The Washington Informer - February 29, 2024

School Budget Constraints Jeopardize Special Education Supports and Programming, Community Members Say Anacostia HS Alumni Fight to Boost Enrollment

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Last Friday, Feb. 23, marked the final day for Local School Advisory Teams (LSATs) and school principals to build upon the Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal that D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) central office recently released.

This year, LSATs only had 10 days to deliberate on which staff positions to cut out of their budgets, a situation that, for some leaders, brings to mind concerns that parents, teachers, and community members brought up in years past about the tight deadlines imposed upon them.

For LSAT leaders like Aliscia Gerken, such complaints ring true during a budget season where depleted federal COVID relief, teacher salary increases, and inflation threaten the viability of academic and intervention

All Eyes on Virginia as Arena

Deal Stalls in General Assembly Monumental Sports & Entertainment Continues to Make Its Case

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Since Ted Leonsis announced the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals’ move to a new arena in Potomac Yard, District and Alexandria, Virginia residents have organized in opposition to the deal that’s making its way through the Virginia General Assembly.

At the latest juncture in that movement, Don’t Mute DC is producing

a video featuring Ashley the Preaching Poet who’s responding, in spoken word, to arguments that higher-ups at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) are making in support of the move to northern Virginia.

Don’t Mute DC founder Ronald Moten said the video, scheduled to be released within the next couple of weeks, counts as part of an effort to expose what he describes as lies perpetuated by the organization that owns the Wizards, Capitals, and Washington Mystics.

“We live in a time where Monumental Sports is trying to rush things

ARENA Page 14

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Eric Hayes is no stranger to trash. The 55-year-old Barry Farms resident has picked up garbage from the roads, sidewalks and green spaces of his neighborhood every week—sometimes every day—for a decade. There’s not much plastic pollution that surprises him anymore.

But late last year, Hayes and his neighbors woke up to find that someone had come along to Pomeroy

5This pile of tires sits off Interstate 295 on the northbound side, just past Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Around 100 of them are sprawled around the woods at the spot. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

5 Don’t Mute DC founder Ronald Moten has been organizing protests and speaking out against the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals’ move to a new arena in Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Virginia. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

‘DEAL

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032

Phone: 202 561-4100

Fax: 202 574-3785

news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor

Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

Austin Cooper, Our House Editor

Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist

ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout

Mable Neville, Bookkeeper

Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation

REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

Wendy Williams’ Brave Revelation:

Living

with

Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia

Wendy Williams’ team has confirmed that the former daytime talk show host has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In a press release, aides to Williams said her condition, including aphasia, has impacted her language and communication abilities, while FTD has impacted Williams’s behavior and cognitive functions.

Last year, actor Bruce Willis also shared his battle with the same form of dementia.

Known for hosting “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021, Williams has faced a myriad of health challenges leading to her departure, including Graves’ disease and lymphedema. The show ultimately concluded in June 2022 after several guest hosts took over.

“Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information, and

many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions,” her team said in the news release.

“The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy but to raise awareness about aphasia.

The announcement about her health arrived just days ahead of the premiere of the two-part documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?”

Williams herself produced the documentary, which candidly examines her experience with Graves’ disease and other topics.

Contrary to the portrayal in the film, Wendy’s sister, Wanda Finnie, reassured the public that Williams is now in a much better place emotionally and is in greater shape.

“I spoke with her yesterday, and she is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing environment,” Finnie stated. “We cannot reach out to her, but she can reach out to us. And she is in a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in this film.” WI

Guilty Verdict in the 2002 Murder of Hip-Hop Icon Jam Master Jay

After years of speculation and decades of frustration for family members, detectives, and fans alike, a federal jury in Brooklyn has finally reached a verdict in the murder trial of hip-hop pioneer Jam Master Jay. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced Feb. 27 that Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were found guilty of the artist’s 2002 killing in a New York City recording studio.

Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell and co-founder of the groundbreaking hip-hop trio Run-DMC, was fatally shot at a recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, on October 30, 2002. The trial revealed that the motive behind the murder was linked to a drug deal.

Washington, a childhood friend of Jay, and Jordan, Jay’s godson, had both pleaded not guilty to charges of murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. The jury’s decision means the two men could face a minimum of 20 years behind bars and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Notably, prosecutors opted not to seek the death penalty.

Throughout the trial, a key witness, Uriel Rincon, who was present at the recording studio the night of the murder, testified that Jordan and Washington entered armed. Rincon claimed that Jordan was the one who shot Jay in the head, but Rincon said he kept the attackers’ identities a secret out of confusion and fear.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

Whoopi Goldberg Pioneering Change with BLKFAM, a Groundbreaking, Black-Focused Streaming Platform

Today, streaming is the biggest game in Hollywood and Whoopi Goldberg, an award-winning actress and co-host of “The View,” is stepping into this legacy, aiming to redefine the narrative of Black representation in family-friendly streaming by investing in BLKFAM. Launched on Feb. 26 across multiple platforms, BLKFAM could be a significant stride toward addressing the underrepresentation of Black families in the streaming market.

At its inception, BLKFAM boasted a content library featuring over 20 syndicated series, encompassing over 1,000 hours of animation titles and dozens of animated characters of color with diverse gender experiences. The platform also offers hundreds of hours of original music-driven content, signaling a commitment to fostering an authentic and in-

WI clusive narrative.

Goldberg, an equity investor in BLKFAM, sits at the forefront of the groundbreaking initiative alongside Larry Adams, a digital media veteran and CEO of the platform. Goldberg, known for her roles in iconic films like “The Color Purple” (1985) and “Sister Act,” (1992) has been a vocal advocate for positive representation.

“I like the idea of being part of something that will grow,” Goldberg declared. “As I get older, I say, ‘Wow, things will outlast me.’ This is one of the things I hope outlasts me — I could be the Black woman, Walt Disney!”

BLKFAM will stream over various platforms, including iOS, Android, and Amazon Prime Video Channel. WI

5 Wendy Williams (Courtesy Photo)

JP Morgan Chase Celebrates 5 Years of Advancing Black Pathways

Event Encourages Empowerment, Highlights Black Excellence,

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

In a celebration that included a pre-reception, delectable three-course dinner and powerful panels, JP Morgan Chase commemorated five years of its Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) initiative on Feb. 22. Hosted at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), the event highlighted ABP’s many efforts toward empowering Black communities, and offered an opportunity to celebrate Black brilliance, resilience and excellence.

“I count it a privilege to stand before you during Black History Month in this beautiful, Black museum, dedicated to uplifting the rich history of Black people marked by struggle, resilience and triumph. And it is an honor to celebrate Advancing Black Pathways' fifth anniversary, reflective of our sincere and firm commitment to be a part of the triumphs and advancement of Black people,” said Alicia Wilson, managing director of JP Morgan Chase’s Regional Philanthropy for North America.

In alignment with JP Morgan Chase’s overall diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategic framework, ABP works to strengthen the economic foundation of Black communities throughout the nation and world. Since February 2019, through funding, educational programming, training and more, the initiative has worked to recruit and retain diverse talent, develop leaders, support Blackowned businesses and improve the financial health of Black communities globally.

“Across the firm we live by the belief that the strength of our business is linked to the vitality of the communities we serve, and so we show up,” explained Wilson, who said she’s traveled across the nation bearing witness to the JP Morgan Chase’s philanthropic and community efforts. “We show up as listeners and learners, eager to hear from local residents, community advocates and policy makers about how

Looks to Future

we can help solve local challenges.”

Advancing Black Pathways bolsters people with tools and opportunities to be: financially literate, healthy and wealthy; to grow in business and entrepreneurship; support education opportunities and offer career and skills development; and increase community relationships through constructive partnerships with organizations that can drive DEI efforts worldwide.

"Through our various initiatives and commitments, we have created opportunities, promoted economic empowerment, and broken down barriers for Black individuals and businesses,” said Byna Elliott, global head of Advancing Black Pathways.

Over the past five years, ABP has been quite busy.

According to an overview released by JP Morgan Chase, ABP has supported over 16,000 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, offering bootcamps and coaching, and creating more economic opportunities in African American communities.

Further, ABP has been committed to advancing educational and career opportunities for Black students and supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

In addition to the initiative’s $30 million commitment to HBCUs, JP Morgan Chase is the first financial institution to partner with the National Pan-Hellenic Council and all nine historically Black Greek letter organizations, also known as the “Divine Nine.”

“Sustainability is the key word for all of us. Endowments represent sustainability. So improving, increasing, enhancing our endowments, that’s what we’re focused on a lot,” explained Dr. Glenda Glover, president of Tennessee State University and former international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “Making sure students are properly educated, it takes funding to do that.”

A PARTY CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

JP Morgan Chase did not hold back from its celebration of Black culture, history and excellence during the Advancing Black Pathways celebration.

The event kicked off with an uplifting performance by Howard University’s Gospel Choir and the night concluded with a dynamic performance by Doug E. Fresh, who showcased his incredible beat-boxing skills, swag-filled dance moves, and classic rap lyrics.

“Black excellence scream, ‘ho,’” the rapper said in his celebrated song “The Show,” (1986) causing the jamming crowd, already on their feet, to go wild.

While the event celebrated ABP’s work and achievement over the past five years, JP Morgan Chase leadership emphasized that the initiative nor the financial institution is finished working to uplift communities of color overall.

“As we look towards the future, we are excited to see the continued success and growth of ABP as we work towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all,” Elliott declared. WI

5 JP Morgan Chase celebrated the fifth anniversary of Advancing Black Pathways at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on Feb. 22. The event included a seated dinner and thought-provoking discussions, such as the HBCU Sustainability panel moderated by JP Morgan's Kisha Porch, and featured UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax, Tennessee State University President Dr. Glenda Glover, and Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen. (Micha Green/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

HARRY BELAFONTE

FEB. 29

1940 – Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American to receive an Academy Award, winning in the Best Supporting Actress category for "Gone with the Wind."

MARCH 1

1913 – Famed novelist and scholar Ralph Ellison, author of "Invisible Man," is born in Oklahoma City. 1927 – Singer-songwriter, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte is born in Harlem, New York.

MARCH 2

1807 – Congress votes to ban the African slave trade. 1867 – U.S. Congress enacts charter to establish Howard University in Washington, D.C. 1962 – Basketball great Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 169–147 win over the New York Knicks, an NBA record. 1990 – Carole Gist becomes the first African American to be crowned as Miss USA.

MARCH 3

1821 – Thomas L. Jennings patents a dry-cleaning process, becomes the first Black American to receive a patent.

1836 – Jefferson Franklin Long, the first African American from Georgia to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, is born in Knoxville, Georgia.

1865 – The Freedmen's Bureau, a federal government agency that aided freed slaves in the South during the Reconstruction era, is established.

FEB.

1991 – Black motorist Rodney King is beaten by Los Angeles Police Department officers following a highspeed car chase. The incident is captured on video and incites a massive riot in Los Angeles after the officers' acquittals a year later.

MARCH 4

1877 – Black inventor Garrett Morgan is born in Paris, Kentucky.

1954 – J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. is appointed assistant secretary of labor by President Eisenhower, becoming the first African American to hold a sub-cabinet position in the federal government.

MARCH 5

1770 – Crispus Attucks, widely considered to be the first American casualty in the American Revolutionary War, is killed in the Boston Massacre.

1939 – Acclaimed playwright Charles Fuller, best known for his Pulitzer-winning play "A Soldier's Play," is born in Philadelphia.

1985 – The U.S. Postal Service issues the eighth stamp in its Black Heritage series, honoring Mary McLeod Bethune.

MARCH 6

1857 – The U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision in the Dred Scott case, affirming the right of slave owners to take their slaves into the Western territories.

1957 – West African nation Ghana declares its independence from Great Britain. WI

HATTIE MC DANIEL

view

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

In celebration of Black History Month and Black history all year round, what little-known facts did you not know but recently discovered?

JAMES ELLERBY / HARRISBURG, PENN.

Most of the civil rights leaders favored socialist policies. They saw that capitalism was intrinsically linked to racism.

WESLEY PATTERSON / AUGUSTA, GA.

Chicago was founded by a Haitian.

JENNIFER MCSHAN / CLEVELAND, OHIO

L. JUSTICE / WASHINGTON, D.C.

What we know as Central Park in NYC was once Seneca Village. The inhabitants were well-off Blacks, and the land was taken using eminent domain.

Reconstruction was a success, not a failure. That’s why they started lynching us.

EUGENE LOVETTE / CHARLESTON, S.C.

Osborne Dorsey invented the doorknob and the doorstop.

House Democratic Leader Jeffries and Brother Claim the Spotlight at ASALH’s 98th Annual Black History Month Festival Luncheon

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a vibrant tribute to Black History Month, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) continued the legacy of its founder, Dr. Carter G. Woodson in an exciting way, by hosting its 98th annual Black History Month Festival Luncheon on Feb. 24.

Following ASALH’s 2024 theme “African Americans and the Arts,” the sold-out event provided a captivating exploration of Black cultural expression. In addition to a three-course meal and host of programming, the event included an engaging panel moderated by celebrated journalist and political analyst Tiffany Cross and featuring House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), his brother Dr. Hasan Jeffries, a historian, and professor at The Ohio State University.

The conversation delved into the intersection of Black history and contemporary politics.

“That’s what we’re supposed to do-[bring] culture, art, spirit, freedom, liberation, everything that makes us who we are to our Representatives and the people,” said Leader Jeffries during the panel.

From the very beginning of the celebration, several distinguished guests discussed the importance of celebrating Black history and African Americans in the Arts, particularly examining its in-

tersectionality with culture and politics in 2024, a general election year.

Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, a longtime ASALH member, served as mistress of ceremonies.

White House officials presented messages and proclamations from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

D.C. Youth Mayor Lourdes Robinson opened the program and was followed by a list of speakers, including Dean of Howard University Divinity School the Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert; D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Aaron Myers; and First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia’s, the Rev. Dr. Sandra K. James.

The event also included an “Author’s Book Signing,” and the unveiling of the 2024 U.S. Postal Service’s Black Heritage Stamp, which highlighted civil rights legend and noted American jurist Constance Baker Motley.

ASLAH officials noted that a historical lens reveals that African American artists have been trailblazers in major cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, setting not only national but also global trends. The 2024 luncheon delved into African American artists’ multifaceted history and contributions, celebrating their enduring impact on global culture.

THE JEFFRIES BROTHERS AND CROSS IN A POWERHOUSE PANEL

During the panel, the Jeffries discussed topics from the Notorious B.I.G. to Biden, former President Donald Trump and this year’s presidential election.

Cross noted the intersectionality of arts and politics, and how the brothers seamlessly incorporate both into their work and lives.

Dr. Jeffries, the House leader’s younger brother, noted the importance of Black art to politics and the larger fight for overall justice.

“Black art is infused with Black politics, and Black politics is always, when you boil it down, about freedom. Black artist is an expression of desire for Black folk to be free, in the past and the present in the future,” Dr. Jeffries said.

The House Democratic Leader recalled his tribute to Brooklyn-rapper Notorious B.I.G.Despite facing opposition from his staff regarding the official honor, Jeffries remained resolute.

“One of my staff said, ‘You can’t do that.’ I said, ‘Check the Congressional record; tell me whether Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, or Bruce Springsteen had a tribute on the House floor. All three of them had received multiple tributes,” Leader Jeffries explained. “I said, ‘Good, the Notorious B.I.G. is going to get one too.’”

Addressing the influence of celebrity culture and support for the twice-impeached and four-times indicted Trump, Jeffries acknowledged, “Some of it may be that the former president is a master manipulator. He spins tales, and some people believe it.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5(Left to right) Panelists Dr. Hasan Jeffries and House Leader Hakeem Jeffries with journalist, author and political analyst Tiffany Cross at the ASALH Black History Month Festival Luncheon on Feb. 24. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Get Smart About Solar: Basics for Homeowners Considering Rooftop Panels

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Anytime someone rings your doorbell with a sales pitch, they should expect to be met with at least some level of healthy skepticism. That’s especially true if they’re selling something that involves potentially pricey upfront costs, complicated financing arrangements or long-term agreements. Rooftop solar panels often involve one or two of those.

The solar industry does have its share of bad actors. But there are also plenty of reputable solar businesses in the DMV that might send a sales rep to canvas in your neighborhood.

“Legit solar companies still do [door-to-door sales], especially if they've done an installation in the area recently— same way as real estate agents operate,” said James Clarke, portfolio manager for the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility’s Solar for All program.

Moreover, Clarke said, solar energy technology has gotten far more efficient in recent decades, which means rooftop panels have become a good fit for a lot more homes and families’ budgets.

“An installation now can provide, based on the number of panels and the square footage of the roof, well over five kilowatts of power; the average home is using around 3.5 kilowatts,” he said. “So in general, because of the higher efficiency, you're gonna see savings.”

So how can D.C.-area households—many of which could save big on electric bills with solar—tell the difference between a solid deal and a scam? The Informer spoke with Clarke and DCSEU Managing Director Ernest Jolly about the information homeowners should keep in mind.

SOLAR FINANCE BASICS

The first piece of advice Jolly offered is something that goes for nearly any big purchase or financial agreement: make sure all the details are in writing, and read carefully before signing.

“What you can depend on is what can be enforced,” Jolly said. “Therefore, what is finally reduced to writing in a contract that homeowners or renters are asked to sign is what you can believe in.”

But reading over any contract about solar panel installation can be daunting and confusing. Understanding a few key terms can help with getting started.

Third-party solar ownership: When a company owns the solar panels, not the homeowner. This can be a good option for households that want to save money on electricity bills but can’t afford a major upfront cost to buy the panels directly, or don’t want to be responsible for maintenance of the panels. There are two common arrangements for third-party solar ownership:

Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA): The homeowner pays a third-party owner for the electricity produced by the panels on their roof. This works because the homeowner pays a lower rate than they’d pay the regular power utility.

Solar lease: The homeowner pays a third-party solar owner a set monthly amount regardless of the amount of energy used. Again, this works when the panels produce enough energy that the household saves more on electricity bills than they pay for the lease each month.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): A credit that represents the environmental value of emissions-free energy produced. Whoever owns the solar panels earns one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) the panels produce. The dollar value of an SREC differs depending on where you live, and it can change dramatically over time. (D.C. has far and away the best market for SRECs in the country, with each credit being worth over $400 as of February 2024. In Maryland, they’re worth just under $60, and in Virginia around $30.)

Solar loan: Like a loan for any major home improvement project. Homeowners who want to own the solar panels installed on their roof but can’t afford the whole cost upfront can apply for a loan to pay for the panels over time, with interest.

WHAT TO ASK SOMEONE SELLING SOLAR

Both Jolly and Clarke recommended homeowners double check any salesperson’s credentials by

searching online for the company or agency they say they’re from and calling the number on the website. That’s not just true for solar: Clarke, who previously worked at DC Water, said that scammers pretending to be from utility companies occasionally pop up across industries.

“I would always encourage people not to feel that it is inappropriate to ask for validation—and you don’t have to apologize,” Jolly said. “Give yourself emotional permission to do it. You’re being strong when you do that; you're exercising your power when you do that.”

Jolly also recommends homeowners take their time deciding. Any sales pitch involving a time-sensitive deal or tight deadline is a big red flag.

Finally, homeowners can look to see if a solar company is on the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment’s list of approved solar installers or check whether they have been vetted by the renewable energy marketplace Energy Sage. (See below for more resources for trustworthy information.)

But just because a company is real doesn’t mean their product or plan is right for you. Here are a few questions to ask upfront:

• Under this plan, who owns the solar panels and receives the SRECs and tax incentives?

• Who would be responsible for maintaining the panels?

• What brand of solar panels and batteries would be used? (Clarke suggests later looking up the brands they mention.)

• If it’s a third-party ownership plan, what happens at the end of the lease or contract term?

Can the homeowner buy the panels at the end of the agreement?

• What happens with the panels if the house is sold to someone new?

Clarke also recommended some other steps for potential buyers to “do their due diligence,” including comparing prices by “getting multiple quotes, vetting multiple installers, and asking around about who's worked with them before, what projects they've done.”

TRUSTWORTHY RESOURCES FOR THE DEEPER QUESTIONS

There is an enormous amount of information online about rooftop solar. For most people, it’s overwhelming, and it can sometimes be difficult to tell which sites are trying to sell something. These three sources are solid. (As a bonus: the last two offer free opportunities to speak with experts and ask your questions to a real, live person.)

