thanks Ericlaws,” Richardson and the from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of howstaff they go District into residents “I will not until these polislave pen owned by the man who sold Solomon Northrop DCN, can stop see highlights of our won the 2007 “Best the victim's life, and understand cies into slavery. It was National a memorable day for everyone. celebration on Channel 16.are passed.” Books” Award. thatspelling she may Tia Carol can be In March, we held our 33rd annual citywide truly been a whirlwind year,Jones yet I have notreached menbee. be Itinhas“survival “I was justnearly 16-years-old mode”. Once again, 2,000 DCwhen public, private, parochial, tioned the stories we’ve reported that remind us of the at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eyeand first blackened mycompeted charter home schooled and students to joinyou the getcrisis we aregoing in, as a community, a city and a nation. Our “Before to 'I'm ranks of theMarlow 33 finalists who took the stage at NBC4 heart as goes out to the family lips bled,” said. to kill you,'for it started a verbal WIof 10-year old Relisha Rudd, the final competition. It’s always a nail-biter to see who and 2-year old Jacob and 3-year old Sarah Hoggle, who Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiwill win the coveted firstHook-Up place prize and represent the have been missing for months with no trace or assistance, dent of the National District of Columbia in the national of Black Women, said there is no Scripps spelling bee in the Hoggle case, from the children’s own mother. What held in May. in the way domestic must be done to better protect our children? We also consistency In April, the Washington Informer enjoyed sharing know we have to do more to inform our readers about violence issues are dealt with by WI Staff Writer

Message from the Publisher

“

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.

the first year of its partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. We are extremely proud to be a part of this long-standing city celebration that welcomes in the spring season with a broad range of festivities open to the entire family. We recognize the fact that many DC residents don’t always participate in the festivities, but it is our desire to encourage our readers to join in the fun and to share the experience with your friends and family. While making plans to celebrate our 50th anniversary, The Washington Informer was honored by the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association (NNPA) in June with two awards for our use of photographs and design and layout. To be honored by your peers always has significant meaning. We were also honored to be among the first, in June, to host a book signing for our Mayor-for-Life Marion S. Barry, Jr. just days after the release of his book, Mayor for Life: The Incredible Story of Marion Barry, Jr. It was a great occasion with more than 400 guests seated in the Old Congress Heights School in Southeast, enjoying every story Mr. Barry shared. Who would have imagined that Roy Lewis, Nancy Shia CIRCULATION within a few months Barry’s family would be planning Paul Trantham funeral services and city officials would be hosting one INTERNS of the finest home going services for Mr. Barry who died on November 23. Roger Perryman-Brown; Capricia Galloway Mr. Barry is among those Washingtonians who are highlighted in our 50th Anniversary 50 Fifty Lens Photo 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com exhibit that opened in August at Gallery O on H Street, N.E. Photographs shot by Washington Informer photographers and others are featured in the exhibit that docu-

4 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer

the harmful impact of domestic violence against women, children and men. It’s got to stop. Like so many, we are proud to report on the activism our young adults who are not only marching for Michael Brown, Eric Garner and so many other young men and women killed by police, but they are also becoming actively involved in a host of community-building projects including mentoring, helping the homeless, fundraising to support various causes and voting. The District has a new mayor and new council members but an old agenda that still includes jobs, affordable housing, improving education and equitable economic development. We plan to follow them, along with the Prince George’s County executive and council to inform readers of measures that will impact their lives and to inform the legislators and executives of voter reaction to their measures. As we join you in the celebration of Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s, we also ask for your continued support. Our commitment to focus on the positive news is not waning, despite the challenges ahead. I leave with L.Y.you Marlow the verse of my father, Dr. Calvin W. Rolark’s theme song for Sound-Off, the radio talk show he hosted on WYCB 1340 AM for nearly 13 years. It is the song by McFadden and Whitehead, “We’re All In This Thing Together.” We look forward to a successful and prosperous New Year, and wish you and yours the very best in 2015. Denise Rolark Barnes Publisher

“

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

www.washingtoninformer.com

AROUND THE REGION

You Can Say It Like A Pro! Let us help you develop the communication skills to compete and win! ■ Executive Presentation Coaching ■ Media Training

By Avis Thomas-Lester WI Editor-at-Large Juanita Evangeline Moore hates Christmas. It was on Christmas night, in 1951, when her civil rights activist father, Harry T. Moore, and mother, Harriette V. Moore, were mortally wounded when a bomb placed by racists exploded under their Mims, Florida, home. Sixty-three years later, Moore has given up hope that her parents will receive justice. She waited patiently as local law enforcement claimed to investigate the case immediately after the brutal attack. She kept an open mind in the wake of several inquiries over the years. She even grew hopeful a few years ago when she learned that the FBI had reopened the case under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act of 2007. She was praying that four men who were long suspected in the killings would be formally named as suspects when she received a letter from the FBI telling her that investigators had been unable to find anything that would help them to definitively identify the culprits. “I haven’t heard from them since. I guess I will never have closure,” said Moore, of New Carrollton, Maryland. Moore, 84, is among hundreds of loved ones of men, women and children killed in decades-old civil rights cases who still yearn to have someone held accountable for the killings. In 2007, at the urging of civil rights activists, Congress passed

the Till Act, which was named for 14-year-old Emmett Till, a Chicago youth who, in 1955, was brutalized and killed by racists in Money, Mississippi, after he whistled at a white woman. At a panel discussion Dec. 9 at the National Press Club in Northwest, relatives of civil rights murder victims described their efforts to see done for their loved ones. The event was sponsored by the Cold Case Justice Initiative of the Syracuse University College of Law, one of a handful of university-based programs where law students investigate civil rights murders. “For years, I didn’t know anything about what happened. I guess my mom didn’t want us to know what went on because we still live in that town,” said Darlene Morris-Newbill, 41, whose great grandfather, Frank Morris, died after he was set on fire by racists in Ferriday, Louisiana, in 1964. The case was investigated by the CCJI and turned its research over to the Department of Justice, which said it was unable to determine or prosecute a culprit. Speakers urged Congress to extend the Till Act, which is set to expire in 2017. Under the act, Congress appropriated funding to the DOJ to investigate unsolved civil rights murder cases and, whenever possible, to bring killers to justice. The panel included Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas); Emmett’s cousin, Thelma Edwards, who still remembers the night he was snatched from her parent’s home at gunpoint; Paul Delaney, a former editor at the New York

www.washingtoninformer.com

■ On-Camera Coaching

Families Still Wait for Justice in Unsolved Civil Rights Murders

ennis.c .saded /www Dennis : Sade Photo

Harry T. Moore and Harriette V. Moore were mortally wounded in their home in Mims, Florida, on Christmas Day 1951. /Courtesy photo

■ Image Consultations

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

Times who wrote extensively about civil rights murders; and Paula Johnson and Janis McDonald, the Syracuse law professors who co-direct the CCJI. Jackson-Lee, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, which pushed to bring the act to fruition, compared the families’ fight for justice to those of loved ones seeking justice in recent cases, such as the killing of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, by George Denise Rolark Barnes Zimmerman, and the killings of Independent Beauty Consultant Sean Bell, Michael Brown and www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com Eric Garner at the hands of po202-236-8831 lice. “Different issues, but they all point to the question of justice and the dignity of human life,” she said. “And this is what you are saying as families…Does my grandfather, my great grandfather deserve…dignity.” Jackson-Lee pointed out other civil right killings—“the 1968 Orangeburg massacre at South Carolina State where state police shot and killed three stu(301) 864-6070 dent protesters; the 1967 shooting death of Carrie Brumfield, whose body was found on a rural Louisiana Road, the 1957 MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC murder of Willie Joe Sanford, whose body was fished out of a ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, creek in Hawkinsville, Georgia.” COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, She said the Till Act may need Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, to be amended to require local Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, law enforcements to assist federal investigators in the civil rights National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, murders. ‡ Please set all copy in upper and lowercase,Race flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes:Act, Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bo Discrimination, Rehabilitation Retaliation, Beautythese Consultant in 9-point Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica “We can hold local po- Helvetica Neue Light;Company-approved ® Personal Web Site program may To the Independent Beauty Consultant: Only Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, lice authorities to a standard that Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge ‘You [investigate] cold cases. This is one of them. You are reSERVING MARYLAND, DC, & NORTH CAROLINA

EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS

See JUSTICE on Page 18 The Washington Informer

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

AROUND THE REGION

WEEK OF DEC 25 TO DEC 31

Black Facts December 25 1951 – Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Moore are murdered when a bomb explodes under their home in Mims, Florida. Both were teachers and courageous civil rights activists. It is believed the bomb was planted by a white terrorist organization such as the Ku Klux Klan. 2006 – James Brown dies. “Soul Brother #1” – one of the most influential figures in Soul and R&B music of the 20th Century died at 73 while preparing for a performance. Born in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown began his career in 1953 and rose to fame in the late 1950s. He remained highly popular through the 1960s and 1970s.

BUYING RECORDS

December 26 1908 – Jack Johnson won the World Heavyweight Title when he fought the Canadian world champion Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia. Americans were so outraged by his victory and subsequent domination of the sport that they sought desperately for the “Great White Hope.” In 1910 James Jeffries answered the call only to get knocked down by Johnson. The outcome triggered race riots in which at least 23 blacks and 2 whites died across the United States. 1966 – The first Kwanzaa holiday celebrations take place. Black Nationalist Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga originated the alternative seven-day holiday period for African Americans. Kwanzaa and its principles however, may be more widely respected than actually celebrated among American blacks. December 27 1873 - William A. Harper, one of the most gifted black artists of the 20th century, is born in Cayuga, Canada. He was a student at the Henry O. Tanner Art Institute in Chicago. Unfortunately, his brilliance was cut short by tuberculosis. He died in Mexico at the age of 36 in 1910.

1956 – Segregation is outlawed on public buses in Tallahassee, Florida. The decision followed a six-month long boycott by the city’s African American population. The boycott was patterned after the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott sparked by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white man. December 28 1905 – Legendary Jazz great and pianist Earl “Fatha” Hines is born on this day in Duquesne, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. He was in a class by himself and a major influence not only in Jazz but also upon the Swing and Bebop eras of American popular music. He collaborated with such greats as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, and Dizzy Gillespie. He died in 1983. Among his bestknown hits were “Stormy Monday Blues” and “Second Balcony Jump.” 1954 – Movie star Denzel Washington is born on this day in Mt, Vernon, New York. 1977 – Karen Farmer becomes the first African American member of the Daughters of the American Revolution when she traces her ancestry back to William Hood, a solider in the Revolutionary War. December 29: 1939 – One of the most outstanding educators of the 20th century Kelly Miller dies in Washington, D.C. He was a champion of education for

blacks and was among that group of more radical blacks who opposed the accommodating policies of Booker T. Washington. In 1887, Miller became the first African American admitted to Johns Hopkins University. He became a long-time professor and dean at Howard University while also being a prolific writer, essayist, and newspaper columnist. December 30 1928 – R&B music legend Bo Diddley is born Ellas Bates on this day in McComb, Mississippi. 1929 – A black boycott of unfair store hiring practices begins during the Great Depression. The “Don’t Buy Where You Can’t Work” campaign began in Chicago with the picketing of a chain of stores. It soon spread to New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland and several other major cities. December 31 1871 - Annie Holland was born on this day. She became a celebrated educator and founded the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) in North Carolina. 1984 - The first nationally broadcast telethon for the United Negro College Fund is held and raises 14.1 million.

Denzel Washington

Buying Vinyl Records from 1950 to 1986, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Disco, Soul, Reggae, Blues, Gospel, and record format 33 1/3, 45s, and some of the older 78s. Prefer larger collections of at least 100.

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

AROUND AROUND THE THE REGION REGION INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY ELTON HAYES

VIEWP INT Jesus Felizzola Silver Spring, Maryland I believe the most memorable thing to happen in 2014 is President Barack Obama signing the executive action to expand immigration rights to those immigrants who have been in this country for quite some time. I think it was a major step in the right direction for social justice. It showed that this country is what it says it is when it comes to human rights and social justice. To me, this is the most memorable news story of the year.

Will Smith Silver Spring, Maryland The most important and memorable news story to me are the results of the Maryland general elections – everything from the governor’s race on down. I say it’s important and memorable because it is going to have an impact on how Maryland will progress over the next four years. I think the results will have major implications, especially in Montgomery County, Md., in terms of seeing the Purple [Metro] line being built, school construction – our schools are doubling in population – and the renovations of our roads and transportation infrastructure.

THERE WERE MANY NOTABLE NEWS STORIES IN 2014. WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEMORABLE TO YOU?

Mike Goodno Washington, D.C. The most memorable news story of 2014 is the very recent announcement by the Obama administration to normalize relations with Cuba. It’s memorable because there have been 50 years of sanctions on Cuba, American citizens were restricted from traveling to Cuba and numerous economic sanctions placed on Cuban residents. I just think it’s exciting and to me it’s the most memorable news story of the year.

Sonia Green Clinton, Maryland The most memorable news story of the year for me is President Obama loosening and lifting the embargo on Cuba. I think it’s important because our countries essentially neighbor each other and there are many common ties to be shared. It’s also memorable because it allowed for a peaceful resolution, and I am glad that President Obama allowed for it to happen. He has dealt with a lot of negativity during his presidency but he’s handled all of it very well.

Clifton Davis Rockville, Maryland For me, the most memorable news story of the year was the death of Maya Angelou. I had the opportunity to meet her in high school through one of the school’s programs and the whole experience was just very uplifting. That experience really touched me and I was just heartbroken when she passed away. Her work was not yet complete.

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball intrigue • decadence • style

the Mansion on O | 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. online reservations only: omansion.com/nyeball

get

fired up. bring your

heating bills down.

Replace your old or failing heating system and get up to

photo: pbj pictures

$1,250 cash back.

Connect at dcseu.com/heating or call us at 202-479-2222

#REPRESENTDC

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

AROUND THE REGION

D.C. Mayor Gray Gives Final Address By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins Shortly after taking office in 2011, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray expressed a commitment to expanding economic development beyond the downtown area of the District so that residents, regardless of race, neighborhood, or income, could enjoy the city’s urban renaissance. A visibly content Gray recently delivered his final address as city executive before friends, family, colleagues, and loyal supporters at his newly revitalized alma mater. During his 90-minute speech, he gave his gratitude to D.C. residents and touched on

8 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

the progress that the District has made while he sat at the helm for nearly four years. “[T]onight is about more than just giving me a chance to say thank you. It is a moment to celebrate real and measurable progress my administration has made for the city we all love. We are One City, Stronger Together,” Gray told more than 300 people at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Northwest on Dec. 17. After The Rev. Dr. Lewis Anthony led the audience in prayer, Gray entered the stage to thunderous applause that lasted more than a minute. “When I was inaugurated four years ago next month, before the great Chuck Brown and his band

D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray waves at audience members shortly after finishing his final address at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Northwest on Wednesday, Dec. 17./ Photo by Roy Lewis

took the stage… I promised we would restore fiscal discipline and put the District’s fiscal house in order. I promised we would create jobs and put people back to work. I promised we would

The Washington Informer

expand economic development beyond the downtown core into our neighborhoods. I promised we would continue to… ensure our children get the world-class education they deserve. And I promised we would make our communities safer,” Gray said. Although Gray followed through on some of his promises, his reelection hopes fizzled in April when he lost the D.C. mayoral primary to then-D.C. Council member Muriel Bowser (Ward 4) amid an investigation into the fundraising of his 2010 mayoral campaign. Since his defeat, Gray has worked to realize the last of his goals, including the revision of an archaic school boundary and student assignment policy and the financing of a new soccer stadium. During his nearly four years in office, Gray drew on decades of experience as director of the D.C. Department of Human Services, D.C. Council member, and council chairman to restore fiscal stability, induce job growth, and improve the quality of education in the District. Under his stewardship, D.C.’s unemployment rate fell three percentage points and the private sector created more than 44,000 jobs, signs of an economy unlike that seen in other post-recession American cities. During his address, Gray touted the District’s fund balance of $1.75 billion and construction projects across the city including the transformation of the old Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Northwest into a community center, the Skyland Town Center in Southeast, and the District-controlled portion of St. Elizabeth’s campus in

Southeast. Gray said the two latter projects signaled his commitment to residents east of the Anacostia River, an area he calls “the East End.” “We have focused unprecedented time, energy, and resources on the economic development needs of communities in Wards 7 and 8, where jobs and amenities are sorely needed,” Gray said. “Not only is it the right thing to do – to focus on communities that had long been neglected by government and business – but it is critical to the general well-being of the overall city. To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr., the District of Columbia can never be what it ought to be until we help the East End of the city be what it ought to be.” As mayor, Gray has also tried to improve the quality of education by modernizing nearly 60 public schools, expanding early childhood education, and launching an early literacy program that encourages parents to read, speak, and sing to their young ones. To address lingering questions of affordable housing, the Gray administration invested $317 million into the District’s Housing Production Trust Fund, a reserve that Gray said has allowed the city to construct more than 6,000 affordable housing units. “Mayor Gray was always well equipped to lead the city,” said Calvin Haupt, supervising captain at DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services in Southeast and an acquaintance of Gray. “He took advantage of the development and brought more business to the District. Educa-

See FAREWELL on Page 9

www.washingtoninformer.com

AROUND THE REGION

More than 300 guests listened as D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray outlined the progress the District has made under his leadership during his final address at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Northwest on Wednesday, Dec. 17./ Photo by Roy Lewis

Audience members rose to their feet and applauded D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray as he took the stage at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Northwest to deliver his final address on Wednesday, Dec. 17./ Photo by Roy Lewis

FAREWELL continued from Page 8 tion’s also improving. People in this city will benefit. In his transition from leader to citizen, he can become more of a valuable asset and informed voice.” Earlier in the evening, guests, some of whom sported blue Gray campaign shirts, chatted among one another in Dunbar’s marble lobby and wrote letters of gratitude to the mayor before taking their seats in the state-ofthe-art auditorium. The joyous occasion allowed some people like Dr. Justine Love to reflect on the mayor’s dedication to D.C.’s seniors and young people. “It was great having a native Washingtonian at the helm,” said Love, 60, chair of Serve DC, a District agency that leads local and national volunteer projects. “Mayor Gray’s level of commitment to service showed in the way that he engaged our residents. ‘One City’ will be his legacy. He fulfilled that for me when we shoveled snow for the seniors around the city. He also helped our children see beautiful

school environments during the annual Beautification Day,” said Love, also director of public and community affairs at CBS Radio. Gray closed his speech with several recommendations for the council and the new incoming administration. He strongly urged them to maintain a structurally balanced budget and reinforced his belief that raising the District’s debt cap “is really a bad idea.” He stressed the importance of diversifying the economy and not continue to rely on federal funding; and “to use every tool to keep DC socially, economically and racially diverse.” Gray said District residents deserve openness and transparency from their government. “I held a press conference every two weeks. I was not afraid of the hard questions the media asked because I knew what the answers were.” Lastly, Gray said, “We can’t give up on self-determination. We must stay the course and be willing to fight for what we deserve.” WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

