The Washington Informer - February 18, 2021

WINNER OF FIVE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS

Aunt Jemima Rebranded Page 34 Vol. 56, No. 18 • February 18 - 24, 2021

More Whites Seek D.C. Services: Is Gentrification the Cause?

D.C. Budget Season Under COVID-19 Begins Fiscal Improvement Overshadowed

by Widespread Residential Need James Wright WI Staff Writer

5 District residents 65 years or older and those working in health care settings line up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at Lamond Recreation Center in Northeast which opened after a determination that the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center on Kennedy Street in Northwest did not have enough space. To date, more than 1-in-3 seniors have already received at least one dose of the vaccine. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior National Correspondent

Allegations Filed on Behalf of CongressmanThompson Claiming Violation of 1871 ‘Ku Klux Klan Act’

Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday, Feb. 16, accusing Donald J. Trump, Rudy Giuliani, the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers of conspiring to incite a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 in hopes of preventing Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election.

The lawsuit alleges that, by prevent-

ing Congress from carrying out its official duties, Trump, Giuliani and the hate groups directly violated the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act. Following Trump’s recent acquittal by the U.S. Senate in the second impeachment trial, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell openly encouraged litigation against Trump.

“We have a criminal justice system in this country. We have civil litiga-

NAACP Page 8

D.C.’S FINANCIAL STANDING

White told his audience “the District is in a strong financial position.”

BUDGET Page 11

Wanna Bet? Sports Gambling All the Rage in D.C., Nation

NAACP Files Federal Lawsuit Against Trump, Giuliani of Inciting Capitol Riot D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor

A sagging D.C. economy reeling from COVID-19 will force major adjustments by the D.C. Council to the fiscal year 2021-2022 but community leaders and human service advocates say whatever is done must aid the needy.

On Feb. 4, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) convened an online meeting with more than 100 District residents on the heels of news of the city’s financial status for the upcoming fiscal year 2021-2022.

The councilmember, as well as his

council colleagues and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, are seeking residents’ views on the estimated $16.9 billion budget knowing that a balanced budget won’t be achieved without tough decisions.

District officials said Bowser will present her fiscal 2021-2022 budget to the council and the public at the end of March.

5 Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.)

(Courtesy photo)

5 Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO (Courtesy photo)

Whether you’re a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LV’s real winner – at least in the pocketbook – were legal sports betting outlets.

According to Legal Sports Report, the 12 states and Washington D.C. have reported full or preliminary handle, and results have totaled more than $437 million.

Handle is the amount of money wagers accepted.

The previous Super Bowl took

in about $280 million from legal sports betting.

While D.C. officials do not collect figures on Super Bowl bets, the nation’s capital counted among those around the country to offer residents a chance at easy money.

“Legalized sports betting and gaming is definitely enjoying unprecedented momentum. Right now, most companies are in hyper-growth mode, so market share is very important,” Yaniv Sherman, senior vice president and head of U.S. operations at 888 Holdings, one of the world’s most

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REPORTERS Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, Mary Wells, Joseph Young PHOTOGRAPHERS Lafayette Barnes, IV, John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert Ridley, Victor Holt CIRCULATION Paul Trantham

Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Two Maryland Legislators Dr. Sabiyha Prince to Lead Propose President Lecture law Barack enforcement. She saidTMCT they threat,” she said. Series on had come together to bring a Among the programs Obama Highway sense of uniformity in theGentrification Feb.Marlow 23 way wants to see implemented are

By Tia Carol Jones WI Staff Writer

When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining Acclaimed scholar, au- order policies, Although told President Barack Obama completed two, old daughter her the father survivors are his treated. more rights for victim's families thor and native Washingtoterms asthreatened president inher January “She's 2018, he remains a personal to intervene on behalf of a vicoffour-year her daughter using her own nian Dr. Sabiyha Prince, constant figure of admiration including a bronze statue in life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain domestic willtokick tim, off a alecture series violence assessCity, South Dakota his name on numersheRapid knew something had and to be pushaffixed forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled sponsored by the Thurgood with further ous schools done.

Out and of highways. her frustration said about Marlow. for Inc. law enforcement Marshall training Center Trust, Obie Patterson (D-Prince County) and Ar-said anyone withSens. law enforcement's handling George’s Davis-Nickens agencies, a Child's Life Protec[TMCT] on Tuesday, Feb. (D-Charles County) to want to continue trend book will tion Act and mandatory counselofthur the Ellis situation, she decided who reads that Marlow's 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. and the haveSaving submitted a proposal Route start Promise cam-to rename “get it.”

She210, saidalso she “puts the ing forisbatterers.

The event entitled, called Indian Head Highway, after thecase nation’s first Black and the average paign. in such a way, “If weRemedies: are ever going to eradi“Reasons and 44th president of the Unitedcycle States. person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must “It seems to be a vicious Gentrification in Washington, D.C.” that Maryland won't officials turn my family labeled the highway endthat of stretches the day,at the the book will look at both sides of the coin.

The Washington Informer’s editor, D. Kevin Mcloose,” Marlow said.

D.C border in Oxon HillMarlow Prince George’s neighhelpCounty peopleinto begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicNeir as moderator and the publication counts shared her story with the audiboring Charles County the most dangerous in the domestic state be- violence. will serve logue about tim and the batterer,” Marlow among the event’s ence thevehicular District Heights presentrecently at the event was said. media sponsors. causeatof the crashes and deaths.Also Lawmakers Dr. PrinceMarlow is also leading teamlike whose focus is both Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exwouldaalso to see passed legislation to install video cameras on portions of the vital and timely.

The study, “Black Entrepreneurs and on May 7 at the District Heights wifehighway of JohnasAllen nearly 21-mile a wayMuhammad, programs designed to raise COVID Virus Impacts in Washington, D.C., brings Municipal Center. The sympowho wasand sentenced of decreasing speeds reducingto six consec- awareness among children in Prince inpublic partnership theschools.

NationalShe Community sium was sponsored by the and utive life collisions. terms without parole and with private pedestrian vehicle Reinvestment.

In the initial presentation on Tuesday Family and Youth Services by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educat“We have to work hard to fix a evening, she will discuss the origins and meaning of Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. lot of things that are wrong with gentrification. She will also link its ramifications to instiHeights and the National Indian Hook-Head 2002.

Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasHighway,” Ellis said. tutional racism and other forms inequality Up of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with ofpoor chil- and detail “This will increase the awareness the vulnerabilities that are generated through income Marlow has written a and book, an organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” bring attention to that road and wealth inequality, housing insecurity and pro-gen“Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. and just rebrand it, hopefully makstory about four generations of and their children. trification policies thathas privilege the to interests Marlow worked breakof the well ing it one of the safest highways in domestic violence. The book is connected.

“I lived in fear for six years.

Six the cycle of abuse in her family, the country.” WI inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. ItWith specific focus on the is aand is confident theDistrict, policiesshe shewill address and those of her grandmother, not an easy thing to cometheout assortment of solutions put forth to is pushing for that willhave startbeen that her mother and her daughter. of,” she said. process. remedy the damaging effects of gentrification.

She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said plan as toan take theseanthropologist policies to and artDr. Prince“Iserves urban excerpts from her book, she still people who want to help a researches Congressand andwrites implore to ist who aboutthem African-American can not believe the words came domestic violence victim life must changeThe our author, laws,” artist Marlow and culture. and said. frequent guest from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they goon into “I will until these poli- also dinational radionot andstop television productions won the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” rects AnthroDocs – a qualitative research firm founded Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Carol Jones cansocial be reached to problem-solve and promote justice through Robin Foundation recently announced the lineup “I was justHood 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net anthropological data-gathering methods. AnthroDocs myfor No eye first and my the “Before Cityblackened Limits: Reimagining Poverty Fight 2021, you get to 'I'm going conducts organizational evaluations and anti-racism lipsthe bled,” said. conference to fifth Marlow annual national dedicated to actionable kill you,' it started as a verbal WI has partnered with Prologue DC, The workshops and Elaine presi- mobility from poverty. solutionsDavis-Nickens, for increasing economic Anacostia Community Museum, The Takoma Park dent of the research National Hook-Up candid conversations and Through presentations, City Council, filmmakers Ellie Walton and Ronald of Black Women, saidNo there no will bring leaders across interactive sessions, CityisLimits “Smokey” Stevens and other people and organizations. consistency in the way domestic policy, nonprofit, business, academia and community toVisit www.tmcsh.org or events@tmcsh.org. WI violence are dealt with bylaid bare and help to make gether issues to examine all that 2020 2021 a historic year of change and progress.

Leaders including Chelsea Clinton, Senator Cory Book- Poverty Fight.” The conference will focus on the inextricable er, Marcella Nunez-Smith, José Andrés and Ai-jen Poo will link between poverty and systemic racism, as well as the spespeak at the virtual two-day conference, Feb. 24 – Feb. 25. cific actions that need to be taken to build pathways to eco“2020 was a year of both the exposure of historical ineq- nomic mobility for all. This builds on Robin Hood’s longuities and the expansion of the challenges so many of our standing commitment and work to addressing the systemic neighbors face, particularly communities of color. We know underpinnings of poverty. that 2021 will be a year of both recovery and rebuilding in Founded in 1988, Robin Hood finds, fuels and creates the which we challenge the systems and structures that make most impactful and scalable solutions lifting families out of poverty so pervasive and intentional,” said Wes Moore, CEO poverty in New York City with models that can work across of Robin Hood. “During Robin Hood’s No City Lim- the country. This year, Robin Hood will invest nearly $200 milits conference, we will convene the nation’s leading experts lion to provide COVID-19 relief, legal services, housing, meals, across sectors to both explore the solutions and build the al- workforce development training, education programs and more liances that will help us to build a fairer and more equitable to families in poverty in New York City. One hundred percent of society for everyone.” every donation goes directly to the poverty fight.

The theme of No City Limits 2021 is “Reimagining the Learn more at www.robinhood.org. WI

Robin Hood Foundation Announces ‘No City Limits’ Lineup for Poverty-fighting Conference, Feb. 24 - 25

“

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

“

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

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

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L.Y. Marlow

AROUND THE REGION

Anacostia Leaders Express Excitement Over Secret Garden Acquisition James Wright WI Staff Writer The acquisition of the Secret Garden property in a Ward 8 neighborhood from one of the District’s largest real estate developers has community leaders excited about the possibilities of the property and its possible use.

On Feb. 1, anti-violence activist and entrepreneur Ron Moten announced a deal with longtime District developer Douglas Jemal in which the Secret Garden, a plot of land in Anacostia that Jemal owns, will be transferred to him as a site for the planned Go-Go Museum.

Moten celebrated the deal at the Secret Garden--located behind We Act Radio, Check It Enterprises and a shuttered barbershop on Martin Luther King Jr., Ave., S.E., --with neighborhood residents, Jemal and D.C. Councilmembers Trayon White (D-Ward 8), Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) and Robert White (D-At large) attending.

The 3,900- square foot space known as the Secret Garden has been used since 2007 a variety of activities, from a community garden to peace rallies and fish fries.

“We have a venue that is our own now,” Moten said. “We have a place where we can grow food, drink and eat whatever and whenever we want.

We also want to have a café. The Secret Garden is an example of what can happen when the community and the government work together and investment takes place.”

The Secret Garden deal occurs amid an economic boom in Anacostia. The Menkiti Group, a real estate service company, is developing the MLK Gateway Project at Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue, and Good Hope Road., S.E. The project is slated to establish 20,000-square feet of office space above 14,600-square feet of community-facing retail area and nearly 130,000-square feet of mixed used building space. Further south on the avenue lies a Busboys & Poets restaurant and bar and Maple View Flats, a retail and residential apartment building.

In November 2019, the D.C. Council voted to give Moten a grant to acquire the buildings in front of the Secret Garden. Acquisition ran into a snag when it was discovered that Jemal’s real estate development company owned the Secret Garden.

After negotiating with Jemal personally, Moten convinced the developer to transfer the property to him for business purposes.

Moten said the Go-Go Museum, a place noting the history of the District distinctive musical style, could be open by June. In addition, he said actor Anwan Glover has talked about opening a lounge nearby .

Kristina Noell, the executive director of the Anacostia Business Improvement District, said the Secret Garden deal benefits the neighborhood and the ward.

“I am happy to see developers approach the community in a respectful way,” she said. “I am happy

On Feb. 1, anti-violence activist and entrepreneur Ron Moten announced a deal with longtime District developer Douglas Jemal in which the Secret Garden, a plot of land in Anacostia that Jemal owns, will be transferred to him as a site for the planned Go-Go Museum.

5 Anti-violence activist Ron Moten played an important role in the Secret Garden acquisition. (WI File Photo)

he gave the property to the Go-Go Museum. This is a beloved spot. I would like to see more partnerships like this.”

Robin McKinney is the advisory neighborhood commissioner for dis-

trict 8A06 and agreed with Noell.

“The gift to the community is a blessing,” she said. “Douglas Jemal could have said no and kept the property. This is major for Anacostia because it serves as the gateway

to Ward 8, and it will help boost the nightlife here. This will also help bring development to Anacostia.”

WI @JamesDCWrighter

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2006 – Speed skater Shani Davis becomes the first Black athlete to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics.

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1919 – W.E.B. Du Bois organizes the first Pan-African Congress.

1940 – Music legend Smokey Robinson is born in Detroit.

1992 – John Singleton becomes the first Black director to be nominated for an Academy Award with his debut, "Boyz n the Hood."

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1895 – Famed social activist and abolitionist Frederick Douglass dies of a heart attack in Washington, D.C., at 70.

1900 – John Frederick Pickering receives patent for the airship.

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1936 – Civil rights leader Barbara Jordan, the first Southern African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, is born in Houston.

1940 – John Lewis, longtime U.S. congressman and and renowned civil rights leader, is born in Troy, Alabama.

1961 – Inventor Otis Boykin patents an improved electronic resistor.

1965 – Civil rights activist Malcolm X is assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan at 39.

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1950 – Basketball icon Julius "Dr. J" Erving is born in East Meadow, New York.

1989 – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince win the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for their hit song "Parents Just Don't Understand."

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1868 – W.E.B. Du Bois, author, sociologist and civil rights activist, is born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

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1979 – Frank E. Petersen Jr. is promoted to brigadier general, becoming the first African American general in the Marine Corps.

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1811 – Daniel Payne, author, educator and integral figure of the African Methodist Church, is born in Charleston, South Carolina.

1864 – Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first African American woman to earn a medical degree.

1999 – Rapper and singer Lauryn Hill wins five Grammys including Album of the Year, setting a one-night record for a female artist. WI

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If you don't know why this is offensive to people in the African American community, you need some history lessons. This has gone on long enough. Change is here.

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She's been out there for decades. I think they should just leave it alone. I grew up eating them pancakes, my children, my grandchildren, and so on. If they have to change it, her family deserves all the royalties. I will not be buying it anymore if she is not on the box and I don't think it's [related to] slavery. That's just my opinion.

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I don't use it so I'm like, whatever. Changing the name or face shouldn't matter as long as there isn't a change in taste.

QUANNA PAC / WASHINGTON, D.C.

The name "Pearl" is just not sitting right with me.

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 7

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tion. And former presidents are not immune from being accountable by either one,” he said.

Allegedly, the insurrection occurred as a result of a carefully orchestrated plan by Trump, Giuliani and extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, all of whom shared a common goal of employing intimidation, harassment and threats to stop the certification of the Electoral College.

After witnessing Capitol police barricading the doors of the House chamber with furniture, Rep. Thompson (D-MS) and fellow lawmakers put on gas masks and were rushed into the Longworth House Office Building where they sheltered with more than 200 other representatives, staffers and family members.

The NAACP and civil rights law firm Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in Federal District Court in the District. Other members of Congress, including Representatives Hank Johnson (DGA) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), intend to join the litigation as plaintiffs in the coming days and weeks.

Thompson, who seeks compensatory and punitive damages as detailed in the lawsuit, spoke to the media on Tuesday.