EnergySage Marketplace: This is a for-profit company, but it operates kind of like a “Consumer Reports” for solar. You can look at ratings for solar installers, see which ones have been independently vetted by EnergySage, and get cost estimates. The website also has a lot of great explainers about all aspects of household renewable energy, including a great 15-minute guide to solar panels.

Solar United Neighbors: This nonprofit began in D.C. as a solar co-op, a big group of neighbors who all agreed to get solar at the same time so that they could negotiate a better deal. SUN now helps facilitate solar co-ops in D.C. and around the country, as well as providing lots of informational guides. Three other free services SUN offers:

• 15-minute phone consultations with a solar expert

• Feedback on a solar installer’s proposal

• Review of your home’s roof to see if it would be a good fit for panels

D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU): This organization is overseen by the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment. On the website or by phone, the DCSEU team can help District residents find out if they are eligible for Solar for All or other government programs and services (these include limited funds for roof repairs or electrical work to accommodate solar installations). They can also provide unbiased answers to questions about rooftop solar proposals.

5A solar workforce supervisor and trainee install a panel on a Petworth home’s roof in July 2023. (Kayla Benjamin/ The Washington Informer)

The

AROUND THE REGION

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

CALENDAR POST PROMOTE SEARCH

Use the Washington Informer Calendar to post and promote your event or to plan your week with the area’s best events listing!

https://www washingtoninformer com/calendar/ #/

Amerigroup DC joined Sasha Bruce Youthwork to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Jonathan & Hannah Allen House, a therapeutic group home for foster care youth on Feb. 23. The home is named in honor of Washington Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who had his own journey through the foster care system, and celebrates his commitment to creating safe spaces for young people to thrive. Amerigroup DC also presented Sasha Bruce with an $80,500 check to finance the Allen Home Transformation Project. (Courtesy Photo/Amerigroup DC)

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Dr. Aminta Breaux, president of Bowie State University reads the Washington Informer. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

“It's better to look ahead and prepare, than to look back and regret.”

– Jackie Joyner-Kersee

AROUND THE REGION

Labor Unions Reject Proposed Move of Capitals and Wizards to Alexandria

Northern Virginia AFL-CIO Cites Labor Protection Concerns

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A formidable alliance of labor unions has dealt a significant blow to the proposed relocation of the Washington Capitals and Wizards from downtown D.C. to Alexandria, Virginia. The latest obstacle adds complexity to an already challenging plan that faces resistance among legislators in Richmond.

Despite promises from project officials and Monumental Sports and Entertainment, the teams’ owner, to prioritize union labor for constructing the new arena, the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO strongly criticized the proposal, prompting Democrats in Virginia to pull their support. The labor union, representing construction workers and concession stand employees at the current home, Capital One Arena, argued that the plan lacks crucial labor protections for construction workers. Additionally, concerns were raised about the absence of parallel union commitments for private development projects in the proposed entertainment district surrounding the Alexandria facility.

Virginia Diamond, president of the AFL-CIO’s Northern Virginia chapter, emphasized the need for robust labor protection.

“Taxpayers should not invest heavily in a project that only perpetuates low-wage jobs for local workers,” Diamond wrote in a statement.

The unions’ stance follows unsuccessful negotiations with state officials and Monumental. Approval from Virginia state lawmakers and the Alexandria City Council remains essential for the $2 billion project to proceed, and many Democrats within the legislature and council have asserted that labor support is a pivotal factor in their decision-making process.

The Washington Informer previously reported that on Jan. 25, Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis outlined the proposed relocation in a public

letter and suggested moving the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, and front office operations to the Potomac Yard neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia.

Leonsis also addressed the future of the Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA) in Ward 8, where the Washington Mystics and the G-League basketball team, Capital City Go-Go, currently hold home games. Despite acknowledging the Mystics’ increasing popularity, Leonsis assured that the ESA would not be abandoned. He expressed a commitment to keeping the Go-Go at the ESA, with the possibility of moving the Mystics’ home games to Capital One Arena in the future, pending approval from the city.

“The Mystics regularly sell out their home games. Unfortunately,

the Mystics and its dedicated fan base are outgrowing the Entertainment and Sports Arena,” Leonsis wrote. “While I recently stated that I would like the opportunity, if the city agreed, to eventually move the Washington Mystics home games to Capital One Arena, while maintaining the facility at St. Elizabeths East as the practice facility and headquarters for the team, we have no intention of abandoning the Entertainment and Sports Arena. The Go-Go will continue to play their home games there, and the Mystics will also continue to play their home games there unless the city agrees, in the future that the city and the team would be better served by having this ascendent team play in a larger arena (Capital One Arena).” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5The Northern Virginia AFL-CIO has strong concerns about how the current plan to construct a new arena in Alexandria for the Washington Capitals and Wizards will affect workers. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Governor Wes Moore: Leveraging Policy to Elevate the Arts in Maryland

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

At the heart of Maryland's cultural renaissance stands Gov. Wes Moore, the State's first Black governor, championing an arts-centric agenda that promises to transform the State's cultural landscape. As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), recognizes “African Americans and the Arts”

as its 2024 theme, Moore's efforts to elevate the arts are both honoring the past and shaping a vibrant future for Marylanders.

Moore's administration has made unprecedented investments in the arts, with a $40 million commitment to the Maryland State Arts Council's budget. This funding, part of the state's Arts Relief Initiative, aims to rejuvenate the creative economy and solidify the arts as a cornerstone of

Maryland's identity and trajectory.

"The arts are not just an accessory to our quality of life, but a fundamental component of it," said Gov. Moore. "This historic investment underscores our belief in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, heal, and bring communities together."

The infusion of funds has led to a significant increase in grants for artists and arts organizations, providing a much-needed lifeline in the wake of the pandemic. The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has reported a 282% increase in operating grants, a 209% increase in grants to artists, and a 164% increase in grants to organizations. These grants have supported a breadth of projects, ranging from public art installations to community arts programs, which enhance the cultural fabric of the State. This record investment has catapulted Maryland to becoming the second-largest state for FY23 per capita arts spend.

The impact of this funding is palpable across the state.

"This really is an amazing investment from MSAC in Imagination Stage and the whole arts sector. Plus,

the flexibility regarding the use of funds and the simplicity of the application are also incredible gifts to our community," said a representative from Montgomery County’s Imagination Stage.

Artists and organizations alike are feeling the positive effects.

"This has been absolutely beneficial from both a financial and mental well-being perspective. The peace of mind and help this has granted cannot be overstated,” said artist Joe Brawn of Allegany County. “Thank you all so very much."

As the first Black governor of Maryland, Moore's leadership during Black History Month holds special significance.

"While I am honored to be a part of this historic moment, my focus is on using this platform to uplift all communities in Maryland, especially those that have been historically marginalized," Moore told The Informer.

The governor's commitment to the arts extends beyond funding and policy initiatives. He is also a vocal advocate for the role of the arts in community building.

"The arts have the power to bring people together, to spark dialogue, and to foster a sense of belonging," Moore noted. He envisions a Maryland where public art and community arts projects are integral to the fabric of every neighborhood, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the state's residents.

This vision is already taking shape, with public art initiatives and community arts programs flourishing across the state. From murals that celebrate history and heritage to festivals that showcase the talents of Maryland's various artistic communities, the arts are becoming an increasingly visible and valued part of many communities’ lives.

Moore's approach to the arts is holistic, recognizing their potential to impact not just the economy and education, but also public health and well-being.

"The arts have a unique ability to heal, to soothe, and to uplift," said Moore. "We are committed to harnessing that power for the benefit of all Marylanders."

WI

5 Governor Wes Moore, Maryland's first Black governor, is championing an arts-centric agenda that promises to transform the state’s cultural landscape. (WI File Photo)

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

PAYROLL ISSUES AFFECTING PGCPS EMPLOYEES

In Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), some educators and support staff have been reporting complaints regarding their paychecks. While some employees are getting too much and facing wage garnishments later, others are not receiving their checks or reimbursements in full.

After some PGCPS employees accidentally received double their pay and adamantly attempted to return the excess, the additional funds are now being deducted from their current paychecks. They are even facing the deduction of their gross pay, rather than post-tax pay. This is reducing each paycheck received by affected individuals by $200.

“When I emailed payroll questioning the double payment, I was told that my payment was correct,” said Terita McCoy, who works in the school system’s security division. She and a supervisor, Stanley Brown, both reported issues with their payment last summer.

“I know that it was not correct, so I emailed them several times,” she continued. “I reached out via the phone and said ‘Hey, do you know what’s going on?'”

Other PGCPS employees have alleged underpayment, and unnecessary delays in receiving tuition reimbursement.

“There are extremely long delays in processing that movement on the salary scale. It takes another five payroll cycles.

So that’s about 10 weeks to get the retroactive pay from the delay in processing,” said Prince George’s County Educators Association (PGCEA) President Dr. Donna Christy in response to the ongoing issues.

PGCPS CEO Dr. Millard House II and Board of Education members have spoken against a proposed budgetary measure that would, in effect, count additional Prince George’s County revenues as prior investments into education. This move would reduce the amount of new funding that must be provided to education and House warned that it could potentially cost hundreds of jobs. WI

TAX ASSESSMENT DELAYS POTENTIALLY THREATEN LOCAL BUDGETS

Following a mixup with mail at Maryland’s State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), local governments are facing a potential loss to their property tax revenues to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Roughly 107,000 updated property tax assessments were not mailed before a deadline.

State legislative leaders including Senate Budget and Tax Chair Guy Guzzone (D- District 13) and House Ways and Means Chair Vanessa Atterbeary (D- District 13) have expressed concern over the potential consequences this could have, particularly while the state and numerous counties are already facing budget crunches.

“We haven’t gotten to the absolute details yet,” said Guzzone. “We know it exists. We know there was a mistake made. We know that it’s significant. We rely on the assessments to be accurate and in all cases, right. And so they need to be accurate, period.”

Legislators are scrambling for fixes to this extremely unusual issue. Guzzone suggested adjusting the term “taxpayer” under property tax assessments, while Atterbeary proposed extending the assessment deadline.

Maryland State Senate President William Ferguson (D- District 46) said it is important to hold SDAT Chair Michael Higgs, originally appointed by former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in 2016, accountable.

“To me, if you’re the head of an agency, it’s your responsibility to make sure that the responsibilities of that agency are executed effectively,” Ferguson said last week. “I don’t want to prejudge the situation. From what I know, it’s pretty disappointing. And as I learned more, I think there would have to be accountability if it continues to be clear that there was negligence.”

Higgs explained how the error occurred.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

THE LEVEL UP PROGRAM

African American businesses in Prince George’s County need to fund their operations, but some entrepreneurs have noted that sometimes traditional banks don’t provide the necessary support.FSC First, a financial nonprofit that was founded in 1978, has aided specifically minority, female, and veteran-owned businesses in the county to get that support.

One tool FSC First possesses to help businesses is its Level Up program.

Level Up provides businesses that it serves access to capital, training, coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

“We seek to work with Prince George’s County businesses where they are,” said Dawn Medley, the president and CEO of FSC First.

Medley has worked for FSC First for 12 years and has served as its leader for one year. She said FSC First is working with many businesses who are struggling to deal with the ongoing effects of

briefs

the coronavirus pandemic.

Medley said some business owners offer their customers good services and products, but their operations are not functioning well. These operational problems can cause businesses to lose out on financing opportunities, she said.

“Major problems include providing information on the business such as in past year tax returns and other documents needed for financing,” Medley said. “Their back office is not in order and that causes loan application issues. This is why we developed the Level Up program.”

Medley said Level Up helps businesses solve their root problems “so they can level up” to a loan.

She said potential loan recipients need not have perfect credit and FSC First collaborates with applicants to get the best financing it can offer.

“Our mission is to close the capital gap that many Prince George’s County businesses face,” she said. “We want to level the market and make it more equitable.”

Medley said in its years of op-

ARENA from Page 1 officer Alycen McAuley about crime around Capital One Arena, telling The Informer that his offers to help quell drug activity around the arena have gone unanswered.

down people’s throat so people don’t get the truth of what’s happening,” Moten said. “People are seeing that [MSE CEO] Ted Leonsis’ deal makes no sense for no one but Ted Leonsis. If it doesn’t fail, the team is going to fail because no one from D.C. and Maryland is going out there.”

Since December, Moten has hosted at least two mass protests outside of Capital One Arena. He has also traveled across the Potomac River, standing alongside Alexandria residents and subject-matter experts who’ve raised concerns about traffic congestion, flooding and long-term economic costs that come with a new stadium in Potomac Yard.

Moten explained that recent attempts to sit down with Leonsis have been unsuccessful.

He also recounted previous conversations with the Mystics’ chief business

munity Impact Plan is designed to achieve that vital role as we build on TD’s long-term community focus.”

WI

THE COMMUNITY IMPACT PLAN CONSISTS OF: Mortgage Lending and Consumer Products:

A $10 billion commitment for residential loans and liquidity to the residential lending market with an emphasis on first-time homebuyers and home equity loans for working class and minority borrowers.

Small Business Support:

For Moten, such situations show that Leonsis has no interest in serving current and former D.C. residents. In referencing a point that MSE leadership raised about 15% of its ticket holders being D.C. residents, Moten argued that a closer look would show more of a nuanced picture.

“In this region, Maryland is D.C.,” Moten said as he pivoted his attention to concession workers and events staff that he said could be severely inconvenienced by the move. “You’re talking about Washingtonians who moved out to Maryland. It’s not convenient to go on a train [to Potomac Yard] and be stuck on a train and stuck in traffic. The way Ted talks, it’s like these people don’t mean nothing to him.”

Legislators in Virginia Talk the

eration, FSC has loaned $109.6 million to Prince George’s County businesses.

WI

TD BANK’S COMMUNITY IMPACT PLAN

TD Bank recently announced a three-year Community Impact Plan that will provide an estimated $20 billion in supporting lending, philanthropy, banking access, and other activities for the benefit of diverse and underserved communities.

Move, ‘Stop the Arena’ Movement Advances in Virginia

An MSE spokesperson said that while McAuley and Moten have spoken about go-go music, they never engaged in conversation about crime surrounding Capital One Arena.

They however mentioned a meeting that Moten had with Crispus Gordon III, MSE’s director of Government Relations and Community Affairs, last fall about the issue. Gordon, they said, requested that Moten draw up a proposal. Moten never followed through, they said.

In regard to MSE’s move to Potomac Yard, the MSE spokesperson told The Informer that, after receiving Moten’s request to meet about this matter, MSE attempted to schedule a meeting a few times, all to no avail.

In mid-February, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill establishing the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority as a political subdivision that

The strategy, developed with insight from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, will target communities across TD Bank’s U.S. presence in 15 states and the District.

“At TD Bank, we know our success is tied directly to the people and the communities we serve,” said Leo Salom, president and CEO of TD Bank. “One of our primary objectives as a purpose-driven bank is to help economic opportunities that help low moderate-income, diverse, and underserved communities achieve their financial goals. Our Com-

finances the construction of the Potomac Yard sports and entertainment arena.

The $1.4 billion allocation would later be added in the House’s version of the budget.

Per the bill, the sports and entertainment authority would be able to issue bonds with a maximum maturity rate of 40 years. The authority would be entitled to revenue from construction and transaction sales tax, entity revenue and corporate income tax revenue, and personal income tax revenue generated from employment and campus-based business activity. Such revenues would be deposited into the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority Financing Fund.

It remains unlikely that the Potomac Arena bill would advance through the Virginia Senate before March 9, when the session ends. This is due in part to

This commitment builds on the bank’s support of small businesses by offering $2.8 billion in credit to firms with less than $1 million in revenue, with a focus on minority and women-owned businesses and those located in underserved areas.

Community Development Loans and Investment:

The bank will provide $7.5 billion in community development loans and other investments to support economic development activities and affordable housing projects, such as special rental housing for veterans or LGBTQ seniors within bank markets.

CRA-Related Philanthropy and Sponsorship:

The bank’s Office of Charitable and Community Giving will direct $70 million in Community Reinvestment Act-related philanthropy over the next three years, with 75% of all giving supporting diversely led organizations. The commitment includes the TD Charitable Foundation’s first Capacity Building Fund for organizations with annual budgets of less than $2 million.

Banking Access:

The bank will seek to open approximately 15 locations in majority-minority markets, subject to regulatory approval. This includes creating additional community-centered stores, which feature dedicated spaces that can be used for financial education workshops or non-profit meetings.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Dawn Medley is the president and CEO of Prince George’s County-based FSC First, a financing nonprofit.

ARENA Page 34

Make Your Voice Heard for Seniors Across the District!

Louis Davis, Jr. AARP DC State Director

It has been said that a budget is a set of priorities put in numbers. Show me your budget, and I’ll see what you value. For over 65 years, AARP has advocated in a non-partisan way for Americans 50 and older to have what they need to live their best life at any age, choosing where they want to live, and never being discriminated against because of their age, gender or financial status.

Currently, the Mayor is in the process of developing the District’s budget for fiscal year 2025. In a recent letter, AARP DC called on the Mayor and the Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL) to fulfill its promise of an Age-Friendly DC by preventing budget cuts and filling service gaps for essential senior support services.

Now is the time for you to make your voice heard! AARP DC is fighting to protect seniors and the services they need. Join us in sending a letter by scanning the QR code with your phone, or visit the following website: https://action. aarp.org/secure/tell-mayor-prevent-budget-cuts-and-fill-gaps

For FY2025, AARP DC is asking the Mayor to take the following actions:

• Retain funding for the Home Care Partner’s Homemaker program at FY2024 levels. This includes maintaining $2 million in DACL local funds, $350,000 in federal dollars, and continuing the recent one-time increase of $100,000 to the program’s budget.

• Maintain service levels

for DCCI’s Caregiver Respite and Flex Account Programs, by preventing any cuts to the program budgets in FY2025, and filling the $100,000 shortfall. This will ensure caregivers can receive at least 16 hours of respite per month and the $600 flex account reimbursement to offset the financial burden caregiving.

• Reject any cuts to the in-demand Safe at Home Program. This includes preserving Safe at Home 1.0’s $4.4 million budget that provides up to $7,000 in home modifications, and the $219,000 allotted to Safe at Home 2.0 for evidence-based falls prevention programming. Where funds are available, the District you should begin increasing the Safe at Home budget to meet increasing demand, increasing costs, and to address the growing backlog of applications.

• Maintain the District’s commitment from the FY20232024 Performance Oversight Hearing in FY2025, including $650,000 divided evenly between 13 District Villages, the current $154,000 for other direct expenses, $38,000 for personnel, and $5,000 for administrative costs. The current $46,000 in

funding for Capitol Hill Village’s LGBTQ programming should also continue into FY2025. This, along with an equity needs assessment for chapters in underserved and low-income neighborhoods should be initiated.

• VIDA Senior Services is

the only DACL funded program serving primarily elder Spanish speaking older adults from over 20 countries. FY2024 cuts have resulted in a 13% decrease to DACL programming and a reduction of staffing (40 hours to 25 hours per week). Urge the District to restore

the $60,000 cut from VIDA’s FY2024 budget into FY2025 budget.

By adding your voice, residents across the District can show they are united in fighting for protecting seniors and the services they need.

Corner

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

NATIONAL

A Splintered New Afrikan Independence Movement Continues Malcolm X’s Legacy Appeal for AU Observer Status, Education Campaign Follows Contentious Election

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As Black American voters remain entrenched in what’s considered a consequential presidential election, multitudes of people who identify as New Afrikans have their sights set on establishing and gaining recognition as

a separate Black nation.

In the spirit of that endeavor, a group of New Afrikans known as the Interim Provisional Government of Republic of New Afrika (Interim PGRNA), recently petitioned the African Union (AU) for renewal of the observer status that the then-Organization of African Unity (OAU)

bestowed upon Pan-African human rights diplomat Malcolm X.

This petition came just weeks after an election that resulted in the establishment of the Interim PGRNA, an entity separate from the PGRNA that was founded after Malcolm X’s assassination.

In his Feb. 3 letter to AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Interim PGRNA Foreign Affairs Minister Siphiwe Baleka cited AU Doc. EX.CL/195 (VII), a provision that encourages “non-African states” to observe the affairs of the continental body. He went on to mention that observer status allowed Malcolm X, founding leader of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), to garner international support for a New Afrikan armed struggle on U.S. soil.