AROUND THE REGION

Quality printErs 202-291-6565

printers@verizon.net

301 Kennedy st., NW - Washington, Dc 20011

MEnus, postErs BannErs & signs Sylvia Cyrus, executive director of ASALH (left), presented Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton with a special gift during the organization’s Dr. Carter G. Woodson 139th Birthday Commemoration at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest on Friday, Dec. 19, while other program participants looked on. /Photo by Roy Lewis

Organization Honors the ‘Father of Black History’ ASALH Announces Theme for Annual February Celebration

prograMs/BooKlEts rush service & dEsign EnvElopEs, BrochurEs & nEwslEttErs

EvEry door dirEct Mailing sErvicE

10 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer Black history, once ignored by many Americans, has developed into a nationwide curriculum and an annual celebration benefiting all members of society – regardless of race. And to celebrate the 139th birthday of the man known as the “father of black history,” one D.C.-based organization recently sponsored a party in his honor. “Few people have had as much of a positive influence on both black and American society as Dr. Carter G. Woodson – he created an institution that has become part of the fabric of our society,” said Daryl Michael Scott, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. “In creating Negro History Week, now Black History Month, and because he dedicated himself to the study of black history, he laid the groundwork for the study and preservation of our history. That’s a monumental accomplishment. Had he not had the vision and determination, I believe our lives would be much different. In fact, I doubt that the inclusion of black history in primary and secondary schools may never have occurred without his efforts,” said Scott, 56, a resident of Prince George’s County and a professor in the Department of History at Howard University. On Friday, Dec. 19, ASALH hosted an event at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest honoring Woodson, also the founder of the national organization that traces its origins to Chicago in September 1915. The birthday celebration, which marked Woodson’s 139th, featured: The Washington Informer

Dr. David Marion, first vice grand basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., from Jackson, Mississippi, gave the keynote speech during a program hosted by ASALH that commemorated Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s 139th birthday at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest on Friday, Dec. 19. /Photo by Roy Lewis

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has long supported efforts to refurbish Woodson’s home on Ninth Street Northwest; Sylvia Y. Cyrus, ASALH’s executive director; and Dr. Davion Marion, first vice basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., who is from Jackson, Mississippi. Scott said that after the work on Woodson’s home has been completed, it will be operated by the National Park Service, complementing their stable of homes of other iconic black men and women that include Mary McLeod Bethune and Frederick Douglass. During the evening, leaders from ASALH announced their 2015 National Black History Theme: “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.” “The theme is related to ASALH’s centennial, which we will celebrate next year, culminating with our annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, September 23 through September

27,” Scott said. “Every year since 1926, the association has suggested a theme for Black History Month, and through the years it has been adopted by schools, government agencies and various institutions. When we meet next fall, 1,500 ASALH scholars and members will participate in 200 sessions that deal with various facets of our organization’s history and the last 100 years of black history.” WI Carter Godwin Woodson (December 19, 1875 – April 3, 1950) was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of ASALH. A founder of the “Journal of Negro History” in 1916, he announced the celebration of Negro History Week in February 1926. He was the son of former slaves. In 1912, he became the second black, after W.E.B. DuBois, to earn his doctorate at Harvard University. He would later teach in D.C. public schools and at Howard University, where he served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

PRINCE GEORGE’S TOP STORIES Prince George’s Task Force Formed to Diversify County Government Officials in Prince George’s County government are hoping to diversify their ranks with the formation of a special task force aimed at outreach to immigrant communities. The New Americans Task Force held its second meeting on Jan. 11 in Lanham to discuss and recommend best practices for recruiting residents from underrepresented ethnic groups including those who have immigrated to the United States and are pursuing work in the county government. Prince George’s Crime Reaches Record Low by Joshua Garner Officials in Prince George’s County are boasting that residents

are safer now than they have been since 1986 after county crime stats for the past year showed a continued decline in violent crime rates. County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) joined Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and various law enforcement officials Jan. 2 in Lanham to announce the crime statistics from 2013, which represent a 38 percent decrease in homicides and a 30 percent decline in violent crimes since 2010.

county’s beloved son. Curry, 63, died on July 2 of lung cancer. His lengthy funeral at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland, brought together family, friends, colleagues, government officials, associates and former employees to pay their final respects to the former county executive, who, for most of his 40 years of public service, proved to be a force of nature.

Wayne Curry Remembered by Barrington M. Salmon Hours before Wayne Curry’s funeral got underway on July 10, a line of mourners snaked through the foyer from a designated door in front of the church, across the length of the building, all waiting patiently to bid farewell to the

Boulevard at Capital Centre Poised for a Comeback by Avis Thomas-Lester For some, it was welcome news that a popular eatery would join the meager few still remaining restaurants at the once-thriving Boulevard at the Capital Centre in Largo, Maryland.

EARN TWO IT CERTIFICATIONS... MOS (MicroSoft Office Suite) IC3 (Internet & Computing Core Certification) Evening Courses at Universal Center for Development!

GET STARTED ... Join us at our: “Open House Information Session” January 6, 2015 January 8, 2015 6:00-8:00 p.m. Southern Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 4444 Old Branch Avenue Temple Hills, Maryland 20748 Parking Available on the Church parking lot (located across the street from Ourisman Chevrolet) CLASSES ON TUESDAY & THURSDAY FROM 6:30-9:00PM CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 13, 2015 AND END JUNE 18, 2015 For more information, contact: Consentine Morgan, President at 301/449-9464 or Kayretha Sterling, Executive Director at 202/492-3004

For others, it was a sign that business was about to blow up – figuratively – at the central Prince George’s County pedestrian mall after years of store closings and restaurant relocations. Built on the site of the old Capital Centre, once home to the then-Washington Bullets and Washington Capitals, the Boulevard at the Capital Centre opened amid much fanfare in 2003, not long after the old arena was imploded. The main attractions eventually included the AMC Magic Johnson Capital Centre 12 theater complex. There was a Borders bookstore, a Linens ‘n Things, a Pier 1 Imports and an Ann Taylor Loft. Restaurants included Gladys Knight and Ron Winans’ Chicken and Waffles, Stonefish Grill, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Carolina Kitchen, an upscale soul food favorite of local residents. Council Salary Hike Proposal Draws Fire Council President Mel Franklin (D-District 9) introduced a measure at the Sept. 2 weekly meeting in Upper Marlboro to increase salaries for the nine-member board by five percent, effective in December. The bill, CB 68-2014, would also increase the pay for the county ex-

ecutive. Council members are currently the second highest paid in the state, behind Montgomery County. The Prince George’s County executive is the highest paid county chief administrator in the state. The proposed increase has raised concern among many residents. Prince George’s County Launches Marketing, Branding Campaign Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III joined county elected officials, business leaders and residents Monday at the National Harbor’s Capital Wheel to launch the county’s marketing and branding campaign, “Prince George’s County - Experience. Expand. Explore.” “There are so many great things going on in Prince George’s County and this effort is about making the region more aware of what we have to offer,” said EDC President/ CEO Gwen McCall. “Experience. Expand. Explore. Three words that describe what we want the region to do as they look at Prince George’s County.” Baker: Administration Fulfilled Promises in First Term by Avis

See TOP on Page 13

• course completion (5 months) • Registration Fee only $50

The mission of the Universal Center for Development is to provide a comprehensive program that integrates academic and vocational training for young adults and adults with disabilities, the socially and economically disadvantaged, Veterans and Homecomers. Our goal is to assist these individuals in acquiring marketable skills necessary for survival in a technological society.

UNIVERSAL CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT 12 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Prince George’s Pride Lacrosse players gather after a strength and conditioning clinic at Duvall Field in College Park, Md. /Photo courtesy of Prince George’s Pride

The Washington Informer

The Collective Banking Group, an organization of Christian ministers, most of whom oversee churches in Prince George’s County, invited gubernatorial hopefuls, including Anthony Brown, to participate in a political forum on key issues in the county.

www.washingtoninformer.com

PRINCE GEORGE’S TOP STORIES

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III, whose wife, Christa Baker, has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, participated in a health walk to combat the disease. /Courtesy Photo

TOP continued from Page 12 Thomas Lester – As he prepared to begin his second term, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III gave his administration high marks for his first four years in office, saying he was hopeful that the county will reach new heights during his new term, which began in December. In an interview with The Washington Informer on Nov. 19, Baker said he fulfilled the promises he made to the residents of Prince George’s County in 2010 to improve the county’s image, increase economic development, upgrade schools and reduce crime. ‘Thumbs-Up’ for New Power Plant Despite residents’ concerns over the necessity for building a second power plant near homes in Brandywine, Maryland, the Prince George’s County Council recently gave its nod for a new plant, which they insist will benefit the county with increased employment opportunities and a strengthened tax base. The residents’ uncertainty that dates back more than a year, surrounds the County Council’s Oct. 29 approval of two Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) in support

of a new 859-megawatt natural gas-fired electric power plant. Over the next 18 years, the PILOTs will enable the county and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) to receive more than $43 million and $13 million respectively in property tax revenue. Prince George’s Voters Keep Eight Year Cap on Council, County Executive Prince George’s County community leader Dave Chapman and some of his activist friends voiced their concern about a lack of responsiveness on the part of some of their elected officials back in 1992 when they proposed and rallied voters to support a referendum limiting members of the county council and the county executive to two four-year terms. Much to his chagrin, Chapman said when he learned that another referendum had been proposed for the Nov. 4 election to increase the terms from two to three, or from eight years to 12, he wasn’t pleased. The Prince George’s County Council voted unanimously last summer to place Question J on the ballot. And again, this week voters thwarted the effort to give politicians more time when Question J was

defeated. Question J counted among several initiatives on the Nov. 4 ballot in Prince George’s County. Voters approved Question A, which will enable the county to borrow funds and issue bonds of up to $240 million to pay for the renovation and construction of public safety facilities; Question B, which will allow the county to borrow money or issue bonds of up to $32 million for renovation and construction of libraries; Question C, which gives county officials the ability to borrow or issue bonds for up to $93 million for the renovation and construction of community college facilities; Question D, which allows for up to $238 million for county facilities; and Question E, which provides $122 million for public works and transportation facilities improvements.

communities, including East Riverdale/Bladensburg, Glassmanor/Oxon Hill, Hillcrest Heights/ Marlow Heights, Kentland/Palmer Park, Langley Park, and Suitland/ Coral Hills. “If we are going to see substantive changes in our communities that have significant economic, health, public safety and educational challenges, I think it’s clear that we need to address all elements of residents’ lives,” Baker, 55, said during a Nov. 13 press conference at Fort Foote Baptist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. “Hunger and nutrition are two critical elements, [and] once again, to have partners like the Peterson Companies and National Harbor step up in such a significant way is a great example for other businesses and

Foundation, Harbor Invest in Fight against Hunger Families and individuals accustomed to battling hunger in Prince George’s County could have an easier time accessing food, following an announcement last week by Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker that involves the Peterson Family Foundation and National Harbor. As part of the county’s “Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative,” officials for both organizations have committed to partnering with Prince George’s County to donate the equivalent of one million meals annually, over the next three years, to fight hunger and boost nutrition among residents in six

individuals in our community.” Africa Gallery Marks 25 Years by Dorothy Rowley – When it comes to success with small businesses, Areta Prince, owner of two popular clothing and jewelry boutiques in Prince George’s County, has counted amongst the most savvy of entrepreneurs. After 25 years of operating her Africa Gallery stores at Woodmore Towne Center in Lanham and Forestville Centre in Forestville, Prince was one of thousands of small-business retailers who eagerly looked forward to increasing her Nov. 29 end-of-the-day sales receipts as a participant in the fourth annual Small Business Saturday. WI

CALL (202) 670-7495 The Prince George’s County Department of the Environment is making it easy for residents to recycle cut Christmas trees (no artificial trees) by offering convenient drop-off locations and curbside pick up.

Beginning December 26, 2014 through February 1, 2015, residents with Yard Waste Collection may place their undecorated, unbagged, live Christmas trees at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on their regularly scheduled yard waste collection day.

*Please remove all plastic bags, tinsel and decorations No artificial trees

Residents may also bring unadorned trees, free of charge, to the following locations for recycling: BROWN STATION ROAD PUBLIC CONVENIENCE CENTER 3501 Brown Station Road Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY YARD WASTE COMPOSTING FACILITY 6601 Southeast Crain Highway Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For more information, please call SOURCE REDUCTION TIP: Save bows, paper and boxes for future gift wrapping!

Maryland State Del. Aisha Braveboy (D-District 25) introduced a bill to raise the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 by 2016. /Courtesy Photo

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

NATIONAL

QualITY prInTErs 202-291-6565

printers@verizon.net

301 Kennedy St., NW - Washington, DC 20011

sOuvEnIr BOOklETs & prOGraMs

It’s Time to Order Your Holiday Calendars and Greeting Cards

10% off

Calendars & Greeting Cards EnvElOpEs, BrOCHurEs & nEwslETTErs

EvErY dOOr dIrECT MaIlInG sErvICE

TOP RATED U.S.

WEIGHT LOSS COFFEE IS NOW BEINGwww.tipstalent.org SERVED!

Filled with healthy blend of MCT Oil & Ramon Seeds

Featured on the Dr. Oz Show

- Ideal for Home, Businesses, or Special Events - Convenient Single Brew Cup Sizes or 12 oz. bag - $$$ Low Cost – High Health & Weight Loss Benefits TO MAKE A RUSH ORDER DELIVERY, CALL

877-550-3637

14 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Muhammad Ali Hospitalized “The Greatest” Battling Pneumonia By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer He’s fiercely battled Parkinson’s disease and famously defeated a “bear” and a “hare” as he reigned supreme for more than two decades in the boxing ring. Now, Muhammad Ali faces another fight, this time the threetime world heavyweight boxing champion has been hospitalized with pneumonia. “Ali, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in stable condition,” Ali family spokesman Bob Gunnell said in a statement, noting that doctors caught the illness early, and Ali, 72, isn’t expected to be in the hospital long. “He was admitted earlier [on Saturday, Dec. 20] and because the pneumonia was caught early, his prognosis is good with a short hospital stay expected. At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy,” Gunnell said. Known as “The Greatest,” Ali’s public appearances have diminished in recent years as he continues to battle Parkinson’s disease, but the Associated Press reported that he still enjoys getting out and watching sports and visiting friends. Ali appeared in public in September at a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. Ali did not speak to the crowd but posed for photos with award winners, including former NFL great Jim Brown and NBA great Bill Russell. Brown leaned over and whispered to the seated Ali during the photo session. Later, Brown said he told Ali: “You’re the greatest of all time,” ESPN reported. Ali retired from boxing in 1981 after posting a 56-5 record that included such memorable bouts and victories over Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and George Foreman. He first won the heavyweight championship in 1964, defeating the heavily-favored Sonny Liston by knockout in the seventh round. After a rematch in 1965 in which he again dispatched Liston, whom Ali referred to as “the bear,” the champ declared The Washington Informer

Muhammad Ali knocks out George Foreman in 1974 in “The Rumble in the Jungle.” The three-time heavyweight champ has been hospitalized with pneumonia. /Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated.

Muhammad Ali first captured the heavyweight championship in 1964 with a knockout of Sonny Liston in the seventh round. Ali remains one of the most famous individuals to ever live. /Photo courtesy of ESPN

that he wanted to beat “the hare” – a name he’d given to challenger Floyd Patterson. The icon’s biggest ring triumph came 10 years after his first fight with Liston. In a heavily-promoted and much-hyped bout with Foreman, who like Liston stood as a heavy favorite, Ali knocked out the bigger, younger and much stronger fighter in a stunning performance that took place in Zaire, Africa. The fight became known as “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Ali finally retired after losing a decision to Trevor Berbick in 1981 and, since then, he has devoted himself to social causes. He has traveled the world on humanitarian missions, mingling with the masses and rubbing elbows with world leaders. Ali received the Presidential

Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2005. The Muhammad Ali Center, in Louisville, is dedicated to Ali’s humanitarian causes and showcases his boxing career. Ali and his wife, Lonnie, have homes in Paradise Valley, Arizona; Berrien Springs, Michigan; and in Louisville, Kentucky. In a previous interview in which reporters asked about the champ’s health, Gunnell said he’d been doing as well as possible. “Muhammad is doing fine at this point,” Gunnell said in October. “His speaking style is lower in tone, and as the day goes on, he doesn’t speak as well as he does in the morning. But Muhammad’s a strong person for his age and for the disease he has.” WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

Ebola Hot Spots Ebb and Flow as Fight Continues

INTERNATIONAL

Deaths Climb Above 7,300 By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer @bsalmondc Ebola may have fallen off America’s radar, but the virus continues to devastate communities in three affected West African countries. Since March, according to World Health Organization officials, key numbers are going down in some areas, but the epidemic continues to rage in western sections of Sierra Leone. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon led a delegation to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Mali, all countries affected by the hemorrhagic fever. Others on the mission include WHO Secretary-General Dr. Margaret Chan; Dr. David Nabarro, the UN’s Ebola coordinator; and Anthony Banbury, who runs the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, UNMEER. The Ebola epidemic, which erupted in Guinea in December 2013, has killed more than 7,300 and affected more than 18,000 people in total, WHO officials said. “The key numbers are going down in some areas. We’re making progress by dealing with the epidemic district-by-district and section-by-section,” said WHO spokesman Daniel Epstein. “Areas have been divided and segmented, and we have dozens of outbreaks being handled by separate teams. We’re also making sure we have adequate burial teams. “In a sense, things have improved. The epidemic’s numbers have gone down in Liberia. But cases are increasing slightly in Guinea and markedly in Sierra Leone. We found a new surge in western Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone has surpassed Liberia in terms of numbers. Part of it is that they’re lacking what they need, but people in remote western areas didn’t recognize it had cases. People were hiding cases, rejecting the idea that people had Ebola. We’re working to clean this hot spot.” The transitory nature of the epidemic has made it hard to contain, with hot spots flaring up and moving rapidly to different regions of the affected countries. The number of Ebola cases has been stabilizing in Liberia and Guinea but is overwhelming parts of Sierra Leone. Last week, President Ernest Bai Koroma launched what U.N. officials described as “an intensified surge operation” in Freetown, the capital, and areas in the west of the country. The international organization Doctors without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières first sounded the alarm and was one of the loudest voices calling for a robust international response to the fast-moving

virus. Then, as now, officials argued that the response to the Ebola crisis had been slow and uneven, leaving local people, national governments and non-governmental organizations to do most of the practical, hands-on work. MSF officials continue to warn that the international community risks failing to adapt to the outbreak after initially failing to respond quickly enough. “People are still dying horrible deaths in an outbreak that has already killed thousands,” said MSF International President Dr. Joanne Liu. “We can’t let our guard down and allow this to become double failure, a response that was slow to begin with and is ill-adapted in the end.” She said training NGOs and local health care workers to safely operate case management facilities can take weeks. While MSF and other organizations have been offering training, she explained, the bottleneck has created significant delays. “It is extremely disappointing that states with biological-disaster response capacities have chosen not to utilize them,” Dr. Liu said. “How is it that the international community has left the response to Ebola — now a transnational threat — to doctors, nurses and charity workers?” MSF currently employs 276 international and 3,160 locally hired staff in the region. The organization operates six Ebola case management centers, providing approximately 600 beds in isolation, and two transit centers. Since the beginning of the outbreak, MSF has sent more than 700 international staffers to the region and admitted more than 6,000 patients, around 3,800 of whom were confirmed as having Ebola. Nearly 1,600 patients have survived, and more than 1,200 tons of supplies have been shipped to the affected countries since March. Liu said Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mali are all in different phases of the outbreak and that the hot spots are constantly moving. Across West Africa, she explained, MSF is providing assistance in all six of the essential elements of an Ebola response: isolation and supportive medical care for cases, safe burials, awareness-raising, alert and surveillance in the community, contact tracing and the provision of general health care. “[However], more flexible support is urgently required in all of these areas until the outbreak is over – in other words, until the very last contact has been followed up and is found to be Ebola-free,” she said. Epstein said WHO has gotten “good” donations such as $200

www.washingtoninformer.com

“People are still dying horrible deaths in an outbreak that has already killed thousands,” said Dr. Joanne Liu, president of Doctors without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, the international organization calling for a robust international response to the Ebola crisis. / Courtesy Photo

million from the World Bank, $13 million from the U.S. and Germany and $5 million from Kuwait. What hasn’t been widely reported is that the Castro government in Cuba sent 160 doctors. “As of yesterday, we requested $1.5 billion, and the whole Ebola

Response Group has received $1.08 billion,” said Epstein during a Dec. 16 interview. “WHO has received $129 million, which is 49.8 percent of what we require. An additional $50 million has been pledged.” The epidemic has decimated communities, upended regular life,

and left villagers and townspeople unable to work and pulling back on activities such as schools, weddings and planting and harvesting crops. U.N., WHO and MSF officials and journalists and writers on the ground paint a picture of desperation as individuals and families try to cope with a grotesque disease that strikes with frightening ferocity. Liberian Ambassador to the U.S. Jeremiah C. Sulunteh echoed the sentiments of many during a September interview that his country’s future and the region’s hung in the balance. “The issue of food is overwhelming. When you quarantine people, you restrict their movements,” he said. “That means that farmers can’t go to their fields and people cannot go out to search for food. The economy is receding, and the finance minister announced … that we’re in recession. The next challenge will be how to revive the economy.” WI

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Comments? Opinions? Email us at:

We like to hear from you!