“I am privileged to partner with the NAACP to have my day in court so that the perpetrators of putting members of Congress at risk can be held accountable,” Thompson said.

Evidence suggests that the coup represents a coordinated, monthslong attempt to destroy democracy, to block the results of a fair and dem-

ocratic election and to disenfranchise millions of ballots legally cast by Black voters.

NAACP officials said the civil rights organization moved forward in representing Congressman Thompson in the lawsuit because the events on January 6 served as yet another attempt

by Trump and his allies to ensure that African-American voters would be disenfranchised. doing their job and certifying the election results.

Thompson agrees with the NAACP. “January 6th was one of the most shameful days in our country’s history and it was instigated by the President himself,” Thompson said. “His gleeful support of violent white supremacists led to a breach of the Capitol that put my life, and that of my colleagues, in grave danger. It is by the slimmest of luck that the outcome was not deadlier.”

“While the majority of Republicans in the Senate abdicated their responsibility to hold the President accountable, we must hold him accountable for the insurrection that he so blatantly planned. Failure to do so will only invite this type of authoritarianism for the anti-democratic forces on the far right that are so intent on destroying our country,” Thompson said.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said Trump’s actions count as both calculating and intentional.

“Donald Trump needs to be held accountable for deliberately inciting and colluding with white supremacists to stage a coup, in his continuing efforts to disenfranchise African-American voters,” he said. “The insurrection was the culmination of a carefully orchestrated, months-long plan to destroy democracy, to block the results of a fair and democratic election and to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of African-American voters who cast valid ballots.”

“Since our founding, the NAACP has gone to the courthouse to put an end to actions that discriminate against African- American voters. We are now bringing this case to continue our work to protect our democracy and make sure nothing like what happened on January 6 ever happens again,” Johnson added.

After witnessing Capitol police barricading the doors of the House chamber with furniture, Rep. Thompson (D-MS) and fellow lawmakers put on gas masks and were rushed into the Longworth House Office Building where they sheltered with more than 200 other representatives, staffers and family members.

Joe Sellers, partner at Cohen Milstein, chair of the firm’s Executive Committee and Chair of the Civil Rights & Employment Practice Group, shared his perspective.

“The insurrection at the Capitol did not just spontaneously occur – it was the product of Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani lies about the election,” Sellers said. “With the Senate failing to hold the President accountable, we must use the full weight of the legal system to do so.”

“The judicial system was an essential bulwark against the President during his time in office, and its role in protecting our democracy against future extremism is more important than ever,” he said.

The lawsuit alleges that Trump and Giuliani violated 42 U.S.C. 1985(1), often referred to as the Ku Klux Klan Act, which was passed in 1871 in response to KKK violence and intimidation preventing Members of Congress in the South during Reconstruction from carrying out their constitutional duties. The statute was intended spe-

NAACP Page 46

‘The World According to Dominic’ will return next week.

8 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

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AROUND THE REGION

BETTING from Page 1 popular online gaming companies and solutions provider, told the Washington Informer this week.

Sherman added that sports betting has become more popular because of recent state regulations that eliminated concerns companies had about their technology.

He noted that policymakers prioritize gaming and are trying to get more tax dollars to cover growing budget deficits.

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a federal ban on sports betting and allowed states to legalize gambling.

Many states, and the District of Columbia, have hopped aboard in large part because of budget problems.

Others have resisted the large tax dollars resulting from long-held opposition to gambling and, in some cases, because of tribal relationships that prohibit sports betting.

In January, BETMGM began offering retail and online sports betting in partnership with the Washington Nationals.

The partnership reportedly includes a sportsbook connected to Nationals Park and a mobile app near the stadium.

BETMGM retail sportsbook plans to launch Sports Betting in Washington DC this summer.

The launch adds competition to D.C. Lottery, GambetDC, which launched in May 2020 and offered sports betting app; and the William Hill sportsbook, which launched in the District region in December.

According to legalsportsreport.com, GambetDC reported $18.7 million in handle in 2020 and $3.5 million in revenue.

Meanwhile, William Hill reported $49.4 million in handle and $8.2 million in revenue from late July through November.

The website noted that the gap should widen after William Hill launched its mobile app late last month.

The app can only be used within a two-block radius of Capital One Arena but should help reduce the sometimes hours-long wait to use the retail betting kiosks.

Additionally, FanDuel Sportsbook signed an agreement with MLS team D.C. United to offer sports betting. It is a move that legalsportsreport. com said will put a FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field, which is just 0.2 miles away from Nationals Park.

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FanDuel expects to launch sports betting in D.C. this year as well.

Both Maryland and Virginia are reportedly planning to launch sports betting this year.

“Virginia is well-positioned, not only because it is a relatively large market, but because it will likely capitalize on Washington, D.C., a legal market that has left some bettors frustrated,” Eric Ramsey, analyst for PlayVirginia, told the gaming site, yogonet.com.

“In addition to Washington, D.C., Virginia may also draw from Baltimore – at least until Maryland launches sports betting, as well as North Carolina. Having so many large markets so close by has been a boon for states like New Jersey, the nation’s largest sports betting market, and Indiana,” Ramsey stated.

He added that Virginia would launch as a solely online market, which is a relative rarity.

“As the legalization of sports betting spreads throughout the nation, regulators should not lose sight of the fact that gambling has the potential to destroy lives,” Sascha Paruk of SportsBettingDime.com told the Washington Informer.

“In order to ensure legal sports betting is a net positive for society, legislators should strongly consider codifying loss limits and earmark portions of the taxable revenue for addiction support,” Paruk continued.

So, how much do people spend, and how much do they win?

One study from 2018 found that more than 60 percent of eSports fans spent $566 on average on different aspects of the game, with 75 percent of the money wagering on eSports.

“I won smaller amounts of money but because I’m biased, being in the

industry. I do it just for fun, and I play just enough to cover drinks or a night out with my friends,” offered Stefan Ateljevic of the U.K. sports gambling site, BetBlokes.

“On the other hand, my uncle, who is an avid sports fan, managed to win enough to remodel his house, but I think he’s just an exception rather to the rule. Betting can be fun, but it is super addictive, and we should be aware of the consequences it brings if done in excess,” Ateljevic warned.

Though there is no specific breakdown on who bets and how much, African Americans and other minorities certainly participate. “[Minorities] do bet. However, in some cases, where religious practices forbid it, they will not gamble and will avoid gambling altogether,” Ateljevic observed.

He said the attraction of gambling “is rooted in our DNA.” “Our ancestors had to risk their lives frequently to hunt down foods. Even the animals that were life-threatening for them were worth risking their lives for,” Ateljevic surmised.

“In a nutshell, our ancestors gambled with their lives for the prize of getting food. The reward for the risk is ingrained in us, and it is less likely it will give up on us.”

DC Lottery officials said if gambling is causing a problem in your life, they encourage you to ask questions, gather information, and conduct research on the type of help that is most appropriate for your situation.

For assistance, visit Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org.

Call: 1-800-522-4700 Text: 1-800-522-4700 Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat WI @StacyBrownMedia

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WORDS TO LIVE BY “A race of people is like an individual man; until it uses its own talent, takes pride in its own history, expresses its own culture, affirms its own selfhood, it can never fulfill itself.”

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zation of Afro-American Unity, assassinated Feb. 21, 1965 in New York City at the Audubon Ballroom.

10 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUDGET from Page 1

For example, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said in his Feb. 8 e-newsletter to residents that based on the Sept. 30 audit, the District will have to close a $426 million deficit in the city’s 2021-2024 fiscal year plans.

White said the D.C. Council has addressed the fiscal year 2021 deficit.

“We had to tap into our rainy-day fund to finance operations last year due to the pandemic and its impact on the economy,” he said. “We are also looking for more money from the federal government because in the previous CARES Act voted by the Congress, D.C. was treated as a territory instead of a state and that cost our city millions of dollars.”

However, on Feb. 12, White’s hopes for equitable federal funding for the District soared Feb. 12 when the House Oversight and Reform Committee announced the city will receive an estimated $1.49 billion from the latest coronavirus relief bill and along with a back payment of $755 million sought by the District last spring “We know how critical this dedicated funding will be toward our shared recovery,” the mayor said in a statement. “With this relief, the District

“Even though we are dealing with the effects of a coronavirus pandemic and the hospitality and entertainment industry are struggling, we have experienced income and property tax growth,” the councilmember said, referring to a briefing he and his colleagues received from Jeff DeWitt, the District’s chief financial officer.

White said DeWitt told the councilmembers the fiscal year-end audit of the District government as of Sept.

30 showed a surprising increase in revenue even though it still operates in a deficit due to the pandemic.

DeWitt, according to White, said the net gain in the District’s budget collections came out to approximately $526.8 million. The councilmember said the audit “was clean”—without any serious financial discrepancies— and said the District’s “AAA” bond rating, which makes it easier to borrow money from Wall Street firms, remains intact.

White said the District also has healthy reserve funds. Nevertheless, he said some problems exist with the District’s finances.

AROUND THE REGION

can focus on meeting the needs of our residents and local businesses so that, together, we can build back better and come back stronger and more resilient than ever. We urge the Senate to similarly pass legislation that provides this critical state and local funding.”

DISTRICT’S POOR NEED HELP

Despite the District’s somewhat upbeat financial picture, White said too many residents are struggling to make ends meet.

“We don’t want just equality but equity, jobs and the chance for business ownership,” the councilmember said. “We need to build on people, not just buildings. We have residents who are struggling to get by every day and don’t see the prosperity.”

Tazra Mitchell, the policy director for the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, a think-tank that studies the District’s indigent population, said the city’s $1 billion-dollar-plus reserves, which are restricted by law, should be used to aid needy residents.

“It wouldn’t make fiscal, economic or moral sense to leave most of our re-

serves in the bank in this deeply painful recession, when that money could help struggling residents and businesses and limit the recession’s damage to the D.C. economy,” she said.

Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commissioner Salim Adofo, who represents district 8C06, said District lawmakers should support programs that will keep people from being evicted when the public health emergency’s grace period has expired, due to lack of payment of rent or mortgage. In addition, he wants more support for public safety and public health programs and increased funding for the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health.

“By increasing funds for the Behavioral Health Department, more mobile crisis units will be available to resolve conflicts in the community,” he said.

Teanna Willis, the budget organizer for the Fair Budget Coalition, a group of mainly progressive organizations who favor strong funding for social and human services programs, said wealthy residents should pay higher income taxes to assist the city’s poor, many of whom are African American.

“Currently, lower income D.C. res-

5 Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo

idents are paying a higher rate in taxes than high income earners,” Willis said.

“This is the time to raise taxes progressively and fund programs to recover from this pandemic and repair systemic issues Black residents face.” WI @JamesDCWrighter

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Maryland Lawmakers Approve COVID-19 Relief Package William J. Ford WI Staff Writer As the Biden administration continues to pursue a COVID-19 relief package for millions of Americans, lawmakers in Maryland crossed the finish line on behalf of residents and business owners Friday.

Both members in the House and Senate approved the more than $1 billion stimulus and economic legislation slated to provide tax relief

for small businesses and support for nonprofit organizations.

Most important, low-income residents have been promised to receive stimulus checks from the state this month.

“We provided relief that Marylanders need to make it through the rest of this unbelievable crisis so that 2021 can be the year of true recovery and rebuilding,” Senate President Bill Ferguson said during a virtual press briefing. “It was a lot

5 Members of the House of Delegates nearly voted unanimously Feb. 12 on a more than $1 billion COVID-19 relief package Feb. 12.

The emergency bill will allow some Marylanders to receive stimulus checks this month. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informers)

work. Compromise is always hard but where we landed is a place where we are targeting resources for Maryland’s most vulnerable.”

The compromise nearly failed when the House of Delegates sought to add a controversial provision for the inclusion of immigrant workers which several senators vigorously

opposed. But Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones agreed to drop it from the legislation, the RELIEF Act first presented by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. The House voted in favor of the legislation, 128-1, while the Senate approved it unanimously, 45-0.

“This is a clear message to Mary-

Maryland Legislators Scheduled to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Data in the Coming Days William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Maryland lawmakers plan to receive vaccine distribution data

among all 24 jurisdictions this week to assess how many are provided to health departments, pharmacies and other providers.

More importantly, if vaccines

5 Robert Gaskin, 73, received a COVID-19 vaccine in his right arm at a vaccination clinic Feb. 12 at Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

12 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

are allocated equally.

A Senate vaccine work group received a sneak peek Monday, Feb. 15 from at least jurisdictions during a weekly presentation from acting Health Secretary Dennis Schrader.

“How long will it take to get the rest of the jurisdictions?” said Sen. Clarence Lam, a Democrat who represents parts of Baltimore and Howard counties.

By the end of the week, Schrader said.

In the meantime, the senators received a two-week summary in Baltimore City and Prince George’s, Montgomery and Howard counties.

Some of the breakdown Schrader said based on the needs of each jurisdiction are as follows: • Montgomery County: 22,875 (11,375 to local hospitals; 9,000 to the health department; 2,000 pharmacies).

• Prince George’s County: 19,600 (7,300 health department; 3,900 local hospitals; 4,000 pharmacies;

3,400 Kaiser Permanente; 1,000 to mass vaccination site at Six Flags America).

• Baltimore City: 10,350 (4,000 health department; 3,050 local hospitals; 2,000 pharmacies; 1,300 federally qualified health center and health care provider).

• Howard County: 5,200 (3,400 health department; 1,200 pharmacies; 600 hospital).

The summary notes the number of vaccines distributed to each pharmacy and hospital. With the exception of the 1,000 vaccines from Pfizer at the Six Flags and 975 to Holy Cross hospitals in Silver Spring and Germantown, the rest came from Moderna.

Prince George’s accounts for the highest number of confirmed cases in the state, but with the lowest vaccine distribution of first doses at only 7 percent. The majority Black jurisdiction of 909,000 account for 15 percent of the state’s overall population.

SCHEDULE Page 51

landers everywhere . . . relief is on its way,” said Sen. Craig Zucker (D-Montgomery County). “Not next year. Not in the next month but now. We put partisanship aside.”

Senate Minority Whip Michael J. Hough agreed.

“It’s good to come together in a bipartisan moment,” said the Republican senator who represents portions of Frederick and Carroll counties. “There was some haggling in the House chamber. It’s not a perfect bill. Compromises are never perfect. This is a good bill overall.”

Del. Rick Impallaria, a Republican who represents portions of Baltimore and Harford counties, represented the only no vote.

The legislation goes into effect when the governor signs it into law.

A Hogan spokesman did not respond to an email for comment.

The emergency legislation would provide stimulus checks up to $450 for individuals, up to $750 for families benefiting an estimated 400,000 people. It would be based on those who qualified for earned income tax credit in 2019 and those eligible in 2020.

About $300 million would come from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help cover the lion’s share of the disbursed funds. The rest of the money would come from other reserves such as a local income tax and retirement program in the fiscal year budgets for 2021 and 2022. An estimated 55,000 businesses would receive a sales tax credit of up to $3,000 for

RELIEF Page 51

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Ben and Jerry’s Co-Founders Join the Call of Officials, Advocates’ to End Police Immunity William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, helped launch a national campaign last month to allow Americans to sue police officers who kill, shoot or abuse someone in the line of duty.

The co-founders brought that message Monday, Feb. 15 during a virtual press conference to support legislation sponsored by Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Montgomery County) to end qualified immunity, a U.S. Supreme Court doctrine to ensure officers aren’t held liable unless another officer has been found guilty in a similar situation.

“This is not just a Black problem. This is a white problem and for too long, too many white people have sat on their hands while Black people are beating and killed by bad cops,” Cohen said. “Today is a new day. We, white people, the people who authorized the police to use lethal force in our name. Either we are racist by tacitly allow-

PGCPS BRIEFS

Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

BILINGUAL EVENT

Students are encouraged to register for Estudios Universitarios (A College Education is Within Your Reach) on Saturday, Feb. 20.

This bilingual event caters to students in grades 6-12 and their families, providing them with more information about the college admission process. For more information about the program, visit: http://go.umd.edu/ estudios21

ing this travesty to continue, or we can be anti-racist and use our power to put an end to it.”