“Right now, the AU is the place where African heads of state gather,” said Baleka.

In 2003, Baleka was reportedly the only New Afrikan present when the AU adopted an amendment inviting and encouraging the full participation of Africans in the Diaspora in the building of the AU.

“It’s where issues are discussed and it’s still an important forum for diplomacy. In that regard, there’s some value in [the Interim] PGRNA having observer status.” Baleka said. “These African leaders don’t know don’t know about our various armed actions, part of a coordinated liberation movement working in tandem with the liberation movements on the African continent,” he continued. “They have to understand that we are the last liberation movement and haven’t achieved liberation yet.”

THE HISTORY OF THE NEW AFRIKAN STRUGGLE

Mahamat didn’t respond to an Informer inquiry about the current status of the Interim PGRNA’s request for observer status in the AU. The Informer also unsuccessfully attempted to gather Mahamat’s thoughts on the points Baleka outlined in the Feb. 3 letter about Malcolm X, the OAAU, and the liberation struggle taking place on U.S. soil.

In 1968, three years after Malcolm X’s assassination, and days before that of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Malcolm X Society, under the leadership of brothers Imari and

Gaidi Obadele, sponsored the National Black Government Conference in Detroit.

That conference led to the New Afrikan Declaration of Independence, and ultimately PGRNA’s establishment.

Robert Williams, a proponent of militant self-defense, served as founding president while in exile in the People’s Republic of China. Betty Shabazz, Malcolm X’s widow, served as founding vice president. Imari Obadele later became PGRNA president.

Other notable PGRNA members include Audley “Queen Mother” Moore, a comrade of Marcus Garvey; Chokwe Lumumba, an attorney and former mayor of Jackson, Mississippi; Safiya Bukhari, a former Black Panther and Black Liberation Army member who co-founded the Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC); and Sanyika Shakur, a gang-memberturned Black nationalist.

The PGRNA centered on three goals: the creation of a majority-Black country that would include Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina; reparations to descendants of enslaved Africans for chattel slavery, Jim Crow laws, and racist

5A group known as the Interim Provisional Government of Republic of New Afrika (Interim PGRNA) recently petitioned the African Union for renewal of the observer status that the then-Organization of African Unity bestowed upon Pan-African human rights diplomat Malcolm X. (Courtesy Photo)

An Agenda for Black America

By Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

President Joe Biden will make his State of the Union address on March 7. As a veteran civil rights leader committed to improving public safety and unlocking economic prosperity in our communities, there are few policies I hope the president will address. There also is one I hope he will leave — permanently — on the cutting room floor.

That policy is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed prohibition on the sale of menthol cigarettes. Local law enforcement would be in charge of executing this ban and because Black Americans who smoke are more likely to choose menthol cigarettes, the Biden administration’s proposed rule will result in more, potentially violent encounters between cops and people of color.

In other words: the FDA’s proposal runs directly counter to President Biden’s attempts to address crime and reform law enforcement practices to better protect Black Americans and other communities of color. Crime is rising especially in many urban centers. The proposed FDA rule change will lead to underground and illicit transactions that will only contribute to more crime and more negative interactions between law enforcement and communities of color.

We cannot leave our communities unprotected. At the same time I recognize that Black and Brown individuals account for 68.7% of the people in prison and 44% of the people killed by police in the United States.

To reduce these numbers, we need to change the culture and premise of policing.

It is estimated that, in several cities, less than 5% of an officer’s time is spent actually fighting violent crime. Police are still expected to respond to 911 calls, even if these calls have nothing to do with a crime. That requirement is part of the problem.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, people with mental illness are more than 10 times as likely to experience use of force in interactions with law enforcement than those without mental illnesses. Calling 911 when a person is having a manic episode should not be a matter of life and death, but, too often, it is.

Instead of issuing regulations that will require law enforcement to tackle yet another public health matter, President Biden should make it clear how he intends to help communities take the burden for nonviolent public safety matters off law enforcement’s shoulders. Enhancing funding for substance abuse, mental health, and housing counselors, for example, will keep more people out of jail and prevent police violence.

To further improve outcomes for people of color, President Biden should issue a bold plan to increase Black homeownership. Last year, the  National Association of Realtors reported that while 72.7% of white Americans own their own homes, only 44% of Black Americans do. Black homeownership has only increased 0.4% in the past decade.

An effective strategy to overcome poverty in Black America is to increase homeownership and prevent racial hyper segregation. President Biden has pursued  some regulatory actions to address housing discrimination, but improving access to homeownership will require greater efforts to reduce inflation so Black Americans can save and get out from under the burden of high interest rates.

Finally, President Biden should continue to request additional federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The gap in funding between

predominantly white institutions and HBCUs is not the result of smaller endowments. It is the result of systemic underfunding by state lawmakers. According to an Inside Higher Ed report, the country’s historically Black land-grant universities have been underfunded by their states by a total of $13 billion. HBCUs are a  springboard toward success. They constitute only 3% of four-year U.S. colleges, but their graduates account for 80% of all Black judges, 50% of Black lawyers, and 50% of Black doctors.

National polls indicate African American do not want their votes to be taken for granted in 2024. President Biden now has a strategic opportunity to engender trust, promote more inclusive public policies, and to commit to helping our communities to improve the quality of life.

West African Bloc Lifts Sanctions on Junta-Led Niger

The West African regional bloc said on Saturday, Feb. 24, that it would lift strict sanctions on Niger as it seeks a new strategy to dissuade three junta-led states from withdrawing from the political and economic union - a move that threatens regional integration.

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met to address a political crisis in the coup-hit region that deepened in January with military-ruled Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali's decision to exit the 15-member bloc.

After closed-door talks, ECOWAS said it had decided to lift Niger sanctions including border closures, the freezing of central bank and state assets, and the suspension of commercial transactions with immediate effect.

In a communique it said this was done for humanitarian reasons, but the move will be seen as a gesture of appeasement as ECOWAS tries to persuade the three junta states to remain in the nearly 50-year-old alliance. Their planned exit would bring a messy disentanglement from the bloc's trade and services flows, worth nearly $150 billion a year.

The bloc "further urges the countries to reconsider the decision in view of the benefits that the ECOWAS member states

and their citizens enjoy in the community," it said.

It also said it had lifted certain sanctions on junta-led Guinea, which has not said it wants to leave ECOWAS but like other junta states has not committed to a timeline to return to democratic rule.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray said some targeted sanctions and political sanctions remained in place for Niger, without giving details.

Earlier, ECOWAS chairman Bola Tinubu said the bloc had to rethink its strategy in its bid to get countries to restore constitutional order and urged Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea "not to perceive our organization as the enemy".

ECOWAS closed borders and imposed strict measures on Niger last year after soldiers detained President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and set up a transitional government, one of a series of recent military takeovers that have exposed the bloc's inability to halt democratic backsliding.

The sanctions have forced Niger, already one of the world's poorest countries, to slash government spending and default on debt payments of more than $500 million.

In its communique, ECOWAS repeated its call for the release of Bazoum and request for the junta to provide an "acceptable transition timetable".

Niger's coup followed two each in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso over the past three years, leaving a swathe of territory in the hands of military governments that have also moved to distance themselves from former colonial ruler France and other Western allies. The military also seized power in Guinea in 2021. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

U.S. Hails ‘Strong’ Security Partnership with Jamaica

The security partnership between Jamaica and the United States has been described as strong by one of America’s senior Government officials, The Jamaica Observer reported on Sunday, Feb. 25.

At the same time, given the persistence of drug, arms, and human traffickers, U.S. Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya said both states cannot relax their efforts to combat illegal activities.

“We have strong cooperation, but the scale of the problem is such that we cannot be complacent, we have to deepen it,” Undersecretary Zeya told the Jamaica Observer last Tuesday during a working visit to the island.

Reiterating that both the U.S. and Jamaica have a commitment to ensure the safety of their citizens, Zeya said she found “strong resolve…on the real centrality of our coopera-

tion on this issue” in meetings with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his Cabinet, as well as with Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

“It’s a strong partnership and it’s getting even deeper. It’s also a whole of government partnership…and we are very proud to support efforts on building the capacity of Jamaican law enforcement to fight narcotics trafficking, trafficking in guns, trafficking in drugs, trafficking in people,” Zeya said.

The undersecretary had a tight schedule that included her inaugurating, alongside Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s 10th child-friendly space for child victims.

The child-friendly spaces have been established under a partnership involving the U.S. government, the Ministry of National Security and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) which started in 2018. They are designed to help children who are victims of crime to feel safe while interacting with professionals, including law enforcement officers, social workers, health-care professionals, and prosecutors.

The JCF explained that the spaces provide counseling, emotional support, crisis intervention, court preparation, and victim advocacy for child victims of crime, including human trafficking. WI

West African leaders prior to the start of the ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on Saturday, Feb. 24. (Courtesy Photo/AP Photo, Gbemiga Olamikan)

If your business accepted Visa and/or Mastercard between 2004 - 2019, you’re now eligible to claim your share of a $5.5 billion Settlement. Claim your share now.

Merchants (business owners) who accepted Visa and/or Mastercard at any time from January 1, 2004, to January 25, 2019, are eligible to claim their share of a $5.5 billion Settlement.

Visa and Mastercard and their issuing banks (the “Defendants”) are alleged to have violated the law because they wrongfully inflated Interchange Fees. Defendants say they have done nothing wrong. They claim their business practices are legal.

After years of appeals, the Settlement is now final, and Claim Forms are now being accepted. If you do not file a claim, you will not receive a Settlement Payment.

Claim Forms are now being mailed to more than 15 million merchants. Even if you do not receive a Claim Form in the mail, you may still be eligible, and you should visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com to get more information about the Settlement. The deadline to file a claim is May 31, 2024. You can file your claim online at the website. Or, if you prefer, you can get a paper Claim Form at the website or by calling 1-800-625-6440. Assistance with preparing your claim is available at no cost to you from the Class Administrator and Class Counsel.

Submitting your claim online can take less than five minutes.

STEP ONE:

Scan the QR code to go to www.PaymentCardSettlement.com

STEP TWO: Provide the information requested about your business.

STEP THREE: Submit your claim! Your claim process is now complete.

To get a Claim Form in Spanish , Russian , Korean , Vietnamese , Japanese , Chinese , or Thai , please visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com

Do you need additional help or information?

HEALTH

District of Columbia Ranks 10th in Nation’s Highest STD Rates

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Innerbody Research released their seventh annual study of STD rates, revealing Washington, D.C. ranked 10th out of the top 10 cities with the highest sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates in the country. With a slew of factors influencing sexual health behaviors, prominent health and research organizations are working to address the growing infection rates across the District.

Based on the most recent 2022 STI Surveillance Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Innerbody Research developed a list of the top 100 cities to promote awareness of STDs and in effort to prevent poor health outcomes by

way of negligent practices.

“The number one thing that an individual can do to help address this issue is to get tested more frequently,” said Eric Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Innerbody Research. “What we’ve found is that people don’t realize how important it is to get tested regularly, because many STDs are manageable if they are caught early. Many of them are curable. But you can’t manage and you can’t cure what you don’t know.”

According to the Innerbody Research study, D.C. counts 1,266 cases per 100k population, with 764 HIV cases, 6,900 gonorrhea cases, 491 syphilis cases, and 14,943 chlamydia cases. There is roughly an 18month lag between when the CDC can collect the data and publish the numbers.

IS PHYSICAL INTIMACY A DANGEROUS RISK IN D.C.?

5 The District ranks 10th out of the top 10 cities with highest sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to Innerbody Research’s seventh annual study of STD rates. (Courtesy Photo/Innerbody Research)

SEXUAL HEALTH AND TRENDS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

National health leaders are not the only ones witnessing growing trends in sexually transmitted infections among minority populations.

Mary’s Center is a community health center offering health care,

education, and social services to over 65,000 residents across the D.C. area. Shenell Williams-Davis is a sexual health coordinator with the center’s Public Health Outreach Services. She witnesses a variation of resident lifestyles and behaviors that illustrate the nuances behind the increasing STD epidemic.

Mary’s Center services a variety of patients of various backgrounds

Bringing Awareness to The Plight of Rare Disease Patients

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

This Feb. 29 marks Rare Disease Day, dedicated to advocating for, and addressing healthcare access, representative research, and increased funding for rare disease patients.

Although rare diseases impact a much smaller population compared to those suffering from most common illnesses, such as kidney disease, diabetes or heart disease, an estimation of 7,000 known rare diseases affect nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Jennifer Ngo Waldrop is executive director of the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC), a subsidiary of the Black Women’s Health Imperative. Waldrop works closely with physicians and advocates in the rare disease space to alert legislators to the urgent need for better policies, and

incorporates the concerns shared by patients as many face difficulties on a day to day basis.

“We partnered up as a coalition and came about to bring the voices of our different coalition members, or even those that are specifically involved with particular diseases. And so the way I position the coalition is we are a megaphone for many of those that are in this space,” said Waldrop.

THE NEED FOR EQUITABLE HEALTH CARE IN THE RARE DISEASE SPACE

Due to the complex nature of rare diseases like Aarskog Syndrome, Cadasil, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and many more, patients and families are often left scrambling to address the devastating impacts of lacking proper

health care and pharmaceutical treatment.

In honor of Rare Disease Day, representatives from the RDDC are in Washington, D.C. to convene with the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus to encourage the enactment of bills that could serve as a lifeline for rare disease patients in need.

One of the bills that the RDDC is hopeful to pass is the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, which has garnered bipartisan and bicameral interest and support.

Advocates for the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act hope to encourage early medical attention, such as newborn screening to catch diseases, potentially, even before symptoms begin to show.

Finding solutions for rare disease pediatric patients and their parents is another reason behind the proposed

5 (Courtesy photo/UncommonCures.com)

legislation.

“What are the needs for parents to be able to provide a certain lifestyle for that child so that it can grow into adulthood? That's one of the reasons why we're doing this care act, specifically, and talking to members of Congress,” Waldrop said. WI

seeking sexual education or medical attention for STD diagnosis.

“It's very mixed. [Among our] African American community, they are often younger in age. Many are aware for the most part, but at times they [can also have] an entitled [mindset] assuming that [their health is automatically in good standing],” said Williams-Davis.

In addition to fear of stigma, blatant negligence to STD testing, and an unwillingness to complete medical treatments for infections play a critical role in soaring STD and reinfection rates across the metropolitan area.

“Recently, I've gotten a few, “What if I don't want to get treated?” which I’ve brought up to my team,” Williams-Davis told The Informer. “I’ve [also] seen a pushback on not completing treatment for chlamydia and also syphilis.”

She also emphasized it is important health systems remove barriers to assist patients who want to receive care.

“We require so much, being insurance, this and that. How about just helping them out,” Williams-Davis encouraged. “Oftentimes they are just afraid of the bill, or they are afraid of their information being used against them if they are not permanent residents here in the states. There is just too much in the way of actually helping people.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI

@LV_Writes_

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CELEBRATING LOCAL BLACK ARTS ENTREPRENEURS AND COMEDIANS: OWNING OUR STORIES

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

It’s the final week of Black History Month, and The Washington Informer, following the Association for the Study of African American and Life and History’s (ASALH) theme “African Americans and the Arts,” has delved deep into the contributions of Black artists to the nation and world. From performing, visual

and literary arts, it’s been an exciting month of examining and celebrating Black art and artists, and this week, we’re diving into the worlds of arts entrepreneurship and comedy.

While the two fields might not seem directly related, the correlation between African American arts entrepreneurship and comedy is all about taking ownership of Black stories.

Artistic business ventures, such

Mimi’s Musings: Black Entrepreneurs Ensure Ownership of African American Stories, Black Comedians Keep Audiences Laughing Despite Pain Local Comics, Arts Moguls Serve as Barriers in District, Nation and World

as Berry Gordy’s Motown, Cathy Hughes’ Urban One (formerly Radio One), Shawn “Jay-Z Carter’s Roc Nation, or Tyler Perry’s barrier-breaking production studio, are examples of African Amreicans owning, creating, producing and promoting Black art.

“What’s extremely important is that we own our images and our stories,” Derek Dingle, chief content officer for Black Enterprise and an owner of Milestone Media, told The Informer.

Milestone Media is the mastermind behind Static Shock, which was distributed as “Static,” though D.C. comics from 1993-1997.

“The reason why we created Milestone is that in the 90s, we wanted

to diversify the industry, not only in terms of storytelling, not only in terms of characters and trademarks, but also in terms of giving young African Americans at the time an opportunity to be creative in an industry that excluded them,” Dingle said.

Further, in D.C. entrepreneurs like Hughes, emphasize the leading role the District plays in ensuring African American artists receive exposure and are showcased to the masses.

In a different way than entrepreneurs, Black comedians take ownership, reclaim and share African American stories with audiences. Despite centuries-long challenges of systemic oppression and racism,

African Americans American comedians use stories of pain and struggle to reframe them in a way that turns the depressing narratives to hilarious tales of resilience.

Moreover, many local comedians, such as DMV natives Florence Mills, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and more have been barrier breaking in the comedy world, paving the way for more Black comedic artists.

As we wrap Black History Month, it’s important to acknowledge the critical contributions of African American arts entrepreneurs and comedians to their fields, honor their abilities to take ownership of narratives, and celebrate the larger cultural waves they’ve created throughout the world.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

Greater Washington Urban League

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CELEBRATING LOCAL BLACK ARTS ENTREPRENEURS: D.C. KEY IN GLOBAL BLACK MEDIA MOVEMENT

Cathy Hughes: Media Arts Entrepreneur, ‘Truth-Teller,’ Barrier-Breaker, Living Legend

By Jada Ingleton WI Intern

Media arts mogul Cathy Hughes is a barrier-breaker and living legend.

From radio, to television, to Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications (CHSOC), the barrier-breaking entrepreneur continues to influence people through her work and storytelling. Moreover, she uses her platform as a means of empowering Black communities globally.

“Pioneer. Trailblazer. Innovator. Revolutionary,” said a group of Howard University faculty and students who were asked to describe Hughes in one word.

A jack of many trades, Hughes, created a legacy at the forefront of innovation and journalistic integrity when she entered the media world in 1969. More than 50 years later, her impact remains evident

in the District, nation and world.

D.C. Becomes a Defining Moment for Hughes

Born Catherine Elizabeth Woods in Omaha, Nebraska on April 22, 1947, the future media mogul jump started her radio career when she worked for KOWH (AM) in her hometown before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1971.

Upon arrival, Hughes joined Howard as a lecturer in the-then recently established School of Communications-- more than four decades before it was renamed in her honor in 2016. A newly single mom with everything to prove, Hughes’ decision to relocate to the District served as one of the most pivotal moments of her professional career.

“[Cathy] is the core of what journalism is. She’s a truth teller…a fire-starter. As a native Washingtonian, I’ve grown up with her. I

don't know any other Black woman that has that power as it relates to journalism,” said Ericka Blount, a journalist and former editor for Interactive One, which Hughes founded in 2007.

In 1973, she pursued a managerial position at Howard’s local radio station WHUR, where she increased the station’s revenue from $250,000 to $3 million in her first year. Hughes would later become the first woman vice president and general manager of a station in the nation’s capital and created the format “A Quiet Storm,” which revolutionized urban radio and aired on over 480 stations–including one in Kansas City, Kansas.

Alecia Taylor – a fall 2023 graduate of Howard’s CHSOC – recalls listening to “A Quiet Storm” in her own hometown and feeling extremely honored to learn Hughes 5 Media

AS WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN FEBRUARY, WE RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SO MANY WHO HAVE HELPED SHAPE THE FACE AND FUTURE OF OUR NATION.

MONTH

arts mogul Cathy Hughes launched her barrier-breaking work in D.C. as the owner and operator of the largest Black-owned broadcast company in the nation.

(WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

HUGHES from Page 22

was the genius behind one of her favorite radio segments.

“Learning about Cathy Hughes and some of the revolutionary things that she created, I feel like that's going to inspire [the next generation] to look at what they can change and how to keep elevating,” Taylor said.

The Legacy Continues

Today, the visionary remains the first African-American woman to chair a publicly held corporation with Urban One–the largest African-American owned and operated broadcast company in the nation. Hughes, 76, has also been listed as the second richest Black woman in the world.