Ideas?

news@washingtoninformer.com

OPEN ENROLLMENT Nov 15, 2014 – Feb 15, 2015

Plans starting as low as $100 / month! DCHealthLink.com 1.855.532.LINK (5465)

16 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer

BUSINESS EXCHANGE

Black Lives That Mattered The two best examples of Black’s economic progress and upward mobility are Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia. The passing of Marion Barry, Jr. at age 78 brought about the last of Black leaders that effectively combined politics, civil rights and Blacks’ wealth development. What Marion Barry possessed that more mainstream Black politicians did not was that he was a mayor for and of his people. A man of civil rights, fallen character and a builder and spokesman for the dispossessed, Barry came to national prominence as the first prominent Black civil rights activist to become chief executive of a major American city. He served as the second mayor of the District of Columbia from 1979 to 1991 and again as the fourth mayor from 1995 to 1999. Barry was one of the first Black mayors to make a difference in terms of Blacks’ economic development. He recognized and identified opportunities for good, bona fide and certified Black-owned businesses to contractually perform and create employment for Black residents. Black businesses grew in Washington because Mayor Barry demanded it. He was known for his wildly undisciplined personal life. Barry failed to file income taxes and tested positive for cocaine and marijuana as late as 2005. While serving as a councilman, he was censured for steering a city contract to an ex-girlfriend and accepting cash from city contractors. But beyond all that, as mayor, Barry made unsurpassed contributions to the civil rights movement and demonstratively made economic opportunities to the city’s poorest residents. Barry was preceded in death a few weeks by Herman Jerome Russell. This iconic entrepreneur who built the nation’s largest black-owned construction and real estate firm, as well as much of the Atlanta skyline, died at the age of 83. The founder of the 60-year-old H. J. Russell & Company had a net worth of $200 million. He purchased his first property when he was a sophomore in high school and later leveraged it to

By William Reed pay for college. Born in Atlanta on December 23, 1930, Russell was the youngest of eight children. He worked odd jobs for his father, a plasterer who worked to instilled in a belief in hard work and prudence. Russell worked while earning a degree in building construction from the Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in Alabama. When his father died in 1957, Russell inherited his business, the Rogers Russell Plastering Company. He then took on more complex projects, from home building to real estate investment. His company was a partner in building projects at the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and others. Over the course of 60 years, he amassed one of the nation’s most profitable minority-owned business empires, turning a small plastering company into a construction and real estate conglomerate. Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. lived from March 23, 1938 to June 23, 2003. Maynard Jackson was the first African-American mayor of Atlanta and served three terms. His grandfather was civil rights leader John Wesley Dobbs. Jackson graduated from Morehouse in 1956 at age 18. He graduated from North Carolina Central University Law School in 1964. During his first term as mayor, he led the beginnings and much of the progress on several huge public-works projects in Atlanta and its region. He arranged for the rebuilding of the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport’s huge terminal to bring it up to modern standards. The airport was renamed the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after his death. Jackson was mayor when the Metropolitan

See REED on Page 17

www.washingtoninformer.com

BUSINESS

Make Economic Justice 2015’s New Year’s Resolution In recent months the groundswell of activism regarding Black America’s lack of criminal justice has become nearly daily headline news. Demonstrations spanning the nation and many parts of the globe have called for justice for those lives taken by questionable and fatal police behavior. Yet Black America also suffers from another kind of injustice that is economic in nature and as pervasive as it is cruel. According to a new analysis of the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, White household wealth stands at 13 times that of Black households. Similarly, when White wealth was compared to that of Latino households, the wealth gap was more than 10 times. After accounting for total household financial assets such as savings, investments, and business equity, the Pew Research Center then subtracted all indebtedness including mortgages, installment loans, credit cards student loans and more. The results in dollar values determined that the median net worth of White households in 2013 was $141,900. For Blacks and Latinos, however, median net worth was respectively only $11,000 and $13,700. Commenting on these findings, analysis authors Richard Fry and Rakesh Kochhar wrote, “[F]inancial assets such as stocks, have recovered in value more quickly than housing since the recession ended. White households are much more likely than minority households to own stocks directly or indirectly through retirement accounts. Thus, they [Whites] were in better position to benefit from the recovery in financial markets.”

REED continued from Page 16 Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) obtained federal funding for a rapid transit system, when its construction began and when MARTA began its first rail transit service. He was also mayor when Atlanta

By Charlene Crowell This reasoning may apply post-recession; but America’s racial wealth divide has existed throughout most of the nation’s history. For example, for more than 200 years enslaved Africans and their descendants worked with no wages. Emancipation freed former slaves; but few opportunities for immediate gainful employment existed. Although Reconstruction led to some short-lived economic gains, the “Black Codes” that soon followed with Jim Crow laws and practices reversed most financial gains. America’s ‘colored wages’ continued for several decades until 1960s federal civil rights legislation called for equal employment and banned racial discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing and voting. It is also noteworthy to remember that early federal homeownership programs were structured in ways that discriminated against Black borrowers. For example, the FHA and GI Bill’s housing programs had severe biases against urban homes and neighborhoods with large numbers of minorities. These policies and practices led to the virtual exclusion of Black families in accessing affordable and sustainable mortgages. In other locales, restrictive covenants banned people of color from neighborhoods – without regard for their ability to afford homes. Some restrictive was selected as the host city for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and for decisions that brought about planned public works projects including improvements to freeways and parks, and the completion of Freedom Parkway. These men represent real

www.washingtoninformer.com

covenants existed even in communities that did not officially mandate racial segregation. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), enacted in 1977, requires depository institutions such as banks and credit unions to use safe and sound practices to meet the credit needs of communities where they operate – including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. In May 1995 and again in August 2005, CRA’s regulation was substantially revised and updated. Even with CRA, however, predatory lenders consistently targeted consumers of color in their own neighborhoods. Often in the absence of full-service, mainstream financial services, these fringe lenders arrived to exploit financial needs in urban areas. In the process, valuable dollars have been drained from wallets and livelihoods. For example, 2012 research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) found that: • Black and Latino families bore $1 trillion of the nation’s $2 trillion in lost wealth due to the concentration of subprime mortgages in communities of color; • Auto loan interest-rate markups cost consumers nearly $26 billion each year; and • Borrowers in lower credit tiers pay up to 68 percent higher monthly payments on private student loans than on safer federal loans. If economic injustice is allowed to continue, America’s disturbing wealth gap trends will underscore what the 1960s Kerner Commission report predicted: two Americas divided by race. As a New Year begins, a different kind of resolution is in order: Economic justice for all.WI Charlene Crowell is a communications manager for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org. Black leadership and racebased vision. Why buy into politicians that don’t have your race’s priorities at heart? WI William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and available for projects via Busxchng@his.co The Washington Informer

Do you know someone who needs to improve their credit score? Let us help get the good credit you deserve! IT A HIGHER CRED ING: SCORE WILL BR • Better rates on mortgages and refinances on • No or low interest credit cards loans • Lower rates on car on s rate ter Bet • insurance job • Positive results for screenings

• • • • •

Get help removing ina ccurate, erroneous and obsole te information in you r credit le, including: Late Payments Bankruptcies Charge-offs Public Records Collections

• • • • •

Judgments Repossessions Tax Liens Foreclosures Student Loans

MAXIMIZE YOUR CREDIT SCORE at “THE CREDIT STORE”

United Credit Education Services 3012 Mitchellville Road, #203 • Bowie, MD 20716

Derrick J. Smith, Vice President 301.744.7472

brokerderrick@thecreditstore.info • www.united-credit.org

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

AROUND THE REGION JUSTICE continued from Page 5 ceiving federal funds. We would like for you to put it on your agenda to look at this cold case,” she said. Johnson said CCJI believes the Department of Justice needs to do more to resolve the cases. “We certainly understand that there are challenges in cases that are older, but we are not convinced that the Department of Justice has done all that it can or should do in the thoroughness of the pursuit of finding information, of locating witnesses, of combing through documents,” she said. DOJ spokeswoman Dena Iverson did not respond to requests for information. But an annual report on the Till Act investigations confirms that few cases have been resolved. “We have now concluded our

18 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

investigation into 100 of 113 cold cases involving 126 victims,” the report said. “Though very few prosecutions have resulted from these exhaustive efforts, the Department’s efforts to review these matters have helped bring closure to many family members of the victims…” Moore said she never spoke to an investigator from the FBI during the time agents were allegedly reinvestigating the killing of her parents. She believes there needs be better oversight of DOJ’s cold case investigations. “I don’t think they investigated anything in my parents’ case,” she said. “I think they had to pretend to placate people. I think they weren’t truly interested in finding out who killed my parents. It was a waste of time and a waste of money.” Keith Beauchamp, a New York-based film maker who has

Evangeline Moore is seeking justice for her parents 63 years after their murders. /Courtesy photo

investigated dozens of unsolved civil rights murders and whose investigation of the Emmett Till murder helped convince FBI officials to reopen the case in 2004, said the families need answers. “It may seem like a long time

The Washington Informer

ago to us, but to the families dealing with this pain, it’s like these killings happened yesterday,” he said. “All they want to know is what happened to their loved ones. That’s where I come in. I’ve worked on the investiga-

tions and covered the stories and because of that, I’ve been able to tell some of these loved ones the details of how their family members passed away. That has given them more justice than courtroom justice.” WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

Quality Healthcare. Close to Home. OUR HOSPITAL SERVICES » Cancer Screening » Cardiology » Diabetes » Emergency Medicine » Family Practice » GI

» Infectious Disease » Intensive Care » Internal Medicine » Interventional Radiology » Minimally Invasive Vascular Surgery » Neurology » ObstetricsGynecology » Orthopedics

» Pathology » Plastic Surgery » Psychiatric Services for Adults » Pulmonology » Radiology » Rehabilitation Services » Renal Dialysis » Rheumatology

» Skilled Nursing » Surgery » Telemetry » Urology » Wound Care

Our ED is divided into two sections The Emergency Department Core and the Fast Track to care for patients with both major and minor medical conditions and emergencies.

PRIMARY CARE CENTER At the UMC Primary Care Center, we want to be your first choice “your lifelong home” for all of your health care. Our staff of board-certified doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses can take care of all of your medical, prevention, and wellness needs: General Hours of Operation Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Our Emergency Department (or “ER”) is opened 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and is continuously staffed by highly trained physicians who have extensive training and experience in emergency medicine. Our dedicated staff of providers cares for over 53,000 patients annually.

Our Location United Medical Center Medical Office Building (next to the hospital) 1328 Southern Ave, SE, Suite 302 Washington, DC 20032

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CORE In UMC’s Emergency Department Core, our skillful physicians, nurses, and technicians are trained to care for patients with major medical conditions including cardiac diseases, stroke, respiratory distress, trauma, diabetes and other acute life-threatening illnesses. Should patients require higher levels of care or further trauma care, patients are stabilized first and then transferred to one of our affiliated major medical centers. Our staff will coordinate the transfer with the receiving hospital. FAST TRACK In Fast Track, emergency medicine providers will treat a patient’s minor illnesses and injuries. Our Fast Track, like our emergency department, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days yearly.

Not-For-Profit Hospital Corporation | 1310 Southern Avenue, SE, DC 20032

P 202.574.6000 | www.united-medicalcenter.com www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

TRIUMEQ is a once-a-day pill used to treat HIV-1. TRIUMEQ should not be used by itself in some people. Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Is it time for you? Ask your doctor. APPROVED USES TRIUMEQ is a prescription medicine used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. It is not known if TRIUMEQ is safe or effective in children under the age of 18. TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illness. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

° yellow skin, or the white part of the eyes turns yellow; dark urine;

• A buildup of acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take TRIUMEQ. This serious medical emergency can cause death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel very weak or tired; have unusual muscle pain; have trouble breathing; have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy/ light-headed; or have a fast/irregular heartbeat.

get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

light-colored stools; nausea; itching; or stomach-area pain. What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ? • Worsening of hepatitis B virus in people who have HIV-1 infection. • Serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity reaction). TRIUMEQ If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus infections, your hepatitis virus contains abacavir. Patients taking TRIUMEQ may have a serious infection may get worse if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. Do not stop allergic reaction to abacavir that can cause death. Your risk is taking TRIUMEQ without first talking to your healthcare provider, so much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your he or she can monitor your health. healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have • Resistant hepatitis B virus. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the this gene variation. If you get symptoms from 2 or more of the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant). provider right away: 1. fever; 2. rash; 3. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; 4. generally ill feeling, extreme • Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. If you’re taking tiredness, or achiness; 5. shortness of breath, cough, or sore TRIUMEQ and interferon, with or without ribavirin, tell your healthcare throat. Your pharmacist will give you a Warning Card with a list of provider about any new symptoms. Liver disease might get worse in these symptoms. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times. patients who are taking HIV-1 medicines and interferon. If you stop taking TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never Who should not take TRIUMEQ? take TRIUMEQ or any other medicine that contains abacavir or • Do not take TRIUMEQ if you: dolutegravir again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir° have the HLA-B*5701 gene variation containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, ° have ever had an allergic ®reaction to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine within hours you may get life-threatening symptoms that may ° take dofetilide (Tikosyn ) include very low blood pressure or death. If you stop TRIUMEQ for ° have certain liver problems any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to What are other possible side effects of TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again. Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening • People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TRIUMEQ. Your healthcare provider may do tests healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, to check your liver function before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ. start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one. • When you start taking HIV-1 medicines, your immune system may

• Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take TRIUMEQ. In some cases, these severe liver problems can lead to death. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking nucleoside analogue medicines for a long time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. • Some HIV-1 medicines, including TRIUMEQ, may increase your risk of heart attack. The most common side effects of TRIUMEQ include: trouble sleeping, headache, and tiredness. These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Important Safety Information continued on next page.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see brief summary of Prescribing Information for TRIUMEQ on the following pages.

20 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

Not an actual patient. Testimonial is based on a collection of real patient experiences.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRIUMEQ? • Before you take TRIUMEQ, tell your healthcare provider if you: ° have been tested and know whether or not you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. ° have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection; have kidney problems; have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes; drink alcoholic beverages; or have any other medical condition. ° are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby. ° are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TRIUMEQ.

• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines (for example, antacids; laxatives; vitamins such as iron or calcium supplements; anti-seizure medicines; other medicines to treat HIV-1, hepatitis, or tuberculosis; metformin; and methadone) and herbal supplements (for example, St. John’s wort). TRIUMEQ may affect the way they work, and they may affect how TRIUMEQ works.

• You should not take TRIUMEQ if you also take: or ZIAGEN) ° abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, ® lamivudine (COMBIVIR , EPIVIR, EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR) ° ® ® emtricitabine (EMTRIVA , ATRIPLA , COMPLERA®, STRIBILD®, TRUVADA®) °

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

BRIEF SUMMARY TRIUMEQ® (TRI-u-meck) (abacavir 600 mg/dolutegravir 50 mg/lamivudine 300 mg) tablets Read this Medication Guide before you start taking TRIUMEQ and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment. Be sure to carry your TRIUMEQ Warning Card with you at all times.

• Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. Worsening of liver disease has happened in people infected with HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus who are taking anti-HIV medicines and are also being treated for hepatitis C with interferon with or without ribavirin. If you are taking TRIUMEQ and interferon with or without ribavirin, tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms.

What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ? • Serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity reaction). TRIUMEQ contains abacavir (also contained in EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®, and ZIAGEN®). Patients taking TRIUMEQ may have a serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death. Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get a symptom from 2 or more of the following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider right away to find out if you should stop taking TRIUMEQ.

What is TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-type 1) infection. TRIUMEQ contains 3 prescription medicines: abacavir (ZIAGEN), dolutegravir (TIVICAY), and lamivudine (EPIVIR®). • TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. It is not known if TRIUMEQ is safe and effective in children. TRIUMEQ may help: • reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • increase the number of white blood cells called CD4+ (T) cells in your blood, which help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others. • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV to other people.