The “Police Qualified Immunity and Accountability Act,” which can be viewed at https:// bit.ly/3qoQIyC, would allow civil suits against police officers by a victim or a victim’s family, as well as for jurisdictions to recoup officer’s pensions.

A person may not file a suit if the “physical or mental injury… did not rise above ordinary negligence, was not outside the scope of law enforcement training and standards, or did not constitute misconduct.”

Three victims of police brutality spoke in support of the legislation.

One was Marion Gray-Hopkins, mother of Gary Hopkins Jr. who was killed by Prince George’s County police in 1999.

“Law enforcement should be made to pay civil law suits filed against them, versus us using our taxpayer dollars,” said Hopkins, co-founder and president of the Coalition of Concerned Mothers.

WISE ATHLETICS

This year three former Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School athletes Ryan Smith @OhLawwwdy, Zach Pascal @ ZachPascal6 and Marcus Allen @Chico_Hndrxx participated in the NFL Playoffs. The event culminated with Smith and Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning this year’s Superbowl.

VACCINATIONS FOR SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF

PGCPS is working with the County Health Department and Kaiser Permanente on employee vaccinations.

Support staff are receiving vaccinations by appointment only at Kaiser Permanente Lanham Rehabilitation Center in Lanham. This includes employees in building services, food and nutrition services, transportation and designated information technology staff.

Appointments are held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please note the following clinic location:

“They should also lose pensions when they make egregious acts against civilians.”

Larry Cosme, president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, wrote in a June 24 article why qualified immunity remains necessary.

“Law enforcement need qualified immunity in order to carry out their jobs. Law enforcement is required to make split-second decisions,” he wrote. “Without qualified immunity they may be hesitant to act when it is most needed.”

House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson introduced social and economic justice agendas with several police reforms such as repealing the controversial Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, eliminating no-knock warrants and making documents public related to police investigations and previous complaints made against an officer.

The House Judiciary and Senate Judicial Proceedings committees reviewed other police reform legisKaiser Permanente Lanham Rehabilitation Center 4400 Forbes Blvd.

Lanham, MD 20706

ALTERNATIVE ONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

Schools CEO Monica Goldson and the Prince George’s County Education & Community Partners have announced the creation of a $1 million endowed fund to support students and educators, along with student internships, mentoring opportunities and apprenticeships valued at $4.7 million as part of the school system’s Alternative Construction Finance Program.

The project, which was finalized in mid-December, will build six new schools by July 2023 through an innovative approach to address aging schools that include Drew-Freeman, Hyattsville, Kenmoor and Walker Mill middle schools, as well as a new middle school and K-8 school in the Adelphi and southern areas of the

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Marion Gray-Hopkins mother of Gary Hopkins, Jr. who was killed by Prince George’s County police in 2019, speaks during a virtual press conference Feb. 15.

(Screen grab: Courtesy of Del. Jheanelle Wilkins)

lation this week such as procedures on use of force, state attorneys create a database of law enforcement officers committed or accused of wrongdoing, and ensure drivers stopped by police at a traffic stop know their rights.

Wilkins said ending police immunity can serve as a nucleus to incorporate criminal justice reform.

“I view this issue as a very specif-

ic, critical and missing piece of the conversation in terms of ensuring accountability,” she said. “If we do anything else…but we don’t include this piece that is the specific liability and accountability for officers, we really would be missing out on ensuring comprehensive police reform this legislative session.”

WI @jabariwill

county. Currently, more than half of the 208 schools are over 50 years old.

“It is vital that we continuously invest in our students’ future,” Goldson said. “Throughout this process, Prince George’s County Public Schools has remained committed to our goal of supporting our students at every stage of their educational experience, ensuring they have every tool needed for success.”

MEALS

Students ineligible for free and reduced-priced meals will have to pay for breakfast and lunch. Food and Nutrition Services strongly encourages cashless transactions and encourages all households to deposit funds into their student account.

All schools, with the exception of Fort Foote, Glassmanor and Tayac elementary schools and Robert Goddard Montessori will serve as meal distribution sites.

Meals will be pre-packaged and distributed two days per week between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at school locations.

For more information, please call

5 PGCPS staff participated in a recent party where they read 100 words, counted to 100 and danced. ( PGCPS Photo)

the Department of Transportation support telephone number at 301952-6570. WI

FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 13

BUSINESS Crab Biz Cushions Job Loss for Laurel Twins Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer LaShone Middleton and her twin sister RaeShawn Middleton both enjoyed their jobs in the restaurant industry before COVID-19 upended the world.

Like many others in the business, the sisters lost their jobs after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser mandated a shutdown of all non-essential businesses.

Then one spring afternoon, the Laurel, Md.-based sisters craved the taste of crabs, but a search for home delivery services turned up empty. But that’s precisely when their quest turned into a new career as entrepreneurs.

“We knew the market in our hometown well and found an

opening that no one had filled,” LaShone told the Washington Informer. “We put together a business plan and put it into motion, delivering Maryland’s famous steamed blue crabs to our neighbors in Laurel.”

The business has grown steadily through repeat customers and unique social media promotions, but the sisters have maintained a GoFundMe page to continue to pump resources into their new venture.

LaShone said such support offered to other small businesses during the pandemic would help put their R&L Crab company on the fast track for expansion.

It could also solidify the business, enabling the dedicated twins to relocate to a full-time commer-

5 LaShone Middleton and RaeShawn Middleton (Courtesy R&L Crab Company)

cial kitchen space or a food truck.

“Growing up in Maryland, all we ever ate was crabs,” LaShone remarked, noting crab is a favorite for the twins.

“We both got furloughed because of COVID on the same day, and we didn’t really know how long we were going to be out of work,” she recalled.

“But we did know that once restaurants did reopen in the summer, they would most likely have to close again in the winter because of COVID.” LaShone continued explaining their journey: “So, one day we were sitting in

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our room, and we were really craving crabs, but it was raining bad, and we didn’t feel like going out to get any. So, we wondered who delivered steamed or even live crabs to your door and realized no company did that. Then we got advice from a restaurant owner, and he told us just to do it, and we did.”

R&L Crab Company boasts steamed or live crabs “delivered straight to your door year-round.”

The company delivers within 15-miles of Washington, D.C. LaShone noted that she and RaeShawn faced some of their biggest challenges at the start of their business.

“We had to figure out how to get the crabs to our guests without having them overcook due to the steam in the bag,” LaShone remarked.

“We also had some challenges

once we started receiving more publicity because it went from just being my sister and I, to us having to hire delivery drivers at a very fast pace,” she said.

“We’ve had to expand quickly, and it’s been challenging, but it is really exciting, and we’re extremely grateful.”

LaShone offered that R&L Crab Company’s customers have shown that they have enjoyed the new business’s offerings.

“They’ve enjoyed our customer service, the actual flavor of our crabs, and the fact that we deliver,” Lashone said. “We offer something that no one has offered our customers before.”

Click here to visit R&L Crab Company’s website.

Click here to contribute to R&L’s GoFundMe campaign. WI @StacyBrownMedia

LaShone Middleton and her twin sister RaeShawn Middleton both enjoyed their

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com

14 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

jobs in the restaurant industry when COVID-19 upended the world.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

BUSINESS

Hazard Pay Proposed for Essential Workers Emergency Planning, Protective Clothing Mandated from Attorney General Brian Frosh among more than a dozen people.

“This bill will protect workers who are risking their lives to protect us,” he said. “Workers who are Black and brown and those who live paycheck to paycheck are overrepresented among essential workers [and] overrepresented among victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not enough has been done to protect them.”

The bill, called the “Maryland Essential Workers’ Protection Act,” would also provide essential workers with free personal protective equipment, 14 days of paid health leave and three days of bereavement leave to cover leave taken in the event of the death of a family member.

The paid health leave proposed would be in addition to paid sick leave.

Some workers don’t earn enough

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Although thousands of Marylanders received COVID-19 vaccines in the battle against the novel coronavirus pandemic, frontline medical workers, grocery store clerks and other essential workers face high levels of exposure.

That’s why Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-District 47) of Cheverly sponsors legislation for employers to provide hazard pay at $3 per hour for those workers with annual salaries of less than $100,000.

“They don’t have the ability to sit at home in front of a computer and collect a paycheck,” he said.

“We literally depend on them to survive.”

A hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Feb. 11 lasted about an hour and 50 minutes hearing testimony

money to accrue sick leave “and can’t afford to take time off,” Frosh said.

According to the legislation, some of the employees covered in different fields such as an internet service provider (communications sector), court reporters (government sector) and airline worker (transportation systems sector).

The legislation notes that during a state of emergency, a health emergency preparedness plan should be enacted to allow changes in work hours, teleworking capabilities and any sanitation procedures.

An employee can refuse to work if they believe conditions are unsafe based on state and federal health safety standards, according to the legislation.

An employer must also pay for any testing “for a contagious illness or disease” if an employee’s health insurance doesn’t cover the cost.

5 Maryland Sen. Malcolm Augustine gives opening remarks on proposed legislation to provide hazard pay for essential workers during emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic. (Screen grab: Courtesy of Maryland General Assembly)

A company that doesn’t provide worker protection would receive a financial penalty up to $1,000.

REPUBLICANS OBJECT

Services highlights the bill would cost $241,000 to implement this fiscal year and jump to $647,500 in fiscal year 2022. The department’s analysis states the small business impact as “meaningful.”

The fiscal and policy note from the state Department of Legislative

PAY Page 42

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 15

NATIONAL Teachers Tackle Teen Depression Use ‘Right-Brain’ Techniques to Overcome Students' Melancholy

Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer For many young people, the seemingly never-ending pandemic and isolation of virtual learning have exacerbated symptoms of depression that researchers documented among this age group long before COVID-19.

In response to what has been described as overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness, some local teachers, like Preshona Ambrita Ghose,

have implemented unique instructional tools to better engage young people.

“We talk about the science of living, so that our joy can be at the center,” Ghose, a teacher of 15 years, told The Informer as she explained a three-week meditative project designed to assist her high school students control their thoughts and raise their level of mindfulness.

The project integrates elements of a similar exercise that alternative medicine practitioner Deepak Chopra has

5 Preshona Ambrita Ghose (Courtesy photo)

endorsed, while building off Ghose’s previous lessons about extracting metaphors from science.

Ghose, who teaches multiple subjects at a bevy of private and African-centered institutions across the D.C. metropolitan area, said that she aspires to teach young people in a manner that will encourage them to apply lessons in their daily life.

For her, this ethos, in tandem with

Black Church Solid Despite the News Better Times Ahead, Chaplain Says Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Even in the face of hatred and a plague of Biblical proportion, the Black Church remains strong and can expect better days ahead, according to Morehouse College’s chaplain.

Dr. Willie F. G-dman, Chaplain and associate professor of pastoral care and counseling, chief speaker at the Morehouse School of Religion’s 153rd Annual Founders Day, reduced the state of African Americans to five words: “We have been here before.”

“Why we are investing in the church because all of it is needed now,” said G-dman who took note that in this passage the veil in the temple had been split and the answer was why.

“What the author is saying is that the community did not take care of Jesus, the religious community, even his disciples,

16 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

did not take care of Jesus. They handed him over to foreign authorities.”

“The veil has been ripped from top to bottom,” G-dman said. “What that means brothers and sisters that we can no longer rest with a notion where we can get our happy on. We talk about the veil in the temple being ripped from top to bottom and we get our hoop on and we begin to hollar that Jesus died for our sins..emerging theology tells us that that is not enough.”

“When Jesus did the work of healing it was not done in the temple. Most of the time people found him in the streets...They found someone who was invested in him. Maybe folks do not trust us in the work for which we are called. What it means, brothers and sisters, is that you and have to go to the streets and meet people where they are and not to castigate them.

5 Dr. Willie F. G-dman (Courtesy photo)

The Black Church has done this type of work before.”

Following the worship service, Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Smallwood, Esq., Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate Director of the Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative at Vanderbilt Divinity School (Nashville,

CHURCH Page 52

check-ins with students and parents, call-and-response techniques, songs with visuals, dialogue, and short periodic quizzes, keeps students immersed in the learning process while sitting behind a computer.

“I like to take my students through a journey in each subject in a way that makes sense to me, in a more big-picture, ‘right-brained’ sort of way that connects more with living our lives,” Ghose told The Informer.

“The universe speaks in patterns, and we have the ability to create our own.”

Though episodes of teen suicide have been on the rise since before the pandemic, and researchers have seen an uptick in phone calls to hotlines, experts have been hesitant to declare a direct link between the pandemic and teen suicide.

Even so, the American Academy of Pediatrics counts irritability, frequent conflicts with friends and family, lack of effort in academic activity, hygienic decline, and suicidal thoughts as the symptoms of teen depression most likely to appear during the pandemic.

Researchers also point to the monotony of home and virtual learning environments as possible triggers, along with the COVID-related loss of a loved one. The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, among other organizations, have noted that teens may see the loss of extracurricular activities and peer interaction as an unsurmountable obstacle.

The pandemic has been equally taxing for parents, with a majority expressing concern that their children are academically falling behind. Such a perspective has been the impetus for school reopening in school districts across the country, even as the pan-

demic’s death toll reaches 450,000.

In response to rising tensions at home, some pediatricians have recommended that parents and guardians set a positive tone and provide opportunities for their youngsters to verbally express their feelings.

For Kennedy Center teaching artist Bomani Armah however, doing so requires adults to not take for granted the gravity of young people’s problems.

Armah, a teacher who integrates elements of math and English into arts instruction, recounted hearing about and seeing symptoms of unease, from his teenage sons and his students, shortly after the start of the quarantine period last March.

Such circumstances, Armah told The Informer, further compelled him to help young people under his tutelage explore their artistic talents.

As far as parents are concerned, Armah said he sees the pandemic as a period of recalibration needed to help them rethink how they approach education. He described the status quo, centered on high grades and a rigid path along to graduation, as harmful to the mental and emotional well-being of the entire family.

“If we took our time, we could’ve had socioemotional experiences and arts integration,” Armah told The Informer.

“The entire country is dealing with the pandemic, so this idea that we’re falling behind doesn’t make sense,” he added.

“This plays into how we think of ourselves as a community when we have to compete with each other. As a culture, we shouldn’t shame people for staying back. You didn’t fail because of a pandemic.” WI @SamPKCollins

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

NATIONAL COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION

National Park Service seeks public comment on Proposed Plan for the Kenilworth Park Landfill Site The National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to comment on the Proposed Plan for the Kenilworth Park Landfill Site in Washington, DC. As requested by members of the public, the NPS has extended the comment period by 30 days. The comment period will close on March 12, 2021.

The NPS, in consultation with the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), has investigated hazardous substance contamination at the site, assessed the associated risks to human health and the environment, and evaluated alternatives to address those risks using its authorities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). In addition, the NPS has updated the Administrative Record File for the site.

5 Marjorie M. Lawson was an appointee to the District courts by President John F. Kennedy. (Photo from Google)

Marjorie Lawson Made History as First Black Female Judge in the District James Wright WI Staff Writer

The District’s trial and appellate courts are led by two African Americans females: Chief Judges Anita Josey-Herring and Anna Blackburne-Rigsby. Both continue a legacy established in the city’s judicial branch first achieved by Marjorie M. Lawson.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy appointed Lawson as an associate judge on the District’s Juvenile Court bench.

With that appointment, she became the first Black woman judge in the District and the first Black female appointed by a president to a judicial post.

Lawson’s appointment to the District’s bench established her reportedly as a pioneering Black female judge at the time and occurred due to her years of work as a leading attorney in the District.

Prior to her appointment, she distinguished herself as a lawyer working on urban renewal projects that served Blacks and developed specialties in real estate development, real estate tax law and federally subsidized housing.

She also served as the general counsel to the National Coun-

cil of Negro Women during the 1950s.

Lawson’s work in the District caught Kennedy’s attention as he started his campaign for president in early 1960. Kennedy hired her as a director of civil rights with the responsibility of reaching out to Black leaders and communities as well as defining his views on civil rights.