Howard University’s School of Communications is named after Hughes as a reminder of the school’s mission and commitment to legacy, excellence, and changemakers.

Hughes’ innovative spirit didn’t stop there. In 1980, the radical entrepreneur purchased her first radio station – WOL-AM, the flagship of Radio One – in D.C. She pioneered another innovative format, “24-Hour Talk from a Black Perspective,” and went on to serve as the station’s morning show host for 11 years with the theme “Information is Power.” WOL remains the most listened to talk radio station in the nation’s capital.

As someone who walked the halls of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, Taylor told The Informer Hughes’ work and teachings continue to live on through students and alumni.

“Part of her legacy is…how you can make a difference. I feel like that's how [CHSOC] keeps her spirit alive…asking ‘What do you want your impact to be?’”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

We are honored to celebrate Black History Month. Each week during February 2024, we will profile one of our employees and share in their own words what Black history means to them.

Honoré Dzisam Senior Paralegal

For several years, you probably have heard the phrase, “Black history is American history,” and that is truly how I view our input. Even though February is designated as Black History Month, we must develop a mindset that every day honors Black history. I celebrate by attending programs at church or other venues, watching various documentaries and, of course, reading books.

Black people have massively contributed to the formation of America and the world in a myriad of ways, such as through our inventions, building many famous landmarks and building trade and commerce throughout America and the world. Some inventions that have enriched society include traffic lights, GPS systems, home security systems and even potato chips!

In all truth and accuracy, we cannot deny or diminish these facts. Black History Month is one of the mediums used to continuously remind current and future individuals domestically and internationally about our contributions on a grand scale.

When I was first hired by Washington Gas, people thought I was younger than I was. I overheard one of my colleagues say, “What is she, all of 24?” I laughed and thought, “Why does that matter? My work speaks for itself.” I was very proud to be hired for a position that required experience, heightened intellect and a keen understanding of the law.

In my current position as a Senior Paralegal, I have had opportunities to add real value to the company’s bottom line by showing my true talents and abilities along with my education and experience. What is inside is what matters, and as a result, I work well in diverse and inclusive environments. Everyone brings unique, valuable perspectives within collaborative teams.

When I imagine the evolution of diversity and inclusion, I envision these becoming outdated terms because we no longer need formalized programs and nominal discussion. I hope it will become second nature for the workforce to hire, develop, and promote from all ethnicities, nationalities, skill sets, genders and the like.

True diversity reflects a team created with all people in mind, while real inclusion values the inputs from that diversity. We must evolve in this direction to create a thriving, well-represented professional environment.

5 After working in radio in Nebraska, entrepreneur Cathy Hughes started her career in D.C. by teaching at Howard University, before working at WHUR and eventually becoming the media arts mogul she is today. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

CELEBRATING LOCAL BLACK COMEDIANS: BARRIER BREAKERS IN ARTS AND ACTIVISM

Laughter from the Capital: D.C.’s Rich Legacy of Black Comedians

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In the heart of the United States, where the Potomac River flows, and history unfolds, Washington, D.C., stands as a cultural epicenter that has given birth to some of the nation’s most influential and iconic Black comedians. From the early 20th century to the present day, these comedic trailblazers have left an incredible mark and legacy on the entertainment world, using humor as a powerful tool to challenge societal norms, amplify their voices, and shape the comedy landscape.

The journey begins with Florence Mills, a legendary figure who

graced the stages of the Harlem Renaissance but was born in the District of Columbia in 1896. Known as the “Queen of Happiness,” Mills was a trailblazer, breaking racial barriers and captivating audiences with her wit and charm. Her groundbreaking work paved the way for future generations of Black comedians who would emerge from the vibrant neighborhoods of Washington, D.C.

The mid-20th century saw the rise of Dick Gregory, a fearless satirist and civil rights activist. Born in St. Louis, Gregory made Washington D.C. his home and became prominent in the city’s comedy scene. Gregory’s sharp social

commentary and unapologetic approach to addressing racial injustice set the stage for the transformative role Black comedians from the capital would continue to play.

“From the 1990s through the 2000s, Dick Gregory resided in Washington, D.C., and was an activist in the D.C. statehood movement, and a mentor and inspiration to countless entertainers and comedians in the DMV,” said the Rev. Mark Thompson, an activist and host of “Make It Plain.”

“Co-hosting on WOL together, we promoted D.C. statehood, countless fasts for ceasefires to end gun violence in D.C. streets, and also promoted both the estab-

lished and up and coming artists in the area,” Thompson told The Informer.

As the comedy landscape evolved, so did the District’s influence. Enter Thea Vidale, a powerhouse comedian whose razor-sharp wit and infectious energy commanded stages nationwide. Vidale, hailing from Washington D.C., broke barriers as one of the first female comedians to host her own stand-up comedy specials, solidifying her place in the annals of comedy history.

The comedic legacy of the nation’s capital reached new heights with the emergence of the irrepressible Martin Lawrence. A native of Landover, Maryland, just outside the city, Lawrence rose to fame with his groundbreaking sitcom “Martin” and his unforgettable stand-up specials that included hosting “Def Comedy Jam” and other pioneering talent events. His unique blend of physical comedy and sharp observational humor catapulted him to superstardom and inspired a new generation of comedians.

Dave Chappelle, another luminary who grew up in the nation’s capital, brought his own brand of incisive humor to the forefront. Chappelle’s critically acclaimed

“Chappelle’s Show” challenged societal norms and tackled complex issues with unparalleled comedic brilliance. Despite controversies, Chappelle’s ability to blend humor with social commentary made him a beacon for those who sought to use comedy as a vehicle for change.

Earthquake, Tommy Davidson, Regina Hall, Donnell Rawlings, and Ron Butler are among the many other talented individuals who have contributed to the rich tapestry of Black comedy emanating from and around the District. Each one, with their unique style and perspective, has added to the vibrant legacy of the city’s comedic tradition.

Their influence transcends entertainment, reminding everyone of the transformative power of laughter that echoes through the streets of the District.

“Everybody likes to be funny,” D.C. comedian and author Greg “Judge” Poole told The Informer in an interview on the WIN-TV show “Let’s Talk.” “We as a D.C. comedy brotherhood were into helping each other, we weren’t cutthroat. We were strong and grew together.”

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5 Greg "Judge" Poole (Courtesy Photo)

Dick Gregory: An Accessible D.C. Comedy Legend and Activist

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In 2017, Richard Claxton

“Dick” Gregory died in the District at the age of 84 with the respect and grassroots appeal bestowed to few, if any, other Black comedians of his time.

The majority of that respect stemmed from Gregory’s penchant for walking among everyday District residents, telling the truth, and advancing civil and human rights causes. He often did this, and more, while cracking a joke or vehemently admonishing public figures and institutions for their heinous acts against marginalized people.

With the limited edition re-release of “Wake Up and Stay Woke,” during this Black History Month, friends, family, comrades, fans and all those in between can continue honoring Gregory’s life and legacy.

This book, originally written by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. in 2021, shares aspects of Gregory’s life unrelated to his comedy and activism. It counts among the several projects done in memory of Gregory since he succumbed to heart failure.

“He was so much more than his comedy, and so much more than his fiery speeches,” Williams wrote on the website for The Dick Gregory Society, an organization she founded in remembrance of the late comedian-activist.

“He has always been about social activism that made a positive difference in the lives of so many who often could or would not speak for themselves,” Williams’ statement continued. “Yes, a big part of his

life was about comedy, but it was about so much more, and in this book, I have tried to let you know about who he really was.”

Williams counted among some of Gregory’s closest confidantes. Along with The Dick Gregory Society, she also launched a radio show of the same name on WPFW FM 89.3. She also collaborated with Dr. Christian Gregory, Gregory’s son, on “The Essential Dick Gregory,” a collection of works from the late Gregory.

Gregory was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1932. He went on to author more than a dozen books, including “N*gger: An Autobiography” in 1964 and “Callus on My Soul: A Memoir” in 2000.

Those achievements, and more, came in the midst of a comedy career he started exploring while serving in the U.S. military. That career took off in the 1960s when Hugh Hefner hired Gregory to work at the Playboy Club in Chicago.

As he advanced as a comedian, Gregory courted controversy because of his commentary on race relations and mockery of the political establishment. He supported the fight for civil rights and stood on the frontlines against the Vietnam War and racial injustice, often getting arrested and participating in hunger strikes.

From the 1970s onward, Gregory appeared on several radio programs. He co-hosted The Power with Kathy Hughes on WOL 1450 AM. He also made guest appearances on “Make it Plain,” the Rev. Mark Thompson’s show on Sirius Channel 146.

While in the District, Gregory remained outspoken about the

issues of the day, whether it be the extension of the Equal Rights Amendment in the late 1970s or government complicity in the assassinations of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President John F. Kennedy.

In the years leading up to his death, Gregory could be seen out and about in the District, either perusing the magazine racks at a downtown store, talking to patrons at Sankofa Video Books & Cafe, and even performing a comedy set at Wanda’s on 7th Street in Northwest.

Although he’s no longer here physically, Gregory’s legacy continues to live on in the barrage of video clips that young people growing in their consciousness circulate online. It also lives on through his children, including Ayanna Gregory, a renowned singer, dramatist, educator and activist. WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Celebrated comedian and freedom fighter Dick Gregory spent much of his life and career truth-telling through his comedy and activism. (Courtesy Photo)

Turning Pain to Purpose: Creating a Safe Space for Black Women to Embrace Healing and Rediscover Joy

By Pamela Happi

Between mounting obstacles in society, challenges in the workplace, personal struggles, and major life transitions, Black women find themselves navigating turbulent waters. And the stress is showing up in our lives and bodies in very unhealthy ways, leading to a wave of mental health issues and a real need for healing in the Black community.

Healing from grief, trauma, anxiety, or depression requires a commitment to the process. It's not easy—it's hard work, and it becomes even more challenging when trying to do it in isolation. Julian B. Kiganda discovered firsthand the depth of effort required on her own healing journey.

"After attending six funerals and navigating unimaginable grief and loss in 2022, I was in a place where I didn’t want to do much of anything. Almost all of those losses were family members. I was anxious and crying all the time. I lost my passion for my work and found myself isolated from others. There was very little joy in my life,” she says.

Fortunately, she was surrounded by an incredible support system, maintained a strong spiritual practice, and benefited from the guidance of a skilled therapist. Yet, therapy alone, while instrumental in equipping her with the tools to cope with her grief and anxiety, wasn’t enough. She found it necessary to explore different methods and practices to find emotional, spiritual, and even physical healing.

“I did everything from journaling and going for long walks to experiencing a sound bath session and growing plants. Doing all of the things was necessary for me to be able to address the pain and find peace again. But as I was coming out of that dark place, I recognized that many of my sisters were going through similar struggles. It made me realize how crucial it is for Black women to find safe spaces where they can express themselves without judgment and find much-needed support,” she states.

As a way to turn her pain into purpose and honor the lives of those

whom she lost in 2022, Julian founded EMERGE Live!—a space for Black women to create a new vision for personal and professional fulfillment. The event offers a sanctuary for women to rest, recalibrate, and rediscover joy, which is this year’s theme. A three-day immersive retreat, EMERGE Live! will bring together visionary Black women from April 19 - 21, 2024 at the beautiful Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, MD.

This life-changing event guarantees a variety of enriching experiences, including interactive workshops, engaging discussions, and soulful performances. Renowned women leaders such as Gina Paige, President and Co-founder of African Ancestry, Lydia G. Sermons, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Howard University, Viola Llewellyn, award-winning FinTech founder and Co-founder of The Tulle-Box, Dr. Ivy Hylton, International Sound Healer and holistic integrative health practitioner, and Julian B. Kiganda, Founder of EMERGE Live! and CEO of JBK Brand Design LLC, will share insights gleaned from their own journeys of resilience and innovation.

Guided by experts dedicated to empowering Black women, attendees will delve into topics ranging from holistic healing techniques and boundary setting to conquering imposter syndrome and growing their businesses with venture capital. The Creative Visionary Lounge will serve as a hub for inspiration, while the Chic Boutique, energetic African dance class, and immersive sound bath session offer moments of relaxation, cultural celebration, and healing.

EMERGE Live! was created to cater to women at every stage of their journey—whether seasoned professionals, budding entrepreneurs, or emerging leaders eager to embrace their potential. This is an invitation to every Black woman seeking renewal and connection in a safe, supportive environment.

“My intention is to reach as many women as I can with this message of healing and rediscovering joy. I was fortunate to have the resources and the support to heal from my pain, but I recognize that not everyone has that. That’s why the work we’re doing at EMERGE Live! Is so critical. It allows

us to create an environment that brings connection, empathy, learning, and joy all in one place. And Spring is the perfect time to embrace renewal, growth, and a fresh start,” Julian states.

Whether it’s attending a retreat, going to therapy, or spending time in nature, it’s important for Black women to make the time and space to heal and nurture themselves—mind, body, and soul. Healing is a lifelong journey, and it takes effort to do the work, but the peace you find on the other side makes it all worth it.

Registration for EMERGE Live! is now open, with special rates available for

a limited time. Secure your spot today at www.emergeliveexp.com and embark on a powerful journey toward healing, joy, and renewed purpose. Enter code EL2410 for 10% off your registration. Sponsorship, partnership, and vendor opportunities are also available. To make the experience ac-

cessible, there are special rates for students and young professionals, women who are out of work or underemployed, community and nonprofit leaders, and retirees on a budget. Contact us at emerge@jbkbranddesign.com for more information.

Banned Books are Must Reads for Black Youth

While some leaders have worked to stop young people from reading certain texts, every effort must be made to ensure that all Black youth have access to books that have been banned in recent years due to conservative winds in today’s political climate.

According to a recent article in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, “Books can change outcomes for students themselves when they see people who look like them represented. What people see affects who they become, what they believe, and also what they believe about others.”

Toni Morrison once argued about the dangers of book banning in response to past attempts to restrict access to “Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain, over its use of racial slurs. "The brilliance of ‘Huckleberry Finn' is in the argument it raises. Banning books,” Morrison explained, “is a purist and yet elementary kind of censorship designed to appease adults rather than educate children."

Sadly, Morrison was not extended the same degree of thoughtfulness she applied to Twain by the Wentzville School Board, located in western St. Charles County, Missouri. In 2022, the board voted 4-3 to pull Morrison's celebrated “The Bluest Eye" from the district's high school libraries.

According to PEN America, during the 2023-2023 academic year, 3,362 books were banned in the United States. More than 40% of these books were banned in Florida, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis

One local organization that promoted banned books through Black History Month is William O. Lockridge Community Foundation (WOLCF). Twenty-nine books banned book were highlighted, with the foundation citing “a concerning trend on banning books centered on Black, brown, and LGBT+ community experiences.” Cited books ranged from ”Dear Martin,” by Nic Stone, to “A Good Kind of Trouble,” by Lisa Moore Ramee, to “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibrahim X. Kendi.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that all books are accessible to our children, not just chosen by a select few,” WOLCF explained. “Let’s amplify our narratives and truths.”

WI

No Excuse for Having No Empathy

Local news is a hard business—the Black press knows that as well as anyone. But if hard times turn you into a hard person, you’re not the right leader to guide a newsroom through this storm.

At WAMU last week, general manager Erika Pulley-Hayes and other WAMU executives chose abruptness over empathy and self-protection over service. In shutting down DCist—a site WAMU acquired in 2018—and keeping the site locked and inaccessible, they demonstrate disrespect for their own audience and for democracy in D.C. They were also disingenuous and unkind in the process of letting staff members know about a wave of layoffs.

Pulley-Hayes and other members of management broke the news to another outlet, Axios DC, before telling their own team; several staffers later told a reporter at Washingtonian that they learned about the coming layoffs from the Axios story, which published just ahead of a mandatory all-staff Zoom meeting. That call lasted just under 7 minutes, per Washington City Paper, and Pulley-Hayes took no questions following the announcement.

Since then, WAMU has also put out a self-congratulatory press release about its “new strategy” to “lean into audio” and “deepen engagement.” It does not mention cutting 15 team members—including several reporters known for innovative audio reporting.

A lot of national news outlets have laid off staff in recent months, and many of them have exhibited the same lack of compassion and forethought. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

Staffers at the Nevada Independent faced layoffs last week, too. Their CEO, Jon Ralston, told the public about it in a post on the Independent’s website. Instead of a fluffy press release and an exclusive interview to another outlet, he took responsibility. Most importantly, he noted that remaining staff would share the burden with temporary pay cuts, and Ralston himself would “not be taking a salary indefinitely.”

“There isn’t a person at this organization I haven’t enjoyed working with, and I am truly sorry for the hardship I have caused,” his letter reads. “I will miss all of them, I will help them where I can, I hate to have had to do this.”

The local news business is hard, and it will likely get worse before it gets better. The stakes—for communities, for democracy and for accountability—are incredibly high. None of that is an excuse for forgetting that newsrooms are made of human beings.

WI

EDITORIAL

I appreciate the Prince George’s County updates every week. While D.C. and Maryland are separate entities, we are all one community, and what affects one affects all. Thanks for your work!

Maurice Stratt Landover, Md.

TO THE EDITOR

I enjoyed learning about African Americans’ history in dance and theater in last week’s Black History Month section. It was interesting to see the intersection of stepping, greek sororities, and dance, as well as the role Washington played in the Black arts movement.

Elise Ross Washington, D.C.

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

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

Black History Month: Celebrating the Arts

Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization established in 1915 by "the Founder of Black History" Dr. Carter G. Woodson, designates a theme for the observance of Black History Month, and the 2024 theme is African Americans and the Arts.

As ASALH says: "In the fields of

visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for pop-

ular trends around the world. … For centuries Western intellectuals denied or minimized the contributions of people of African descent to the arts as well as history, even as their artistry in many genres was mimicked and/or stolen. However, we can still see the unbroken chain of Black art production from antiquity to the present, from Egypt across Africa, from Europe to the New World. … In celebrating the entire history of African Americans and the arts, ASALH puts into the national spotlight the richness of

Guest Columnist

David W. Marshall

The Fight for Lasting Tolerance and Inclusion

ed city in the United States.

Last year, the NAACP Board of Directors issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. The advisory was issued in direct response to the restrictive policies concerning Florida's diversity, equity and inclusion programs led by Gov. Ron DeSantis. So far, the efforts to encourage people to avoid Florida as a vacation spot have had little impact on the state's tourism. Orlando remains the most-visit-

While travelers may be fully opposed to the state's controversial policies, individuals and families do not favor altering their vacation destinations. Vacationing at popular theme parks such as Disney World can become a safe escape from the constant negativity and polarization caused by daily politics.

"Travel has always transcended politics," said Stacy Ritter, president and chief executive of Visit Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale tourism organization. "People have always traveled

Guest Columnist

to places where they don't agree with the politics because they want to see something new, different. They want an experience. They want a vacation." While Ritter's statements may be true for the 2024 traveler, one cannot forget how "White Only" policies from the Jim Crow era meant that Black travelers often could not find safe places to eat and sleep since many municipalities banned Blacks after dark. Those so-called "Sundown Towns" were located across the country. As a result, for nearly 30 years, a guide called the Negro Motorist

An Agenda for Black America 2024

cutting room floor.

President Joe Biden will make his State of the Union address on March 7. As a veteran civil rights leader committed to improving public safety and unlocking economic prosperity in our communities, there are a few policies I hope the president will address.

There also is one I hope he will leave — permanently — on the

That policy is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed prohibition on the sale of menthol cigarettes. Local law enforcement would oversee executing this ban and because Black Americans who smoke are more likely to choose menthol cigarettes, the Biden administration's proposed rule will result in more, potentially violent encounters between cops and people of color.

In other words: the FDA's

the past and present with an eye towards what the rest of the 21st century will bring."

Museums and cultural institutions across the country are celebrating this theme in many ways. For example, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., is highlighting art as a platform for social justice: "African American artists — poets, writers, visual artists, and dancers — have historically served as change agents through their crafts. Drawn from

their ancestors' ancient rites of passage and the shared hopes of liberty, Black artists continue to fuse the rhythmic cadence of creative expressions with the pulsating beats of progress. Our museum celebrates Black History Month 2024 by highlighting the ‘art of resistance' and the artists who used their crafts to uplift the race, speak truth to power and inspire a nation."