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5

Symptom(s) Fever Rash Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal (stomach area) pain Generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness Shortness of breath, cough, sore throat

A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card your pharmacist gives you. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times. If you stop TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never take TRIUMEQ or any other medicines that contain abacavir or dolutegravir (EPZICOM, ZIAGEN, TRIZIVIR, or TIVICAY®) again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, within hours you may get life-threatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death. If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again. Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one. • Build-up of acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take TRIUMEQ. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get the following symptoms that could be signs of lactic acidosis: • feel very weak or tired • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • have trouble breathing • have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • feel dizzy or light-headed • have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take TRIUMEQ. In some cases these severe liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow • dark “tea-colored” urine • light colored stools (bowel movements) • nausea • itching • stomach-area pain You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking nucleoside analogue medicines for a long time. • Worsening of hepatitis B virus in people who have HIV-1 infection. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus infections, your hepatitis virus infection may get worse if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. To help avoid this: Take TRIUMEQ exactly as prescribed. • Do not run out of TRIUMEQ. • Do not stop TRIUMEQ without talking to your healthcare provider. • Your healthcare provider should monitor your health and do regular blood tests to check your liver for at least several months if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. • Resistant Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant).

22 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Who should not take TRIUMEQ? Do not take TRIUMEQ if you: • have a certain type of gene variation called the HLA-B*5701 allele. Your healthcare provider will test you for this before prescribing treatment with TRIUMEQ. • have ever had an allergic reaction to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine • take dofetilide (TIKOSYN®). Taking TRIUMEQ and dofetilide (TIKOSYN) can cause side effects that may be life-threatening. • have certain liver problems What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRIUMEQ? Before you take TRIUMEQ, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have been tested and know whether or not you have a particular gene variation called HLA-B*5701 • have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney problems • have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes • drink alcoholic beverages • have any other medical condition • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking TRIUMEQ. Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TRIUMEQ. You should not breastfeed because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. It is not known if abacavir or dolutegravir passes into your breast milk. Lamivudine can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRIUMEQ may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how TRIUMEQ works. You should not take TRIUMEQ if you also take: • abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN) • lamivudine (COMBIVIR®, EPIVIR, EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR) • emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®, ATRIPLA®, COMPLERA®, STRIBILD®, TRUVADA®) Tell your healthcare provider if you take: • antacids, laxatives, or other medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium, sucralfate (CARAFATE®), or buffered medicines. TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines. (continued on the next page)

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

BRIEF SUMMARY (cont’d) TRIUMEQ® (abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine) tablets • anti-seizure medicines: • oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®) • phenytoin (DILANTIN®, DILANTIN®-125, PHENYTEK®) • phenobarbital • carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, TEGRETOL®-XR, TERIL®, EPITOL®) • any other medicine to treat HIV-1 • iron or calcium supplements taken by mouth. Supplements containing calcium or iron may be taken at the same time with TRIUMEQ if taken with food. Otherwise, TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines. • medicines used to treat hepatitis virus infections, such as interferon or ribavirin • a medicine that contains metformin • methadone • rifampin (RIFATER®, RIFAMATE®, RIMACTANE®, RIFADIN®) • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take one of the medicines listed above. How should I take TRIUMEQ? • Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. • Do not change your dose or stop taking TRIUMEQ without talking with your healthcare provider. • Stay under the care of a healthcare provider while taking TRIUMEQ. • You can take TRIUMEQ with or without food. • If you miss a dose of TRIUMEQ, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you are not sure about your dosing, call your healthcare provider. • Do not run out of TRIUMEQ. The virus in your blood may become resistant to other HIV-1 medicines if TRIUMEQ is stopped for even a short time. When your supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. • If you take too much TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What are the ingredients in TRIUMEQ? Active ingredients: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine Inactive ingredients: D-mannitol, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate. The tablet film-coating contains iron oxide black, iron oxide red, macrogol/ PEG, polyvinyl alcohol–part hydrolyzed, talc, and titanium oxide. This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufactured for:

by:

ViiV Healthcare Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Lamivudine is manufactured under agreement from Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc Basingstoke, UK

T:12.25”

What are the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ?” • Changes in liver tests. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TRIUMEQ. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • Changes in body fat (fat redistribution) can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these problems are not known. • Heart attack (myocardial infarction). Some HIV medicines including TRIUMEQ may increase your risk of heart attack. The most common side effects of TRIUMEQ include: • trouble sleeping • headache • tiredness Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store TRIUMEQ? • Store TRIUMEQ at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). • Store TRIUMEQ in the original bottle. • Keep the bottle of TRIUMEQ tightly closed and protect from moisture. • The bottle of TRIUMEQ contains a desiccant packet to help keep your medicine dry (protect it from moisture). Keep the desiccant packet in the bottle. Do not remove the desiccant packet. Keep TRIUMEQ and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of TRIUMEQ Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use TRIUMEQ for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TRIUMEQ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about TRIUMEQ. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about TRIUMEQ that is written for health professionals. For more information go to www.TRIUMEQ.com or call 1-877-844-8872.

COMBIVIR, EPIVIR, EPZICOM, TIVICAY, TRIUMEQ, TRIZIVIR, and ZIAGEN are registered trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. EPIVIR-HBV is a registered trademark of the GSK group of companies. The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse the ViiV Healthcare group of companies or its products. ©2014, the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved. Issued: August 2014 TRM:1MG

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Happy Kwanzaa

Celebrating our tradition, living the seven principles

24 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014 50641_N4111115N.indd 1

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

12/17/14 7:43 PM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Editorial Cuba: An Important First step

President Barack Obama, aided in large part by Pope Francis, has radically shifted the troubled and tenuous relationship that’s existed between the United States and Cuba. Obama sought a different direction because he saw an outdated, calcified policy that served no real purpose. Obama’s Dec. 18 announcement to normalize relations with its Caribbean neighbor caught many by surprise. Cuba, for the past 50 years, had been punished by an embargo ostensibly because of its communist philosophy and its ties to the former Soviet Union. But the island nation suffered because it repelled a CIA-sponsored invasion that ended in ignominy at the Bay of Pigs in 1961 and American embarrassment that led to the onerous sanctions. Even as America forged diplomatic and other ties with China. Vietnam and even Russia, right-wingers and a dogged Cuba lobby based in South Florida ensured that past presidents and Congresses left the embargo untouched. In the wake of this announcement, Cuba isolationists, anti-Castro elements and conservative lawmakers have criticized the decision and hammered Obama. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio promises to prevent establishment of an American embassy and said he’d block the appointment of an ambassador. Simply put, the embargo failed and never came close to achieving the stated goal of toppling the Castro regime. It didn’t work, and Fidel and Raul Castro have maintained their iron grip on the island as eight U.S. administrations have come and gone. And, at the end of the day, the embargo has hurt those most it was purported to help: the people. Having the embargo in place offered the communist government the scapegoat it needed to blame every Cuban hardship on the sanctions. Now, there’s no excuse. Lost in the political posturing and brinksmanship, however, is the human element. Peoples’ lives have been unalterably affected by both communism and the embargo. The poignancy of this reality is captured quite eloquently by Hirania Luzardo, senior editor with HuffPost Voces. “I have not been able to return to my island. I’m on a blacklist denying me access to walk the ground where I was born, and when they permit me entry they will watch and censor me. I cannot see my 80-year-old father; I haven’t been able to celebrate a Christmas with him in 20 years. “Who will give me back this time which will not return? Who will help me heal the pain of what could have been and cannot be? Even with the pain I bear, the past does not define me. I’m betting on the future. I want to see my father. I want to return to my country with my rights because I was born there, even though I have decided on a harder path, the pilgrimage of exile.”

A Post-Barry Future

The race for the seat the late Ward 8 Councilmember Marion S. Barry held is heating up, and a range of people are offering themselves as candidates. Whoever wins the right to represent the ward will have their hands full with a range of well-documented challenges and needs including access to jobs, quality education for children, a lack of preparation for available jobs, and the mission to combat obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other illnesses afflicting residents. Nate Bennett-Fleming, Natalie Williams and LaRuby May have declared, while Eugene Dewitt Kinlow is on the verge. Others, like Barry protégé Trayon White, are still on the fence, and others, including Barry’s son Christopher, are still being prodded into running. He created a lot of buzz after eulogizing his father at his Dec. 6 funeral service at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The ward is in vital need of a different type of leadership, one that offers solutions born of novel, viable, innovative ideas. Such a person deserves serious consideration to become the Ward 8 representative.

Building Purple Line Benefits Everyone

I would like to give a resounding vote of “yes” to building a complete Purple Line in the state of Maryland. When I read your article, “Feds Appropriate $100 Million for Purple Line,” by William Ford in the December 18, 2014 edition, I said to myself, finally we might just get some movement on this. It baffles me when I hear politicians talk about how the state can’t afford to build the Purple Line, like our newly-elected governor, but I’d bet if some large corporation wanted to move to the state and wanted some tax breaks, those same politicians wouldn’t hesitate to accommodate them. Building the Purple Line would mean thousands of jobs for construction workers and that means tax dollars for the state. Let’s think about how small business owners will benefit from the Purple Line; if it’s anything like what has happened in the District of Columbia, it’s nothing but a win- win situation for them. I do understand the large amount of money needed to complete such a project, but that cost can be easily recouped from tax-generated dollars. Companies will want to locate near the line for employee con-

venience and people will want to buy homes close by for the same reasons. Simply said, public rapid transportation is just a smart investment. I hope our state politicians see it that way. Leon Hancock Prince George’s County

Thank Goodness for Dr. Calvin Rolark

I would like to wish you and your staff a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I can only imagine the amount of work it takes to publish a newspaper of this quality each and every week, so my hat goes off to you and to your staff. I read your newspaper each week and it is such a joy reading so many stories related to our community that I would not have seen anywhere else. You probably already know how important it is that we have an outlet in which we can read positive news about our community. Dr. Calvin W. Rolark understood the importance of having positive images and news that could be shared with our entire community and so he planted the seeds. He knew that if only negative images and negative news were all that was fed to us we would begin to think that’s all

we could be and do. So I thank Dr. Rolark for his foresight and wisdom each time I open up and read an issue of The Washington Informer. I know he would be proud to see how his seeds have blossomed. Christine Keller Washington, D.C.

What Do You Think? We’d Like To Know. E-mail Us: news@ washingtoninformer.com

Write Us: The Washington Informer 3117 MLK Ave, SE Washington, D.C. 20032

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Lekan Oguntoyinbo

America’s Policy Toward Cuba Never Made Sense President Obama’s decision to restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba, following 18 months of secret talks, is one of the smartest decisions he’s made as president. Normalizing relations with Cuba – an island nation just 90 miles off the coast of Florida – is a smart idea whose time is long past due. Of course, Washington’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with

Cuba, a nation that is estimated to be 40 -60 percent non-White, never made sense to begin with. For years, Fidel Castro and his band of ragtag but gallant revolutionaries had fought the forces of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, an American puppet and brutal ruler said to be responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Cubans. In the early days of the revolution, Castro, whose forces eventually prevailed on January 1, 1959, actually identified with America’s founding fathers and

sought to build bridges with Washington. “The revolution was about race, class and oppression,” Felix Sharpe-Caballero, a Cuban-American of African descent who immigrated to the United States when he was 3 years old and who visits Cuba four or five times a year, told me. “One of Fidel’s Castro’s first executive orders was to eliminate racism. No less than eight of my relatives on my father and mother’s side are highly rated medical professionals. These are all peo-

Guest Columnist

ple who looked like you and me. In pre-Castro Cuba, that would have been impossible. “ Castro was spurned by both the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. Washington’s persistent efforts to derail the Cuban revolution and to assassinate Castro ultimately drove him into the arms of the Soviets. Cuba remained a fiercely loyal ally of Moscow until the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. For this loyalty, Cuba paid a huge price economically as a result of a U.S. trade embar-

go. The effect of the embargo was felt even more deeply after the Soviet Union, Cuba’s main patron, went out of business. Wages shrunk, living standards plummeted and analysts predicted it was only a matter of time before the Cubans would rise up and oust Castro. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Meanwhile, Washington, which couldn’t handle defeat, refused to lift the embargo. It

See OGUNTOYINBO on Page 45

By Bill Fletcher, Jr.

A Wealth of Unfair Criticism for Obama I had an interesting, though brief, discussion with a rich friend about President Obama. He is quite conservative, politically. He made the point that this has been the longest economic recovery since World War II. His point was that this was President Obama’s fault. I have many criticisms of President Obama, as you know. But what unsettles me about conservative criticisms of Obama re-

volves around issues of context and facts. Anyone who has been watching the price of oil drop over the last weeks may have guessed that the global economy is having a great deal of difficulty recovering from the Great Recession. In fact, some parts of the world remain in recession or have returned to recession. Japan, for instance, has been economically stagnant. The U.S. has edged out of the recession. The problem in the U.S. goes beyond any one presidential ad-

ministration. Since 1975, the living standard for the average working person has been stagnant or dropping. This is a documented fact. It relates to several factors, including the changes in the global capitalist economy (specifically what we refer to as globalization); changes in economic policies, e.g., privatization; and de-unionization, i.e., the attacks on workers and their right to organize. The combination of these factors has led to an economic malaise.

Guest Columnist

As you will probably remember, when President Obama came into office in 2009, the economy was in free fall. He, successfully, helped to stop that. But, because of excessive caution on the part of his administration plus his allies on Wall Street, his administration was not prepared to carry out the sorts of profound economic initiatives necessary to lead to a full recovery, e.g., a greater commitment to investment in infrastructure rebuilding. By “full

recovery” I mean putting people back to work on the scale that is necessary. Thus, Wall Street recovered; all of the economic figures have been up; but for most working people, there remain on-going challenges due to home foreclosures and the failure of our incomes to rise. My rich friend does not believe in anything approaching wealth redistribution, but that is precisely what we need. As

See FLETCHER on Page 45

By George E. Curry

After Cuba, Hope Rises in Palestine and the Western Sahara The loudest shouting after the announcement of a thaw in the U.S.-Cuba icy relationship may not have been in Havana or Washington, but in Ramallah, the de facto capital of the Palestinians in the West Bank, about 10 miles north of Jerusalem, and among the Sahrawis exiled in Morocco, Mauritania and five refugee camps near the city of Tindouf in southwestern Algeria. Of the two struggles, the

26 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Palestinian plight is the better known. Joel Beinin and Lisa Hajjar, writing for the Middle East Research and Information Project, observed: “Jewish claims to this land are based on the biblical promise to Abraham and his descendants, on the fact that the land was the historical site of the ancient Jewish kingdoms of Israel and Judea, and on Jews’ need for a haven from European anti-Semitism. “Palestinian Arab claims to the land are based on their con-

tinuous residence in the country for hundreds of years and the fact that they represented the demographic majority until 1948. They reject the notion that a biblical-era kingdom constitutes the basis for a valid modern claim. If Arabs engage the biblical argument at all, they maintain that since Abraham’s son Ishmael is the forefather of the Arabs, then God’s promise of the land to the children of Abraham includes Arabs as well. They do not believe that they should forfeit their land to compensate The Washington Informer

Jews for Europe’s crimes against Jews.” The already tense situation has worsened with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressing for a new law that would declare Israel the nation-state of the Jewish people. He said, “The state of Israel provides full equal rights, individual rights, to all its citizens, but it is the nation state of one people only – the Jewish people – and of no other people. And therefore, in order to bolster the status of the state of Israel

as the nation state of the Jewish people, I intend to submit a basic law that will anchor this status.” Israel has decided to dissolve the Knesset and hold new elections on March 17. For the past 41 years, there has been a major dispute over who should control the Western Sahara, land that has been annexed by Morocco. Like Cuba, the Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony. The U.S. State Department

See CURRY on Page 45

www.washingtoninformer.com

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

Blacks are a Giving People African Americans are overrepresented among the poor, but it would be a mistake to conclude that all African Americans are poor. We are all aware of the seven, eight, and even nine-figure incomes of luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé and Jay Z, hundreds of athletes, tech leaders, and many others who are “living large.” It is equally important, though, to acknowledge those

African Americans who, while not wealthy, are earning more than simple survival wages. While African American families have a median income of about $33,000, White families have a median income of about $54,000. With median wealth of $113,000, the average White family has wealth at 20 times that of African Americans. Several historical and contemporary factors contribute to these income and earnings gaps. African Americans have less education, higher unemployment,

less intergenerational wealth, less access to employment opportunities, among other things. While there has been significant progress since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, from an economic perspective, some gaps are widening instead of narrowing. Still, it is important to note that more than a third of all African Americans have incomes of more than $50,000 a year. These incomes would be considered, by some sources, middle class incomes. Fewer African Amer-

Guest Columnist

icans than Whites have these relatively comfortable incomes, but too many conversations about race and economic status proceed as if all African Americans are either poor or, as in the case of our superstars, extremely wealthy. Those African Americans who have comfortable incomes are often overlooked from the policy perspective. And too many are simply silent. One of the reasons this is a relevant topic during this time of the year that ‘tis the season to be giving. If your mailbox looks

anything like mine, it is full of requests to contribute to a myriad of causes. Some are causes I’ve given to before. Others suggest that the sender has done absolutely no research on me. Contributions for dogs? Please. It would be politically incorrect to suggest that my position on dogs is that they should not be allowed to populate the earth. The United Negro College Fund? Worthy, but I’d rather give my money to individual col-

See MALVEAUX on Page 46

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

Blacks Should Support Normalizing Relations with Cuba President Obama’s historic announcement that the U.S. is restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba, after more than five decades of strategic political and military opposition, is today resonating positively throughout Black America. It is in the economic, cultural and political interests of 42.7 million Black Americans across the United States to focus on the new emerging opportunities to

strengthen relationships with the people and government of the Republic of Cuba. President Obama stated, “In the most significant changes in our policy in more than 50 years, we will end an outdated approach that, for decades, has failed to advance our interests, and instead we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries. Through these changes, we intend to create more opportunities for the American and Cuban people, and begin a new chapter among the nations of

the Americas.” A key question that needs to be asked is: How will the changes that President Obama highlighted about Cuba afford Black Americans, in particular, more opportunities to establish joint ventures and other business relationships with the people of Cuba? Too often we limit ourselves to lengthy debates about our changing world, but miss out on a chance to participate in helping to actually shape and build new world realities. Our worldview has always

ASKIA-AT-LARGE

included international perspectives. Our consciousness is informed not just by what might be popular domestically at any given moment in time, but also how we see the international struggle for freedom, justice and equality. In Black American education, literature, music, sports, business, religion and other cultural realms we have witnessed the benefits of defining and securing the interests of African people throughout the world. I vividly remember James

Baldwin encouraging me to understand better the meaning behind the slogan “Viva Cuba!” Baldwin helped me to see the relationship between the Cuban Revolution and the African Liberation Movement against imperialism, colonization and the sufferings of neo-colonialism in the 1960s and 1970s. “Viva Cuba” became synonymous with “Viva Africa!” Angola and Namibia, as well the African National Congress (ANC) in