Louis Martin, a co-founder of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and adviser to presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Carter, spoke about Lawson’s impact on the Kennedy presidential campaign in a podcast on the race housed at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

“She was one of the bestknown Negroes who, for two years prior to the convention, had been publicly assisting the campaign and the candidate,” said Martin, often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Black Politics,’ adding that she’d been effective in introducing Kennedy to different groups and arranging meetings with Negro leaders from the nation’s top civic, fraternal and religious organizations.

During his tenure, Kennedy

LAWSON Page 52

The NPS has evaluated the following options to address site risks: • Alternative 1: No Action.

• Alternative 2: Limited Action / Institutional Controls.

• Alternative 3: Selective Placement of Clean Fill Barriers and Institutional Controls.

• Alternative 4: Site-wide Clean Soil Barrier and Institutional Controls.

• Alternative 5: Landfill Removal and Revegetation.

In the proposed plan, the NPS identified Alternative 3 as the preferred alternative for the site. However, the NPS welcomes comments on all the evaluated alternatives and will select the final plan in a Record of Decision (ROD) based on all the information contained in the Administrative Record File, including comments received from the public. The NPS may select a plan other than the preferred alternative based on public comments, new information, or a reevaluation of existing information.

Location of the Administrative Record File: The Administrative Record File comprises the documents that will form the basis for the NPS’s selection of a final cleanup plan for the site. The Administrative Record File is available for review at the following location:

Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library 3935 Benning Road, N.E. Phone: (202) 281-2583 Email: benninglibrary@dc.gov https://www.dclibrary.org/benning Monday to Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

The Administrative Record File is also available on a compact disc upon request. Key project documents are also available on the Kenilworth Park Landfill Site webpage: https://www.nps.gov/anac/learn/management/kpls.htm Public comment period: The public comment period began on November 12, 2020, and will close on March 12, 2021. The ROD will include a summary that responds to all significant comments received during the comment period (including comments received at the public meeting).

Providing your comments: Comments on the proposed plan and other documents contained in the Administrative Record File can be submitted to the NPS in three ways: Mail:

Email: Phone:

VHB Metro DC, LLC Attn: KPL Proposed Plan Public Comments 1001 G Street, N.W., Suite 1125 Washington, DC 20001 Donna_Davies@nps.gov (202) 359-3234

Please note that all comments received, as part of the Administrative Record File, will be made available for inspection by the general public, and copies may be provided to members of the public. If you submit a comment that includes personally identifiable information, you may request in your comment that the NPS withhold that information from the public.

However, the NPS cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 17

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN

DRC Refugee Named First Black Rector of University of Edinburgh Debora Kayembe fled her home in the Democratic Republic of Congo 16 years ago as her life was under threat after she helped expose a gun-running militia group.

She settled in the United Kingdom, where she worked as a human rights lawyer and is about to become the first black rector of the University of Edinburgh.

"It's been just a rollercoaster, everywhere. Everywhere, the reaction. There is a sentiment of national pride and they are waiting for the inaugural ceremony to come to Scotland to see that with their own eyes," she says.

But she says she and her daughter have been the victims of racism in Scotland.

Kayembe, 45, found that nails had been driven through all of her car tires.

"The previous times I had kept quiet," she says. "Sometimes you have to have a big heart to let things pass in the common interest, but what happened to me that day was unacceptable."

Kayembe announced what had happened to her on social media. But instead of confrontation, she chose to adopt a message of tolerance and dialogue with the perpetrators of the abuse.

Not long after the incident, Kayembe's daughter returned home from school and cried because she had been asked by a teacher to perform a slave dance in front of her classmates.

After confronting the school, Kayembe petitioned the Scottish Parliament to urgently address racism in education in Scotland.

Parliament has agreed to the request and will debate the matter in the coming months.

Her action caught the eye of the university.

She says in her new role she wants to attract the brightest students and to help the university recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

"I want to make sure that this COVID-19 that has changed our way of living, the university takes the lead in shaping the future because there are a lot of things that are going to change," she says. "So I am hoping for the university to change to bring the most brightest minds in Scotland together and think how we can shape the future and how we can survive this COVID. " She has not returned to the DRC since she fled but she hopes to use her position as rector over the next three years to promote the best education for Africa too. (SOURCE: Africanews and AFP) WI

caribbean now Barbados Delays National Budget While Developing an Anti-Viral Economic Plan Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley revealed on Sunday, Feb. 14, that there will be no national budget just yet while her administration hammers out a comprehensive package to buffer the economy against the expected shocks of the COVID-19 virus.

“Yes, there is no budget,” she told media managers at a meeting held at Cabinet Office.

Over the last few weeks, lawmakers have been debating the 2020-2021 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, but Mottley explained that her financial package will be delayed to “prepare all the scenarios so that the Government can play that supporting role to the entities and businesses and workers likely to be impacted,” Barbados Today reported.

On Monday, Feb. 8, as she addressed the nation after meeting with key figures on the island’s response to the virus wreaking global havoc, the prime minister estimated there could be some loss of jobs from the impact on the virus on travel in particular.

The prime minister and lead minister of finance said that after discussions with representatives of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Central Bank, three different scenarios were developed showing the impact of a 25 per cent decline in tourism revenue over a three-month period, a decline of 50 per cent revenue over a three-month period and a severe case of a decline of 80 per cent in tourism revenue over six months.

This, she suggested, could translate into job losses, a reduced work week for tourism workers and a drop in earnings for suppliers. WI

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This shouldn’t be how we say hello ...or goodbye.

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings. The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 19

HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE

Double Mask Best Protection, CDC Says

Agency Finds Double Masks Prevent Exposure Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] concluded last week that new ways of wearing face masks dramatically reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.

The CDC said research findings show two methods of applying masks improve the protection that masks provide.

First, the agency said, users should fit a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask — essentially wearing two masks—increase protection. Second, the agency said, knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in the excess material to flatten the extra material close to the face increases the virus barrier.

Each modification substantially improves the barrier and reduces

(Photo courtesy of the CDC.)

wearer exposure, the CDC advises.

“These laboratory-based experiments highlight the importance of good fit to optimize mask performance,” the study authors’ wrote.

“Until vaccine-induced population immunity is achieved, universal masking is a highly effective means to slow the spread of SARSCoV-2 [COVID-19] when combined with other protective measures, such as physical distancing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and good hand hygiene.”

The authors added that the findings in the report are subject to at least four limitations.

First, these experiments were conducted with one type of medical procedure mask and one type of cloth mask among the many choices that are commercially available and were intended to provide data about their relative performance in a controlled setting.

Second, these experiments did not include any other combinations of masks, such as cloth over cloth, medical procedure mask over

Survey: Americans Abandoning Dental Health Due to Pandemic

Coronavirus Exacerbates Oral Health Disparities for Low-Income Children Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer

(Courtesy photo)

20 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

A new survey reveals the coronavirus pandemic is a major factor in the nation’s failing dental health.

More than half of Americans say they have delayed or skipped regular dental maintenance altogether, which can lead to more serious oral health issues, according to the American Association of Endodontists.

The survey commissioned by the association, also showed that the pandemic is takings its toll on those working or studying remotely when it comes to changes to their daily dental hygiene routine.

Significant findings include: 31 percent were snacking more on sweets; 28 percent didn't schedule or forgot to schedule a dental visit; 1 in 4 said they waited until later in the morning to brush their teeth, while 21 percent didn't

brush in the morning at all; and 24 percent said they're flossing less frequently while 23 percent say they aren't flossing at all.

Dental disturbances aren’t just impacting vulnerable populations like the elderly, millennials have also reported experiencing dental disruptions.

Forty-three percent of those surveyed indicated that working from home or attending virtual classes from home led to disruptions to their usual dental hygiene habits during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

“Clearly, the pandemic is causing a major disruption in Americans' dental habits, which is leading to more serious tooth problems,” the association said.

“Fortunately, it appears much of the public understands the importance of facing serious dental

DENTAL Page 46

medical procedure mask, or medical procedure mask over cloth.

Third, these findings might not be applicable to children because of their smaller size or to men with beards and other facial hair, which interfere with fit.

Finally, although use of double masking or knotting and tucking are two of many options that can optimize fit and enhance mask performance for source control and for wearer protection, double masking might impede breathing or obstruct peripheral vision for some wearers, and knotting and tucking can change the shape of the mask such that it no longer covers fully both the nose and the mouth of persons with larger faces.

Universal masking is one of the prevention strategies recommended by the CDC to slow the spread of COVID-19 since the onslaught of the pandemic last March.

As of Feb. 1, 38 states and the District have universal mask mandates. Mask wearing has also been mandated by executive order for federal property as well as for domestic and international travel.

Face masks substantially reduce exhaled respiratory droplets and aerosols from infected wearers and reduce exposure of uninfected wearers to these particles says the CDC. “Controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission is critical not only to reduce the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on human health and the economy but also to slow viral evolution and the emergence of variants that could alter transmission dynamics or affect the usefulness of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.” WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Study Suggests Drinking Caffeinated Coffee May Lower Chances of Heart Failure Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Dietary information from three large, well-known heart disease studies suggests drinking one or more cups of caffeinated coffee may reduce heart failure risk, according to research published on Feb. 9 in “Circulation: Heart Failure,” an American Heart Association journal.

Coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke are among the top causes of death from heart disease in the U.S. “While smoking, age and high blood pressure are among the most well-known heart disease risk factors, unidentified risk factors for heart disease remain,” David P. Kao, M.D., senior author of the study, assistant professor of cardiology and medical director at the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, Colo., remarked in a news release.

“The risks and benefits of drinking coffee have been topics of ongoing scientific interest due to the popularity and frequency of consumption worldwide,” added Linda Van Horn, Ph.D., R.D., professor and chief of the Department of Preventive Medicine’s Nutrition Division at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and member of the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee.

“Studies reporting associations with outcomes remain relatively limited due to inconsistencies in diet assessment and analytical

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methodologies, as well as inherent problems with self-reported dietary intake,” Van Horn said in the release.

Dr. Kao and his colleagues used machine learning through the American Heart Association’s Precision Medicine Platform to examine data from the original cohort of the Framingham Heart Study and referenced it against data from both the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study and the Cardiovascular Health Study to help confirm their findings.

Each study included at least 10 years of follow-up, and, collectively, the studies provided information on more than 21,000 U.S. adult participants.

To analyze the outcomes of drinking caffeinated coffee, researchers categorized consumption as 0 cups per day, one cup per day, two cups per day and at least three cups per day.

Across the three studies, coffee

In the Framingham Heart and the Cardiovascular Health studies, the risk of heart failure over the course of decades decreased by 5-to-12 percent per cup per day of coffee, compared with no coffee consumption.

consumption was self-reported, and no standard unit of measure were available.

The analysis revealed: In all three studies, people who reported drinking one or more cups of caffeinated coffee had an associated decreased long-term heart failure risk.

In the Framingham Heart and the Cardiovascular Health studies, the risk of heart failure over the course of decades decreased by 5-to-12 percent per cup per day of coffee, compared with no coffee consumption.

In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, the risk of heart failure did not change between 0 to one cup per day of coffee; however, it was about 30 percent lower in people who drank at least two cups a day.

Importantly, drinking decaffeinated coffee appeared to have an opposite effect on heart failure risk, significantly increasing the risk of heart failure in the Framingham Heart Study.

In the Cardiovascular Health Study, however, there was no increase or decrease in risk of heart failure associated with drinking decaffeinated coffee.

According to findings released, when the researchers examined this further, they found caffeine consumption from any source appeared to be associated with decreased heart failure risk, and caffeine was at least part of the reason for the apparent benefit from

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Asbestos exposure in industrial, construction, manufacturing jobs, or the military may be the cause. Family in the home were also exposed.

Call 1-866-795-3684 or email cancer@breakinginjurynews.com. $30 billion is set aside for asbestos victims with cancer. Valuable settlement monies may not require filing a lawsuit.

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drinking more coffee.

“The association between caffeine and heart failure risk reduction was surprising. Coffee and caffeine are often considered by the general population to be ‘bad’ for the heart because people associate them with palpitations, high blood pressure, etc.,” Dr. Kao noted in the release.

“The consistent relationship between increasing caffeine consumption and decreasing heart

failure risk turns that assumption on its head. However, there is not yet enough clear evidence to recommend increasing coffee consumption to decrease risk of heart disease with the same strength and certainty as stopping smoking, losing weight or exercising.”

To view the full study, visit https://www.ahajournals.org/ journal/circheartfailure.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 21

EDUCATION College Students Recount Experiences with Virtual Learning

Navigating College Through a Computer Screen

ie State University graduate has a bevy of offers for remote jobs across the country, he said navigating the last couple semesters of college online didn’t come without hardship, especially when rectifying discrepancies on his transcript.

“I have to send emails to my counselor, and I’m waiting and sitting back when I have problems,” said Akinrimisi, who’s majoring in

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer For many undergrads like Darius Akinrimisi, the 2020 spring break served as the turning point in an academic journey that will soon wrap up in the most unconventional of ways: alone and behind the computer screen at home.

Though the soon-to-be Bow-

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computer technology.

“I have to send [questions] to this person and that person,’ he continued.

“It hasn’t affected my transcript too badly, but I had some issues [a couple semesters ago] when my credits were messed up. It took a while to fix because of this situation. If I was on campus, it would’ve been faster.”

This past fall, at the beginning of Akinrimisi’s senior year, nearly two out of three U.S. colleges and universities primarily conducted online classes, while overall undergraduate enrollment across the country dropped by nearly three percent.

Research from online college enrollment guide BestCollege showed that students navigating the virtual learning environment often grapple with depression, lack of motivation and, in some cases, a technological divide that impedes their ability to advance in their studies.

SUPPORT VITAL TO COUNTER ISOLATION

Without a support network, out-of-state and international students often experience the greatest difficulty.

In situations when school campuses have reopened, students have faced disciplinary action for breaking social distancing orders.

Some undergraduates however, like Lydia Melka, said they’ve appreciated the safety precautions school campus officials have taken during this academic year.

Melka, a freshman at The George Washington University, moved on campus in January after spending her first semester as a college student at home.

Though she stays in her dorm most of the time, and attends class through a video-conferencing platform, Melka said she and the other students in her honors cohort converse through the online chat feature and practice social distancing while studying.

However, establishing new contacts, especially with professors in larger classes and university officials, has been cumbersome for Melka.

“In terms of strangers, there’s a bureaucracy at GW, so [if not for COVID] it would be a lot easier to walk into a class,” said Melka, a

5 Lydia Melka, a freshman at The George Washington University. (Photo courtesy of Elisa White Photography)

native of the Atlanta, Ga. metropolitan region.

“If I’m not in a professor’s office or I don’t have a relationship with them, it’s harder to get in touch with them, she added.

“I don’t blame them. My inbox is full every day, so it’s hard to connect with people that you don’t already know.”

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE OVERSHADOWS RACIAL ISOLATION

Several miles away in Cambridge, Mass., RuQuan Brown said, despite the isolation, he relishes the opportunities that have arisen since starting his virtual learning experience on the campus of Harvard University.

Brown, a student athlete and D.C. Public Schools graduate, moved to campus last fall after undergoing knee surgery to address ACL damage. Since then, he and his teammates on the football team have been on the field, socially distanced and wearing masks, conditioning their bodies and practicing plays.

Due to COVID regulations, only 10 players at a time have been allowed in the locker room, gym and other common areas, which Brown said has hindered comradery among teammates. Additional-

ly, reports of a COVID case earlier this month ceased all athletic activity for a week.

Even so, Brown told The Informer that should the university return to normal instruction, he would like to explore the possibility of continuing virtual learning, as it has better allowed him to manage his time and tend to matters outside of school and football.

Those responsibilities include Love 1 Biz, a clothing company Brown started two years ago in promotion of nonviolence.

Despite the lack of face-to-face interactions, Brown said he has been able to pour his efforts into maintaining a social media presence and avoiding the pitfalls of being a young Black man at a predominantly white university.