At the Metropolitan Museum

EDELMAN Page 49

Green Book listed establishments in segregated strongholds such as Alabama and Mississippi. It also covered areas from Connecticut to California — any place where its readers might face discrimination or danger due to the color of their skin.

The Green Book provided an extensive list of hotels, guest houses, service stations, drug stores, taverns, barber shops and restaurants known as safe havens for Black travelers. First published in 1936, it was the creation of Harlem-based postal carrier Victor Hugo Green, who was inspired by

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

proposal runs directly counter to President Biden's attempts to address crime and reform law enforcement practices to better protect Black Americans and other communities of color. Crime is rising especially in many urban centers. The proposed FDA rule change will lead to underground and illicit transactions that will only contribute to more crime and more negative interactions between law enforcement and communities of color.

We cannot leave our commu-

nities unprotected. At the same time, I recognize that Black and Brown individuals account for 68.7% of the people in prison and 44% of the people killed by police in the United States. To reduce these numbers, we need to change the culture and premise of policing.

It is estimated that, in several cities, less than 5% of an officer's time is spent fighting violent crime. Police are still expected to respond to 911 calls, even if these calls have nothing to do with a

earlier books addressed to Jewish audiences. By the early 1940s, the Green Book boasted thousands of establishments from across the country, all of them either Black-owned or verified to be non-discriminatory. The Green Book editors ended the introduction of the 1948 edition by stating, "There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have equal opportunities and privileges in the United States. It

crime. That requirement is part of the problem. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, people with mental illness are more than 10 times as likely to experience the use of force in interactions with law enforcement than those without mental illnesses. Calling 911 when a person is having a manic episode should not be a matter of life and death, but, too often, it is. Instead of issuing regula-

Guest Columnist

No One Is Above the Law!

even from his family! I don't think all of us believed the information that was coming at us so fast could possibly be true! It turns out it was worse!

From the time Donald Trump was brought to our attention by running for United States president, we began learning more about him. Whenever someone runs for office in America, no stone is left unturned searching for information about them. Sometimes we learn good things about them, but who Trump really is began coming to our attention soon, and the information kept on coming —

Little did we know, things could get worse. As time went by, we learned even more about him. As a candidate, he famously said he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, he wouldn't lose any voters. Well, that seemed to be true through the years.

Later, one of his lawyers suggested in federal court that a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival, and unless he

Guest Columnist

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

was impeached (which he was twice) and convicted (which he should have been) by Congress, he would be immune from criminal prosecution. He convinced a lot of people that with all the illegal and bad things he did, he would go untouched! Civil and criminal charges went up to an astounding 92! Even then, most of his MAGA supporters are still supporting him!

We see that his behavior totally disrespects our laws, disrespects loyalty to our nation, disrespects truth, disrespects women and continues to express behavior that is unbecoming

for any adult, and even worse for someone who has been president of the United States.

Recently, we have been getting some hope that no one is above the law. He has lost his argument that he is above the law, and has to pay dearly for what he did to a woman's body.

He and some of his followers are desperately trying to destroy the credibility of Fulton County, Georgia, Attorney General Fani Willis. No matter how that case comes out, it doesn't take away the truth that his guilt still stands. We know because

Questions Remain in the Case of Defiled, Burned Jackie Robinson Statue

sports journalist Mark Dent

"Here's where Robinson, looking down from baseball heaven, may be having the last laugh, because the vandalism has in fact left an imprint. Paradoxically, it has helped to burnish Robinson's legacy. The grievous misdeed of destroying Robinson's statue has only increased the kids' awareness of the illustrious details of his storied life and its relevance to their own." —

Authorities in Wichita, Kansas, appear to have accepted — at least for now — a suspect's claim that he and his accomplices had no racial motivation for stealing a youth baseball league's treasured bronze statue of Jackie Robinson and intended to sell it for scrap metal. The very notion that a monument honoring a revered civil rights icon should be regarded as "scrap metal" is appallingly racist on its face. The suspect's story, further-

Guest Columnist

more, doesn't explain why the statue was found mangled and burned in another park seven miles away, five days later. And nothing can erase the trauma inflicted on the community by what appeared in every respect to be a racially motivated hate crime.

Whether the suspects intended to inspire fear or outrage in the community, they undoubtedly did so. The sight of the statue's base, containing only a pair of bronze feet severed at the ankles, was chilling. The discovery of the hacked-apart and flaming remains was revolting.

Ben Jealous

Wichita police called the statue commissioned by the sports nonprofit League 42 "a cornerstone of the charity and represented the core values and teachings of this organization." The destruction of the statue was an assault on League 42's mission to inspire, educate and empower children of color.

Fortunately, the community refused to be intimidated. A fundraising campaign to replace the statue far exceeded its goal and will allow other improvements to the field, including additional security. Major

we heard his telephone conversation where he was trying to claim votes he didn't win.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has persisted through months of Trump's bad behavior and attempts to discredit her and prove that he is above the law. She is still trying to get it through his head that no one is above the law, and she has come a long way in making him understand that concept by taking away some of his property if he doesn't pay what Judge Arthur F. WILLIAMS Page 50

League Baseball and its 30 clubs also committed to replacing the statue.

The destruction of the statue has also served to focus attention on Robinson's legacy at a time when anti-racial justice activists and politicians are actively trying to erase it.

Among the books banned in Duval County, Florida — the epicenter of the so-called "anti-woke" movement — was "Thank You, Jackie Robinson" by Barbara Cohen. The novel, aimed at students in fourth

Biden's Walk Can Beat Trump's Talk with the Working Class, But He Needs to Speak Up

the Court. The decision will likely be joined by some of the Court's moderates. It could even be unanimous.

Spoiler alert! Donald Trump will be allowed to remain on the ballot this fall.

One way or another, the Supreme Court is going to decide that a state cannot remove Trump from based on the 14th Amendment's ban on insurrectionists holding elected office. Trump is an insurrectionist. But that is not the question currently before

Regardless of the reasoning behind or the narrowness of the ultimate decision, another barrier will be removed for Trump. His base will be further energized.

Increasingly, the question on many people's minds is this: with the Trump train picking up speed again, what can President Biden really do to stop it?

The first step is to recognize what we're dealing with. Yes, many Ameri-

cans are depressed about this election, and depressed about it being a rematch between the same people who were on the ballot last time. However, turnout will still be high.

It is still a presidential year. The media coverage will not let any of us escape constantly hearing about the election. And people know there is a ton at stake.

Each side sees a lot to fight against. Each side sees a lot to fight for. This election is likely to go to the side that working-class America believes is fighting for them.

In order to understand working-class America today, we have to understand a huge swath of working-class America generally has the same address. It is the place where the factory shut down and opiate addiction, meth addiction and suicides shot up.

The economic and social struggles of this broad base of American society define the political moment that we are in. It is a populist one. This has allowed Donald Trump to speak to Americans' anxieties with no intention of following through, and in

completely dishonest ways.

Trump has been stealing Bernie Sanders' talking points since back in 2016. Remember before the all the "rigged election" rhetoric, Trump spoke of the "rigged economy." He truthfully told voters our healthcare system is broken but dishonestly said he would give us a better one. And, of course he lambasted NAFTA as the disaster it was. It was all empty rhetoric. Trump lacked the conviction, knowledge and genuine desire

Marc H. Morial

Education Divides: A Tapestry of Differing Perspectives Among Teachers, Parents, and Teens on Slavery’s Legacy and Gender Identity in Schools

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a nuanced exploration of educational perspectives, a PEW Research survey unveils a rich mosaic of opinions among teachers, parents, and teenagers, particularly on slavery’s legacy and gender identity education.

On the matter of slavery, 64% of teachers emphasize the importance of students learning about its ongoing impact on Black Americans. In contrast, 23% view slavery as a historical chapter with no present influence, while 8% argue against teaching the topic altogether.

Among those who say the topic of racism or racial inequality comes up in class, comfort levels differ by:

• Race and ethnicity:

Black teens (33%) are more likely than white (19%) or Hispanic (17%) teens to say they feel uncom-

fortable when this comes up in class.

• Partisanship: Teens who identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party are more likely than Republican and Republican-leaning teens to say they feel comfortable when this comes up in class (43% vs. 33%). In turn, Republican teens are more likely than Democratic teens to say they feel uncomfortable (24% vs. 18%).

When asked what they would prefer to learn in school about the legacy of slavery, 48% of teens say they’d rather learn that it still affects the position of Black people in American society today. A smaller but substantive share (40%) would rather learn that slavery is part of American history but does not affect the position of Black people in American society today. Just 11% say they shouldn’t learn about this topic at school.

Again, views differ by:

• Race and ethnicity:

79% of Black teens say they would prefer to learn that the legacy of slavery still affects Black people today. This is much higher than the shares of White (41%) and Hispanic (45%) teens who say this.

• Partisanship:

68% of Democratic teens would rather learn that the legacy of slavery still affects the position of Black people today. In turn, most Republican teens (60%) say they would prefer to learn that slavery does not affect the position of Black people today.

Parents find themselves divided, with 49% advocating for their children to learn about the enduring

legacy of slavery and 42% leaning toward the belief that it no longer shapes the lives of Black Americans. Teenagers echo this division, with 48% preferring to learn about its lasting impact and 40% leaning towards the notion that it’s a relic of the past.

The survey reveals a notable political divide among teachers, with 85% of Democratic educators supporting the idea that slavery’s legacy continues to hold sway, compared to a mere 35% of their Republican counterparts.

When shifting the focus to gender identity education, opinions remain divergent. Thirty-one percent of parents prefer their children to learn that gender can differ from the sex assigned at birth, while an equal percentage insists on teaching that gender is determined by birth sex. Another 37% believe their children shouldn’t learn about gender identity in school.

Teens reflect the divide, with 25% wanting to learn about the fluidity of gender, 26% preferring a deterministic view, and 48% expressing a belief that gender identity should not be part of the school curriculum.

Fifty percent of teachers advocate against students learning about gender identity in school. However, 14% support the idea that birth sex determines gender, and a third think that students should learn about the fluidity of gender.

A noticeable political divide persists, with Democratic teachers more open to teaching about gender diver-

When asked what they would prefer to learn in school about the legacy of slavery, 48% of teens say they’d rather learn that it still affects the position of Black people in American society today.

sity (53%), compared to only 5% of their Republican counterparts. Additionally, 80% of Republican teachers believe parents should be able to opt their children out of LGBTQ issues education, while only 30% of Democratic teachers share this view.

The survey also delves into classroom dynamics, revealing that topics related to racism or racial inequality are more likely to be discussed (56%) than those related to gender identity (50%). Furthermore, teachers with more than a year of experience report that sexual orientation and gender identity topics rarely or never come up in their classrooms (68%).

5 Community mural by local artist Ryan Allen at William Hall Academy in Capitol Heights. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

EARTH OUR

Road SE and dumped 70 car tires.

“There were tires in the street, there were tires on the sidewalk,” Hayes said. “Basically—it was a lot of tires.”

Hayes’ experience is far from an isolated incident. Trinidad resident René Bryce-Laporte wrote on X earlier this month that he counted 79 tires while on a morning walk around the Ward 5 neighborhood with his dog. He also posted photos of a truck full of tires, writing that he and his neighbors had seen the vehicle return over and over to dump tires, often near homes.

“It is nasty, inconsiderate, disrespectful and illegal,” Bryce-Laporte wrote.

When tires are dumped in neighborhoods, residents can file a 311 report for the Department of Public Works to come to pick them up.

Hayes said he’s submitted many such reports and usually—though not always—sees them dealt with quickly.

But tires left in the District’s woodlands and green spaces often slip through the cracks, leaving citizens to step in. Volunteers collected almost 250 tires—weighing about 5,000 pounds—during an MLK Day cleanup in Ward 7’s Pope Branch Park last month, according to Dolly Davis, president of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance.

In some cases, if they’re hidden or hard to get to, tires might just sit in the woods for weeks, months or even years. The rubber leaches chemicals slowly into the soil and water, while also posing a serious fire hazard and— in warmer months—forming perfect mosquito breeding grounds.

JUST PAST THE GUARDRAIL

Anyone who regularly drives along Interstate 295, also called the Anacostia Freeway, can often spot tires sitting just off the shoulder on the side of the road.

Nathan Harrington, who leads Ward 8 Woods Conservancy, an organization that hires Ward 8 residents facing employment barriers for forest remediation work, noted the tire problem extends beyond the freeway.

He’s now identified at least two spots along the highway just north of

Pennsylvania Avenue SE where hundreds of tires lay among the trees.

“It's depressing to look at,” Harrington said. “It makes it seem like nobody cares, nobody's paying attention.”

Because there are so many in one spot, Harrington thinks they were likely dumped there by a commercial hauler trying to avoid fees for proper disposal. He pointed out a few tires lying close to the road that still had dried grass clippings on top of them—it was a sign that the wheels had been there at least since the fall, when the grass would have been mowed.

WHY 100 TIRES ARE NOT GOOD NEIGHBORS

Massive piles of tires pose both safety and health risks for people living nearby. For one thing, rubber tires stacked together are a fire hazard. Tires don’t catch fire very easily, but when they do, the flames tend to spread quickly, producing toxic smoke and becoming difficult to put out.

“If we have a dry spell and somebody throws their cigarette down here as they drive past and it lands on one of these tires—the whole thing could go up,” Harrington said.

Tires also contain chemicals and heavy metals, some of which are carcinogenic. When they break down, those toxins can slowly leach into soil and groundwater.

Above all, tires present a perfect honeymoon destination for mosquitoes to breed in because they collect stagnant water. The bugs are more than just annoying—they can carry diseases, including West Nile Virus, which had 23 documented cases in D.C., Maryland and Virginia last year.

DPW REMOVES

11 TONS OF DEBRIS — AND THERE’S MORE LEFT

Harrington said he started “beating the drum” about the tires and trash along I-295 about a year ago. He sent emails to the Department of Public Works (DPW) and got in touch with D.C. Council staffers working on the

committees for environment and public works.

Seeing little change, he started an online petition on Dec. 18, calling on DPW and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to do a thorough cleanup of the area and set up a schedule for regular trash removal. Two days later, according to an update added to the petition Dec. 20, Harrington got a personal call from DPW Director Timothy Spriggs saying that cleanup along the freeway would take place in January.

Between Jan. 10 and Feb. 5, DPW collected 11 tons of debris from along the I-295 corridor, Spriggs said in an early February interview.

In an emailed response to questions, DPW spokesperson Nancee Lyons said that the agency’s cleanup had removed between 200 and 300 tires.

“We were alerted to tires through service requests [and] through direct activation by our employees, and as soon as we became aware of the tires on the side of the roadway, we began to make preparations to get them removed,” said Reginald May, DPW’s deputy administrator of Solid Waste Management.

In the two spots near Pennsylvania Avenue SE, the tires remained untouched on Feb. 21, when Informer reporters went to investigate the site.

Lyons, the DPW spokesperson, did not initially respond to an email The Informer sent Feb. 6 that asked specifically about one of the spots, providing a location marker. After the Informer sent a follow up email that included a marker for the other spot, Lyons responded Feb. 26 that the agency was

“checking out the new location.”

REMINDER OF GAPS IN THE SYSTEM

Part of the issue, Harrington said, is that the 311 platform doesn’t provide an option to mark a location that doesn’t have an address. For a site with more than 100 tires on the northbound side of I-295 just past Pennsylvania Avenue SE, the closest location a submitter can choose is a home on Nash Street SE. From outside that house, the problem isn’t visible.

“You can go into the app and try to drop a pin at the in the exact spot, but it will default to the nearest building that has an address, which in this case is on the other side of the fence on a street that's not accessible [from the highway],” Harrington said. “So then, whoever's responding to that request would go to that address, not see the dumping, and close the request, saying ‘we didn't see anything.’... It’s a flaw with the entire system.”

Residents submitted 70 service requests to DPW about the areas around I-295 and Kenilworth Avenue in 2023, according to an email from Lyons. Harrington said he had made at least two 311 calls about the problem

that had been marked “closed” without cleanup being done at the spot he was trying to report, despite leaving a description in the notes section.

In general, Harrington said wooded areas along I-295 have fallen through the cracks in agency efforts to keep the District clean.

“The DC Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works have shrugged off responsibility for the grassy median and shoulders and wooded areas that line the road,” he wrote in his petition. “Their neglect has allowed hundreds of tires and thousands of pounds of litter [to] pile up in areas designed as environmental buffer zones.”

Lyons said in an interview that “most of the property along 295 is federal property.” But D.C. government maps show that the boundaries of the National Park Service land and other federal properties mostly don’t extend all the way to the highway, leaving a strip of green space in between. There are only a few places, such as a stretch of about 1500 feet just north of 11th St. NE, where the borders of Anacostia Park or other federal lands reach right up to I-295’s guardrails.

WI

Read more on

washingtoninformer.com.

The Informer's Our Earth page turns 1 year old this fall. We want to know what you think and what we can do better in year 2! Please let us know with this 3-minute survey.

5 Harrington created a Change.org petition featuring photos of abandoned tires. Though it collected more than 900 signatures, Harrington estimated only around a third came from DMV. (Courtesy Photo/Change.org)

TIRES from Page 1

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Intern

Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

This weekend’s list of events speaks to impact through the lens of art, innovation, and education.

Beginning with Thursday’s REACH to FOREST festival, as well as The Informer’s commit-

ment to expanding Black minds in the Smart Marketing Workshop and Prince George County’s Spelling Bee, the weekend of events kicks off with insightful explorations.

Women’s History Month brings inspirational exhibitions and performances that celebrate female artistry as a whole – whether it be recognizing the historic contributions of women locally, or showcasing their capabilities through dance, music, and art.

on to compete in Bee Week 2024, slated for May 26-31 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Celebrating Women and Their Art

6 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Free

The Goldman Gallery at the Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Rd. Rockville, MD, 20852

BY KIA CORTHRON

If you’re looking for something thought-provoking and game-changing, you can end your week with a riveting performance of Men on Boats.

Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life- lit. To keep up with all the fun, check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, FEB. 29

REACH to FOREST

Times and prices vary depending on event selection

Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

The two-week REACH to FOREST festival will include thought-provoking events by prominent American and international artists, renowned authors, thinkers, conservationists, filmmakers, musicians, tree hunters, and scientists. With a mission of rekindling the relationships between artists and scientists—as well as between humans, forests, trees, and wildlife—REACH to FOREST explores the symbiotic relationship between nature and the human world with two weeks of free programs, films, art installations, conversations, and more.

The festival runs until March 3.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

The Washington Informer Charities Prince George's County Spelling Bee

**Sponsored 7:00 p.m. | Free

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 8270 Alumni Drive, Suite 3800, College Park, MD, 20742

The 2024 Prince George's County Spelling Bee, hosted by The Washington Informer Charities, will showcase the county's top spellers as they vie for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition, aimed at enhancing literacy, encourages students to improve their spelling, broaden their vocabulary, grasp new concepts, and refine their English usage for lifelong benefits. The victor

The Goldman Gallery at the Bender Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland is honoring Women's History Month by showcasing the work of 12 local women artists who work in diverse media. Juried by professional artist and instructor Carol Lee Thompson, the Montgomery Art Association's exhibit, "Celebrating Women and their Art,” will be on view until March 16, 2024.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

First Saturdays 11:00 a.m. | Free (some with registration)

National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20565

Each month, the National Gallery of Art hosts a fun and relaxed interactive event that features art-making, films, talks, tours, and a variety of special pop-up activities. Newly launched as of February 2023, this celebration promises an immersive, multigenerational experience for a wide range of audiences.

In honor of Women’s History, portrait photography, paintings, and documentaries are amongst the list of this month’s festivities that recognize the artistry of women creatives.

All activities are free, and most are first come, first served.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes

7:00 p.m. | $34.00 - $82.00 (discounts available)

Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

On its closing night, join the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and indulge in Vivian J.O. Barnes’ funny and surprising world premiere play, The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes, which follows an

Photo of Gina Daniels for Tempestuous Elements by Tony Powell

5 The Washington Informer Prince George’s Spelling Bee will be hosted at the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts on March 1 at 7 p.m. Last year’s winner was Lesly Hernadez Martin, seen here posing here with her family. (WI File Photo)

New Children's Books For Year-Round Enjoyment

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Any time is great to find books that teach history and affirm a place in the world for everybody, and that’s exactly what “Brown Girls Rule” by Ashok Banker and "Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis” by Lessa Cline-Ransome is able to do for readers.