See CHAVIS on Page 46

By Askia Muhammad

It’s All About the ‘Race Card’ There is broad consensus that the United States is suffering from a malaise. There is far less agreement on how to correct the country’s problems. Conservatives believe that more “free market” policies are what this country needs – plutocracy, government of the wealthy, by the wealthy and for the wealthy. Those days are long gone. Liberals, for one thing, want

to structure a society around an environment-friendly, sustainable economic model with renewable energy sources, putting an end to global warming and the wholesale degradation of the ecology. That’s necessary for this country – the world – to survive for generations to come, but not sufficient to save America from itself. The mindset which has driven this country to the brink of destruction is the same way of thinking which permitted – justified – the enslavement of

millions of Africans who were kidnapped and brought to this country and used as free labor for more than 300 years, the source of America’s enormous wealth. Today the hatred and de-humanization of Black people continues with a cradle-to-prison pipeline which fuels a modern slave-like use of inmates as workers who are paid pennies per day on jobs they are literally “leased out” to companies to perform. All of this is at a cost of two or three times what it

would take to send each prisoner to Harvard. It is the same mentality which led to the stealing of the continent from its native inhabitants, breaking every treaty which was made with the Indians, confining them to reservations on the worst land around until valuable minerals were discovered on some of the reservations, which then led to more thefts. Sadly, there is no interest in having even a national conversation about this centuries-old dilemma, let alone an interest

in doing what’s necessary to address America’s race crisis. That’s too bad. Without a resolution of America’s long standing race problem, there can be no lasting solution to any of this country’s other ills. The same bigots who would just as soon see Black people once again in chains are the “climate deniers” who ignore scientific evidence of the melting polar ice pack, resulting rising sea levels and global warming

See MUHAMMAD on Page 46

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

YEAR IN REVIEW WASHINGTON INFORMER TOP STORIES IN 2014

Prince George’s Crime Reaches Record Low Officials in Prince George’s County are boasting that residents are safer now than they have been since 1986 after county crime stats for the past year showed a continued decline in violent crime rates. County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) joined Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and various law enforcement officials Jan. 2 in Lanham to announce the crime statistics from 2013, which represent a 38 percent decrease in homicides and a 30 percent decline in violent crimes since 2010. Pot Takes a Step Closer to Decriminalization in D.C. The D.C. Council committee that deals with public safety issues approved a bill Wednesday that would make possessing and using marijuana a civil — rather than a criminal — offense. The Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, chaired by Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), passed the “Marijuana Possession Decriminalization Amendment of 2014” by a vote of 5-0, with fellow council members Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) and Anita Bonds (D-At

28 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Large) supporting it. The bill will go to the full council for approval. Wells, a mayoral candidate, said that marijuana arrests are unfair to the poor and minorities in the city. Republicans Aggressively Recruit Blacks For decades, African-Americans overwhelmingly have supported the Democratic Party and its policies. From the love affair between blacks and John F. Kennedy to the 93 percent of registered voters who supported Barack Obama in the 2012 election, African-Americans and the Democrats have been almost inseparable. However, Republicans are attempting to set the record straight on their history with African-Americans, including the fact that Republican President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves and the fact that it was a Republican Congress that worked to write and pass the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. Those pieces of legislation helped to outlaw slavery, guarantee equal protection under the laws,

and to secure voting rights for African-American men. Sharpton Blasts Michael Dunn Verdict The Rev. Al Sharpton, who for decades has taken up causes of injustice against African-Americans, said that he is “deeply disappointed” by the verdict handed down Saturday in the Michael Dunn case. Dunn, a white man, was on trial for fatally shooting Jordan Davis, an unarmed black teenager, after he fired 10 rounds into an SUV occupied by Davis and three friends at a Florida gas station in November 2012 amid a dispute over loud music coming from the vehicle. The jury was unable to reach a decision on the first-degree murder charge, but convicted Dunn, 47, of three counts of attempted murder and shooting into the teen’s vehicle. Deadline Nears for Health Care Enrollment With just days remaining before the deadline to sign up for insurance under President Barack Obama’s signature health care law, recruiters in the District are leaving no stone unturned. Workers and volunteers are targeting young people, particularly The Washington Informer

those between the ages of 18 and 34, by going to laundromats, college campuses and even bars in an effort to enroll as many individuals as possible before the Monday, March 31, cut-off date. “Our philosophy is to take it to the streets, take it to places of work, where people eat, drink, and pray,” said Dr. Linda Wharton-Boyd, Ph.D., the director of External Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement at the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority in Northwest. Authorities Search D.C. Park for Missing Girl D.C. police and federal agents on Thursday began combing Kenilworth Park in Northeast for Relisha Rudd, an 8-year-old girl missing since March 1. D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said Kahlil Malik Tatum, the 51-year-old D.C. man suspected of abducting the girl, purchased a pack of 42-gallon contractor-size trash bags from a District store on March 2, a day after he was last seen with the girl. His cellphone activity later that day was tracked to the park. Lanier said that although the search is now considered a “recovery operation,” authorities haven’t given up hope that the girl is alive.

Bowser Trumps Gray in Democratic Primary Ward 4 Council member Muriel Bowser scored a big upset in the District Tuesday night by defeating incumbent Mayor Vincent C. Gray in the Democratic mayoral primary. Having done so, Bowser, 42, a protégé of former Mayor Adrian Fenty and fifth-generation Washingtonian, will likely face Council member David Catania (I-At Large) in the November general election. “Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers out there,” said Bowser, who, during a dead heat battle with Gray, tapped into a share of the population that had grown weary of the cloud of suspicion that has continued to hang over the embattled mayor. Duo Helps Liberian Children Fight Corruption Corruption remains persistent in Liberia more than a decade after the end of a brutal civil war and election of the first African woman head of state. Efforts to curb unethical behavior in the public and private sectors have proven difficult in a nation with high unemployment and widespread poverty.

See REVIEW on Page 29

www.washingtoninformer.com

LIFESTYLE

REVIEW continued from Page 28 However, many people, including Liberian author Robtel Neajai Pailey and Seren Fryatt, a former player in the Liberian Women’s Professional Soccer League, believe that children have the potential to eliminate corruption in Liberia. Through their individual efforts, both women have sparked discussions among young people about the shady dealings that often occur in the West African country. Hundreds Rally to Support Kidnapped Girls The kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Islamist rebels three weeks ago has frayed nerves, tested patience and deeply angered Nigerians already weary and increasingly nervous over a bloody four-year insurgency. The predawn raid on April 14 by Boko Haram – in what many call their most brazen action yet – has prompted marches by distraught and angry parents in Chibok, where the girls were taken, and demonstrations and rallies in other Nigerian cities. Images of anguished, crying mothers and fathers have pulled on peoples’ heartstrings.

More than 600 gathered at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, May 2, to raise awareness of the victims’ plight and express concern and indignation. District Raises the Bar for Senior Services The American panorama continues to change colors, becoming distinctively gray as life expectancies rise and citizens live longer due in part to medical and technological advances. However, with extended life comes the need for services that directly target senior citizens. And, to address the concerns of the District’s aging population, city officials shared valuable information at a symposium that kicked off Older Americans Month. “Over the past three years, we have increased our budget for the Office on Aging by 50 percent because of our commitment to those who have paid taxes and worked hard on behalf of the District of Columbia,” said D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray. Koch Brothers Donate $25 Million to UNCF The Koch brothers, known in political circles as generous supporters of conservative causes and

www.washingtoninformer.com

opponents of President Obama, recently donated $25 million to the United Negro College Fund. The contribution, which was announced Friday, entails $18.5 million in nearly 3,000 merit-based scholarships to black students and $6.5 million for the organization supporting black institutions and the UNCF. Charles Koch, chairman and CEO of Koch Industries of Wichita, Kansas, said that educating young people is the main focus of the donation. “We have tremendous respect for UNCF and we are hopeful this investment will further its effectiveness in helping students pursue their dreams,” he said. Barry’s Life Takes Center Stage at D.C. Book Signing After more than 40 years in public life, former mayor and Ward 8 Council member Marion S. Barry Jr. has finally written a book that tries to capture a full life that has taken him from the Mississippi Delta to Memphis to Washington, D.C. To many black Washingtonians, Barry, 78, is Washington because in the 40 years since attaining Home Rule, his name has stood out as the one that’s synonymous with the The Washington Informer

varied political fortunes of the District of Columbia. “Mr. Barry’s story in many ways mirrors the paper’s,” said Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, who is co-hosting a book signing with MahoganyBooks and a community conversation with Barry on Monday, June 23. Wayne Curry Remembered Hours before Wayne Curry’s funeral got underway on July 10, a line of mourners snaked through the foyer from a designated door in front of the church, across the length of the building, all waiting patiently to bid farewell to the county’s beloved son. Curry, 63, died on July 2 of lung cancer.His lengthy funeral at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland, brought together family, friends, colleagues, government officials, associates and former employees to pay their final respects to the former county executive, who, for most of his 40 years of public service, proved to be a force of nature ´Blacks Continue to Fight for Justice The word “stunned” might best describe how U.S. citizens, particularly blacks, felt after hearing

that a six-member jury, following two days of deliberation in a Florida courthouse last July, found George Zimmerman not guilty in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. One year later, with increased cases in which defendants have used the Stand Your Ground law to avoid prosecution, civil rights leaders and activists ramped up efforts to challenge a criminal justice system that often treats blacks and women as second-class citizens. “Blacks seeking justice must continue with protests, pressure and patience,” said Benjamin Crump, the civil attorney for the Martin family. “We cannot ignore the realities that were unearthed in the wake of this still-shocking verdict – realities that exclude an honest and frank dialogue on race. Stand your ground is a broken doctrine of jurisprudence.” Washington Kastles Defeat Philadelphia Freedom Taylor Townsend, the 18-yearold American who burst on to the scene by beating No. 20 Seed Alize Cornet to advance to the third round of the French Open, was

See REVIEW on Page 30 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

YEAR IN REVIEW

CRIMINAL LAWYER DUI DEFENSE Experienced, Zealous Advocacy Criminal Defense DMV Hearings Taxicab Commission

The Law Office of Sean Riley 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 900 South Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20004

RILEY LEGAL (202) 669 – 2771 WINNER TOP 10 LIST

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION

AWARDS

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR TOP 10 LIST

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR PETER TRAVERS

WINNER

ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW

REVIEW continued from Page 29

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES PRESENT A JOLIE PAS PRODUCTION A 3 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION “UNBROKEN” JACK O’CONNELL DOMHNALL GLEESON MIYAVI

EXECUTIVE GARRETT HEDLUND FINN WITTROCK MUSICBY ALEXANDRE DESPLAT PRODUCERS MICK GARRIS THOMAS TULL JON JASHNI BASED ON PRODUCED BY ANGELINA JOLIE p.g.a. CLAYTON TOWNSEND p.g.a. MATTHEW BAER p.g.a. ERWIN STOFF THE BOOK BY LAURA HILLENBRAND SCREENPLAY DIRECTED BY JOEL COEN & ETHAN COEN AND RICHARD LAGRAVENESE AND WILLIAM NICHOLSON BY ANGELINA JOLIE A UNI V ERSAL PICTURE VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION BY INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC THIS FILM CONTAINS DEPICTIONS SOUNDTRACK ON OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION PARLOPHONE RECORDS

added to the Philadelphia Freedom Roster to create an intriguing matchup with Kastles player Martina Hingis. Hingis defeated Townsend, 5-0, on July 10 at the Kastles’ new home at George Washington University’s Charles E. Smith Center in Northwest. Jolly Wins Ward 8 Board of Education Race Tierra Jolly, educator and political neophyte, won the Ward 8 seat on D.C.’s Board of Education, besting veteran political activist Philip Pannell in a vote of 704-599. Jolly, a teacher at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland, focused her campaign on boosting the academic standards of Ballou and Anacostia high schools, lowering truancy rates and improving working conditions for teachers.

STARTS CHRISTMAS DAY

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

30 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

WASHINGTON INFORMER

U.S. Africa Summit Signals Change In a historic gathering that brought together 51 African presidents, prime ministers and kings – the largest gathering any American president has ever hosted – U. S. Ambassador to The Washington Informer

the African Union Michael A. Battle declared the summit a success, but with the caveat that a great deal of work still lies ahead. From his vantage point two days after the conclusion of the “U.S. Africa Leaders Summit (Aug. 4-6),” Battle, in his capacity as ambassador and senior adviser for the summit, said the summit didn’t mark a new relationship with Africa, but that it marked a continued and enhanced partnership of the U.S. with Africa. Democrats Push Middle Class Agenda The event, held Aug. 5 at the Shortcake Bakery in Hyattsville, Maryland, focused on women who contribute to America’s workforce and economy but face challenges because of Republican opposition in the House. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said House Democrats across the country would disseminate the middle-class agenda during the summer recess in August. In addition, women succeeding in the workplace would help boost the middle class, a message Democrats hoped would resonate with voters in the November elections.

CDC Shatters Myth about Black Fathers A 2012 federal government survey revealed that 15 million American children live in households without fathers, which makes for a stark increase over a 1960 study that showed 11 percent of children lived in homes without a dad. However, by most measures, black fathers have proven to be just as involved with their children as other dads in similar living conditions – or more so – and, according to the CDC’s report, nearly half of black fathers living apart from their young children said they played with them at least several times a week. Forty-two percent said they fed or dined with their children frequently, and 41 percent said they bathed, diapered or helped dress their children as often. Ebola Puts Many on Edge A hot line was established in the District for physicians to immediately report suspected and laboratory confirmed cases of the Ebola virus and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. In doing so, an epidemiologist was placed on call to assist with questions and concerns about Ebo-

See REVIEW on Page 31

www.washingtoninformer.com

YEAR IN REVIEW Where did you hear about that?

I read it in The Washington Informer!

Wow! Where can I get a copy?

Just go to www.washington informer.com to get informed and find out where to pick up the paper!

New Life Wellness Center featuring

Colon Hydrotherapy & Aqua Chi Detox System Where Have You Been? It’s Time for Your HEALING &

202.544.9595

426 8th St. SE – 2nd Floor WDC 20003 www.newlifewellnesscenter.com Email: carmelvoice@aol.com Hours: 7am – 7pm M - F / 7am – 12pm SAT. Walk Ins Welcome

SPECIAL $59 OFFER – CALL FOR DETAILS

REVIEW continued from Page 30 la and various other viruses. Locally, officials said they believed the Ebola virus posed little risk to the general population. All the while, they were encouraging health care workers to be alert for signs and symptoms of the disease in patients with compatible illnesses who have traveled within the past month to countries where the outbreak has occurred. Redskins Defeat Patriots in Preseason Opener Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III hands the ball off to full back Darrell Young during the first play of the game on Thursday, Aug. 7 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated New England, 23-6, in both teams’ preseason opener. Voters Favor Boundary Changes, Search for Student Advocate A new poll released in mid-September showed that a majority of District residents supported the new school boundary changes set to go into effect at the start of the 2015-16 academic year. According to the poll, 56 percent

of the District’s registered voters said they “generally support” the plan that allows students to attend public schools outside of their neighborhood boundaries. In September, school officials launched a search for a chief student advocate to assist students and their families through the school choice process, as well as to access additional educational resources, help students communicate with school officials, and boost parental engagement. The person appointed to the post, which pays between $85,000 and $127,000 annually, would lead a newly created Office of the Student Advocate at the D.C. State Board of Education. Boulevard at Capital Centre Poised for a Comeback For some, it was welcome news that a popular eatery would join the meager few still remaining restaurants at the once-thriving Boulevard at the Capital Centre in Largo, Maryland. For others, it was a sign that business was about to blow up – figuratively – at the central Prince George’s County pedestrian mall after years of store closings and restaurant relocations.

www.washingtoninformer.com

Built on the site of the old Capital Centre, once home to the then-Washington Bullets and Washington Capitals, the Boulevard at the Capital Centre opened amid much fanfare in 2003, not long after the old arena was imploded. The main attractions eventually included the AMC Magic Johnson Capital Centre 12 theater complex. There was a Borders bookstore, a Linens ‘n Things, a Pier 1 Imports and an Ann Taylor Loft. Restaurants included Gladys Knight and Ron Winans’ Chicken and Waffles, Stonefish Grill, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Carolina Kitchen, an upscale soul food favorite of local residents.

6-time winner of NAACP image award

Tempers Flare During Mayoral Debate With less than two months before District residents would elect their next mayor, it appeared that the three-person race had become a tug-of-war between two sitting council members. And, based on a previous mayoral debate at American University in Northwest, each candidate had cho-

See REVIEW on Page 32 The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

YEAR IN REVIEW “When Gandhi died, he left 16 cents. Martin Luther King left $300, and Marion Barry didn’t leave anything.” – Senior Pastor, Union Temple Baptist Church Nina Pham, who later recovered, was exposed to the hemorrhagic fever which has killed more than 4,000 people in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia since March of this year, but officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health cited a breach in safety protocols as the likely cause. Marion Barry Dead at Age 78 On the morning of Nov. 23, Marion Shepilov Barry Jr. collapsed after a three-day stay at Howard University Hospital and was rushed to the United Medical Center in Southeast. Barry died just two years apart from his longtime friend and confidante Lawrence Guyot, who died on the same day. To the shock and dismay of the District of Columbia and beyond, Barry, who had been dubbed “mayor for life” after serving four terms at the helm of District government, was pronounced dead at 1:46 a.m.

REVIEW continued from Page 31 sen to pull out the heavy artillery to stir up what had been described as an “uninspired electorate.” Opponents of Marijuana Legalization Speak Out by D. Kevin McNeir – As District voters considered whether they wanted to legalize marijuana, a diverse group of residents joined forces, urging the community to say no. “Legalizing marijuana is not just a social justice issue – it’s a social experiment, and I am opposed to Initiative 71,”declared Ambrose Lane Jr., chairman of the Ward 7 Health Alliance Network. “Tobacco companies stand to make millions of dollars, but not one dime from socalled tax revenues will benefit poor and low-income black or white communities.” Meanwhile, Initiative 71, proposed by the D.C. Cannabis Campaign, had little opposition until this fall, with those supporting the plan having secured more than 57,000 signatures in order to get the issue placed on the November ballot.