“It’s harder to build my social media platforms and business, but I also save time from transitioning from class,” Brown told The Informer.

“I use that time resting, reading, and talking to family,” he added.

“If I could still take my class online [after the pandemic], I would. Racism is still very prevalent on campus, and I feel like an alien as a Black athletic guy with locs. With virtual learning, I get to avoid those interactions. Overall, I’m grateful.”

WI @SamPKCollins

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

EDUCATION

DCPS

BRIEFS

Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

SCHOOL RENOVATION UPDATE

John Eaton Elementary School, located at 3301 Lowell St., NW, consists of three historic buildings with an adjoining connection in the middle, totaling approximately 52,560 square feet. The original school building was constructed in 1910, with a similar facility erected in 1922 and a multipurpose room built in 1930.

The school in the Cleveland Park historic district, is severely undersized for its growing population, therefore, modernization will seek to rightsize the building for the elementary school program and The project completion date is slated for August 2021.

A community meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Feb. 25.

DCPS BELIEVES ‘EVERYDAY COUNTS’

Students, families, and the community must be empowered to track DCPS’ progress in helping every young person get to school. By being transparent about its challenges,

5 Market Boxes are distributed every week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Thursdays and contain seven days’ worth of breakfast, lunch and supper ingredients. (Photo courtesy DCPS)

D.C. can work together to reduce the barriers that too many students and families face.

For instance, truancy -- which measures the percent of students aged 5-17 who are considered absent, means that a student has 10 or more unexcused absences from school – with or without – parental knowledge, consent, or otherwise securing prior approval from the start of the school year.

Otherwise, In-school Attendance measures the average percent of students who are attending school and Chronic Absence Rate measures the percent of students who miss 10 percent or more days in a school year from the start of the school year.

ANACOSTIA HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY THE LLOYD BRYANT FELLOW

Lloyd Bryant began his career as a history teacher in Indianapolis Public Schools. In 2003, he relocat-

ed to Maryland and taught in both Prince George’s County and Prince William County before transitioning into school leadership. Bryant joined DCPS in 2008 as an assistant principal at Dunbar Senior High School. He also served as an assistant principal at Spingarn Senior High School before becoming a member of the inaugural cohort of the Mary Jane Patterson Fellowship, a rigorous 30-month program designed to prepare DCPS's highest performing leaders for the principalship. As a fellow, Bryant has served as a resident principal at both Maury Elementary School and Banneker Senior High School. Bryant holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Hampton University as well as a master’s degree in educational administration from Trinity University.

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5 Through transparency, D.C. can work together to reduce barriers that too many students and families face in helping every young person get to school. (Photo courtesy DCPS)

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WI

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 23

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

As Schools Slowly Reopen, the Importance of Education Returns to the Spotlight

Schools in the Greater Washington Area and across the U.S. have slowly started the process of reopening their doors to eager students and educators. And while this process will undoubtedly undergo both ebbs and flows because of the challenges that remain prevalent due to the coronavirus, we believe that not even a virus will be able to keep classrooms closed for much longer.

Still, the configuration of our schools and classrooms may look markedly different from versions with which older Americans are more accustomed. Some students will find themselves attending school once or twice a week with portions of their educated being supplemented by Zoom calls or lectures videotaped for later reference on their computers.

In fact, in his efforts to clarify how public schools will now qualify for federal funding, President Biden recently indicated that a school must only hold in-class learning once a week to be labeled as “open.” Of course, many educators, parents and teachers have great reservations about saying school is “open” when being open doesn’t translate to five days a week of in-person instruction.

That’s another issue.

Nonetheless, COVID-19 has forced us to reconsider how education can best be facilitated – not only as we consider health concerns but ensuring that all students receive a quality education.

And while the safety and health of educators and students cannot and will not be overlooked or minimalized, we feel it necessary to return the spotlight to the quality of education that youth will receive.

Less than a century ago, many Blacks still did not know how to read. Blacks were routinely denied admittance to the nation’s top colleges and universities. Blacks could not attend schools in many parts of the U.S. because of laws that allowed for segregation.

And so, we fought against these various means of injustice – through political, religious and social means. As the story goes, victory would be ours – but not before generations of protests.

Education has long been recognized as the best means of leveling the playing field in America. And whether classrooms shift to hybrid versions of instruction or not, education and the benefits and opportunities it provides for those who “learn their lesson” have not changed – even in our new COVID-19 influenced world.

Maybe the real challenge many parents face is that they can no longer send their children and grandchildren to school so the “babysitter” can take over.

Now, the adults in the lives of school age children must bear more of the burden in the daily education of their children. It can be a daunting proposition for some but so be it.

It’s the new reality we all face.

Let’s get busy! WI

Censure Trump: What Do Americans Have to Lose?

From day one, Donald Trump has been a nightmare to America. He proved to be as toxic to the American people as a local drug dealer is in the communities they occupy.

By promoting, or pushing the lie that he would make “America great again,” Trump convinced voters – whites, Latinos, Blacks and others – to support his perilous, COVID-19 super-spreader bid for reelection. In the end, he received more than 74 million votes, according to reports, from those duped into believing “what the hell do you have to lose?” by supporting him.

After four years of ineffectively tackling issues impacting Americans and people worldwide, and nearly one month since his departure from office on Jan. 20, victims who swallowed the “Trump pill” are suffering more today than they were before he entered the White House. His ultimate desire, however, has not changed: to make money for himself, to acquire more power and to lead people into places where he will not go.

That’s what he did on January 6 when he instigated an insurrection in the nation’s capital, directing his troops to “charge” but staying back. He ultimately caused five people’s death and criminal charges levied against hundreds more, all while he continues to

24 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

TO THE EDITOR Teacher's Death a Tough Lesson

Cracking the Glass Ceiling

Very sad to read about the death of Ballou STAY cosmetology teacher Ms. Helen M. White due to COVID-19. If this doesn't story doesn't make officials reconsider opening schools, I don't know what will. God bless her family.

Shout out to Miss Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization. That's major news and a sign of progress for Africans around the world. We are just as capable if not more.

Teniele Jackson Washington, D.C.

Abu Olowokandi Washington, D.C.

stoke the flames after playing golf on his private course in Florida.

Meanwhile, the FBI and other law enforcement officials continue to track down Trump’s peddlers at the expense of U.S. taxpayers who are footing the bill to house these lackeys in places as near as the D.C. Jail. Still, despite arrests, convictions, loss of jobs and income, and even death, it seems that those who have come under Trump’s spell simply cannot cut the strings.

In fact, most Senate Republicans proved to be Trump’s greatest allies when they voted not to convict him for inciting a riot, although many acknowledged he did – after the vote, that is.

With all that said, we agree with D.C. Congressperson Eleanor Holmes Norton that there must be some action Congress can take to give Trump a strong message to end his game now.

Norton is calling for Trump to be censured.

“It is the only method available now to send a bipartisan, bicameral message to the country and the world that the U.S. is a nation of laws and it’s the only avenue left to prevent Trump from holding public office again.”

We stand by Mrs. Norton and affirm that Trump needs to know that his business is no longer welcomed here. America will remain great despite him and not because of him. WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

When Will Workers Get a Break?

Now that the impeachment trial of the 45th president is over, perhaps our legislators can turn their attention to working people — or, more accurately, those who used to work and are not now working. There were 18 million unemployment insurance claims now than a year ago, and nearly 10 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic. The first Friday report that the unemployment rate has dropped is misleading when the number of people fleeing the labor

market is alarming. Most disturbing, of course, is the departure of women from the labor force. Last month alone, more than 250,000 women left the labor market, compared to 71,000 men.

Further, many of those working, especially in meat-packing, manufacturing and most service occupations, don't have the luxury to physically distance at work. Some of these folk earn appallingly low wages, in some cases hovering near the $7.25 minimum, the same rate it has been for more than a decade. To be sure, minimum wages are higher in some cities and states, with the District of

Guest Columnist

Columbia, San Francisco and Seattle establishing a $15 minimum. Other jurisdictions have passed legislation gradually moving the wage to $15.

President Biden promised to support new minimum wage legislation, and Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing hard. The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 was introduced on Jan. 26, and House Speaker Pelosi has said a version of the bill will be sent to the Senate for approval. There is likely to be pushback, especially from states that have not raised their wage above the federal level. It is useful to note that in Florida, where the former president enjoys popularity, a ballot

measure supporting a $15 minimum wage passed. Even conservatives have to eat!

Senate Bill 53, the Raise the Wage Act, would gradually raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25 level to $15 by June 2025. The first increase would happen this year, raising the wage to $9.25 this year.

In subsequent years the wage would rise to $11.00 in 2022, $12.50 in 2023, $14.00 in 2024, and $15 by June of 2025. The most significant bump is 31 percent, from the current $290 per week (for a full-time week) to $380 per week. Even with that increase, though, a family of four

is living below the poverty line of $26,500. The minimum wage for a family with one worker won't exceed the poverty line until 2024 when the wage is $14 an hour.

Some households with minimum wage workers have more than one person contributing to household expenses. But many minimum-wage workers work part-time, not fulltime, and don't work part-time by choice. Many employers offer less than a 40-hour workweek to avoid paying benefits.

Raising the minimum wage gives

MALVEAUX Page 53

Sarafina Wright

Cancel Culture: Is It Real or Just Another Example of ‘Fake Media?’

In December 2018, we learned that comedian Kevin Hart would serve as the host of the 2019 Academy Awards. For comedians, hosting the Oscars is a big deal.

It’s what sets you apart from the pack — from those ordinary comedians who tour in smoky small clubs year-round to make a living so they can keep the lights on and

one achieve a semblance of success.

But for a small group of performer – “comedian royalty” – life plays out differently. Their talent and the public’s appreciation of this skills, allows them an extended hiatus from the long nights and irascible promoters. They’re A-listers in big films, they perform in arenas and they have demand and receive exorbitant fees for their services. They make millions of dollars every year.

These comedians include: Chris

Guest Columnist

Rock, Dave Chappelle, Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Stewart and Jerry Seinfeld have reached levels that put them on the Mount Rushmore of comedy. One of those highly treasured markers remains the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor with another being tapped to host the Oscars.

Unless you’ve been under a rock, you know that Hart has emerged as the preeminent comedian of the last 10 years. With movies, concerts, commercials endorsements,

he’s everywhere. When it was announced that Kev’ from Philly would host the Oscars, the world cheered for him – at least most of the world.

Others weren’t so pleased. Several years ago, Hart posted homophobic tweets which popped up periodically for one reason or another. Each time, he’d apologize and the conversation would die down.

But about one month before the 2019 Oscars, social media users

resurrected the buzz relating to his homophobic tweets. This time Hart chose not to apologize.

Paraphrasing Hart, he noted that he’d apologized over and over. Why apologize again and to whom?

Hart referenced those on social media who began to demand that he be replaced from the Oscars.

Eventually he acquiesced once more but he also decided to step

WRIGHT Page 53

Steve Descano

Justice for All Means Dismantling Federal Death Penalty, Commuting Death Row Sentences

After enduring four years of white nationalism in the White House, it was a refreshing shift to see President Biden announce a series of executive orders in his first week in office addressing systemic racism. The Biden Administration’s commitments to drop federal private prison contracts, promote fair housing practices at the Department of Housing and Urban

Development and combat the wave of xenophobia aimed at Asian Americans during the pandemic constitute a welcomed first step in confronting racism. However, if President Biden is truly intent on leading America toward a reckoning with its original sin, he should use every tool at his administration’s disposal to dismantle the federal death penalty.

America’s death penalty is among the most egregiously racist institutions – in both its origin and application – to persist in a criminal justice system

defined by inequity. In 19th century Virginia, state law only provided for the execution of white people for first-degree murder, while enslaved people could be executed for less serious alleged offenses. Although the explicit racial distinction disappeared from the code during the 20th century, these disparities persisted.

Per the Death Penalty Information Center, 185 Black Virginians and 46 white Virginians were executed for murder between 1900 and 1969. A total of 73 Black Virginians were ex-

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

ecuted for crimes like rape, attempted rape, or armed robbery. No white Virginians were executed for such crimes in that timespan. This racist application of the death penalty continues to this day and is not unique to Virginia.

Nationally, 42 percent of individuals on death row are Black, as are 34% of those executed – despite Black Americans constituting 13 percent of our population.

What’s more, not only is the death penalty racist but it’s also woefully ineffective at preventing crime. In fact,

the Brennan Center found that the average homicide rate in states without the death penalty is lower than that of states with the death penalty.

Thankfully, the movement to abolish the death penalty has gained considerable momentum in recent years. Ten states have outlawed the death penalty since 2004 and a growing number of local prosecutors are refusing to seek it, a pledge I have honored since taking office last year.

DESCANO Page 53 FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 25

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Ray Curry

Where We Go from Here?

More than a month into a tumultuous start of a new year, a new year following the most chaotic year in America that any living person can remember, I am seeing signs that the work in the streets and in our hospitals and at our voting booths far and wide, even in states no one thought we would have captured after 2016, that even though we have been hit hard on so many fronts, it's our front line that is now advancing for the

greater good. It is divisiveness and hate that must retreat; it is science that will now confront COVID-19. And it is Americans of color who overcame at the polls to deliver the House, the Senate and the Presidency.

Contentious as it was, more Americans voted in the 2020 election than in any other election in 120 years.

And look at what we did together.

We elected the first Black, female and Asian vice president in Kamala Harris.

We elected in a historic runoff election, the first Black senator from Georgia in more than a decade in Rev. Raphael Warnock. Rev. Warnock, the

Guest Columnist

pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church — where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once was pastor — has dedicated his life to service and ministry.

And we tipped the U.S. senate for hard working men and women by also delivering his fellow Georgian Jon Ossoff.

Out west, Wyoming elected their first female senator. Missouri sent its first Black congressperson to D.C., and Delaware elected its first transgender senator.

The voters of New Mexico became the first state to send a delegation to the House of Representatives made up entirely of women of color. And

this 117th Congress is the most diverse in our country's history, just as President Joe Biden's Cabinet promises to be.

So, for me, 2021 is about hope and about working for a better life for all and a better nation together as we rise from the terrible test that 2020 has been. It is about recommitting to one another and to good works to help our brothers and sisters in need. And even before we voted for inclusion, we were already making good trouble. White, Black and Brown nationwide took to the streets this past spring and summer to ask our nation — to demand of our nation — that we address the

systematic racism that has plagued this country since its founding. That has torn the very fabric of our country and created so much pain and loss. With one voice, all were saying: "Please, at long last, fix this."

Trump's lies, as his defenders want us to do in the name of false unity.

Trump's lawyers had no case.

Trump spent weeks generating rage and resentment with his lies about the election. He urged people to come to Washington to fight for him. And on Jan. 6, he rehashed his lies about the election and Pence's ability to overturn it, and then sent his angry supporters to storm the Capitol.

The claim that it would be unconstitutional to hold Trump accountable now that he is out of office was completely demolished by Raskin — and

by legal scholars, conservative as well as liberal.

From the very start of the trial, Trump's desperate defenders in Congress, right-wing media and the Make America Great Again movement turned to more shameful arguments.

They continued to repeat the lie at the heart of the violence: Black voters and corrupt Democrats stole the election from Trump and his supporters.

They tried to distract from Trump's weeks of incitement by showing irrel-

the country were delighted that the racist L.A. cops and prosecutors had not strung him up, but most folks were certain that O.J. really did it.

There is certainly a big difference between acquittal and innocence.

Before The Donald got away with the most egregious betrayal of the U.S. rule of law in history, the most horrible crime I can recall that went unpunished was in September 1955 when Roy Bryant and his half-brother J.W. Milam were acquitted after just one-hour of deliberation by an

all-white jury in Greenwood, Mississippi of the brutal murder of Emmett Till. This probably deserves to be The Crime of the 20th Century.

Emmett, a 14-year-old from Chicago was visiting relatives in rural Money, Mississippi, near Greenwood. Roy's wife Carolyn Bryant claimed that the lad had grabbed her, made lewd advances and wolf-whistled at her as he left her husband's store.