"BROWN GIRLS RULE"

By Ashok Banker

Illustrated by Brittany Bond

32 Pages

Ages 5-8

Publisher: Beaming Books

Ashok Banker has written a short, easy-to-read poetry-style book where brown girls from many cultures are affirmed.

Brittany Bond’s illustrations are sharp and colorful, showing brown girls with a range of abilities, girls working together on projects, and taking on advocacy roles.

Young brown girls will be empowered by this book and be eager to share with friends.

THINGS from Page 32

HBCU dance team on the cusp of their homecoming performance. The pressure is on–the student body, the administration, the alumni, their families, everyone is expecting perfection. As the big day creeps closer, the women must contend with flaring tempers, bodies pushed to their limits, and what it means to be a team.

Men on Boats

2:00 p.m. | $10.00 - $25.00

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts

"FIGHTING WITH LOVE: THE LEGACY OF JOHN LEWIS”

By Lessa Cline-Ransome

Illustrated by James E. Ransome

48 Pages

Ages 4-8

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/ Paula Wiseman Books

John Robert Lewis was born to be a leader for peace. Author Lessa Cline-Ransome takes us on Lewis’ life calling, from his birth in Troy, Alabama, to his final days in July 2020.

This book follows Lewis from his rural upbringing working in the cotton field to hearing a young Martin Luther King, Jr. on the radio, going away to seminary school in Nashville, and getting involved in civil rights work.

James E. Ransome, an award-winning illustrator, produced action-oriented images that make it easy to experience Lewis as a child hauling cotton, being attentive to what he’s hearing on the radio, and being arrested for peaceful protesting. WI

@bcscomm

Center, 8270 Alumni Drive, Suite 3800, College Park, MD, 20742

“Men on Boats,” co-directed by KenYatta Rogers and Elena Velasco, challenges traditional historical narratives by reimagining John Wesley Powell’s expedition in the American West in 1869.

A cast of non-male actors portrays the all-male crew, who navigates the treacherous waters of the Colorado River during their exploration. With humor and banter, the play examines gender, identity, and the fraught relationship between humans and the natural world. WI

June 8

Patti LaBelle Gladys Knight

John Legend with the Wolf Trap Orchestra

June 4–6

Gary Clark Jr.

June 9

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Big Boi

Danielle Ponder

June 15

Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes

June 16

Wolf Trap Opera

La bohème

National Symphony Orchestra

July 19

On Sale Now!

August 17 + 18

Boyz II Men Bell Biv DeVoe

Ghostbusters in Concert

National Symphony Orchestra

July 26

KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024

August 10

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Cécile McLorin Salvant

August 15

Andrew Bird Amadou & Mariam

August 21

An Evening with The Washington Ballet

September 5

…and many more!

comments Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) made about President Joe Biden (D) and Democrats while appearing next to former President Donald Trump (R) at Washington and Lee College earlier this month.

Virginia Senator Louise Lucas, a Democrat who chairs the Senate’s FInance and Appropriations Committee, took to the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and questioned his sincerity about working with Democrats for the Potomac Yard arena, which she named “Glenn Dome.”

Upon blocking the Potomac Yard arena deal on the Senate’s Finance and Appropriations docket, Lucas expressed her concern that the deal “places too much risk on the commonwealth.” She also noted what she described as Youngkin’s failure to negotiate in good faith with legislators. For her, approving the deal would open the floodgates for similar arrangements that prioritize billionaires over educational institutions, natural resources, and the state’s credit rating.

During the latter part of January, a coalition of Northern Virginia residents known as the “Stop the Arena” hosted a virtual event that featured Dr. Dennis Coates, a sports economist who presented research showing that major sports franchises didn't have a significant impact on the economic growth of cities.

Since December, members of the “Stop the Arena” Coalition have organized their movement on the basis of this and several other arguments.

They say that a default on the bond issued would pose a liability to taxpayers. Other concerns focus on the decimation of affordable housing, game-day gridlock along Route 1, air pollution, and what they call a departure from the North Potomac Yard Small Area Plan.

Andrew Macdonald, Alexandria’s former vice mayor, counts among the nearly dozen residents who formed the coalition. Over the past few weeks, he and other members have been engaging state lawmakers in Richmond, all in the hopes that the majority would strike down the deal, or at the very least pass a bill that allows Alexandria residents to make the final call via a referendum.

In recent weeks, coalition members have embraced Virginia Senator Lucas as an ally in their cause.

Finding a similar level of support among local elected officials has been a bit more difficult, Macdonald told The Informer. He said the Alexandria City Council continues to support the arena deal, despite growing community opposition. He went on to describe the city council’s community engagement

process as performative and ineffective.

With the clock winding down to March 9, Macdonald and others wait with bated breath about the final outcome. Even with Lucas’ influence, Macdonald said he anticipates a vicious fight ahead.

“The General Assembly is…basically a place that revolves around lobbyists so it’s hard for the public to get a word in, even though you have people representing your district,” Macdonald said. “We’re in this situation where Democrats who wouldn’t support such a thing are on board and a governor is trying to offer these gifts in exchange for their vote.”

MONUMENTAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT SPEAKS

Though MSE’s ground lease with the District ends in 2047, the lease agreement allows for a repayment of the remaining balance on the $50 million bond that the District took out to provide finance to Abe Pollin.

In 2007, Pollin used that money on arena upgrades and upkeep, and his team wrote into a contract a stipulation that repayment could come in a large lump payment of the remaining balance in 2027. If that happens, then the end date of the lease reverts to 2027, the original end date of the ground lease agreement when the building opened in 1997.

The Office of Chief Financial Officer, citing confidentiality, declined to disclose the amount of tax revenue collected from arena ticket sales since 2007. A spokesperson said the District makes mandatory debt service payments of between $1.6 million and $2.2 million twice a year to pay off the bond.

As of Monday night, the outstanding principal balance on the bond stands at approximately $34.6 million, the spokesperson told The Informer.

Leonsis’ announcement about the move to Potomac Yard last December followed more than two-and-a-half years of discussions between MSE and the D.C. government about upgrading Capital One Arena.

The spokesperson said that John Falcicchio, then-deputy mayor of Planning and Economic Development, told MSE leadership that both sides would need to reach an agreement by September 1, 2023 in order for the District’s funding contribution to be included in D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s upcoming budget proposal.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI

@SamPKCollins

BUDGET from Page 1

programming for D.C.’s public school students with the greatest need.

Gerken, LSAT chair at Key Elementary School in Northwest, is the mother of a second grader who receives speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral services within and outside the general education setting.

She told The Informer that she and her LSAT colleagues haven’t met the submission deadline due to ongoing discussions about what she called difficult budget decisions guaranteed to negatively affect the entire school community. Part of that process, she said, involves engaging Key Elementary School Principal Dr. David Landeryou and conveying the budget to community stakeholders.

For Gerken, retaining positions, especially those pertaining to special education (SPED), intervention, and resource connection, ensures that the needs of students, parents and teachers are met in a balanced manner. She told The Informer that, without the appropriate staff members, the remaining teachers and staff members would be obligated to perform beyond their capacity.

“Educators spend time giving all they can,” Gerken told The Informer.

“They’re overworked, trying to use their skills and expertise ten-fold in various capacities,” she continued.

“The dynamics and logistics of budget season are taking the joy out [of their profession] as teachers are met with the additional strain of retention within their current role and school community. How do the people at central office not understand that?”

CONCERNS PERSIST ABOUT PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Most District public schools saw their allocation increase in the FY 2025 budget.

For instance, MacArthur High School, DCPS’ newest high school based in Northwest, experienced a 76.73% increase in its allocation, according to a data sheet compiled by the LSAT Collective. Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest, Payne Elementary School in Southeast, and Eliot-Hine Middle School in Northeast will see an increase of 35.58%, 26.66%, and 25.76% respectively.

Meanwhile, nearly a dozen schools saw a decrease in their allocations.

Kelly Miller Middle School in North-

east experienced the greatest decrease at 4.66%. Kramer Middle School in Southeast and Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Northeast experienced a similar decrease at 4.5% and 4.18% respectively.

Anacostia New Tech High School in Southeast, along with Truesdell Elementary, Janney Elementary, Hearst Elementary and Lafayette Elementary School, all in Northwest, experienced a budgetary decrease of between 2 and 3%.

John Hayden Johnson Middle School in Southeast, LaSalle-Backus Elementary School in Northeast, and Horace Mann Elementary School in Northwest saw a decrease of less than 2%.

The current budget dilemma caught the attention of a group of Anacostia High School alumni coalescing around a movement to boost enrollment at the Southeast-based high school.

A report released by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education last year showed Anacostia’s utilization rate at 50%.

Paul Spires, a 2008 Anacostia alumnus, said a budget decrease impedes efforts to attract young people, especially if teachers are losing their jobs.

“If we are successful in raising the enrollment, but students get to schools with no teachers, then we will have a big problem,” Spires said.

Spires, a Northeast resident who was recently installed as Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A community outreach chair, told The Informer that misconceptions about violence take away from positive narratives that he often shares about his alma mater.

Spires credited Keith Killgo, his former teacher and founding member of the Blackbyrds, with helping him take his musical aspirations to new heights. As Anacostia and the surrounding community experience upgrades, said that students could continue to have

similar stories with DCPS’ support.

“This is a new school,” Spires told The Informer. “The school could collaborate with the community. The roads are changing, the names of the streets are changing. We have a business improvement district. It’s becoming a tourist attraction.”

Questions about Extracurriculars and Vocational Training

Every budget season, after DCPS releases its budget, LSATs engage the broader school community about their priorities. The LSATs then confer with their school’s principal, who then submits the finalized budget.

Depending on the school, there’s a question of whether the principal considers the LSAT’s viewpoint, or whether an LSAT, or even a parent-teacher association for that matter, has been formulated.

DCPS central office designates principals, librarians, English-language learner teachers, and self-contained classroom teachers as Level 1 positions. This means that funding can only be used for those positions.

For Level 2 positions, including social workers, psychologists, custodians, special education aides, and Pre-kindergarten teachers and aides, principals must successfully petition their superintendents before reallocating that funding elsewhere.

While principals have full flexibility to allocate dollars for Level 3 positions, which include classroom and subject teachers and academic and behavioral support positions, they must do so within the bounds of what teacher contracts dictate for class sizes, required breaks, and planning hours.

As such, principals can’t make flexible hiring and programming decisions without meeting the aforementioned requirements.

Read more on

washingtoninformer.com.

WI

@SamPKCollins

5DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee said some of the many goals in the fiscal 2025 budget include continued investment in at-risk students, English language learners and schools with a larger population. (WI File Photo)

We found a leprechaun to answer questions about these mysterious little people! He wouldn’t really show himself to us. Mostly what we saw during the interview were his lips, oversized sunglasses and his hat.

A: We make shoes for the fairies. Silly fairies wear out their shoes quickly because they dance all night. We are always busy making new shoes for them. They pay us with gold. Lots of gold!

A: Wee folk are we. Three feet tall at most.

Can you read inches of the newspaper columns that are equal to 3 feet?

How many shamrocks can you nd on this page?

Leprechaun’s shoe shelf has toppled. Can you match the pairs of fairy shoes?

A: It isn’t easy. If you should see a leprechaun, get as close as you can without him seeing you.

Quickly take him in your grasp and don’t take your eyes off of him. Then ask where his pot of gold is hidden.

He will try to talk you into looking away. If you do look the other way, he will be gone when you look back.

A: We play tricks on people who don’t believe in us. We especially like to bother teachers who try to tell children that we don’t exist.

One ne morning, I went for a walk in the woods. I tripped on a __________. When I looked down, I saw a ____________ little _______________ with a green __________________.

“________________,” he said. “My name is _______________. I’m a leprechaun. If you want my ___________ of __________, you’ll have to ____________ me rst!”

I tried to __________ him, but he was too ___________ for me. He just laughed and called out to me, “____________________ St. Patrick’s Day!”

Follow the path to the leprechaun’s pot of gold.

Look through the newspaper for words and pictures of things that can be green. List them here.

Bonus Challenge: Can you list them in ABC order?

review wi book

"How to Live Free in a Dangerous World: A Decolonial Memoir" by Shayla Lawson

c.2024, Tiny Rep Books/Penguin

$29 / 303 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Do you really need three pairs of shoes?

The answer is probably yes: you can't dance in hikers, you can't shop in stilettos, you can't hike in clogs. So what else do you overpack on this long-awaited trip? Extra shorts, extra tees, you can't have enough things to wear. And in the new book "How to Live Free in a Dangerous World" by Shayla Lawson, you'll need to bring your curiosity.

Minneapolis has always been one of their favorite cities, perhaps because Shayla Lawson was at one of Prince's first concerts. They weren't born yet; they were there in their mother's womb and it was the first of many concerts.

In all their travels, Lawson has noticed that "being a Black American" has its benefits. People in other countries seem to hold Black Americans in higher esteem than do people in America. Still, there's racism — for instance, their husband's family celebrates Christmas in blackface.

Yes, Lawson was married to a Dutch man they met in Harlem. "Not Haarlem," Lawson is quick to point out, and after the wedding, they became a housewife, learned the language of their husband, and fell in love with his grandmother. Alas, he cheated on them and the marriage didn't last. He gave them a dog, which loved them more than the man ever did.

They've been to Spain, and saw a tagline in which a dark-skinned Earth Mother was created. Said Lawson, "I find it ironic, to be ordained a deity when it's been a … journey to be treated like a person."

They've fallen in love with "middle-American drag: it's the glitteriest because our mothers are the prettiest." They changed their pronouns after a struggle "to define my identity," pointing out that in many languages, pronouns are "genderless." They looked upon Frieda Kahlo in Mexico, and thought about their own disability. And they wish you a good trip, wherever you're going.

"No matter where you are," says Lawson, "may you always be certain who you are. And when you are, get everything you deserve."

Crack open the front cover of "How to Live Free in a Dangerous World" and you might wonder what the heck you just got yourself into. The first chapter is artsy, painted with watercolors, and difficult to peg. Stick around, though. It gets better.

Past that opening, author Shayna Lawson takes readers on a notso-little trip, both worldwide and with observant eyes — although it seems, at times, that the former is secondary to that which Lawson sees. Readers won't mind that so much; the observations on race, beauty, love, the attitudes of others toward America, and finding one's best life are really what takes the wheel in this memoir anyhow. Reading this book, therefore, is not so much a vacation as it is a journey of discovery and joy.

Just be willing to keep reading, that's all you need to know to get the most out of this book. Stick around and "How to Live Free in a Dangerous World" is what to pack. WI

horoscopes

ARIES Over the week ahead, the cosmos will encourage you to bring more beauty into your life. You and your SO, roommate, or close friend could find yourselves getting carried away with your shared daydreams. Later, the focus shifts to your sector of spirituality, and you could find yourself having passionate, meaningful, bond-bolstering conversations with loved ones. This influence stimulates your creativity and drive to act on what you discover. Lucky Numbers: 7, 20, 23

TAURUS During the week ahead, your mind could be wandering as you imagine a variety of ways you could infuse more fun into your current work schedule. Hold on to these impulses and share them with others. Later, the focus shifts to your sector of higher education, and your efforts to get out of your comfort zone. You might also be running low on energy You'll cope by employing patience, and perhaps taking a few deep breaths. Lucky Numbers: 4, 10, 52

GEMINI During the week ahead, the astrological configuration will be very social for your sign, and you'll be craving joyful connections with friends and lovers. You'll be stirred to be especially open and expressive (even more than usual!) about your emotions. Embrace this urge. By doing so, you'll feel even closer to your SO or other loved ones. Later, you will feel the urge to focus more of your attention on making some of your deepest dreams come true. You could have a burst of confidence around an artistic approach to a major project. The more passion you can bring to the table, the more rewarding the result. Lucky Numbers: 4, 14, 53

CANCER This week, some intense astrological forces will be at play, creating friction in interactions with loved ones. You may do well to put a tense conversation on hold until cooler heads prevail. Later in the week, the energy mellows, putting you in need of more inspiration or even creativity. This could have you craving an eye-opening, perhaps even escapist, experience. Seeing a play, taking in a museum exhibit, or going on a day trip could satisfy this urge to explore, learn, and grow. Lucky Numbers: 3, 26, 51

LEO Over the week ahead, the cosmos says you have the opportunity to land something big! Going above and beyond with an artistic approach could translate to rewards and even a joyful celebration. As the week progresses, spiritual and romantic influences crank up the intensity of your deepest connection. You'll feel especially sensual, creative, and in tune with your intuition, and sharing this with a special someone only serves to set the stage for passion. Lucky Numbers: 17, 28, 57

VIRGO During the week ahead, if you've been musing about pitching a creative project, you'd do well to reach out to colleagues now. Conversations set you up for recognition and rewards. Later in the week, you could be caught up in big ideas and plans for goals you share with your SO and/or loved ones. The downside is that you may not be able to grasp all the moving parts or details just yet. Let your vision simmer a while before making a move. Lucky Numbers: 29, 30, 59

LIBRA Over this week, harmonizing influences stimulate your appetite to work on your personal growth. Consider checking out a new yoga class or experimentwith aromatherapy. Later in the week, you could be tempted to take on more than is realistic when it comes to your fitness game plan. A measured approach would serve you best until you have all the information you need to commit to a major shift. Lucky Numbers: 9, 22, 53

SCORPIO During the week ahead, the cosmos magnifies your desire to connect on a deeper level with your SO. Sharing what's in your heart through words can lead to a game-changing and seriously steamy time. Later in the week, you're inspired to take an imaginative approach to your professional game plan. The issue is that you may only see the possibilities and not the challenges so you'd do well to wait until you have a full read on the situation. Lucky Numbers: 4, 16, 46

SAGITTARIUS Over this week, the astrological influences indicate that working on a team project, especially one that has a creative direction, could be especially fulfilling now for your collegial relationships as well as career advancement. Later in the week, a dreamy, domestic vibe gives you an intense desire to stay in with your partner or a potential lover. One-on-one time and deep conversations can take your bond to the next level now. Lucky Numbers: 7, 18, 33

CAPRICORN During the week ahead, the cosmos indicates that you might feel like collaborating with others on an important project. Allowing everyone to weigh in and pitch in makes for a much more rewarding result than trying to go it alone. Later in the week, a collaboration with your partner or a close friend could take a frustrating turn. It could feel like no matter what you do you're not able to make the progress that you thought you were on track for. Patience is key. Lucky Numbers: 2, 6, 45

AQUARIUS Over this week, friendship vibes mean that you may be itching to get out and be more social than usual. Enjoying the company of your closest friends and loved ones and going with the organic flow of your time together can feel restorative for your relationships. Later in the week, in the work realm, you could feel driven to dive into a major ongoing professional undertaking. The more your heart is in it, the greater the payoff can be. Lucky Numbers: 3, 11, 41

PISCES During this week, you'll be feeling more confident and fired up to connect with your partner or a potential lover. Getting carried away by your daydreams is inevitable right now, so enjoy the ride. Later in the week, the cosmos supplies you with a burst of inspiration to chase a professional dream. You have the big-picture vision down pat, but the details could be a bit blurry. Hold off on taking action until you have more information. It would serve you best. Lucky Numbers: 3, 11, 35

SPORTS

Pigskin Club Celebrates Excellence in Sports, Local Leadership

Washington Informer Denise Rolark Barnes Among Honorees

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

More than 300 people gathered at Pryzbyla Center at Catholic University for the Pigskin Club of Washington’s annual fall sports awards banquet, following the organization’s long tradition of honoring local athletes, coaches and community.

"For those who received an award, continue to strive for excellence,” said Bruce Bradford, a retired educator who served as MC for the banquet. “I encourage you to take the time as you move to the next level to put more effort into becoming well rounded in all your ventures.”

Now in its 85th year, the Pigskin Club of Washington started out honoring excellence in football, but later evolved to more fall and winter sports,

celebrating athletes and leaders on both the high school and college levels.

Recently, the organization expanded to add academic awards for high school students and special recognition to community leaders, including this year’s Award of Excellence honoree Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes and John Cotton, who was presented with the Community Service Award.

Michael T. Sharrieff, the highly successful football coach at Johnson Middle School, also received a special recognition award for the work he has done developing a nationally ranked football program in Southeast, D.C.