32 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer Celebrates 50th Anniversary Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes honored the legacy of her late father Calvin Rolark, who founded the community-oriented weekly in 1964 as a newspaper for and about black people that would record their history as it occurred. Highlights of the month-long celebration included a series of programs and events that were open to the public. The golden celebration also showcased an anniversary edition of the Informer that has a loyal following of readers and subscribers across the country. D.C. Police Under Fire for Aggressive Tactics During three hours of testimony at a D.C. Council hearing on racial profiling, three teenagers described an encounter with two Metropolitan Police Department officers who ordered them to place their bags on the ground while the police emptied them. “We had our hands up and eyes forward,” said one of the frightened teens. “They took our pictures and called our parents. We had our privacy tossed all over the ground.” To that end, 25 city residents

testified at the Oct. 8 hearing of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee at Howard University’s School of Business. During the hearing a crowd of more than 100 people packed the auditorium as D.C. Council members Tommy Wells, Anita Bonds, David Grosso and Kenyan McDuffie heard from the community about how they’re treated by MPD officers. District Voters to Elect First Attorney General Five candidates lined up in hopes of becoming the District’s first elected attorney general in the Nov. 4 election. The election became a reality after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled last spring that D.C. Council legislation postponing the contest for D.C.’s chief legal official would be in opposition to a voter-approved referendum adopted in 2010. Second Ebola Case in U. S. Strikes Fear On the heels of Thomas Eric Duncan’s death from Ebola in Dallas on Oct. 8, one of the nurses treating him was reported as having contracted the disease. It was unclear how 26-year-old The Washington Informer

Baker: Administration Fulfilled Promises in First Term As he prepared to begin his second term, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III gave his administration high marks for his first four years in office, saying he was hopeful that the county will reach new heights during his new term, which began in December. In an interview with The Washington Informer on Nov. 19, Baker said he fulfilled the promises he made to the residents of Prince George’s County in 2010 to improve the county’s image, increase economic development, upgrade schools and reduce crime. Robert Griffin III Could Join Cowboys Critics said the embattled quarterback would probably be better off in 2015 starting for the Dallas Cowboys than for the Redskins. Redskins Coach Jay Gruden said after the team’s humiliating loss at home on Nov. 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, “Just from Robert’s perspective, you take everybody else out from the picture, Robert had some fundamental flaws. “His foot work was below average. He took three-step drops when he should have taken five. He took a one-step drop when he should

have taken three on a couple of occasions. That can’t happen.” Barry Remembered, Praised at Funeral Service When Marion Barry died on Nov. 23, the four-time mayor and the District’s dominant political figure left no real money to speak of. That fact alone spoke to Barry’s generosity and his willingness to give the shirt off his back to help those in need, those who knew him best said. “When Gandhi died, he left 16 cents. Martin Luther King left $300, and Marion Barry didn’t leave anything,” said the Rev. Dr. Willie Wilson, senior pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast, which Barry attended. “Such were some of the many sentiments shared during three days of official “homegoing” services held Dec. 4-6 for the Ward 8 D.C. Council member, who spent more than 40 years in public service, being a voice for the voiceless and a staunch advocate for the District’s statehood. Organ Transplants: A Gift of Life As of December 2014, there are currently 123,175 people waiting for lifesaving organ transplants in the U.S – 101,170 await kidney transplants. And, while blacks lead all ethnic groups needing a kidney transplant, only 11 percent of blacks donate organs, compared with 69.5 percent of whites. District Schools Focus on Healthy Eating With passage of the D.C. Council’s Healthy Schools Act in 2010, which requires well-balanced meals to be served at schools, the spotlight was shined on the Walker-Jones Education Campus in Northwest to see firsthand what’s on the breakfast and lunch menus for students. To help ensure healthy eating at school, the District has 93 active school gardens and offers health and physical education classes in adherence with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education standards. WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

LIFESTYLE

Horoscopes

Griot

ARIES - Call a family member and ask for advice. You know the one to call --the same person who has been level headed in the past. Your head is not as level as it should be. Move forward not on your own understanding. Allow advice to have a great affect on your decisions. Soul Affirmation: I find peace in communing with nature this week. Lucky Numbers: 29, 40, 55

“The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors”

TAURUS - Your suspicions will give you misleading information. Now is a time for trust. Base the trust on the fact that nothing is in danger. No matter what the outcome of current affairs you are going to come out wiser and better. Soul Affirmation: I release internal pressure by enjoying the beauties of the world around me. Lucky Numbers: 1, 26, 34 GEMINI - Ponder your intimate thoughts when you feel that you would rather have stayed in bed. Treasure the remembered image of a friend and play the image over and over to uplift your sleepy spirit. Soul Affirmation: I make a special effort to bond with old friends. Lucky Numbers: 34, 36, 39

by Henry Petrowski Photographs by Catherine Petrowski c.2014, W.W.Norton $27.95 / $32.95 Canada 297 pages

Remodeling never ends.

That’s a fact when you’re a homeowner. There’s always something to do, something to upgrade, some way to make a house your own. New flooring, paint, move the fixtures, add another room, and, well, you know where this is going. But where did it begin? Who created the place you call home? Author Henry Petroski decided to find out, and in “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors,” he embarks on a hunt inside his summer residence… Henry Petroski and his wife, Catherine, had spent many a happy summer in Maine, far from their house in North Carolina. So when they decided to buy a vacation homeaway-from-home, New England was where they started looking. Petroski said they agreed that they “would happily look at any nice small… house on a nice quiet street in a nice quiet town available for a nice affordable price.” And that nicely described the property just off Spinney Mill Road near Arrowsic. Sitting next to the Kennebec River, the compound included a garage and a guest house. The main house had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a large living room and a huge fireplace. The view from its windows was incredible – but it had its quirks. Ever a curious man, Petroski “became determined to uncover… elements of the original” house and to “glimpse the intent of its maker…” Who, for instance, created handmade doors that graced the house? Why were so many boards fastened with four nails, when two would do? He couldn’t ask the home’s builder. Bob Phinney had been dead for years. Still, the clues were there: Petroski found

Comments? Opinions? Email us at:

cleverly engineered windows, craftily hidden nails, and walls that defied drafts. He marveled at the massive stone fireplace, and the work it took to make it. He wondered why the home’s roof was flat, in an area where heavy snow was common. He became delighted by the personality that Phinney left behind in the home. Says Petroski, “A Mainer might say he made a wicked good house…” Let me start by saying that I liked “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors.” But… But there’s a lot of detail inside author Henry Petroski’s house and inside this book and that could be confusing for anybody who’s not a carpenter by trade or hobby. Petroski’s sleuthing is a pleasure and his glee becomes ours, too, but his use of terms without explanation seemed to assume a lot; namely, that we’d always know what he’s talking about. Yes, that’s informative – but maybe too much so. What kept me around here was watching Petroski make friends with the long-dead Phinney and his methods. Yes, Phinney used building-overkill, but I enjoyed Petroski’s joy in finding examples of it and the respect that those findings led to. Decorators and breezy homeowners may like this book, but I really think builders, remodelers, and fixer-upper-owners will get so much more out of it. If a house, for you, is more than just a home, then find “The House with Sixteen Handmade Doors” and make it your own.WI

Ideas?

We like to hear from you!

news@washingtoninformer.com

www.washingtoninformer.com

DEC 25 - DEC 31, 2014

CANCER - Give yourself a break this week. Coast! You might not feel it but you are on the top of a hill. You don’t have to work to move forward. Just let your momentum carry you. Smile and things will get done. Spend some time on the phone taking care of social obligations and social diversions. Soul Affirmation: I try to smile more often than usual this week. Lucky Numbers: 8, 15, 20 LEO - This week you’re likely to notice that your relationship with your lover has been elevated into a strong friendship as well. Play up the friendship side this week. Don’t feel inhibited when the two of you are alone. Act and speak freely. You will be pleasantly surprised at the reception your lover/pal gives you. Soul Affirmation: I open myself up for a glad surprise. Lucky Numbers: 14, 23, 45 VIRGO - It is true that the universe provides but you are part of the universe and so you have to be a provider for yourself this week. Willful activity is the key this week. Ego matters. Pursue it because you want it and are good enough to get it. Make the changes necessary to add dynamism and excitement to your body of affairs. Soul Affirmation: This week I forgive myself for everything that has happened. Lucky Numbers: 5, 34, 52 LIBRA - You definitely need to ease up on your work schedule and immerse yourself in some good quality quiet time. You have forgotten what it is like to relax hiding behind all those seeming necessities. Let it go. Smell the roses take a stroll in a real or imaginary garden. Chill! Soul Affirmation: There are other fish in the sea waiting for me. Lucky Numbers: 8, 52, 54 SCORPIO - Your popularity is at a personal peak this week! Be sure to pick and choose among your social engagements so that you gather the best from the most. Financial matters, along with family members, will stir your interests in feathering your nest. Your smart business sense will make the most of an unusual opportunity. In your personal life, let your softer emotions speak. Soul Affirmation: I focus on long-range financial security this week. Lucky Numbers: 14, 31, 42 SAGITTARIUS - This week is better than last for financial goals. Put on the thinking cap. Think about money. There is a solution to money problems hidden in the way you conduct your home life. Make the adjustment. Reap the reward. Soul Affirmation: I change who I am by changing where I am going. Lucky Numbers: 21, 39, 43 CAPRICORN - Think about small stuff. Be petty. Know that details are important. Look not at the bigger picture. Go to the trenches. Get fine points taken care of. Step-by-step movement will help with the grand designs that you are seeking to manifest. Soul Affirmation: I remain adaptable so I can deal with changing circumstances. Lucky Numbers: 2, 35, 45 AQUARIUS - Think hard about the nontraditional ideas that you have been percolating. Speak up. There are others that may be thinking the same thing but don’t have the same courage to say. You have more in common with the people you work with than you think. There is strength in numbers. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way. Lucky Numbers: 6, 40, 41 PISCES - Others need you. Be a great listener this week. Teach but don’t preach. Family members need a vision of the big picture. That’s easy for you to give but use charm to give it. Be a cheer-giver. Expect nothing in return. Soul Affirmation: When I give thanks for what I have, I lose all sense of what is missing. Lucky Numbers: 4, 32, 35

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for years. Oscar de la Renta – Dominicanborn fashion designer who rose to international fame in the 1960s as one of first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s couturiers. He was 82. Robin Williams – actor and comedian who established a career in both stand-up comedy and feature film acting. He died at the age of 63.

RUBY DEE

JOAN RIVERS

BOBBY WOMACK

LASANA MACK

REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST IN 2014 Chokwe Lumumba – politician, human rights lawyer, and mayor of Jackson, Mississippi. He was 66.

Jean-Claude Duvalier – president of Haiti from 1971 until political dissidents ousted him from office WI Contributing Writer @ in 1986. After two years of exile in SamPKCollins Comer Cottrell – creator of the France, Duvalier returned to the Jheri Curl. He was 82. Haiti in 2011, where authorities Below is a list of actors, actresses, charged him with human rights authors, musicians, politicians, and DJ Rashad – Chicago-based violations and embezzlement, public figures who succumbed in musician and producer most known charges to which he pleaded not 2014 (as of Dec. 21). As the year guilty. At the time of his death, wraps up, The Washington Informer as the pioneer of the footwork Duvalier was 63. honors their lives and contributions. genre. He died at the age of 34. Please note that we attempted to Jimmy Ellis – professional boxer Earl Hayes – up-and-coming compile the most exhaustive list and former WBA heavyweight possible. We apologize in advance rapper. He died at the age of 34 champion known for his bouts with to the friends and family of those when he committed suicide after we may have omitted. allegedly killing his wife, Stephanie Muhammad Ali, George Chuvalo, and others. At the age of 35, he Moseley. retired from boxing with a record of AJ Cooper – former host of BET’s 40-12-1 (24 KOs). Ellis was 74. “Teen Summit” and community Eric Garner – New York City father leader running for the Ward 4 D.C. of six who died when police officers Council seat. He was 34. applied a chokehold while arresting Jimmy Ruffin – soul singer and older brother of the Temptation’s him for selling untaxed cigarettes. David Ruffin. Hit records of his Akai Gurley – man fatally shot by His death and the failure of a between the 1960s and 1980s a police officer in the stairway of Staten Island grand jury to indict include “What Becomes of the a Brooklyn housing development the officers responsible sparked Brokenhearted” and “Hold On (To during an unauthorized patrol. protests across New York City and My Love).” He was 78. Gurley’s death, along with that of parts of the United States. He was Eric Garner, sparked mass protests 43. Joan Rivers – actress, comedian, in New York City. Gurley was 28. writer, producer, and television host. Willie Frances Nero – soul and She died at the age of 81 of cardiac Alice Coachman Davis – track jazz singer. She was 71. arrest. and field athlete and U.S. Olympic Hall of Famer. She succumbed to Frankie Knuckles – DJ and record Joanne Borgella – singer and cardiac arrest at the age of 90. producer and pioneer of house model who rose to fame as the first music. He was 59. winner of Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance Amiri Baraka – writer of poetry, pageant in 2005 and a top 24 drama, fiction, essays, and music Franklin McCain – Civil rights contestant on the seventh season criticism with a career spanning activist and member of the of reality show America’s Next Top 50 years. He died after a bout with Greensboro Four, a student group Model in 2008. She was 32. diabetes at the age of 79. that launched the Greensboro sitins in 1960. He was 73. John Crawford III – a man fatally Anna Gordy Gaye – composer, Compiled by Sam P.K. Collins

songwriter, ex-wife of Marvin Gaye and sister of music mogul Barry Gordy. She was 92.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Columbian novelist, short-story writer, screenwriter, and journalist. He died at the age of 87.

Annie Lee – internationally renowned painter and humanitarian. Geoffrey Holder – actor, She was 79. choreographer, director, dancer, painter, costume designer, singer Bobby Womack – singer, and voice-over artist from Trinidad songwriter, and musician. He died well known for his roles in Annie at the age of 70. and Boomerang. He was 84. Buddy Catlett – jazz multiHenry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson instrumentalist and close friend of entertainment mogul Quincy Jones. – rapper, producer, and member of the Sugar Hill Gang, the 1980s rap He was 81. group known for their crossover hit “Rapper’s Delight.” He was 57. Carlos Emilio Morales – Cuban jazz guitarist who introduced global audiences to the Cuban jazz sound Horace Silver – jazz pianist and in the 1970s. He was 75. composer. He was 85.

34 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

shot in an Ohio Wal-Mart by police officers responding to calls about a man brandishing a gun. Despite revelations that Crawford in fact had an air rifle in his hand, the officers involved in the incident have not been indicted. Crawford was 22 at the time of his death.

Jose Luis “Cheo” Feliciano – Puerto Rican composer and singer of salsa and bolero music. He was 78. Juanita Moore – film, television, and stage actress most known for her role in the 1959 movie “Imitation of Life.” She was also the fifth African-American to be nominated for an Oscar in any category. Moore died at the age of 99.

The Washington Informer

Lasana Mack – former District treasurer, founder and executive director of APPEAL Inc., a financial and cultural literacy nonprofit. He was 51. Lauren Becall – actress and model known for her distinctive voice and sultry looks. She was 89. Lee Chamberlin – theatrical, film, and television actress known for her role on the ABC soap opera “All My Children” as the mother of Angela Baxter Hubbard. She was 76. Mabon ‘Teenie’ Hodges – musician known for his work as a rhythm and lead guitarist and songwriter on the hits of Al Green, Ann Peebles and Syl Johnson in the 1970s. He was 68. Marion S. Barry Jr. – Ward 8 D.C. Council member and four-time D.C. mayor known for his history of public service and civil rights activism. He was 78. Mary Burke Washington – economist, ranking official for women’s affairs in New York City in the 1970s, the widow of Walter E. Washington, D.C.’s first mayor since Home Rule. She died while in hospice at the age of 88. Maya Angelou – author, poet, dancer, actress and singer credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She was 86.

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter – middleweight boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and later freed after 20 years in prison. He later went on to become a motivational speaker and serve as executive director of the Association in Defense of the Wrongly Convicted from 1993 until 2005. Carter was 76. Ruby Dee – award-winning actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist and activist best known for her roles in “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “American Gangster.” She was 91. Tamir Rice – a 12-year-old Cleveland boy who died when police officers responding to reports of a person brandishing a gun that was “probably fake” fatally shot him upon arriving at the scene. Rice’s death, which happened in the midst of other police-involved shootings, sparked protests in his hometown. Thomas Eric Duncan – Liberian courier and first person diagnosed with Ebola in the United States. He was 42. Tony Gwynn – professional baseball who played the right fielder position with the San Diego Padres for 20 seasons. He was 54. Stephanie Moseley – Canadian television personality and dancer who died when her husband, upand-coming rapper Earl Hayes, allegedly killed her during a murdersuicide. She was 30.

Wayne Curry – a real estate and corporate lawyer, was elected the first African American county executive to Prince George’s County and served two terms from Meshach Taylor – Emmynominated actor known for his roles 1994 to 2002. Curry was 63 when he died in his Upper Marlboro, Md. in CBS sitcoms Designing Women home of lung cancer on July 2. and Dave’s World. He was 67. Mike Brown – 18-year-old young man fatally shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, a small town in Missouri. Brown’s death and a grand jury decision not to indict his killer sparked months of protests in Ferguson and around the country. Olugbenga Ashiru – foreign minister of Nigeria from 2011 and 2013. He was 66. Orlando Thomas – former Minnesota Vikings defensive back. He died at the age of 42

Wayne Pharr – member of the Black Panther Party who went head to head with the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT team. He would later stand trial for attempted murder, a charge that was later dropped. Pharr eventually became a successful realtor in Southern California. He was 64 at the time of his death. William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke – musician and lead singer of Jamaican reggae band Third World. He was 65.

www.washingtoninformer.com

REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST IN 2014

Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser Announces Inauguration Festivities

Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser announced the schedule for the Inaugural events which include three days of festivities for residents from all 8 Wards to help Mayor-elect Bowser usher in a fresh start for the District of Columbia. All events are free and open to the public. Ticketing and registration information and volunteer opportunities are available at www.murielbowser.com.

MAYA ANGELOU

January 1: 9:00AM – Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser’s Inauguration Fresh Start 5K Run/Walk Starting Location: Oyster-Adams Bilingual School – 29th and Calvert St NW January 2: 8:00AM – Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser’s Inauguration Interfaith Service Location: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G Street, NW

ALICE COACHMAN DAVIS

JIMMY RUFFIN

9:30AM – The Inauguration of Muriel Bowser and Swearing-in of the Attorney General, Chairman of the Council and Members of the Council Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW 7:00PM – Mayor Muriel Bowser’s DC Proud Inaugural Ball Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW January 3: 2:00PM – Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Inaugural Kids Party

JOANNE BORGELLA

Location: Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE

AJ COOPER

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

TOP SPORTS PHOTOS OF 2014

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III’s injury-plagued career affected his performance on the football field. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

The quality of D.C. Varsity High School Football has reached greater heights this season./Photo by John E. De Freitas

Washington Nationals had their best attendance this season./Photo by John E. De Freitas

The Washington Divas women’s football team enjoyed another good year in which they dominated their league. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

36 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The “Wiz Kids” who entertainer at Wizards basketball games throughout the season demonstrate an emphasis on youth fitness./Photo by John E. De Freitas

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

TOP SPORTS PHOTOS OF 2014

Washington Wizards guard John Wall helped guide the Wizards to the National Basketball Association playoffs this year. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

The Georgetown Hoyas continued to fill the Verizon Center with fans because of their success in 2014. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

The Howard University Bison womenâ€™s soccer team made it to the championships this season. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

The Washington Mystics improved in Womenâ€™s National Basketball Association play, but suffered with low attendance numbers in 2014. /Photo by John E. De Freitas www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

RELIGION

The Historical Committee of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Southeast stood in prayer during an event that marked the release of a new book chronicling the church’s history, “100 Years by Faith,” on Saturday, Dec. 20. /Photo by Roy Lewis.

Historic Black Church 150 Years Strong Rehoboth Baptist Celebrates with Book Signing By D. Kevin McNeir WI Contributing Writer

make a real connection Call Livelinks. The hottest place to meet the coolest people.