OUR PATH IS CLEAR

It is time to think not of ourselves, not of what divides us, not of our differences, but of our common good. It is time once again to remember that there is much, much more that unites us than divides us. Those that would seek to divide us, do not want us to

CURRY Page 54

Ben Jealous

The Warning Bells in Trump's Impeachment Trial

Donald Trump's defenders are shameless. And that makes them dangerous.

It has only been a month since a mob enraged by Trump's lies about the election being stolen attacked the U.S. Capitol to stop Congress from confirming Joe Biden's victory. The terrorists killed one police officer and injured more than 100, leaving some with head injuries and one with three

fingers missing; two have since died by suicide.

The mob wasn't able to stop the transfer of power and keep Trump in office. And, thank God, they didn't get their hands on members of Congress or on former Vice President Mike Pence, who in their minds betrayed Trump by following the Constitution.

The terrorists had a noose waiting outside. Inside, members of Congress were calling loved ones to say goodbye, fearing that they were about to be killed.

Askia-At-Large

If you have any doubt that's what would have happened if the mob had broken into the House or Senate chamber before members of Congress were evacuated, watch the opening arguments from Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate. Rep. Jamie Raskin, one of the impeachment managers presenting the case against Trump's incitement of insurrection, showed a video with clips from the attack.

It is hard to watch. But it is necessary.

It is important not to turn away from the violence provoked by

JEALOUS Page 54

Askia Muhammad

When the Guilty Go Free

Whenever the "guilty" get away with it, a scar is left for those who are the victims. Donald J. Trump, O.J. Simpson, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam — notoriously infamous acquittals.

We've known for weeks that Trump, the TWIMPRIC (Twice Impeached Private Citizen) would never be convicted by the Repugnik-

26 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

kkan Party sycophants in the U.S. Senate who blithely tried to ignore the hours and hours of damning and compelling evidence that conclusively proved that the draft-dodging whoremonger who filed multiple bankruptcies before assuming the highest office in this Wilderness of North America committed treason, not to mention a "high crime and misdemeanor" worthy of his public humiliation. But alas.

A solid, bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate (his jurors — more like a

jury of his accomplices) voted 57-43 to convict the Guy, but the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority, so they fell 10 votes short. He got off.

Where were you when you learned the news of a crooked exoneration?

I was at New York's JFK International Airport, Oct. 3, 1995, retrieving my luggage to clear customs in a Black Press delegation of National Newspaper Publishers Association personnel returning from Nigeria when the news broke that O.J. had gotten off. Most Black folks around

ASKIA Page 54

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Gospel and Choral Music Shed Light on Power of Dr. King’s Unrealized Dream Washington Performing Arts, Choral Arts Society Blend their Voices Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer The prophetic insight of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s merits examination and tribute on far more days than the 24 hours set aside each year on the King Holiday.

And celebrants of the arts and those who continue to follow King’s mission have another opportunity to remember the “King” with a District tradition – “Living the Dream . . . Singing the Dream” concert.

Traditionally held in January at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the event underwent needed changes this year given the ongoing pandemic. But for those who feared the show would not go on, there’s reason to celebrate.

There will be a free, virtual showing of performances provided by the combined voices from the Washington Performing Arts' Gospel Choirs and the Choral Arts Society Chorus, premiering on Friday, Feb. 19.

Access to this concert will be streamed through Washington Performing Arts' Home Delivery Plus online platform. Those who register will be able to view the virtual performance as often as they wish from Friday through Thursday, February 25.

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The combined Washington Performing Arts [WPA] Gospel Choirs and the Choral Arts Society [CAS] Chorus includes 250 voices led by co-artistic directors for WPA, Michele Fowlin and Theodore Thorpe, III, and artistic director for CAS, Scott Tucker. Preparation for

the performance required each vocalist to identify appropriate space for recording.

“It’s a lot of work. We started talking about this back in August,” Fowlin said. “We had to merge each of our structures and approaches to coordinate with the singers.”

Further, creating the virtual scenario meant singers could not rehearse in person as social distancing requirements were strictly followed.

“Each singer had to record in their own home,” Fowlin added.

“There were specifics for each to follow for the background look and the clothes to wear. Then our music director had to put together all of the tracks.”

This is the 12th consecutive year Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs and Choral Arts Society Chorus have collaborated on a musical tribute to Dr. King. The artistic directors juggle their schedules to bring the components together.

Fowlin and Thorpe both serve as local public school teachers. Fowlin earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Howard University and serves as director of choral programs at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Prince George’s County.

Thorpe earned a bachelor’s degree from Oakwood University and a master’s degree at Morgan State University and leads choral activities at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria where he is the direc-

5 The Washington Performing Arts combined Gospel Choirs and the Choral Arts Society Chorus perform at the 2019 “Living the Dream . . . Singing the Dream.”

(Photo provided by Washington Performing Arts)

tor. He became artistic director of the Choral Arts Society of Washington in 2012 where he prepares the choruses for performances with acclaimed ensembles and performers around the globe.

As the three artistic directors worked with their singers for “Living the Dream . . . Singing the Dream,” the challenges of the pandemic required vocalists to develop a new set of skills.

“I work virtually with young kids at school but this was different,”

Fowlin said as he looks to Feb. 19 premier. “The greatest part of this process is that every individual learned something about themselves and their artistry within the required set up.”

The performance will be augmented with video footage from previous years.

For more information visit WPA’s website https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org or CAS’s website, https://choralarts.org WI

Feisty, Yet Loving, Esther Rolle Set the Bar for Black Actors Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer TV, stage and film actress Esther Rolle served as the first woman to receive the NAACP Chairman’s “Civil Rights Leadership Award” as a tribute to her efforts to raise the image of Blacks through her work.

Born in Pembroke Pines, Fla. before her family moved to Pompano Beach, Rolle was the 10th of 18 children of parents born in the Bahamas.

Best known for the role of Florida Evans on the 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” she attended Spelman College in Atlanta where she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., before relocating to New York City where she attended Hunter College and eventually enrolled at Yale University in New Haven.

Before “Good Times,” Rolle played the role of a maid for two

seasons from 1972 to 1974 in the hit TV series “Maude.” During “Good Times,” which aired for five seasons from 1974 to 1977 and from 1978 to 1979, she was 19 years older than actor John Amos who played her husband James Evans.

For her role as Florida Evans, Rolle was nominated in 1976 for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Television Series Musical or Comedy.

While her role as Florida depicted Rolle as a stern but loving mother, behind the scenes she held a very different persona –a strong willed woman who did not compromise when it came to her beliefs and integrity as a human being and an actress.

It was long before her Hollywood calling and while growing up in Florida that Rolle developed her high level of self-respect, person-

al responsibility and drive that led her to an impressive career in the performing arts. During her years as an actress, she elevated to theatrical stage productions, mainstream television and remained a firm supporter of Black artistic endeavors.

To that end, in 1977 Rolle who played the role of Idella in the 1990 Oscar-winning movie, “Driving Miss Daisy,” walking away from the then still high-rated Good Times series because she felt the popular character J.J., played by Jimmy Walker, had been tailored into a buffoon.

“I told the producers, ‘I don’t agree to do a clown show for you to degrade young Black men,’” she said.

The network eventually persuaded her to return but it would only be for one more season.

Rolle said it was the kind of battle she’d fight again if she had to.

(Photo courtesy Bios and Facts)

“I ruffled a lot of feathers,” she admitted. “And [because] I’m also selective – that makes you a troublemaker. But so be it. I laid a cornerstone for Black actors and that made me happy.”

ROLLE Page 33

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH With COVID-19 in his Midst, Washingtonian Makes Best of Second Chance

Ernest Boykin, III Special to the Washington Informer I was granted compassionate release in the summer of 2020. Imagine spending your last dollar on a lottery ticket and hearing your numbers called. I remember my attorney giving me the news around 5 pm. That night, I barely slept. At 10 am the next morning I was a free man.

Everything happened that fast.

However, the path to get to that life-changing moment wasn’t as simple as it may have sound — the entire process from beginning to end took about four months.

Walking out of prison was amazing. I felt like I had just been pardoned from hell and given a second chance.

I didn’t even want to look back at the prison because I was afraid I may get called back into the nightmare.

In my lifetime, I have only seen justice work in a Black man’s favor a handful of times. The fact that I had been let out of the “belly of the whale” seven years earlier than my projected release date was surreal. I bear witness that faith can move mountains.

Growing up in D.C. had conditioned me to believe the U.S. Justice System was the enemy of Black males.

When I was granted compassionate release due to COVID-19 aggressively

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.

spreading through the prison system, I was humbled by my uncommon stroke of luck. Thankful for the blessing I received, I could never forget the good men I left behind. Many men who have been locked away, over sentenced and victimized by a broken system, who deserved the same second chance I was granted.

My heart breaks for them every day.

The more I thought about the opportunity I was given over thousands of other people, the more I knew I had a purpose to fulfill. I wanted to use my second chance at life to impact my community in a positive way.

But to do that, I knew I had to first make some improvements to myself.

At 41-years-old, fresh out of prison, I applied for the Georgetown University Pivot Program. And after a strenuous, extensive application and interview process, I was one of the few applicants accepted. Overcoming that

serious application process reminded me I was worthy of this educational opportunity and proved to myself I was conditioned for the challenge.

I ended the terrible pandemic year a semi-free man with a new lease on life and as a student in one of the most prestigious universities in the country.

I quietly brought 2021 in with my immediate family. I sent out a few texts, kissed my woman and offered a thankful prayer as the ball dropped. It was an extremely emotional moment.

I could not stop thinking about what I was doing at midnight on New Year’s Eve every year I was incarcerated. Because New Year’s Day is the happiest day of the year in prison, it wasn’t hard to remember each exact one.

Most incarcerated individuals remind themselves and their neighbors that they are one year closer to walking out the prison’s door. A lot of people go all out with big meals and fun celebra-

tions. It’s the one day of the year that everyone gets along behind the prison fence.

If you ask anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of being locked up on New Year’s Day, what did you do to bring in the New Year? They will probably tell you they banged on the cell door or anything they could as hard and loudly as possible for one minute straight. It’s one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable sounds you could ever hear. It’s like the sound of gunfire in a warzone or firefight. The first New Year I brought in behind the steel door, I had no clue what was going on at midnight. I just joined in and pounded on the door as hard as I could until I released as much stress as I could. And when we stopped banging, everything got quiet and we all went to bed.

BOYKIN Page 33

HARRIET TUBMAN FREDERICK DOUGLASS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR,

TEACHER Page 23

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOYKIN from Page 32 In Black culture, we eat black-eyed peas for good luck on New Year’s. I had my fair share. And before I went to bed, I said one last prayer. I prayed for the poor, I prayed for good health and I prayed for all the men and women trapped in prison praying for a second chance.

Nobody deserves to catch

ROLLE from Page 30 In a 1990 interview with “People” magazine at her Los Angeles home, Rolle discussed why she refused to “sell out” to Hollywood.

“I’m glad to take on the role of a domestic,” she explained, “because many of your Black leaders, your educators, your professionals, came from domestic parents who made sacrifices to see that their children didn’t go through what they did.”

“I don’t play Hollywood maids, the hee-hee kind of people who are so in love with their madam’s children they have no time for their own,” she said.

Whether playing a servant or Lady Macbeth, as she did onstage, she consistently found herself in quality productions with meaty parts.

“I’m not so in love with material things that I’ll do anything for money. That allows me the luxury of doing things of value,” she said.

Then lighting up a cigarette in

COVID-19 from an outside staff member and die as a result. I am a walking testimony and example of a person who was a non-violent offender, who if given the chance would do his best to help repair the community I helped damage. In 2021 I want to be a voice for the incarcerated people who are looking for a second chance and an example of what compassion can do for our community. WI her two-story stucco house, Rolle softened, implying that she longed to tend her withered garden.

When worried or anxious, she also let on that she liked to turn to her pots and pans.

“Your mind flashes back to your childhood. You remember what Mama used to bake and you do that. Then you call some relatives over and you have a ball eating,” recalled Rolle who was married from 1955 to 1975 to Oscar Robinson.

WOULD SHE MARRY AGAIN?

“If I found somebody I could tolerate or who could tolerate me.

But I don’t walk behind no man,” she said.

When Rolle died in November 1998 at age 78, she left an estate valued at $1.7 million which included $200,000 in cash, a home worth $400,000 and $1,072,000 in treasuries among other assets. WI @Dorothy Rowley

Honoring Black History Every Day Celebrating the stories and culture that bring us together

Black History Month is a time to reflect upon and honor the contributions that Black and African Americans have made and continue to make to our country and culture. It's also a time that calls out to us to connect with our friends, our families, each other. Safely. When you're ready to connect, we're here for you.

Amtrak Celebrates Black History Month. Every Day.

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 33

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Alethia Tanner Sold Vegetables to Buy Her Freedom in 19th Century America Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer In her early years, Alethia Browning Tanner sold vegetables in a produce stall near President's Square – now known as Lafayette Square – in Northwest.

According to the D.C. Genealogy Research, Resources, and Records, Tanner bought her freedom in 1810 and later purchased several relatives' release.

She was the first woman on the Roll of Members of the Union Bethel AME Church (now Metropolitan AME Church on M Street), and Turner owned land and a store at 14th and H Streets, which she left to her nephews – one of whom later sold the property for $100,000.

Named in her honor, the Alethia Tanner Park is located at 227 Harry Thomas Way in Northeast.

The park sits near the corner of Harry Thomas Way and Q Street and is accessible by foot or bike via the Metropolitan Branch Trail, just north of the Florida Ave entrances.

"The first Council legislative meeting of Black History Month, the Council took a second and final vote on naming

the new park for Alethia Tanner, an amazing woman who is more than worthy of this long-delayed recognition," Ward 5 Councilman Kenyan McDuffie said in 2020 ahead of the park's naming ceremony. "[Her upbringing] itself would be a remarkable legacy, but Ms. Tanner was also active in founding and supporting many educational, religious, and civic institutions," McDuffie remarked.

"She contributed funds to start the first school for free Black children in Washington, the Bell School. Feeling unwelcome at her predominately segregated church, she & other church members founded the Israel Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. When the church fell on hard times and was sold at auction by creditors, she and her family stepped in and repurchased the church."

Born in 1781 on a plantation owned by Tobias and Mary Belt in Prince George's County, Md., Tanner had two sisters, Sophia Bell and Laurena Cook, historians noted.

"Upon the death of Mary Pratt (Tobias had predeceased his wife) in 1795, the plantation, known as Chelsea Plantation, was inherited by their daughter Rachel

Belt Pratt," historians wrote.

"Mary Belt's will stipulated that Laurena be sent to live with a sibling of Rachel Pratt's while Sophia and Alethia were to stay at the Chelsea Plantation."

Tanner sold vegetables at the well-known market just north of the White House in Presidents Park. It is possible – and probable – she met Thomas Jefferson there as he was known to frequent the vegetable markets there along with other prominent early Washingtonians, according to historians at attacksadams.com.

"There are also White House records suggesting she worked for Thomas Jefferson in some capacity, likely doing various housework tasks," the researchers determined.

Reportedly, Tanner saved enough money to purchase her freedom in 1810. "The total amount, thought to have been paid in installments, was $1,400.

In 1810, $1,400 was a significant amount; about the equivalent of three years' earnings for an average skilled tradesperson," attucksadams.com researchers surmised.

"Self-emancipation was not an option for all enslaved peoples, but both Alethia and her sister

5 Alethia Tanner Park in Northeast.

(Photo courtesy NOMA Parks) 4 Alethia Tanner (Unknown)

Sophia were able to accomplish this, almost entirely through selling vegetables at the market," the researchers continued.

"Alethia Tanner moved to D.C. and became one of a significant and growing number of free Black people in the District.

In 1800, 793 free Black people were living in D.C. “By 1810, there were 2,549, and by 1860, 11,131 free Black people lived in D.C., more than

Aunt Jemima Rebranded as Pearl Milling Company Public Has Mixed Reviews on Products' New Name

Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer For the first time in almost a century, the name Aunt Jemima will no longer grace packages of pancake mix, syrup, grits and flour products on grocery store shelves.