On the athletics side, awards were presented to the high school players and coaches of the year in boys' and girls' cross country, girls field hockey, boys golf, girls' and

boys' soccer and girls' volleyball.

An annual tradition is the presentation of the All-Met football team, which features the top 22 offensive and defensive seniors from the local schools. Selected from the team are the top-two awards, the offensive and defensive players of the Year. This year's recipients were quarterback Roman Jensen of Maret High School and defensive linebacker Dylan Stewart of Friendship Collegiate High School.

Eric Da Silva, a cross country boys track and field coach at Albert Einstein and DMV native was named coach of the year.

The co high school coaches of the year were Andy Stefanelli of Good Counsel High School and Mike Hunter of Friendship Collegiate in North-

Washington Spirit Unveils New Uniforms: ‘Blackout’ and ‘Spotlight’ Kits

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The Washington Spirit, D.C.’s women’s soccer team, unveiled the latest looks for the upcoming season: the Blackout and Spotlight kits.

The new uniforms are part of majority-owner Michele Kang’s vision to raise the visibility of the team, and goal to rebrand the team by next year.

“These kits are inspired by Michele’s vision. They represent what we want to embody as a club on and off the pitch – trailblazing, energy and dominating,” said Washington Spirit COO Theresa McDonnell. “The players will look commanding in black at home, and

will be unmissable in bright yellow on the road.”

The Blackout kit, featuring gray and black graphics in a converging pattern inspired by the columns and architecture of the DMV, will be the primary uniform for home games during the new season. The Spotlight kit is a vibrant yellow, and will be easy to spot during road games.

“I love the energy of the Spotlight kit and the power of the Blackout kit,” said seventh-year Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan. “I can’t wait to wear these kits and bring those elements to the field. I hope the fans are as excited as us to finally see these kits!”

east, D.C. Stefanelli led his team to the number-one sport in the area and a national ranking and a championship of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC). Hunter led his team to its second straight District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) title.

Howard University, which won in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and played in the Celebration Bowl, made a clean sweep with Larry Scott being named the Coach of the Year. Howard Quarterback Quinton Williams, who went to Wise High School and defensive back Kenny Gallop, Jr., were named offensive and defensive players of the year, respectively.

Also honored were the Outstanding Professional Athletes of the Year: Dolores Elliott (Offensive) and Kuncheria Johnson (Defensive) of the D.C. Divas.

The special academic awards were divided into the three categories of grade point averages (GPAs): 2.5 to 2.9, 3.0 to 3.5 and 3.5 to 4.0.

Twenty-two students were presented awards for their academic excellence.

"The reality is that many of you will not play professionally in sports," said Bradford. “At the end of the day, you need the balance that will make you good students, good citizens, good fathers, good mothers."

SUPPORTING SPORTS AND STORYTELLING, KEEPING THE CLUB THRIVING

William Chesley, president of the Pigskin Club of Washington, said Rolark Barnes was a natural fit when considering who to honor

with the “Award of Excellence.”

"When we sat down and presented nominations, Denise's name came up," said William Chesley, current President of the Pigskin Club. "We at the Pigskin Club are especially grateful to be the beneficiaries of the Washington Informer's coverage over the years. It was only fitting that we pay tribute to her and the Washington Informer.”

In accepting the award, she celebrated the work of the Pigskin Club of Washington, and noted her experience playing four sports at Calvin Coolidge High School. She also emphasized the importance of championing local journalism.

"It is quite an honor to receive this award," said Rolark Barnes. "It is so important that we support local journalists in order to tell our story about our community.

Coach of the Year Da Silva, also echoed Rolark Barnes’ sentiments.

"I am from the DMV and I agree with Denise that we continue to show support for local journalists.

Deborah Johnson, a professor at Howard University and a member of the Pigskin Club, closed the event with a call-to-action to continue the organization’s longtime work and legacy.

"The Pigskin Club has been around for 85 years, and we want it to continue to honor these young student athletes, coaches and community influencers," said Johnson. "We need more young people, especially young women, to help us continue these efforts so that the Pigskin can continue to thrive.

The organization will host its annual spring awards banquet in May. For more information visit: pigskinclub. com. WI

5The Pigskin Club of Washington hosted the annual fall banquet awards honoring excellence in sports and leadership in the community. WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes received the Award of Excellence, presented by Bruce Bradford, the event’s master of ceremonies. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

5The bright Spotlight Kit is part of the Washington Spirit’s latest looks for the upcoming season. The other new look is the Blackout kits. (Courtesy Photo/ Washington Spirit)

The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. presented two $10,000 checks to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and posed with ASALH Executive Director Sylvia Cyrus. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Bishop Alfred Owens Passes

Baton to Rev. Rodney L. Carter, Jr. to Lead Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Five decades after he first founded the storefront church Christ is the Answer Church in Northeast, D.C., Archbishop Alfred Owens, Jr. passed the baton to a 33-year-old preacher to serve as lead pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, one of the District’s largest congregations.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, pastors from many denominations packed Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church to witness the installation of the Rev. Rodney L. Carter Jr. as pastor and his wife Cherese as the church's new co-pastor and first lady.

In a four-hour celebration, the installation recognized the rich legacy of Bishop Owens and Co-Pastor Susie Owens, and served as a welcome program for the Carters.

“We honor God for this opportu-

nity,” said the Rev. Matthew Watley, pastor of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, who officiated over the program. “We are here to celebrate the birthing of a pastor and a people.”

During the service, leaders of Calvary’s ministries joined deacons, trustees and family to encourage Pastor Carter, who was named lead pastor-elect of the Northeast church in May 2023. Carter Jr. is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College and former co-lead pastor of Grace Church in Reading, Pennsylvania.

The new leader of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church comes from three generations of pastors. “I am reminded of sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois, and in your mother Eunice and I am persuaded now lives in you,” said Dr. Peter Teague, founder and president of Lancaster Bible College.

Terry Carter, first lady of Revival Temple Church and Carter Jr.’s moth-

NATIONAL from Page 16 under the leadership of President Sah Anhk Sa Ma’at and Vice President Ayodele Kofi. However, it has not been without some controversy.

policies; and a plebiscite during which African Americans would, through a vote, determine their desire for citizenship, whether in New Afrika, Africa, or the U.S.

To the latter point, New Afrikans often point out that, though the Lincoln administration offered all those options through legislation, the U.S. government ultimately limited newly emancipated Africans’ civil and political rights to the single choice of U.S. citizenship after Lincoln’s assassination.

In the decades following PGRNA’s inception, local, state, and federal law enforcement entities targeted, killed and imprisoned members. Despite those hurdles, PGRNA carried on its fight for Black self-determination.

Those efforts continue to this day

er, said her son really started preaching at age 3, when he recited Psalm 23. “He is anointed for the task. He definitely has a pastor's heart,” she said.

His father, Revival Temple Church Overseer Rodney L. Carter Sr. said Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” should be his son’s guide.

Bishop B. Courtney McBath, pastor of Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia, delivered the sermon. McBath compared Bishop Owens, who founded the Northeast church at the age of 19, to David who killed Goliath in the Old Testament.

“There was a giant-killer walking around D.C.,” McBath said. “We are

continues to dismiss the interim government’s legitimacy.

standing at a turning point, standing on the shoulder of a giant killer. Stuff happens when a giant killer comes to town.”

He continued using the story of David as inspiration.

“David was the last choice of Samuel and Jesse but he was the first choice of Jehovah,” said McBath. He added that Owens selecting Carter as successor proves that he is a fellow giant-killer saying “it takes one to know one.”

The bishop’s wife and longtime church leader expressed gratitude to the Greater Mount Calvary community and offered First Lady Carter a call-toaction.

“I thank you for all you mean to

Bishop and I… I want to thank the church for allowing me to serve for 52 years,” she said, before addressing First Lady Carter.

“Always remember that you are a servant,” Owens told Carter “I want to charge you to be faithful, be forgiving, be fearless. The battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s…Silence is a weapon. Watch your words.”

Bishop Owens has formed a relationship with the new pastor and knows he is ready to lead the large flock.

“I don’t expect you to be me…. Work with that smile. You have a contagious smile,” he said.

He also offered the new pastor a warning.

New Afrikan citizens in recent years have expressed discontent with PGRNA leadership. In November, some of them accused the government of committing election fraud. PGRNA officials have since refuted those claims, telling The Informer that PGRNA’s National Election Commission (NEC) proved the elections to be legitimate.

However, New Afrikan dissidents say that PGRNA circumvented NEC’s investigation. In December, they convened a New Afrikan People’s Convention under the Code of Umoja, which led to the formation of the Interim PGRNA.

Weeks later, PGRNA leadership

“When you pick and choose pieces of the code [of Umoja] to manipulate the masses, it doesn’t make [your perspective] true,” said a high-ranking PGRNA official who requested anonymity. “When they had their ‘people’s convention,’ they were supposed to have all New Afrikans. They had 20 people. That’s not the New Afrikan constituency. There were no elders. None of their votes were there.”

ONGOING EFFORTS TO EDUCATE THE MASSES

The PGRNA is currently in the throes of a campaign to raise Black people’s awareness of their New Afrikan citizenship. Bomani Shakur,

PGRNA’s national minister of information, said he plays his part via an online radio program that features those practicing Black self-determination in politics, agriculture, and other realms.

In remembrance of Malcolm X’s February 21, 1965 assassination, Shakur, currently in his fourth term as minister of information, planned an episode where he would further examine Malcolm X’s impact as a Black nationalist and diplomat for Black America on the world stage.

Shakur said that episode, along with others he recorded over the last few years, serves as part of PGRNA’s strategy to organize and unify New Afrikans. Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

@SamPKCollins

“Be prepared. You are up against more than you can handle on your own,” the bishop said. “Work as Jesus Christ’s servant.”

John K Jenkins Sr,, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, presented Carter Jr. with a Bible and said, “I am so grateful for your life. Teach and preach the word of God.”

Greater Mount Calvary’s new first lady also spoke to the crowd.

“How do I describe a moment like this,” she questioned, before looking at her husband to address him.“Thank you for taking care of our family.” She then looked at the audience and said, “Thank you Calvary. I get the privilege to serve as your First Lady.”

After his installation, Carter Jr.’s comments were inspired by the lyrics of a song. “To God Be the glory for the great things He has done. In all that I do I want to give God the glory.” WI

5 Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Lead Pastor Rodney L. Carter Jr. and First Lady Cherese Carter during the Pastoral Installation Litany. (Courtesy Photo/GMCHC)

It was Feb. 28, 1943, when Elizabeth Ann Harrison Garner founded a sorority for business and professional women, in Lansing, Michigan. She and her sister Violet Temple Lewis, who was the co-founder, organized 26 women to sign on the articles of incorporation, and thus a new sorority was born.

For my closing story for Black History Month 2024, let me just say, this happened 81 years ago, and on Saturday, Gammas from throughout the Eastern Region of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., as well as Elizabeth Garner's daughter, Beata Garner House of Sacramento, Calif., celebrated our 81st Founders Day. The celebration was a Zoom event, included the national president, Lenor R. Reese, and was ordered by the Eastern Region director, Phyllis A. Vessels. This event was hosted by the Eastern Region Historians; Lyndia Grant, chair; Rose Jackson, co-chair; and Connie Speight, committee secretary.

There were over 20 participants from throughout the Eastern region, with activities ranging from presentations to a candle lighting and poetry reading. Dr. Tonya Thames Taylor shared the life of Elizabeth Garner, and Rose Jackson played the role of Dr. Violet T. Lewis. Allow me to tell a bit of Elizabeth's story.

Elizabeth Ann Harrison was the youngest of the six children of William David Harrison and Eva Brown Harrison. Born in October 1911 in Lima, Ohio. She attended Wilberforce University and later married James F. Garner, a pharmacy school

the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Tribute to Elizabeth A. Garner, Founder of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc.

graduate of Purdue University.

Violet T. Lewis, the founder of Lewis Business College and Elizabeth's older sister, convinced their mother to allow her baby sister to move to Detroit to help Lewis with getting Lewis Business School up and running.

Elizabeth's husband, James Garner, was pharmacist who went back to school at Wayne State University to become a doctor. After graduating, he received an offer from a doctor in Sacramento, California, to come and do his internship at Sacramento County Hospital (now known as University of California, Davis UCD).

Before Elizabeth left Detroit, Violet asked her if she would establish a sorority, which she agreed to do. On Feb. 28, 1943, the Phi Gamma Delta sorority was incorporated. The name was later changed to Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. — a business and professional sorority organized for women from two-year business schools or from the world of work.

Elizabeth and her husband moved to Sacramento and settled in downtown Sacramento. Shortly after arriving there, she founded a local chapter.

Elizabeth Garner applied for a teaching job in the Sacramento Unified School District but encountered extreme racism. She would later gain employment in the Del Paso Unified School District (now known as Twin Rivers School District). In 1946 they put a deposit down on a home. All was going well until the neighbors found out that they were Black and held a private meeting to block the sale.

They would purchase another home a few months later. Shortly after they moved in, Elizabeth Garner's husband started his medical practice, but was then drafted into World War II.

After a tour in Germany and suffering an injury, he returned home to restart his practice. In 1956 the

couple adopted a baby girl, naming her Beata Garner.

In 1956, Elizabeth had a difficult time securing consistent child care. She reached out to some of her friends and contacts to find out the process to create her own, private child care center, which she did successfully, called Playmate Nursery School. It began with 25 students and would grow to 40 students and included before- and after-school programs.

Elizabeth went on to become involved in the local chapter of the NAACP, the Board of Education, The Sacramento Economic Opportunity Council and several other organizations. She had to drive from place to place, to help young working parents and the local community. Because of the notoriety she had gained in her work, Elizabeth Garner was selected to serve on several task forces. One in particular was with the governor of California, Edmund Gerald "Pat" Brown. The other task force was with first lady Lady Bird Johnson. She was selected to head up one of the first Head Start programs in this country. That program was later taken over by the Women's Civic Improvement Home at WCIC.

In July 1964, Elizabeth's life took a very tragic turn. She was in a major automobile accident and suffered numerous injuries. She was taken to Stanford Medical Center for treatment and returned home a month later.

Never fully recovering, Elizabeth continued her fight for equal opportunity for all people. In July 1965, doctors discovered that her cancer had gotten worse.

Elizabeth Ann Harrison Garner passed from cancer in July 1965. Special thanks to Elizabeth Garner's daughter, Beata Garner House, for providing this history. WI

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook

Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM

Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

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

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

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday

Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

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

Service and Times

Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM)

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM

Sunday School 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday:  12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday:  7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study

Baptism 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday

Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

“We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

901 Third Street N.W.

Washington, DC. 20001

Phone (202) 842-3411

Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM

Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM

Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Service and Times

Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:15 am

Sunday Church School 11:00 am

Youth Sunday every 4th

Sunday

Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047#

Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon, Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

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

1204 Third Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Campbell AME Church Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011

Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday

Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.)

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

“A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001

Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM

Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org

Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services

Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782

Phone: 301 559-5262

Service and Times

Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom

Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wednesday Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Web: shiloh7thday.org

Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com

"A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM

A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Blessed Word

Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011

Phone (202) 722-4940 Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

10:15 a.m. – Worship Service

Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851

P: (202) 726-5940

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun.

Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM

2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Tuesday:

Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM

Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org

Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Damion M. Briggs Pastor 8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785

Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

Service and Times

Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM

Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

“Real Worship for Real People”

Website: www.easterncommunity.org

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037

Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org

Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

3000

Sunday

Monday

Prayer Service Bible Study

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road

Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

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”

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001

Office:(202) 289-4480 / Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Adult Sunday School: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Youth/Young Adult Sunday School 12:00 PM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

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

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

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

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738

Service and Times

Worship Service: 7:30 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Worship Service: 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM

Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM.

Wednesday 12 Noon

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

New Commandment Baptist Church Peace Baptist Church St. Luke Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000075

Stephen K. Wiggins Decedent

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 79

Gregory Tyreno Pryor Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Diana Pryor, whose address is 2002 Tobacco Rd, Augusta GA 30906, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gregory Tyreno Pryor who died on July 6, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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:

2/15/2024

Diana Pryor Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

October

Karma A. Ester, whose address is 4071 Yellow Stone Loop, Dumfries, VA 22025, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen K. Wiggins who died on May 27, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Karma A. Ester 4071 Yellow Stone Loop Dumfries VA 22025 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1474

Mary Ruth Gordon Decedent

Carmen Jones Mitchell, Esq. 510 Rock Lodge Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Attorney

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

Patricia A. Johnson, whose address is 3910 18th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Ruth Gordon who died on March 16, 2019 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Patricia A. Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000076

Bruce A. Colbert Decedent

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

Kenan R. Manley, whose address is 4329 Dubois Place NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bruce A. Colbert who died on 12/05/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Kenan R. Manley Personal Representative TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000071

Brenda Lee Coleman-Marbury aka

Brenda Lee Coleman aka

Brenda Lee Coleman-Hansbury Decedent

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

Kyre JaNise Coleman, whose address is 1253 Carrollsburg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Brenda Lee Coleman-Marbury aka Brenda Lee Coleman aka Brenda Lee Coleman-Hansbury who died on 10/7/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Kyre JaNise Coleman 1253 Carrollsburg Place, SW Washington, DC 20024 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001160

Tish Ann Dildy-Harris aka Tish Dildy-Harris Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Antonio S. Boyd, whose address is 5437 C Street SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tish Ann Dildy-Harris aka Tish Dildy-Harris who died on June 2, 2022 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 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000068

Betty Lou Wilson Day Decedent

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

Lorraine Day-Hunt, whose address is 1713 Shamrock Ave Capital Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty Lou Wilson Day who died on November 30, 2023 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 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Lorraine Day-Hunt Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 78

William E. Newman Decedent

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

Derrick K. Newman, whose address is 13103 Larkhall Circle, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of William E. Newman who died on October 19, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Derrick K. Newman 13103 Larkhall Circle

Fort Washington, MD 20744 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

2024 NRT 000004

Ernest Thomas Greene Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Ernest Thomas Greene whose address was 3050 Military Road, NW, Apt 567, Washington, DC 20015 created a revocable trust on June 4, 1999, which remained in existence on the date of his death on February 3, 2023, and Margaret H. Greene, whose address is 3050 Military Road, NW, Washington DC 20015, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Margaret H. Greene at 3050 Military Road, NW, Apt 567 Washington, DC 20015

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before August 15, 2024 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) February 3, 2024, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) August 15, 2024, (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 2/15/2024

Margaret H. Greene Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000008

September 23, 2023

Date of Death

David Nicholas Vogan

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTA-

TIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Charles E. Vogan, Jr. and Judith Vogan Boone whose addresses are 5500 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23509 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of David Nicholas Vogan, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Williamsburg/ James City County, State of Virginia, on January 17, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Dr. Dylan DelliSanti

1315 Queen Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

1311 Delaware Avenue, SW, Unit S328, Washington, DC 20024-3930 (Cooperative Apartment). Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication:

2/15/2024

Charles E. Vogan Judith Vogan Boone Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 00128

Mumbi Grace Fuller aka Mumbi Grace Mogaki Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lucy Sandra Mumo, whose address is 14801 Cartagena Dr., Gainesville, VA 20155, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mumbi Grace Fuller aka Mumbi Grace Mogaki who died on May 6, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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:

2/15/2024

Lucy Sandra Mumo 14801 Cartagena Dr. Gainesville VA 20155

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000095

Rupert W. Grant

Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue NE

Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Gloria Grant, whose address is 7544 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rupert W. Grant who died on August 23, 2014 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Gloria Grant Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 234

Estate of Carrie W. Carson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Cheryl Janet Wallace for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives.

Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the will dated November 8, 2019 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 2/22/2024

Cheryl Janet Wallace 3809 Tullycross Court Whit Plaines, MD 20695

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 85

Frances L. Anthony Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Rita L. Twiggs,

Date of first publication: 2/15/2024

Rita L. Twiggs Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001173

Barry Demond Taylor Decedent

Iris McCollum Green, Esq. 1714 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009

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

Bareae Reid and Beverly Taylor, whose addresses

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 91

Geraldine Dubois

Decedent

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

Derrek Reese, whose address is 2945 Marsala Ct., Lake Ridge, VA 22192, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geraldine Dubois who died on 12/22/06 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Derrek Reese Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Barrae Reid Beverly Taylor

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000105

Catherine E. Meads Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Donald L. Meads, Kevin E. Meads and Gregory N. Meads, whose addresses are 2603 Saint Josephs Dr., Mitchellville, MD 20721, 1401 Illinois Pl., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 & 916 Emerson St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Catherine E. Meads who died on 12/1/2023 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Donald L. Meads

Kevin E. Meads

Gregory N. Meads Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000090

Douglas E. Burrell

Decedent

Matthew F. Shannon, Esquire 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

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

Sherrie Hairston, whose address is 7223 Mason Street, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Douglas E. Burrell who died on December 17, 2023 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 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Sherrie Hairston Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000011

December 6, 2019

Date of Death

Wallace L. Webster Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Celeste Mason whose address is 1742 Peachtree Lane Bowie, MD 20721 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Wallace L. Webster, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on March 31, 2021.