TRY FOR

202.448.0409 Ahora en Español 18+

www.livelinks.com

38 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Free

In 1864, the Civil War still raged as blacks toiled under a nuanced caste system, fearful of speaking up due to the ever-present threat of being lynched. But that didn’t stop one free black woman from holding prayer meetings in her home in Southeast, laying the groundwork for what would become Rehoboth Baptist Church. “Hannah Johnson was the driving force behind a group of determined Christians who stepped out on faith because they wanted their own place of worship,” said Dan Acker, a retired public historian who worked with other members of the church in their efforts to complete the recently-published book “150 Years by Faith: History of Rehoboth Baptist Church – 1864-2014.” Acker, along with more than 75 congregants that included deacons, members of the church’s Historical Committee and others, met on Saturday, Dec. 20 in the Hannah Johnson Fellowship Hall – first for Rehoboth’s annual prayer breakfast and then to bless and sign the new book. “We don’t know for certain but we believe that those first meetings, on the order of a Sunday School and Bible study class, were held in her [Hannah Johnson] home on First Street Southeast for two or three years before Union General Oliver Otis Howard, the founder and first president of Howard University and the head of the Freedmen’s Bureau, allowed the group to meet in a former Marine Barracks. That’s where the congregation named itself Rehoboth Baptist,” said Acker, 68, who described his role as “helping to fill The Washington Informer

in the blanks.” “Any group or organization that has lasted for 150 years must be something special – that’s what I discovered about this congregation whose faith and perseverance make for a truly inspiring story,” said Acker, a resident of Northeast. Rehoboth, one of the 10 oldest black Baptist churches in the District, has only had eight pastors in its history and currently has a search underway to replace their most recent leader, the Rev. Roosevelt Palmer, who served for 36 years before his death two years ago. One California native who now calls Suitland, Maryland his home, said he thinks his church makes a difference in the community. “Our week-long anniversary celebration in early November was very successful, in part because this is a warm, welcoming congregation,” said Deacon Rodney Pryor, chairman of the trustee board. “We have a lot of outreach ministries, a big daycare program and a Saturday support group that helps those struggling with drug addiction and we’re determined to stay right here, addressing the needs of the residents of Southeast – meeting them where they are and showing them that we care,” said Pryor, 45. One spry woman of 80 joined Rehoboth 37 years ago and said she can’t imagine being anywhere else. “The book was a true labor of love for so many of us including Dan [Acker] – it took us 2 ½ years to complete and I’m still not sure we got it all, even with it being 189 pages long,” said Church Historian Merion Kane who had held the office for the past 15 years. “I’ve been putting together our

church’s history for many years – now we have it all gathered, organized and catalogued so that it can be officially passed on to future generations and to others that might be interested in this book, like the King Library and the Library of Congress. We’ll be doing another book signing soon with one of our sister churches, Second Baptist Church in Northwest,” said Kane, a longtime resident of Southeast. The connection between Rehoboth Baptist and Second Baptist actually goes back to the mid-1840s. When Johnson formed Rehoboth, some blacks who joined her had been members of Second Baptist Church on K Street Northwest. Second Baptist had been founded by a group that split off from D.C.’s first organized Baptist church, the First Colored Baptist Church of the City of Washington, founded in 1833. This first congregation was later renamed Nineteenth Street Baptist Church and still exists today, as does Second Baptist. Rehoboth, therefore, stands alongside these churches as some of the oldest black churches in the District. Deacon Jesse Miller, chairman of the deacon board, said he knows the future remains bright for Rehoboth Baptist Church. “God has blessed us in so many ways – I’m just overjoyed because of what he’s done for me, my family and our church,” Miller said. “I believe today is just a prelude of what’s in store for this congregation. We’re looking for a new shepherd to lead us and to heighten God’s word. This is a day of rejoicing,” said Miller, 80, a 40-year member of the church who lives in Ft. Washington, Maryland. WI

www.washingtoninformer.com

RELIGION

The Religion Corner

Keep Your Eye on Jesus This Christmas!

The Griffin Firm, PLLC Committed to providing services and supports to increase the capacity of individuals, businesses, and communities.

• • • • •

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

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

202-379-4738

This Christmas, remember that Jesus is the real reason for the holiday season. Please don’t lose sight of the important things in the holiday rush. Think of others in need and do something to help, like volunteering to work at a homeless shelter or a kitchen that feeds the hungry. There are several of each in the Washington, D.C. area and they always need help. As you look around for those in need, be sure to look closely. It could be someone right next door or even someone who sits next to you in church. Circumstances change and millions of people fall into conditions that are almost unbearable. They could use our help. I can’t count the times when I could have used a helping hand. But God always saw me through and He will see those who are in so much need this holiday season, may including you, through, too. The key for anyone who is going through difficulties is remembering to whom you belong. Know who made you. All of us were made by God for His pleasure. The Word reminds us to “pray without ceasing.” Proverbs 3:6 tells us: “In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” These themes are part of the lessons of Christmas that are told in the Bible, but also in other books, as well. One example is the book “Instincts,” by Bishop T. D. Jakes. In his charismatic style, Jakes talks about personal triumphs and challenges and how readers should use the intuition God gave them to find success. Bishop Jakes also remembers the Christmas season and the

Bible’s lessons in his book “Follow the Star: Christmas Stories That Changed My Life.” The stories Jakes tells, with titles such as “Life is a Journey,” and “Come, Ye Thankful People,” connect his experiences during the holidays to stories in the Bible. Like my weekly column, “Jakes uses the ongoing theme of following Jesus to encourage his readers to dream big dreams, to have the patience to see them realized in God’s timing and to retain hope no matter how tough the circumstances,” according to a review of the book from Publisher’s Weekly. No matter how tough your life becomes, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Remember, Peter’s experience: the moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. The same will happen to us!

with Lyndia Grant

Matthew 14:25-31: “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.

This Christmas, keep your eye on Jesus, love thy neighbors and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember the lessons of Christmas. Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. And thank you “But Jesus immediately said to for reading my column, and esthem: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t pecially, for the many phone calls be afraid.’ that come from across America. “‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, Thank you! WI ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ Get your Christmas copy of Lyn“’ Come,’ he said. dia’s inspirational memoir,“The “Then Peter got down out of Sharecropper’s Daughter – It the boat, walked on the water Doesn’t Matter Where You Begin, and came toward Jesus. But when It’s Where You End That Counts!” he saw the wind, he was afraid You can reach her at her website, and, beginning to sink, cried out, www.lyndiagrant.com, or at ‘Lord, save me!’ 202-518-3192. Tune in Fridays “Immediately Jesus reached out at 6 p.m. to her radio talk show, his hand and caught him. ‘You of Think on These Things, at 1340 little faith,’ he said, ‘Why did you AM, WYCB, a Radio One Stadoubt?’” tion.

(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

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

RELIGION BAPTIST

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

The Reverend Lyndon Shakespeare Interim Priest Foggy Bottom • Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW • Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 • Fax : 202-338-4958 Worship Services Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Schedule of Services: Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 AM Communion Service – First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study – Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org e-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Worship Sundays @ 7:30 & 11:00 A.M. 5th Sundays @ 9:30 A.M. 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

Schedule of Service Sunday Service: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 10:00 am AM Worship Services BIBLE STUDY: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Campbell AME Church Reverend Daryl K. Kearney, Pastor

(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., S E Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email:Campbell@mycame.org Sunday Worship Service 10: am Sunday Church School 8: 45 am Bible Study Wednesday 12:00 Noon Wednesday 7:00 pm Thursday 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out”

Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net

Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Bishop 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Sunday Early Morning Worship - 7:45 a.m. Church School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship – 10:45 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday - Kingdom Building Bible Institute – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Prayer/Praise/Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. Baptism & Communion Service- 4th Sunday – 10:30am Radio Broadcast WYCB -1340 AM-Sunday -6:00pm T.V. Broadcast - Channel 190 – Sunday -4:00pm/Tuesday 7:00am

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org e-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., • Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”

Crusader Baptist Church

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday Sunday School-9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study – 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes- Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org

“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

“God is Love”

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m. “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews • Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 Fax: (202) 526-1661

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan, Pastor 800 I Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 Fax No. 202-548-0703

Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m. 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m. Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m. Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.

Third Street Church of God

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m. Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

ST Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Dr. Raymond T. Matthews, Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews Sunday School 9:am Worship Service 10:am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service 6:45 pm Thur. Bible Study 7:15 pm

We are proud to provide the trophies for the Washington Informer Spelling Bee

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Communion every Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Tuesday 12Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Motto; “Discover Something Wonderful.” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE Washington, DC 20020

Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

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

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

Church of Living Waters

52 Years of Expert Engraving Services

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Sunday Church School : 9: 30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10: 45am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10: 45am themcbc.org

40 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

RELIGION BAPTIST

Advertise Your Church services here: call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com Zion Baptist Church

All Nations Baptist Church

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Sunday School – 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 am Baptismal Service – 1st Sunday – 9:30 am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday – 11:00 am Prayer Meeting & Bible Study – Wednesday -7:30 pm

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

Israel Baptist Church

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW • Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 • Fax (202) 291-3773

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730

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

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm

ChurCh Printing

20% Off PrOgrams & BOOklets

l l l l l l

Copies Color Copies fax services tee shirts scan & email service lamination

call Ron Burke at

202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor Worshiping Location Knights of Columbus - 1633 Tucker Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer / Bible Study: 6:15 pm - 7:20 pm (Tuesday)

Salem Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW • WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 • Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 • Fax (202) 483-4009

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

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms, Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator

Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M.

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M

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

services here:

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

tel: 202-291-6565

Advertise Your Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Prayer/Seeking Wednesday at 8:00 P.M.

301 kennedy street, nW Washington, DC 20011

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Quality Printers

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

New Commandment Baptist Church

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

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

Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Services: Sunday Worship 11 AM Sunday School 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study - Wed. 7 PM “A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

1864-2014

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green, Sr., Interim Pastor

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

917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294

9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200

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

The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD

Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

150 Years of Service

Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church” Matthew 6:33 and Mathew 28:18-20, KJV

Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm

Email: stmatthewsbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org

www.washingtoninformer.com

The Washington Informer

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Probate Division

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1193

Administration No. 2014 ADM 783

Lucretia Mary Sexcius

Elamin Elghebaili

Decedent

Wesley L. Clarke

Johnny M. Howard

1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300

Houston & Howard

Washington, DC 20006

1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 402

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Washington, DC 20036

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Susan Daniel, whose address is 229 Quackenbos St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lucretia Mary Sexcius, who died on September 21, 2014 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 18, 2015. 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 18, 2015, 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 18, 2014

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1268

Lisa D. Reid

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

P. Lee Reid, whose address is 2517 Park Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lisa D. Reid, who died

Johnny M. Howard, whose address is 1001 Connecticut

on December 14, 2013 without a Will, and will serve

Avenue, NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036, was

without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs

appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elamin Elghebaili, who died on September 25, 2013 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs

whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter

appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills,

their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor

appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall

Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before June 18, 2015.

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 18, 2015, or be forever barred.

copy to the undersigned, on or before June 18, 2015,

Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent

or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or

who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25

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

days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

and relationship. Date of first publication: Date of first publication: December 18, 2014

P. Lee Reid

Johnny M. Howard

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister

Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2014 ADM 874

Administration No. 2014 ADM 1265

Robert William Doyle, Jr.

Edith McClenny Griffin

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Debra Lynn Long-Doyle, whose address is 1120 East Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert William Doyle, Jr., who died on May 18, 2014 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 11, 2015. 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 11, 2015, 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.

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES services here:

Griffin, who died on May 25, 2014 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

call Ron Burke at

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 18, 2015. 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 18, 2015, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this

202-561-4100

notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address

or email

Emanuel Alexander Lipscomb Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Anne Meister

rburke@washingtoninformer.com

42 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

CREDIT RESTORATION & DEBT ELIMINATION Restore your credit and change your life!!! Derrick Jason Smith (301) 383-1333 - Office (301) 744 - 7472 Direct derricksmith@remax.net www.vrtmg.com/kocredit ****** Reader Advisory: the National Trade

Date of first publication:

Personal Representative of the estate of Edith McClenny

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

******

MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS

Upshur St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed

December 18, 2014

Medical Alert for Seniors - 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment. FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 888-710-6484

and relationship.

Emanuel Alexander Lipscomb, whose address is 1736

Debra Lynn Long-Doyle Personal Representative

Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-308-9817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

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.

Date of first publication: December 11, 2014

PHOTOS and VIDEOS Unique, reliable and competitively-priced professional photography packages & gifts for weddings, schools, civic organizations and athletic leagues. TRUST REA3L PHOTOS & VIDEOS with making your special events “more than just photos in a flash!” CALL 202670-7495 or Rea3lenterprises@ gmail.com

December 18, 2014

Susan Daniel

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Drivers w/CDL: Home Weekends with Dedicated Route Guaranteed Weekly Pay on 1,800-2,100 Weekly Miles Limited Positions, So Call Now 888-475-2818

Decedent

Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

LEGAL NOTICES

Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49 .9 9 . 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

LEGAL NOTICES 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 Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-308-9817, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. 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 1-866-437-6184 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 Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822 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. 888-649-5110 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 1-866784-5182

www.washingtoninformer.com

CLASSIFIEDS

CADNET ADOPTION UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? THINKING OF ADOPTION? Open or closed adoption. YOU choose the family. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Abbys One True Gift Adoptions. Call 24/7. 866-4136294. AUTOS WANTED TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-454-6951 EDUCATION THE OCEAN Corp. 10840 Rockley Road Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New Career. *Underwater Welder. *Commercial Diver. *NDT Weld Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. Financial Aid available for those who qualify. 800-321-0298. HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 40 tabs +10 FREE, $99 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-836-0780 or MetroMeds.net INSURANCE Need Car Insurance Now? Lowest Down Payment - Canceled? State Letter? Accidents? Tickets? DUI? Instant Coverage! INSUREDIRECT. COM 1-800-231-3603 MISCELLANEOUS WANTS TO purchase minerals and other oil & gas interests. Send details P.O. Box 13557, Denver, Co 80201 DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket included with Select Packages. New Customers Only. IV Support Holdings LLC- An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Call 1-800-354-1203 DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-477-9659 DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-477-9659 DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-648-0096 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888909-9905 18+. CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800-864-5784 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

MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET) ANNOUNCEMENTS Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800-4107127 for FREE DVD and brochure. HERO MILES — 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 [Advertising supported by this publication] Medical Guardian - Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800279-4103 From You Flowers - Spread Holiday Cheer! Flowers and gifts from $29.99. Delivery in 4 hours or less! Shop online www.fromyouflowers.com/cheer or call 1-800-413-6159 Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684 AUTOS WANTED CASH FOR CARS: Cars/Trucks Wanted! Running or Not! We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Instant Offer - Call: 1-800569-0003 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

CLASSIFIEDS will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-254-4073, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. REAL ESTATE/LAND FOR SALE 20 ACRES IN WEST TEXAS $15,900 $0 DOWN ONLY $99/mo. Special Offer, Save $2,000! No Qualifying-Owner Financing Great Property, Great Deal! 800-343-9444 WANTED TO BUY

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Wanted To Purchase Antiques & Fine Art, 1 item Or Entire Estate Or Collection, Gold, Silver, Coins, Jewelry, Toys, Oriental Glass, China, Lamps, Textiles, Paintings, Prints almost anything old Evergreen Auctions 973818-1100. Email evergreenauction@ hotmail.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

DELL LAPTOP Computer. Extremely fast, professional grade model. Excellent condition. Windows 7, Premium software bundle. Perfect for home, school or business. Six month warranty. $399. 717-653-6314

Place your ad today in the area’s premier newspapers, The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post newspapers, along with 10 other daily newspapers five days per week. Reach 2.5 million readers with your ad placement in every daily newspaper in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. For just pennies on the dollar reach 2.5 million readers through the MDDC’s Daily Classified Connection Network. CALL 1-855-721-6332 x 6; SPACE is VERY LIMITED; email wsmith@mddcpress. com or visit our website at www. mddcpress.com.

Holding a Carnival! Fair! Festival! Jubilee! Promote it to over 1 Million readers for only $200!!! Visit www. midatlanticevents.net for more details or call 800-450-7227. 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 1-800-9063115 for $750 Off MEDICAL/HEALTH Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy

www.washingtoninformer.com

Connection Network in 3 states: CALL TODAY; SPACE is VERY LIMITED; CALL 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 301-852-8933 email wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com

Place your ad today in both The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post newspapers, along with 10 other daily newspapers five days per week. For just pennies on the dollar reach 2.5 million readers through the Daily Classified

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINING PROGRAM! Train to process insurance and Medical Billing from home! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/ Ged & Computer/Internet needed.

EDUCATIONAL TRAINING

The Favorite Feast (5 oz.) Filet Mignons (5 oz.) Top Sirloins (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers Stuffed Baked Potatoes Caramel Apple Tartlets 48643VFW List $154.00, Now Only . . .

2 2 4 4 4 4

Drive traffic to your business and reach 4.1 million readers with just one phone call & one bill. See your business ad in 104 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia for just $495.00 per ad placement. The value of newspapers advertising HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER....call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 301-852-8933 today to place your ad before 4.1 million readers. Email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@ mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com.

4999

4 FREE

Omaha Steaks Burgers

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS

COMPUTERS FOR SALE

EVENTS

$495.00 per ad placement. The value of newspapers advertising HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER....call 1-855-7216332 x 6 today to place your ad before 4.1 million readers. Email Wanda Smith @ wsmith@mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com.

DIRECT TO HOME SATELLITE TV PROGRAMMING STARTS AT$19.99/ MO. FREE INSTALLATION FREE HDDVR UPGRADE. NEW CUSTOMERS - NO ACTIVATION FEE! CALL 866-7955315 MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

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 800-4507227 or visit macnetonline.com

The path to your dream job begins with a college degree. Education Quarters offers a free college matching service. CALL 1-800-375-6219

CLASSIFIEDS

CASH for sealed, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS/STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, 24hr Payments! Call 1-877-588-8500, Espanol Available www.TestStripSearch. com.

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

EMPLOYMENT

CLASSIFIEDS

Call Free 1-888-318-1190 www.OmahaSteaks.com/ffmb93

WET BASEMENTS STINK !! Mold, mildew and water leakage into your basement causes health and foundation damage. What can be done to fix the problem? Allstate American Waterproofing is an honest, hardworking local company. We will give you a FREE evaluation and estimate and a fair price. We have repaired thousands of basements in the area; we can provide local references. When your neighbors needed waterproofing, they called Allstate American. Why don’t you? Call now to receive a 20% discount with your FREE ESTIMATE. MHIC#36672

CALL 1 800 420 7783 NOW!

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.

1-855-721-6332

Press Service 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

www.mddcpress.com

THE REAL DEAL! 2 YEARS LOCK IN

OF SAVINGS!

with Advanced Receiver Service.

FREE WHOLE-HOME GENIE HD DVR UPGRADE Advanced receiver fees apply. Minimum 2-room setup required.