Beginning in June, ‘Pearl Milling Company’ will replace the Aunt Jemima brand, what many critics have long-called a ‘mammy stereotype.’

This change also comes after mounting pressure amid Black Lives Matter protests last summer

34 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

and racial unrest around the country.

PepsiCo, Inc. announced last week that Pearl Milling Company will offer products in the same familiar red packaging previous-

ly found under the Aunt Jemima brand.

Products will continue to be available under the Aunt Jemima name without the character image until June.

Beginning in June, ‘Pearl Milling Company’ will replace the Aunt Jemima brand, what many critics have long-called a ‘mammy stereotype.’

The company says that although the name is new to consumers, Pearl Milling is no stranger to the food industry. The company was founded in 1888 in St. Joseph, Mo., and was the originator of the iconic self-rising pancake mix that would later become known as Aunt Jemima.

Quaker Oats Co. bought the Aunt Jemima brand name in 1925.

The firm said, “It updated its image over the years in a manner intended to remove racial stereotypes that dated back to the brand origins.”

In June 2020, the brand an-

REBRAND Page 35

the number of enslaved peoples."

Historians wrote that beginning at about 15 years after securing her manumission, Alethia Tanner worked to purchase the freedom of more than 20 of her relatives and neighbors, mostly the family of her older sister Laurana including Laurana herself, her children, and her grandchildren.

All in all, Tanner would have paid the Pratt family well over $5,000. All accomplished with proceeds from her own vegetable market business, they concluded.

"Alethia Tanner, it's an amazing story of resilience, hard work, and perseverance," D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Director Delano Hunter said at the park's dedication.

"I just learned about this history through this, so it shows how when you name a park, you really educate people on the historical significance." WI @StacyBrownMedia

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH REBRAND from Page 34 nounced it was transitioning from the Aunt Jemima name and likeness on packaging and pledged a $5 million commitment to support the Black community.

In the coming weeks, Pearl Milling Company said it plans to unveil a $1 million commitment to fund grants to non-profit organizations to benefit Black girls and women.

“This is in addition to PepsiCo's more than $400 million, five-year investment to uplift Black business and communities, and increase Black representation

at PepsiCo,” said the company.

Throughout the effort that led to the new Pearl Milling Company name, Quaker says it worked with consumers, employees, external cultural and subject-matter experts to gather broad perspectives and ensure the new brand was developed with inclusivity in mind.

Quaker Oats is not alone in trying to repair hurt feelings among customers. Mars, Inc., owner of the Uncle Ben’s rice dropped the 70-year-old logo featuring a smiling, servile-looking Black man from its packaging and re-named its product Ben’s Original last September.

When the news of the change was announced, Aunt Jemima began to trend on Twitter where people shared their thoughts.

“They couldn’t go with something like Morning Sunshine syrup or something like that? Pearl Milling Company?

Like…there’s a valuable resource and the laborious act of obtaining said resource in that name,” Twitter user @dragonflyjonez said. “That’s how you try to distance yourself from slavery?”

WI (Photo courtesy of PepsiCo, Inc.)

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 35

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

JAY-Z, Mary J. Blige Nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Other Nominees Include Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Fela Kuti Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige and Tina Turner are among 16 nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

The foundation announced the nominees for its newest class of inductees last week ranging from rap to rock including Kate Bush, Devo, Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden, Chaka Khan, Fela Kuti, LL Cool J, New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Todd Rundgren and Dionne Warwick.

To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination.

Seven out of 16 of the Nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s,

Iron Maiden, JAY-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fela Kuti, and Dionne Warwick.

Chaka Khan was previously nominated both as a solo artist and part of the band Rufus. If elected, Carole King and Tina Turner will become the second and third female artists inducted twice, following Stevie Nicks’ 2019 election.

If Foo Fighters are inducted, Dave Grohl will also become a twice-inducted performer.

“This remarkable ballot reflects the diversity and depth of the artists and music the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates” John Sykes, chairman, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation said.

“These Nominees have left an indelible impact on the sonic landscape of the world and influenced countless artists that have followed them.”

Nominee ballots are sent to an international voting body of more than

1,000 artists, historians, and members of the music industry.

Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration, according to the foundation.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offers fans the opportunity to participate in the Induction selection process with the fan vote. Now through April 30, fans can vote every day at rockhall.com, or in-person at the museum in Cleveland.

The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to select the 2021 Inductees.

Inductees will be announced in May. The 36th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2021 Induction Ceremony will take place in Cleveland this fall. WI

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5 JAY-Z (left) and Mary M. Blige (Courtesy photo)

FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 37

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LIFESTYLE Documentary Chronicles TV’s First Black Culture and Entertainment Showcase Deanwood Native’s 'Soul!'

Broke Ground in Late 60’s

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Seeing Blacks on 1960s television was seldom positive. A lot of programming seemed to denigrate Black communities. There were too many scenes of disruption.

“When Black folks appeared in the news, it was a problem,” said award-winning documentarian Louis Massiah in one of the opening scenes of the documentary “Mr. Soul!” that airs Feb. 22, 2021 on PBS. (Check local listing) The 1960s was the right time for Ellis Haizlip, a young man from Washington, D.C.’s Deanwood community to take what he had learned at Howard University to move to New York City where he became steeped in

creative arts. The award-winning documentary “Mr. Soul!” is a love letter to Ellis which was produced, written and directed by his niece Melissa Haizlip. Through original footage and commentary from luminaries who supported Ellis in growing the television show, Melissa tells a story of curating the best of 1960s Black culture that was consumed by a receptive audience. Viewers hear the words of Ellis through actor Blair Underwood, a co-producer of the documentary.

CREATING “SOUL!”

From 1968 to 1973, “Soul!” aired on National Education Television (NET), the network of local stations that preceded PBS. Local NET stations produced Black audience programs during the mid-to-late 1960s

like “Black Journal,” “Say Brother,” “Like It Is,” and “Talking Black.” These programs were either documentaries or interview discussion-type shows.

During this period, “Talking Black” may have been considered the only program that captured the feeling of Black consciousness during the period. Christopher Lukas, producer and co-creator of “Soul!,” was at the NET station in New York when he realized there was no diversity at the station.

He worked with Ellis and sensed from him a different view of Black people that was not seen on television. Lukas felt only negative Black images and stories were viewed on television.

Lukas had an idea. He imagined a Black version of the “Tonight Show” and shared his idea with Ellis. Ellis had a different perspective. He felt whatever was produced for a Black New York audience, it needed to be deeper, jazzier and more controversial.

That was the premise behind “Soul!”

“Ellis wanted to legitimate all the variety of expression in the arts particularly in the Black community,” said Harold C. Haizlip, Ed.D., cousin to Ellis and an early “Soul!” host. “That’s not the “Tonight Show.” That’s not the format.”

EVERYTHING BLACK IS “SOUL!”

Melissa’s documentary about her uncle delivers precious Black culture gems which was the essence of “Soul!”

Original hosts were Alvin Poussaint, M.D. the psychiatrist and Loretta Long, Ph.D., known later as a regular cast member on Sesame Street. The paring was interesting, it became clear

From 1968 to 1973, “Soul!” aired on

5 Melissa Haizlip, producer, director and writer of Mr. SOUL! (Photo courtesy George Newcomb)

that Ellis needed to be the host.

Music was always present on “Soul!” from the likes of Ashford and Simpson, Al Green, Odetta, Carmen McRae, Hugh Masekela and Stevie Wonder. Literary readings and poetry came from Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, Toni Morrison and The Last Poets. Modern dance and ballet performed in the studio came from Carmen de Lavallade, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and George Faison. Then there were thoughtful, conversations with guests like James Baldwin, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) co-founder Julian Bond, Black Communications Secretary Kathleen Cleaver, SNCC ex-chair-

man Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) and Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan. The concept for “Soul!” worked. It was live television with a lot of curse words. .“The moment that went on television, it went, ‘Boom. Ain’t we bad?,” said Sanchez. “You walked down the street and you were dripping badness.”

Ellis revolutionized how television was produced. He exposed to wide audience people who were previously known only to smaller discreet audiences. He helped launch the careers of author, screenwriter and producer Khephra Burns, documentarians

CULTURE Page 52

National Education Television (NET), the network of local stations that preceded PBS.

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 39

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New Report Identifies Unemployment and Childcare Disparities Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Black and Latinx moms are feeling the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new study from The Mom Project's WerkLabs, which examines how their struggles continue nearly a year into the global health crisis.

While everyone has been affected by the ongoing pandemic to a degree, study authors say the picture is exponentially worse for women of color.

According to new data released last month, employers cut 140,000 jobs in December. CNN reports that the data also revealed a shocking gender gap: Women accounted for all the job losses, losing 156,000 jobs, while men gained 16,000.

While the overall unemployment rate fell to 6.3 percent last month, it rose to 8.4% for Black women; Hispanic women have the highest rate at 9.1 percent and white women have the lowest at 5.1 percent.

The Mom Project study found that one of the reasons women of color have been hit hardest by the pandemic is due to their job types and industries — education, retail, hospitality — and due to increased childcare demands at home.

One-third of Black moms and one fourth of Latinx moms report are unable to work from home during the pandemic, compared to only ten percent of both white and Asian moms.

For many Black and Latinx moms who are not afforded the option of remote work they are put at a greater risk of exposure to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and it also leaves their childcare security in flux.

“Moms are currently in a delicate balancing act and many are unfortunately going to topple over due to the unrelenting pressures of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic if they don't receive much needed resources, help and support,” said Dr. Pam Cohen, president of WerkLabs and the study's lead author.

“Women of color, especially, aren't able to focus on their careers or their families because the pandemic

(Courtesy of Unsplash)

has stripped them of that choice, or they're drowning in an attempt to maintain both.”

With Black and Latinx moms reporting being single mothers at significantly higher rates, they shoulder more at-home responsibilities. Two times more Black moms report doing more than 90 percent of household work in comparison to white and Asian moms.

“As a mom of color I feel like there's an expectation that we have to be strong…that we have to be resilient,” according to one respondent.

“And, while I agree with that to an extent, it's exhausting being resilient all the time.”

The study also found that the weight of the pandemic isn't just crushing women of color, moms in general are suffering.

More than 80 percent of the 1,500 plus women surveyed said they feel overwhelmed attempting to balance work and at-home demands, while 75 percent report feeling “mom guilt” while working, unable to devote their full attention to their children.

“Childcare consists of a lot of screen time,” reports one mom of color respondent.

“It feels terrible to be spending time at home, but having to be more connected to work and colleagues online than with the children that are physically in your presence.” WI

Wash. Informer | 1/2 pg V | 5.85” x 9.5” | 4c | New | Feb Bundler

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LIFESTYLE

in review Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Contributing Writer Washington Informer (WI) Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes hosted a Valentine’s Day weekend episode of WIN-TV. Feb. 12 WIN-TV segment focused on books, and business, as the weekly segment welcomed Dr. Shantella Sherman to share her 28 Days, 28 Ways campaign, celebrating literacy amid Black History Month, Derrick Young, of MahoganyBooks, 17-year WI book review columnist Terri Schlichenmeyer, and Kim Dreux-Kelly, co-executive director of Think Local First, joined with board president Thomas Martin, to discuss the resources and support they are offering business own-

ers of Metropolitan D.C. Rolark Barnes first introduced writer, historian, and executive director of Washington Informer Charities, Dr. Shantella Sherman, who is now launching a literacy campaign in respect of Black History Month, as she shared an in-depth synopsis of historic links between Black American oppression, and rights to literacy.

“I wanted to encourage people, first of all, to look back because it’s Black History month, and understand that in this country, there were active anti-literacy campaigns, and legislation created specifically for Black people,” said Dr. Sherman. “Within this platform, we want folks to be able to engage, and understand that too often we don’t take advantage of literacy that’s all around us. We don’t take

advantage of all of the great access resources that our ancestors couldn’t.”

Remaining guest Kim Dreux-Kelly, and Thomas Martin of Think Local First, provided viewers a clear scope into the new local Independent Business Association (IBA) serving local independent small, and micro small businesses, encouraging the movement of buying, and supporting all things local.

The midday Friday program concluded with 17-year WI book review columnist, Terri Schlichenmeyer, as she shared a few of her favorite reads, while MahoganyBooks co-owner, Derrick Young, discussed new developments, and milestones for the Black-owned business, including their newest National Harbor location, slated to open on June-

teenth (June 19) of this year.

“Both of these locations are in places that are near and dear to me. I lived here growing up as a young child in Southeast, so this is my home. But I also grew up in Prince George’s county as an older kid,” said Young. “So to be able to put a bookstore there as well in a place that is majority Black, with maybe just one or two bookstores inside the beltway, is super important for us to…continue the mission of making books accessible, to bring authors to our community, to allow for conversation, discussion, debate, and to spread ideas. So it’s really important that we continue to make these books accessible, and have a place where the community can gather to enjoy ourselves and each other.”

Per usual, The Bridge additionally presented a news recap with The Media Prince, as well as the second

5 Owners of MahagonyBooks (Courtesy photo)

edition of “Sounds of the DMV,” this week showcasing local rap siren, “Miss Kaniyah,” performing her single, “Just Play It.” Remember to subscribe, and become a member of the Washington Informer family on our digital portal www. washingtoninformer.com! WI

D.C. Bookstore to Open Outpost in National Harbor

Owners Envision Larger Version of MahoganyBooks William Ford WI Staff Writer The owners of MahoganyBooks in the Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast plan to open another store flourished with literature on the African diaspora in neighboring Prince George’s County, Md. The latest endeavor of Derrick and Ramunda Young will open at National Harbor this coming Juneteenth, or June 19, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. “We have a healthy dose of nervousness, but we’re more excited.

As entrepreneurs, we understand that there are risks in … all the moves that we make,” Ramunda Young said. “The pandemic won’t always be here. We wanted to make that decision now and be here for our customers seeking a space to feel like they’re part of the community. That’s important to us.”

The new bookstore’s interior design will echo the smaller, 500

square-foot D.C. location and will mirror the décor of National Harbor with mahogany-colored wood paneling earthy fragrances and soft, but upbeat background music to “make people feel warm and at home.”

“When you walk into a MahoganyBooks, we want you to have the feeling of love and appreciation for our culture and our heritage,” he said. “It will be ever present at any location.”

The bookstore, named after their daughter, is linked to an online bookshelf www.mahoganybooks.com featuring books signed by authors.

The website also promotes books for Black boys, including Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man,” Lamar Giles “Not So Pure and Simple” and Ibi Zoboi’s “Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America.”

One aspect of the site will be a podcast discussion planned for

BOOKS Page 52

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 41

LIFESTYLE

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum: Norton Celebrates 203rd Birthday of Frederick Douglass Visit the Library Without Leaving Home Baasil Wilder, Librarian, Smithtoric Home is walking distance, a nineteen museums, nine research – D.C. Voting Rights Champion few blocks away, from the Anacos- centers, twenty-one libraries, nusonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

Did you know? The Anacostia Community Museum has its own library! A not-so-well-known fact is that every Smithsonian Museum has a library. Each library is a hidden gem, used primarily by the museum staff. Did you ever wonder how we create such amazing museum exhibitions? It all begins with research and planning inside the museum's library. And we also provide services to our local community. There are 1,500 online records of photographs, paintings, drawings, posters, and quilts representing the art, culture and history of the Anacostia community. We also house six hundred thirty-five books about the city of Washington D.C. including the history of African Americans here.

The Library is normally open to the community, by appointment, although we are closed due to the pandemic. We have welcomed visitors of all ages and hosted college students, community activists, gardeners, educators, parents and children. While you are waiting for us to reopen, please feel free to enjoy our online books collection and some of our digitized collections from the comfort of your own home. The Anacostia Community Museum Library collection (https://anacostia.si.edu/collection/library) covers a wide range of topics, but we focus primarily on community museology, urban ecology, and the study of cities, with an emphasis on Washington D.C. (Washingtoniana materials).