Service of process may be made upon Celeste Mason 186 Forrester Street SW, Washington, DC 20020 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

2054 34th Street SW, Washington, DC 20020. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 2/22/2024

Celeste Mason

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR

Probate

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000113

Bernell Brown Jr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Twana D. Holt, whose address is 4816 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bernell Brown Jr. who died on September 16, 2023 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Twana D.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 86

Ethel Johnson

Decedent

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

Albert Earl Cooper, whose address is 912 Raad Court, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ethel Johnson who died on December 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Albert Earl Cooper

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, D.b.a.: Yavapai County, Arizona, united States of America. Notice of Assignment Transfer for the approval of the Maritime Administrator. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Persons, specially appearing in the interest of, the Preferred Mortgage [46 CFR § 71.01-1], entitlement holder, Doing business as: the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, permanently domiciled at: 6608 N Western Ave # 1133, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma [73116] u.S.A.. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title. This Notice is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, as Allodium Absolute Title Estate in Fee Simple, Tax Exempt, for religious, scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, of the following described Real Estate, being known as: [ Legal Description: SE4 NW4 SE4 CONT 10AC SEC 1 17 5E 694/995 ], [ Township Range: SEC 01 TWN 17 RNG 05E ], Parcel 408-22-040T ], Refused address [ 250 Enchanted Way, Sedona, Arizona 86336 ], as per parcel thereof recorded among the Land Records of the Yavapai County Recorders Office, Arizona in Recorded Book: 3899, Page: 803, File/Recoded Date: 02/07/2002, Time: 04:25PM, located at or near Latitude: 34.880580" N, Longitude: -111.783280" W. Notice of Abandonment of Easement and Termination of Easement Rights, Pursuant to [Public Law 89-713, Nov. 2, 1966, SEC. 7502.], [12 CFR § 215.3], Re: USPS: Registered Mail Tracking Numbers: RF222493254US, RF222493435US, [3rd Notice of Default etc.], Re: The administrative acquiescence, and relinquishment, of any and all aforementioned quasi real property interest, from: Michael J. Stevenson, Dba. the pirated vessel sending unauthorized broadcast from the high seas, “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and, Kathleen M. Stevenson, Dba. the pirated vessel sending unauthorized broadcast from the high seas, “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”, husband and wife, their heirs, agents, and assignees, to the naked owner: “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, for peaceful and quiet enjoyment. Notice of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Article(s) 69, 73, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 109, 110. Notice of Seizure Forfeiture of the vessels, “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”, by Maritime Lien, Common Law Lien, and U.C.C. Lien, until said deed is 100% conveyed, acknowledged, & officially recorded. Said seized forfeited vessel(s), it’s agents and assignee(s), hereby grant Plenary Power of Attorney In Fact, to “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, it’s agents and assignee(s), for the execution of an Allodial Quit Claim Deed, in the name of the seized forfeited vessels, for the discharge, of the Seizure Forfeiture, as accord and satisfaction, of “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”. The aforementioned private property real estate is not available for trespass. Any and all trespassers, on the private property real estate, shall incur a $1,000,000.00 [ONE MILLION DOLLARS], non-judicial penalty at each evidenced occurrence, that is immediately due upon presentment. Trespassers waive any and all defenses and agree to a Fieri Facias order commanding the County Sheriff, of wherever any property of the DEBTORS may be found, either getting the money by seizure, attachment, or levy, and sell sufficient personal property, real property, goods, chattels, and real estate, until the full satisfaction of the debt. Notice of Special Deposit. Said Real Estate is as a special deposit order, conveyed for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”. All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor, as a special deposit order in lawful money, exclusively for the benefit of: “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including, discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000077

2024 WIL 000054

Michael G. Whitaker aka Michael Gerrod Whitaker Decedent

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

Janay Kingsberry, whose address is 509 Franklin Street NE Unit 2 Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael G. Whitaker aka Michael Gerrod Whitaker who died on December 24, 2023 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Janay Kingsberry Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000130

Luetta V. Currie Decedent

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

Tracey Y.

D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Tracey Y. Currie

Orlando L. Currie

Daniel M. Currie

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000106

M. Jane Hillyard aka Jane Hillyard aka Mary Jane Hillyard Decedent

Robert P. Newman, Esq.

Law Office of Robert P. Newman 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Frederick Charles Hillyard, Jr., whose address is 4825 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD 20816, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of M. Jane Hillyard aka Jane Hillyard aka Mary Jane Hillyard who died on 8/18/2021 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Frederick Charles Hillyard, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000131

Clark Van Johnson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Keisha Johnson, whose address is 346 Walnut Dr., Apt B, Pasadena, CA 91107, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clark Van Johnson who died on January 6, 2024 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Keisha Johnson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001332

Eileen Crawford aka Eileen Elizabeth Crawford

Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin

5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Fern Clark and Monica Crawford, whose addresses are 3318

Highwood Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Eileen Crawford aka Eileen Elizabeth Crawford who died on 12/25/2022 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Fern Clark Monica Crawford

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 1146

Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson Decedent

James Larry Frazier 918 Maryland

Linda

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000127

Lillian Marie Nelson Decedent

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

Deidre Renee Coates, whose address is 27 Fairhill Lane, Indian Head, MD 20640, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lillian Marie Nelson who died on October 24, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy

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:

Deidre

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

2024 ADM 148

Geneva Slaughter Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Victoria M. Slaughter-Evans and Vanessa E. Slaughter, whose addresses are 5241 Karl Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019 and 5241 Karl Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Geneva Slaughter who died on November 20, 2013 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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:

2/29/2024

Victoria M. Slaughter-Evans

Vanessa E. Slaughter 5241 Karl Pl., NE Washington, DC 20019

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000159

Beverly Ann Thompson

Decedent

Sharon Legall

1325 G Street, NW

Suite 500

Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

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

Chevalier Thompson, whose address is 5406 Blaine St., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly Ann Thompson who died on July 9, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Chevalier Thompson Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000140

Carlos Nicholas Pineda Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Amanda Aurora Pineda & Marisol Pineda, whose addresses are 4408 1st Place, NE #24 Washington, DC 20011 & 4425 Arnold Rd., #T1, Suitland, MD 20746, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Carlos Nicholas Pineda who died on 4/5/2019 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Amanda Aurora Pineda

Marisol Pineda

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Sumana

Duliip Andrew Jayasundera, whose address is 4540 8th Ave. NE, Apt 404, Seattle, WA 98105, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sumana Jayasundera aka Galhenage Sumana Jayasundera who died on 4/17/2018 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Duliip Andrew Jayasundera Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024

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

Carol Elaine Dowtin, whose address is 2905 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leonard Everett Dowtin who died on December 6, 2023 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Carol Elaine Dowtin

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 158

Namon Powell Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Erika Takia Smith, whose address is 413 Newcomb St., SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Namon Powell Sr. who died on March 27, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Erika Takia Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 151

Jacquelene W. Riley aka Jacquelene Webb Riley Decedent

Xue F. Connelly, Esq. 616 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney

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

Caroline Marie Riley, whose address is 400 9th St., NE Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacquelene W. Riley aka Jacquelene Webb Riley who died on 12/24/2023 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Caroline Marie Riley Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000160

Trina Hailstorks Decedent

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

Crystal Hailstorks, whose address is 1099 Boulevard SE, Apt 5101 Atlanta, GA 30312, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Trina Hailstorks who died on October 13, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Crystal Hailstorks Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 139

Eugene Griffin Decedent

Yvonne Davis Smith 2501 Northampton Street, NW Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

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

Inez Griffin, whose address is 345 Oakdale Place, Unit 102, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eugene Griffin who died on September 21, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Inez Griffin

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS

Become a Published Author. We want to Read

Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions are currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-420-7280 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/informer

Two great new offers from AT&T Wireless!

Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e ON US with AT&T's Buy one, Give One offer. While supplies last! CALL 1-877-370-2155

Switch to DISH and get up to a $300 gift card! Plus get the Multisport pack included for a limited time! Hurry, call for details: 1-855402-3370

SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS - The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99.                                        ORDER Today 1-888-318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www.OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93

Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle! 866-640-5982

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822

Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too. REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866-437-6184

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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. 888-6495110

Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-760-5952 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days.

HEAT YOUR HOME FOR 5¢ AN HOUR! Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft. Slashes your heating bills by 50%.  FREE Shipping too! Use claim code 6239 WAS $499 NOW $279 Call 1-866-784-5182

CADNET & NANI CLASSIFIED NETWORK

HEALTH & FITNESS

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills

SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7

CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

HOME SERVICES

Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888878-9091

Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833-606-6777

MISCELLANEOUS

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior &

Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-479-1516

Safe Step. North America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We've recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we're cutting installation costs in half and offering a FREE safety upgrade! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 3/31/24 Call 1-844-501-3208

Don't let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595

Alaska, Europe, Hawaii + dozens of other popular trips! Starting at $1649 pp (double occupancy req'd.) YMT Vacations plans everything, leaving you to relax & enjoy. Call 1-877-626-1958 M-F for more details. Use promo code YMT2024 for $250 off. Limited time only.

Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 855-401-1151

MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET) ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer – up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-338-4807

FOR SALE

Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. For more information, call 1-888-684-1169

HEALTH/MEDICAL

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus. com/macnet #6258

DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER and 65+?

You may qualify for a substantial cash award. NO obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 1-866-590-5563

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-518-8391

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-317-5246

HERNIA REPAIR? Did you receive the Mesh

Patch Between 2018 and the present? Was the patch removed due to complications, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727, Email: bdehkes@ charleshjohnsonlaw.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855-465-7624

Safe Step. North America ’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-356-1954

The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-877-540-2780

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and

power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866783-0292

MISCELLANEOUS

DIRECTV OVER INTERNET - Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-6296086

Need IRS Relief $10K - $125K+ Get Fresh Start or Forgiveness Call 1-877-705-1472 Monday through Friday 7AM-5PM PST

VACATION

Alaska, Europe, Hawaii plus dozens of other popular trips! Starting at $1649 per person (double occupancy req’d.) YMT Vacations plans everything, leaving you to relax and enjoy. Call 1-877-771-3193 for more details. Use promo code YMT2024 for $250 off. Limited time only.

WANTED

BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 Krmiller1965@yahoo.com

WANTED! MOTORCYCLES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717-577-8206 Krmiller1965@yahoo.com

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855-993-0969

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus. com/MDDC #6258

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www. CompassionPlace.org

EDELMAN from Page 28

of Art in New York, a new exhibit that opened last weekend, "The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism," is bringing together 160 extraordinary paintings, sculptures, photographs and more — including pieces on loan from the collections of Fisk University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University and Hampton University. As curators involved in selecting and sharing the pieces have explained, historically Black colleges and universities have long been key collectors and reposito-

MARSHALL from Page 28

will be a great day for us to suspend this publication for then we can go wherever we please, and without embarrassment."

Eventually, the authors concluded that publication of the Green Book was no longer needed, thus signaling a point of social progress and achievement resulting from the civil rights movement. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act banned segregation in restaurants, theaters, hotels, parks and other places.

Two years later, the Green Book was no longer published. In 2024, we are seeing many hard-fought achievements being slowly eroded by state governments and courts. This is why those affected the most cannot afford to let the flames from the civil rights movement ever die down.

After Victor Hugo Green died in 1960, his wife, Alma, became editor of the Green Book and continued to release updated editions. The hatred,

CHAVIS from Page 28

tions that will require law enforcement to tackle yet another public health matter, President Biden should make it clear how he intends to help communities take the burden for nonviolent public safety matters off law enforcement's shoulders. Enhancing funding for substance abuse, mental health, and housing counselors, for example, will keep more people out of jail and prevent police violence.

To further improve outcomes for people of color, President Biden should issue a bold plan to increase Black homeownership. Last year, the National Association of Realtors reported that while 72.7% of white Americans own their own homes, only 44%

ries for all forms of African American art — understanding from the beginning the critical need to celebrate, support and preserve these means of Black self-expression. You can't be what you can't see — and for Black children and all children, the ability to see and hear their own experiences reflected in visual art, music, books and more is an important source of pride and joy. This year's Black History Month theme reinforces how central African Americans' cultural contributions have been not just for Black Americans, but for all Americans.

arrogance and presumed superiority behind segregation did not automatically end with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It took time for a cultural shift to occur, where tolerance and inclusion became an acceptable way of life. Tolerance and inclusion needed to be embraced by individuals and social institutions because it was the right thing to do, not simply because of progressive changes in laws. It remains the right thing to do in 2024. Many people may never have a changed heart. They only suppress their true feelings of intolerance and exclusion by way of political correctness.

The impact that cultural influences have on a person's life cannot be taken lightly. Culture is an accumulation of knowledge, beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors that distinguish one group of people from another. Culture is a way of life where those beliefs and values are automatically passed from

of Black Americans do. Black homeownership has only increased 0.4% in the past decade.

An effective strategy to overcome poverty in Black America is to increase homeownership and prevent racial hypersegregation. President Biden has pursued some regulatory actions to address housing discrimination, but improving access to homeownership will require greater efforts to reduce inflation so Black Americans can save and get out from under the burden of high interest rates.

Finally, President Biden should continue to request additional federal funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The gap in funding between predominantly white institutions and HBCUs is not the result of smaller endowments. It

Once again, this year's Black History Month observance is starkly juxtaposed against the ongoing movement to ban accurate representations of Black history and other forms of Black expression in some parts of our nation. But we are reminded again that Black history is American history and that despite any past or present efforts to hide them, Black stories, songs, creativity and imagination have been threaded through our national fabric since the beginning — and are a cause for celebration! WI

generation to generation. Culture can define a specific region of the nation; it shapes what we believe to be right or wrong and what is perceived as acceptable or unacceptable. When held to the extreme, cultural beliefs become "our way" and the "only way."

Through culture, many people become conditioned and passive. They do whatever their culture tells them to do without consideration of other perspectives. Passivity can be very dangerous. It leads one to believe their own culture is superior to others. Passivity can also lead to apathy by those with the most to lose. Where social progress was made through a cultural shift in the '60s, we are now amid another cultural shift that is reverting society back to where intolerance and exclusion are again openly acceptable. With people attempting "to make America great again," hopefully, we will not see the need for the return of the Green Book.

WI

is the result of systemic underfunding by state lawmakers. According to an Inside Higher Ed report, the country's historically Black land-grant universities have been underfunded by their states by a total of $13 billion. HBCUs are a springboard toward success. They constitute only 3% of four-year U.S. colleges, but their graduates account for 80% of all Black judges, 50% of Black lawyers, and 50% of Black doctors.

National polls indicate African Americans do not want their votes to be taken for granted in 2024. President Biden now has a strategic opportunity to engender trust, promote more inclusive public policies, and commit to helping our communities improve the quality of life. WI

WILLIAMS from Page 29

MORIAL from Page 29

Engoron has billed him — and until he does pay, he will be getting a penalty of almost $90,000 per day! The judge is showing him no mercy while trying to get him to understand that no one is above the law. He still has to face Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Tanya Chutkan. Even if he continues to play through seventh grades, tells the story of a friendship between a preteen white boy and a Black cook in the 1940s who share a love of Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers, and how the racial segregation policies of the era affect the two of them.

The "anti-woke" crowd would prefer that racism and discrimination were erased from the nation's history so that racial achievement gaps can be presented as the triumph of "merit" and "a hard work ethic," eliminating the need for racial justice initiatives.

The fact is, professional baseball's color line was drawn in 1887, when all-white St. Louis Browns refused to play against the all-Black New York Cuban Giants. The "Gentlemen's Agreement" not to sign Black players endured for another 60 years.

Dodgers manager Branch Rick-

JEALOUS from Page 29

to do anything about these issues.

Take the issue of trade. All of Trump's tough "America first" talk about trade belies the fact that his policies would do nothing to ensure American competitiveness. Despite China being a favorite target from the stump, Trump would allow China to dominate the emerging global economy by preventing the domestic growth of the industries at its center.

The irony is that what working-class America is demanding, Joe Biden is delivering. He is just not talking about it.

Biden's landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is reopening American factories, rebuilding American manufacturing, and creating jobs. Our current president is backing up industrial unions like the United Auto Workers when they find themselves in a real fight. And he is ensuring that America seizes the moment to lead the world economy in this century like we did the last one.

In a world where Donal Trump

games with the case against him in Georgia, he is finally learning that no one is above the law.

Law-abiding citizens are finally beginning to believe that NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW! That includes Donald J. Trump. It's teaching MAGA supporters that lesson. No matter what reporters on Fox News are saying about those gold sneakers, Black people are not so

ey started searching for a player to break the color barrier in 1943, signing Robinson to a minor league contract two years later. Though Robinson certainly was a great athlete, Negro League stars like pitcher Satchel Paige and catcher Josh Gibson outshone him. According to Red Barber, who called play-by-play for the Dodgers from 1939 to 1953, Rickey chose Robinson because "he was educated, articulate and intelligent, he didn't drink or smoke, he had character. Rickey was absolutely certain that the first Black player would have to be so strong that he could survive."

Robinson hardly was passive in the face of racism. As a young Army officer in 1944, he was court-martialed (and acquitted of all charges) after refusing to move to the back of the bus. But he promised Rickey he would not to respond to the taunts and threats they both knew

talks the talk and Joe Biden walks the walk, we should assume that the talker has the advantage. The only way to bridge that gap is for President Biden to start talking the talk, too. As a guy from Scranton, he knows how to do it and it is authentically in his heart.

President Biden does not need to sound more like Trump. Trump is all bluster and aims only to foment anger. What President Biden needs to do is make it clear that when it comes to cars and energy, there is only one future: electric vehicles and renewable sources like solar and wind.

He needs to speak plainly about how if America does not seize these markets and support the manufacturing sectors behind these industries, China will. China already controls more than 80 percent of the world's solar manufacturing capacity and the Chinese electric car industry is growing rapidly.

To be sure, there are many, many factors at play in this year's election. But many of the big ones tie back to the working class. For instance, the gender gap has grown — but not

excited about the sneakers that we are going to be conned into believing Trump deserves another chance to deal with our enemies around the world at the expense of our democracy. We in the Black community have always held out hope while working for America to live up to its promise, as we continue to make this the land of the free and the home of equal justice for all. WI

he would endure. His promise was tested just a week after his major league debut, when Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman called him the N-word and shouted, "Go back to the cotton field where you belong."

Off the field, he was outspoken about racism, earning descriptions from sportswriters such as "combative," "troublemaker" and "rabble-rouser." After his retirement in 1957, he was "a constant presence on picket lines and at civil rights rallies," raising bail for jailed protesters, registering voters in the South and speaking out against police brutality.

It is his spirit and courage, as much as his athleticism, that League 42 honors. It is that spirit and courage that will overcome the casual disdain of "scrap metal" thieves and the violent hatred represented by the charred wreckage they left behind. WI

necessarily in Biden's favor. Women skew more heavily towards Biden in polls that follow public displays of Trump's misogyny or news of his sexual assaults. But in general, recent polls are showing Biden's base advantage with women has shrunk. Meanwhile, the gender gap for men skews more and more heavily towards Trump. That is driven by the trend among working-class men. And it is working-class men of all races — including growing numbers of Black men.

Democratic politicians need to get over their default inclination to disregard working-class white men in their messaging. It ultimately leads to disregarding working-class people across the board.

We all grew up hearing that actions speak louder words. But talking the talk is becoming more and more important in our politics. This is not a case against action. Rather, where President Biden is already showing great leadership with his actions, he needs to also make sure the American people hear about it. WI

Walk the runway in your finest pink attire through the world’s most iconic springtime and fashion destinations

Enjoy international culinary delights, cocktails, and more from the best DC area restaurants and renowned caterer Design Cuisine

Bid on items from our exclusive silent auction to prepare for your next getaway