NFL SUNDAY TICKET INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA COST. 2014 SEASON

CHOICE™ Package and above.

FREE PREMIUM MOVIE CHANNELS FOR 3 MONTHS. CHOICE™ PACKAGE AND ABOVE

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Drive traffic to your business and reach 4.1 million readers with just one phone call & one bill. See your business ad in 104 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia for just

The Washington Informer

CALL NOW!

800-618-1067 ALL DIRECTV OFFERS REQUIRE 24-MONTH AGREEMENT.** Offer ends 4/9/14

Per Mo For 12 Mos. After Instant Rebate With 24-mo. Agreement

2999

Minus additional $5 off for 12 months for low and medium-risk customers

Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS

1-877-649-2671

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINING

Email us at:

We like to hear from you!

news@washingtoninformer.com

THIS AD! FOR SALE

Press Service 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE to over 4 Million readers with an ad this size for just $1,450! For a limited time, BUY 4 ADS, GET ONE FREE!*

CALL TODAY! 1-855-721-6332 Wanda Smith, ext. 6 www.mddcpress.com *Certain conditions apply.

Why Leave Home for great photos? Photos on Wheels will come to you!

Select any size from wallet to 20x30 – Frames available!

Be sure to ask about Special Discounts!

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-7767771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

Want a larger footprint in the marketplace consider advertising in the MDDC Display 2x2 or 2x4 Advertising Network. Reach 3.6 million readers every week by placing your ad in 82 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. With just one phone call, your business and/ or product will be seen by 3.6 million readers HURRY....space is limited, CALL TODAY!! Call 1-855-721-6332 x 6 or 301 852-8933 email wsmith@ mddcpress.com or visit our website at www.mddcpress.com

PROGRAM! Train to process insurance and Medical Billing from home! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/ Ged & Computer/Internet needed. 1-877-649-2671. WANTED: LIFE AGENTS; Earn $500 a Day; Great Agent Benefits; Commissions Paid Daily; Liberal Underwriting; Leads, Leads, Leads LIFE INSURANCE, LICENSE REQUIRED. Call 1-888-713-6020 LAND FOR SALE

The Airlines Are Hiring! – Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704

NATIONAL ADVERTISING NETWORK, INC. (NANI)

LAND BARGAIN POND SITE CLOSE TO LAKE 22,000 ACRES PUBLIC LAND 6.5 ACRES OPEN / WOODED $59,900 PERFECT PARCEL WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS, SEASONAL STREAM, AND GREAT RECREATIONAL USES SHORT DRIVE TO DC. READY TO CAMP, BUILD, LIVE OR RETIRE. NEW SURVEY, PERC, MINERAL RIGHTS. EZ FINANCING CALL OWNER 1-800-8881262 WWW.HILLCRESTREALTY.US

HERO MILES - 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 WANTED TO BUY WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES 1967-1982 ONLY KAWASAKI Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, Z1R, KZ1000MKII, W1-650, H1-500, H2-750, S1-250, S2350, S3-400 Suzuki, GS400, GT380, Honda CB750 (1969-1976) CASH. 1-800-772-1142, 1-310-721-0726 usa@ classicrunners.com

APARTMENTS FOR RENT RETIREMENT APARTMENTS, ALL INCLUSIVE. Meals, transportation, activities daily. Short Leases. Monthly specials! Call (866) 338-2607 AUTOMOTIVE

LOTS & ACREAGE

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-4162330

WATERFRONT LOTS-Virginia’s Eastern Shore Was $325K Now from $65,000 Community Center/Pool. 1 acre+ lots, Bay & Ocean Access, Great Fishing, Crabbing, Kayaking. Custom Homes www.oldemillpointe.com 757-8240808

What Do You Think? We’d Like To Know.

GET CASH TODAY for any car/truck. I will buy your car today. Any Condition. Call 1-800-864-5796 or www. carbuyguy.com

REAL ESTATE

E-mail Us:

HEALTH/MEDICAL

Discover Delaware’s Resort Living Without Resort Pricing! Milder winters & low taxes! Gated Community with amazing amenities! New Homes $80’s. Brochures available ] 1-866-629-0770 www.coolbranch.com

Robert Ridley 202-889-2478

Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/ Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800864-5960

Place your 2x4 Ad in this network in 82 newspapers in Maryland, Delaware and DC for just $2900.00. Reach 3.6 million readers every week with just one call, one bill and one ad. Call 1-855-721-6336 x 6 to place your ad or email wsmith@mddcpress.com. Get the reach, the results...maximize your advertising dollars TODAY!

AIRLINE MANUFACTURING CAREERS begin here - Get FAA certified Aviation Maintenance training. Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. SCHEV certified. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866823-6729

Comments? Opinions? Ideas?

CLASSIFIEDS

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL NOW! 1-888-223-8818

news@ washingtoninformer.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Retire on Rentals In this market you can obtain financial independence with the acquisition of the right properties. With my help, get cash flow and equity immediately. LPP 202-391-4609

Bundle & Save on your TV, Internet, Phone!!! Call Bundle Deals NOW Compare all Companies, Packages and Prices! Call 1-855-978-2608 TODAY!

SERVICES

CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks

Platinum Plumbing and Heating Inc 202-330-8738 443-481-7600 platinum_plumbing03@yahoo.com Licensed & Bonded www.platinumplumbingdmv.com Charles Akers President 44 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

Kids don’t get enough art these days. For Ten Simple Ways to get more art in kids’ lives, visit AmericansForTheArts.org.

m e r i c A n s

o r

The Washington Informer

h e

r T s

o r g

TM 2006 Estate of Mercer K . Ellington by CMG Worldwide

For All Your Plumbing Needs

www.washingtoninformer.com

OGUNTOYINBO continued from Page 26 continued to lambaste the Cuban government as a communist regime that consistently violated human rights. That didn’t make sense either. Of the five communist countries left on the planet – Cuba, China, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam – the U.S. has diplomatic relations with three. The U.S restored full diplomatic relations with Laos in 1992 and with Vietnam under the Clinton administration. The U.S. has had a relationship with China for decades and China is one of America’s most important trading partners. The United States also maintains strong diplomatic relations with countries that consistently violate the human rights of its citizens, including Saudi Arabia, where women continue to clamor for such basic rights as voting and driving and where beheadings of criminals are not unheard of; and Gabon and Togo, where citizens are denied free and fair elections and the same families

FLETCHER continued from Page 26 the Occupy Movement pointed out, the wealthiest 1 percent are seizing a vastly disproportionate share of the wealth of the country. That happens when workers don’t have unions. That happens when politicians are elected

have controlled both countries for nearly half a century. “We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect a different result,” Obama said in a speech last week. That short sentence effectively captured the futility and madness of the Cuban trade embargo. “It does not serve America’s interests, or the Cuban people, to try to push Cuba toward collapse.” The decision to re-establish relations with Cuba will undoubtedly draw the usual battalion of critics. Indeed, on Dec. 18, as word spread of this bold step, supporters of the Cuban embargo vowed to fight Obama in Congress. Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, a relative of Fidel Castro, said he would advocate withholding money from the U.S. State Department if Obama moves forward with his plans to open an embassy in Havana. Brilliant! Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, also bristled at Obama’s plan and pledged to do all he could to thwart the new policy.

“This entire policy shift announced today is based on an illusion, based on a lie,” Rubio told reporters. “The White House has conceded everything and gained little.” Rubio, a potential presidential candidate in 2016, has been a longtime critic of the regime in Cuba and of Obama’s foreign policy – which he dubbed as “not just naive, but willfully ignorant of the way the world truly works.” But these critics and the pack of Cuban-American exiles who for decades hijacked U.S. policy on this issue are out of step with the thinking of the rest of the world, which agrees on this much: for the first time in years, the United States is making a smart foreign policy move. WI Lekan Oguntoyinbo is a national award-winning writer. Follow him on Twitter @oguntoyinbo. Email him at oguntoyinbo@gmail.com.

based on whoever can pay them the most for their campaigns. That happens when people despair and, instead of struggling collectively, struggle against one another, such as falling prey to the race card. People like my rich friend have done very well under President Obama, which is what makes it

ironic that they hate Obama as much as they do. I guess they feel that they are actually not wealthy enough? Go figure. WI Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the host of The Global African. He is a racial justice, labor and global justice writer and activist. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.

make a real connection Call Livelinks. The hottest place to meet the coolest people.

TRY FOR

Free

202.448.0409 Ahora en Español 18+

www.livelinks.com

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 www.MDDCPress.com for details. Application Deadline: January 30, 2015

CURRY continued from Page 26 notes: “Morocco claims the Western Sahara territory and administers Moroccan law through Moroccan institutions in the estimated 85 percent of the territory it controls. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario), an organization that has sought independence for the former Spanish territory since 1973, disputes Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over the territory. There has been no census since the Spanish left the territory… “In 1988 Morocco and the Polisario agreed to settle the sovereignty dispute by referendum. The parties did not resolve disagreements over voter eligibility and which options for self-de-

termination (integration, independence, or something in between) should be on the ballot; consequently, a referendum has not taken place. “Since 2007 there have been various attempts to broker a solution in face-to-face negotiations between representatives of the two sides near UN auspices, most recently facilitated by the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy for the Western Sahara, Christopher Ross. Morocco has proposed autonomy for the territory within the kingdom; the Polisario has proposed a referendum in which full independence would be an option. During a ninth round of informal talks held March 11-13 [2013] in Manhassett, New York, each side maintained its position, as

www.washingtoninformer.com

in previous rounds, unwilling to enter into negotiation.” Sahrawis, the indigenous population, are living in Morocco and neighboring Algeria and Mauritania. Under the sponsorship of both the Moroccan government and the opposing POLISARIO authority, I have seen both sides of the Western Sahara dispute up close. I have visited the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune in the Western Sahara, where Morocco controls 85 percent of the land. I returned to the U.S. Sunday after spending a week in Algeria, including several nights in the home of a family in the Boujdour Refugee Camp near Tindouf. In November, I spent two weeks in Israel and the Palestinian territories as part of an The Washington Informer

2015 Michael S. Powell

High School Journalist of the Year African-American delegation sponsored by the Interfaith Peace-Builders. There are some interesting parallels between the struggles of the Palestinians and the Sahrawis, both of whom are in a fight to regain their native land. Borrowing a page from Israel, Morocco erected a berm, a sand wall, to separate most of the Western Sahara from the remaining land controlled by POLISARIO. I will be writing two separate series on the Western Sahara dispute and the Palestinian issue for the NNPA News Service in coming weeks. In the meantime, hope

abounds among the Palestinians and Sahrawis that after a diplomatic breakthrough with Cuba, the U.S. will turn its attention toward their plight. WI George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/ currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook. Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

CALL 1 800 420 7783 NOW!

Do you have an event you want to promote? We can help you reach more than a million households in your area!

Find out more at www.midatlanticevents.com Provided by the publishers of the Mid-Atlantic Community Papers Association Contact 800-450-7227 to include your event with Mid-Atlantic Events.

MALVEAUX continued from Page 27 leges for scholarships. I also believe every African American who did not go to an HBCU needs to adopt one. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the NAACP and the Urban League? Absolutely. These organizations are fighting for our rights and they deserve to be supported. Our sororities, fraternities, or alma maters? Of course, but only when they “do the right thing.” African Americans are generous people. We are most likely to give to our churches, but are also likely to give to education, to social service organization, and to civil rights organizations. While the amounts of giving may be lower, the percentage of those giving is comparable, or even higher, than the giving among others.

CHAVIS continued from Page 27 South Africa, all benefited from the enormous sacrifice and support that Cuba rendered to southern Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. Now that Cuba is once again the subject of solidarity for some and renewed ridicule from others, I believe it is important for Black Americans to actively support for our brothers and sisters on the island nation of Cuba. More than 11 million people live in Cuba. The 2002 Cuban census puts the Black population at 10 percent, mulatto 23.8 percent, Asian 1 percent

MUHAMMAD continued from Page 27

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 Method of payment:

2years/$60.00

Check Enclosed Visa/MasterCard Credit card number.......................................................................... Signature........................................................................................

46 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

which threatens human life itself. Those same bigots are perfectly content with placing a higher value on money and things above wisdom, virtue, human kindness and morality. Even the average poor White bigot reveres wealth and Whiteskin “privilege” above all else, generally considering himself one lottery ticket away from the upper class. So all over the country we now see an open sore of killings of Black people by law enforcement authorities. There are a disturbing number of Black people being killed today by police, security guards and law-enforcement vigilantes. Their families in many cases receive no justice. It’s as though the Ku Klux Klansmen took off their white robes and put on blue police uniforms, lawyers’ suits and ties and black judges’ robes. Politically, Americans do not The Washington Informer

We must be strategic with our giving. It makes more sense to target two or three organizations or causes that are important to us than to send a few dollars to a series of causes. If we are affiliated with an organization as a board member, that organization should be one of the top three organizations we give to. It doesn’t matter how much we give, though. It matters that we give. End of the year solicitations come at such a pace because, for some dedications are tax-deductible and the end of the year is a great time to calculate the tax you will owe and the fact that giving money to charitable organizations may reduce tax liability. At the same time, all giving will not be tax deductible. If we don’t support our politicians, their efforts are weakened, and now that Congress has increased the amount of money that the wealthy

can give to political action committees, those with more modest incomes must support the politicians that support us. When African Americans are offered the opportunity to give, too many of us say we don’t have the disposable income to contribute. Our forefathers and mothers gave, frying chickens and baking cakes to support our churches and our historically Black colleges. Can we do less? All Black people are not poor, and we ought not to behave as if we are. We can afford to tithe to our churches, and we can afford to give to our institutions. If we don’t support ourselves, who will? WI

and Whites at 65 percent. Most estimates place the people of color figure at 40 to 60 percent of the population. I have been to Cuba many times and each time I am reminded how African culture and Latin culture have fused together extraordinarily well in Havana, the capital city, and in the other urban and rural areas of the nation. I thank Harry Belafonte and others for helping to inspire the current generation of Cuban poets, writers, musicians and hip-hop artists in Havana who will certainly now have a stronger chance to spread their artistic genius throughout the world. We

should remain vigilant because the forces of repression and ignorance are still active. Predictably, some conservatives have already announced plans to have Congress block Obama’s plan to designate a U.S. ambassador to Cuba. The economic blockade of Cuba is a matter that only the U.S. Congress can end through legislation. But the will of the people can force Congress to do the right thing regarding Cuba. Let’s continue to stand up and speak about Cuba and the rest of the world. This not the time for Black America to be silent. WI

want to confront their racist past, nor their racist present. Conservatives agree with the racist narrative. They are the authors of it. Liberals, while possibly not harboring the same hateful views, are afraid to confront the hatred of their White brethren. They hope Black people will just be quiet and stop complaining. They don’t care whether the race problems are solved or not. They just want Black people to be quiet about their suffering. The recent spate of over-thetop murders of unarmed Black males—Eric Garner, Michael Brown, John Crawford, Tamir Rice—and the absolutely unjust disposition of any potential criminal proceedings against their killers, is clear evidence of the cheap value that is placed on Black lives. Time will tell if the White allies all over the country who have declared, alongside a new cadre of energized Black youth, that Black lives matter, is just another fad, like folks pouring ice water over their heads. But for

Black folks who have felt the pain and discomfort that comes with living in a society which loves their music and culture but despises them, there can be and will be no retreat now. There will be no recovery from this country’s dilemma until and unless this country does right by its former slaves. Simply put, the solution to America’s problems is all about correctly dealing with “the race card.” WI

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, DC based economist and author.

What Do You Think? We’d Like To Know.

E-mail Us:

news@ washingtoninformer.com

www.washingtoninformer.com

after cHristmas

one day sale 5o%-8o% off storewide

sHop friday, dec. 26 from 6am-1opm (it’s a sale too Big to fit in a day!)

also sHop sat, dec. 27 from 9am-11pm

hours may vary by store. visit macys.com & click on stores for local information.

one day sale

deals of tHe day specially selected items priced so low you don’t need a savings pass! availaBle all day, BotH days!

8 Hours only! 6am-2pm fri & 5 Hours only! 9am-2pm sat

doorBusters get Here early, wHile tHey last

or, extra savings friday and saturday until 2pm savings pass discounts do not apply to doorbusters or deals of the day. $1O Off

$2O Off

ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL AND SELECT HOME ITEMS cannot be used on dooRbusteRs oR deaLs oF tHe daY

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE.

YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE.

1O Off

valid 12/26 ’til 2pm or 12/27/14 ’til 2pm. limit one per customer. Also excludes: everyday Values (edV), specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, electrics/electronics, cosmetics/fragrances, athletic apparel, shoes & accessories, dallas cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, New era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services, macys.com. cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $25 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

2O Off

free shipping & free returns at macys.com! free shipping with $75 purchase. free returns by mail or in-store. u.s. only. exclusions apply; details at macys.com/freereturns

One day Sale priceS in effecT 12/26-12/27/2014. MercHandiSe Will Be On Sale aT THeSe & OTHer Sale priceS THrOUGH 1/3/15, eXcepT aS nOTed. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

www.washingtoninformer.com

N4110531X.indd 1

The Washington Informer

12/15/14 11:41 AM Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014 47

MAKE YOUR BEST DEAL AND GET

20%

OF MSRP CASH BACK ON SELECT 2014 & 2015 ENCLAVE AND VERANO MODELS IN STOCK THE LONGEST1

2015 BUICK ENCLAVE AWD 1SL

47,755 MSRP

20%

28,890 MSRP

9,551

OF MSRP =

2015 BUICK VERANO 1SL

CASH BACK1

BUICK RANKS “HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH DEALER SERVICE AMONG MASS MARKET BRANDS3”

20%

5,778

OF MSRP =

CASH BACK1

EXPERIENCE BUICK PROTECTION ON ALL 2014 & 2015 BUICK MODELS 2 YEAR OR 24,000 MILE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE4 4 YEAR OR 50,000 MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER LIMITED WARRANTY5 6 YEAR OR 70,000 MILE POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY5 6 YEAR OR 70,000 MILE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE & COURTESY TRANSPORTATION5

HURRY, THE HOLIDAY EVENT ENDS JANUARY 2

BUICK.COM 1 On oldest 15% of inventory as of 12/22/14 while stock lasts. Not available with special finance, lease and some other offers. Take delivery by 1/2/14. See dealer for details. 2Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra. 3Buick received the highest numerical score among mass market brands in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service (CSI) StudySM. Results based on responses from 90,906 owners and lessees of 2009 to 2013 model-year vehicles, measuring 31 auto manufacturers and measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a dealer for service during the first three years of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed from October-December 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. 4Covers scheduled oil changes with filter, tire rotations and 27-point inspections, according to your new vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, for a maximum of 4 service events within 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Does not include air filters. See dealer for other restrictions and complete details. 5Whichever comes first. See dealer for details. ©2014 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buick® Verano® Enclave®

GMUX2394000_Buick_Diversity_HE_Washington_9.5x12.375.indd 1

48 Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2014

The Washington Informer

12/17/14 3:45 PM