We are a national resource for information about the community.

Established in 1991, twenty-four years after the museum (1967), the Anacostia Community Museum Library contains a robust Frederick Douglass collection, which complements the museum's object collection. Frederick Douglass, born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey (1818-1895) was the "Lion of Anacostia." His home is now a National Historic Site. The Frederick Douglass National His-

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tia Community Museum Library.

Frederick Douglass lived right here in Anacostia for the final fourteen years of his life; he died of a heart attack at age 77. The Library has one hundred seventeen books about, by, or related to, Frederick Douglass, and houses more Frederick Douglass books than any other Smithsonian Library.

A book I would like to highlight from our library collections is “Frederick Douglass The Orator” (https://rb.gy/3rjckf ) by James Monroe Gregory. The book is authored by Howard University Professor and Dean, James Monroe Gregory (1849-1915). Gregory was valedictorian of Howard University's first graduating class in 1872 and an intimate and trusted friend of Frederick Douglass. Gregory moved to Washington, D.C. five years before Douglass moved to Washington, D.C. He died at age 66, but his life overlapped forty-six years of Frederick Douglass’.

Another favorite focusing on the Anacostia community is “The Anacostia Story,”(https://rb.gy/s7i504) a masterpiece written by Louise Daniel Hutchinson (1928-2014), who was the first historian of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum.

You can also visit the Smithsonian Archives without even leaving your neighborhood at https://sova. si.edu. There you can access 24,976 descriptions of photographs, oral histories, films, and works of art.

We have compiled a list of free databases, collections and search tools, selected by Smithsonian Libraries staff, that are freely available via the Internet. We also have community information about COVID-19, on a webpage.

All this information is available to families, students and researchers from home! You can download, share, reuse, and remix millions of Smithsonian images—right now, for free from Smithsonian Open Access. Access nearly 3 million 2D and 3D digital items from our collections—with many more to come. This includes images and data from across the Smithsonian’s

merous archives, and the National Zoo. The Anacostia Community Museum Library's email address is ACMLibrary@si.edu through which we can be reached if you have questions. We are the only Smithsonian Library located inside of a residential neighborhood and the only Smithsonian Library with free public parking. We hope you will schedule an appointment and come visit us, once we are open again.

In the meanwhile, do visit us online at https://anacostia.si.edu/

WI Staff Report Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) continues to celebrate famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ 203rd birthday. Douglass was a longtime District resident and an avid proponent of equal rights for D.C. residents. A 2013 Norton bill placed a statue of Douglass in the U.S. Capitol to represent the District, making D.C. the only jurisdiction that is not a state with a statue in the Capitol. A 2017 Norton bill established a bicentennial commission to plan, develop and carry out programs and activities to honor and celebrate the life of Douglass. Norton was appointed by then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to serve on the commission.

“Frederick Douglass holds a special place in our country and in the hearts of D.C. residents, who chose his statue to represent the District in the Capitol,” Norton said. “This great American statesman, the country’s foremost

PAY from Page 15 5 The Anacostia Story, written by Louise Daniel Hutchinson, Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum library collection.

5 Frederick Douglass the Orator, written by James Monroe Gregory, Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum library collection.

Sen. Stephen Hershey, a Republican who represents parts of the Eastern Shore, voices opposition to the measure, insisting said the 76 “sub-industries” like automotive and energy covered in the bill are too widely varied to be effectively addressed in a single law.

“I would go to look at a farm and would look at the conditions of a farm that would put them in the same position as other categories that are here,” he said. “That is a problem with a one-size-fitsall pieces of legislation. The ideas are ok…but not be so broad that it would be impossible to implement."

Ashley Duckman, vice president of governmental affairs for the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, echoed that view and said the bill presents “many unintended consequences” for both employers and employees.

abolitionist, knew where he lived and lent his great renown to equality and freedom for our city and its residents. His historic home in Southeast D.C., Cedar Hill is a National Historic Site and reminds residents and thousands of tourists annually of Douglass’ many contributions and achievements.” WI

5 Frederick Douglass (Courtesy photo)

“The requirements and associated costs in the bill would be devastating for our job creators who are already struggling to overcome a global pandemic,” she said. “I can’t identify a member who really doesn’t put the health and safety of their employees and the general public as the top priority…in an environment that is constantly evolving, is filled with incomplete or inconsistent information and changes rapidly.”

Augustine, a former Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority board member, offered a personal reflection on the bill after a chat with his aunt.

“I was telling her about the provisions and the protections. She stopped me cold. ‘Malcom, most people just don’t care,’” he said.

“That absolutely broke my heart.

All I could say to my Aunt Pat is that I care.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill

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Veteran Educator Sets Sights on Forming Instruction Business

Timothy Cox WI Contributing Writer

As a youngster growing up in Western Pennsylvania, Dale McNeil always envisioned himself earning a living while displaying his basketball skill sets in the National Basketball Association [NBA].

Now 30 years since his middle school years, McNeil has expanded his dream – instructing others on how to achieve their goal of making into the NBA. McNeil, 46, founded his Laurel, Md.-based operation, Driven Athletic Academy, to provide young players with skill-sets, goals and an overall structure to prepare them for ascending levels within the hoop game.

“Whether an individual is looking to improve their overall level of fitness, life-skills, academics and/ or preparing for an upcoming season, we offer a tailored program to help them achieve their personal goals,” said McNeil, a graduate of Benedict College in Columbia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.

“Several of our clients have achieved success both on and off the court in the NBA and professional overseas basketball levels, Division I-III collegiate levels, 4A-1A high school programs and within the Amateur Athletic Union or AAU levels,” he explained.

The Pittsburgh native grew up in what he describes as a challenged environment known as the Monview Heights Housing Projects.

“Some of my best friends are ei-

ther in jail or dead,” he said, while reflecting on his ability to choose a lifestyle away from drugs, drama and despair.

As the nephew of former ABA and NBA legend Billy “Mooney” Knight, McNeil had early exposure to the sport. As a toddler, he watched his uncle develop into the star of the Indiana Pacers, following a standout college career at the University of Pittsburgh. Another uncle, Terry Knight formerly played with the San Antonio Spurs.

“My Uncle Billy has always been our family’s rock but even though he may have been in a position to help me, I always took the initiative to help myself,” he said. “He was our family role model that all my uncles and cousins wanted to emulate. He’s still our hero,” In following his uncle’s lead, McNeil enjoyed a successful high school career at Penn Hills and Woodland Hills high schools. He played sparingly at Allegheny County Community College and Benedict College while earning his college degree.

After college, McNeil relocated back to Pittsburgh but eventually pursued a teaching career in the District, working as a physical education instructor and later as a special education teacher.

“Even though I was a teacher, basketball continued to be my passion,” said Mr. McNeil, married and the father of two sons, Tyrik, 23 and Dimitri, 4.

“Being a physical ed. Teacher along with the special education experience has been very strategic in the development of my career as a

McNeil, 46, founded his Laurel, Md.based operation, Driven Athletic Academy, to provide young players with skill-sets, goals and an overall structure to prepare them for ascending levels within the hoop game.

LIFESTYLE

5 Dale McNeil is owner/founder of Driven Athletic Academy. (Courtesy photo)

basketball instructor,” he said. “It’s broadened my horizons on how to develop young players. You never stop learning. It’s my way of passing on the knowledge that I’ve learned,” he explained.

McNeil credits various role models in his life: his uncles (the Knight brothers); his father, Dale McNeil, Sr.; and his stepfather, Eddie Jefferies. He says Jefferies, a retired sports editor at the New Pittsburgh Courier and a former hoopster at Lincoln University, “helped keep me on the straight road as a youth and often took me to games while he worked.”

Since founding Driven Athletic Academy, McNeil has expanded his reach, advising up-and-coming international players, working with young NBA stars during summer camps and sharing his talent as a youth development coach for organizations which include the Washington Wizards (Jr Wizards).

He also assisted in the early career of retired New York Liberty great Tanisha Wright – his former neighbor from the Monview Heights projects.

For more information, call 301693-6096 or visit www.drivenathleticacademy.com. WI

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation"

By Anna Malaika Tubbs c.2021, Flatiron Books $28.99 / $38.50 Canada 272 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Your mom was always on your side.

She stuck up for you when nobody else would, through thick and through thin. She had your back, she prayed for you, and she wanted the best for you.

She was always there and that never changed, though in the new book "The Three Mothers" by Anna Malaika Tubbs, some mothers change the world.

For most of her life, Louise Langdon hated the color of her skin.

Growing up in Grenada in the late 1800s, she was surrounded by the darkskinned children of former slaves, but Louise's father was a white man who raped her barely-teenage mother, leaving Louise with a pale complexion. For the rest of her life she held deep anger at the supremacy that white people assumed, from her migration north to her marriage to Earl Little and her activism, the latter of which she passed to her son, Malcolm.

As a part of the Great Migration, Berdis Jones got caught up in the excitement of the Harlem Renaissance and some months after landing in New York City, Berdis gave birth to a son whose father was uninterested. For much of young Jimmy's early life, then, it was just him and his mother, and she worked long nights at a cleaning job to ensure that he had what he needed. What he didn't need was a new stepfather, David Baldwin, who suffered from an undiagnosed mental illness.

The Reverend and First Lady of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church wanted only the best for their daughter, Alberta. The Williams gave Alberta the finest education, music lessons, all that an upper-class Black young lady would need.

When an itinerant, uneducated preacher, Michael King, came calling on Miss Alberta, the Williams were dead-set against the romance. Alberta, however, saw a good heart in Michael – one that later inspired their son, Martin.

"The Three Mothers" is one of those books that you really want to like but doing so is a challenge. It's a very good book that's in very bad need of an editor.

Format-wise, it starts where all good biographies do. Author Anna Malaika Tubbs tells why she wrote this book before she plunges into a brief account of the ancestry of her main subjects. This immediately begins to build the layers of story that ultimately explain the work behind three great men.

At issue, however, is that each section of the women's lives is woven very loosely around Black history of their era. That contributes to a confusion of timeline, and out-of-place points that reduce the smoothness of a history that's otherwise riveting. It's like trying to watch three TV shows at once; add contradictions and a confidently-stated point-as-fact that experts still aren't sure about, and you may be left frequently scratching your head.

If you overlook the scatteredness and don't mind frequent side-trips, "The Three Mothers" is a great examination of a rarely-told triple story and you'll love it. If you like your books more linear and straightforward, though, just put this one aside. WI

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horoscopes

FEB 18 - 24, 2021

ARIES Monday through Wednesday are going to be the days you want to remember. Maybe not days for the history books, but you're certainly solid-gold happy with the abundance of energy and creativity you sense around you. Or maybe you're embroiled in professional sports. Anyway, you're grinning from ear to ear until Thursday — a day of obligations and details. Lucky Numbers: 3, 14, 29 TAURUS The world is made up of the same shapes as always, but everything has been colored in with bright markers. Everything looks snazzier. For the subtlest reasons, your day-to-day life seems more exciting to you, and, on Tuesday and Wednesday, more dramatic. Dramatic turns to daunting on Thursday, and what daunts you is likely a financial question. Be conservative about the financial risks you take at the end of the week. Lucky Numbers: 18, 23, 35 GEMINI You surround yourself with like-minded people, and this week, your crowd is feeling especially cerebral. The conversation shoots into abstract directions and even disagreements, in these settings, are entertaining. A light debate on Tuesday or Wednesday puts you on your toes, and keeps you on your toes for the next few days. Thursday and Friday you are careful and quick, although make sure not to let your face fall into a sour-looking expression if you stare off into space. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 12 CANCER Make sure you can afford whatever doodad it is you have your heart set on, and then enjoy your indulgence. Thursday is a great day — the lines of communication are strong, you're feeling social, the brain is working nicely — and you're happy and relaxed on Friday. Plans and details seem taken care of by the end of the week, but then Saturday comes along and everything goes out the window. Chances are, it will be a frantic weekend. Lucky Numbers: 10, 19, 22 LEO Making a good impression is a key concern of yours on Monday, but so is not coming across as arrogant. It's a delicate balance. One way to strike that balance is to avail yourself to someone else. Help a friend out. Force your ego to the sidelines for as long as you can, because by Wednesday it may explode to the fore. Lucky Numbers: 5, 26, 35 VIRGO You were a fan of someone else, but recent information has led you to change your mind. You have the capacity to be flexible, which is a good quality right now. The only drawback to the flurry of excitement at the beginning of the week is that it will leave you exhausted by Wednesday afternoon. That's right about the time your week really starts to get good. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 38 LIBRA If you are in the middle of a romantic courtship, this is going to be a meaningful week. If you're not in the middle of a romantic courtship... well, wait a few days. Who knows? Tuesday is like a duet between you and you-know-who, and Wednesday is suited for deep communication. Try to go out and experience what the world has to offer you and your special someone on Thursday and Friday. Newness is good.

Harmony is in the air. Lucky Numbers: 1, 16, 24 SCORPIO You're all business, and determination and shrewdness define the day. Sign the dotted line. Get this project going. If only you could get projects underway so easily at home on Tuesday and Wednesday.

You have the urge to rip part of the roof off and install a skylight, but someone else thinks a skylight is a bad idea … et cetera. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9, 23 SAGITTARIUS The start of the week feels a bit like an episode of "Law and Order" to you — with you as the star. A legal matter figures into your day on Monday, and you undoubtedly have your adoring fans.

But fans do not make a star happy, and in the ensuing days, you're trying to figure out why your life is going in certain directions. Just out of curiosity. It interests you, your life. Lucky Numbers: 26, 49, 58 CAPRICORN Financial issues may affect your mood slightly midweek — it's not that you don't have cash, it's just that you're indecisive about what to do with it. But by Friday, when a creative scenario reminds you how psychically worthless it is to worry about money, you're in great spirits again. Matter of fact, you're on top of the world. Still, be good about your responsibilities this weekend. Lucky Numbers: 15, 31, 32 AQUARIUS At the end of the workday, you may return home tired, but that's only because your body is gearing up to glow extra brightly on Tuesday and Wednesday. You spend the middle of the week inspiring your friends and instigating exciting changes, all while spending as little as possible. You may be misled by your bank account on Thursday or Friday, so watch out for that. Lucky Numbers: 5, 10, 13 PISCES A friend in a high place pulls strings for you at the beginning of the week, and you can't believe your luck. Life is good. But you feel a bit like the star of a movie that doesn't have a director. In the absence of strong leadership, then, turn your efforts toward helping others midweek. Lucky Numbers: 16, 21, 39

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SPORTS Taylor Heinicke Gets Nothing but Respect in Washington

By Daniel Kucin, Jr. WI Sports Writer

Former Old Dominion University quarterback Taylor Heinicke was signed to the Washington Football Team practice squad in December last year but has now found a home with the Burgundy and Gold.

On Feb. 10, Heinicke signed a two-year, $8.75 million deal to remain in Washington after filling in for Alex Smith (inactive) as the starter for Washington's wild card playoff game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"It's a good feeling," Heinicke told Senior Vice President of Media & Content Julie Donaldson. "For this contract to come, it's a big sigh of relief. I'm really excited. This is the place I wanted to be, so everything came together pretty smoothly, and I'm really excited to be back."

He played well in his first postseason start, throwing for 306 yards, one touchdown, one interception and led Washington in rushing yardage with 46 yards, including a diving touchdown that left him with a separated shoulder; he still finished the game.

"The shoulder is feeling fine," Heinicke said. "It's pretty much 100 percent now, so that's good. I guess talks have been in for a while now.

I know there's been a lot of moving parts with front office hires and things like that. Once they all got settled in, I think that's when talks started happening. Again, thankfully it ended because it was a bit stressful."

Though Heinicke struggled to make it back into the league as a starter and played briefly in the XFL in 2020, the gunslinger is an Old Dominion University legend.

He holds ODU records for most career yardage (14,959), single-season yardage (5,076), single-season touchdowns (44), career passing touchdowns (132), single-game

touchdowns (seven) and single-game yardage.

In 2012, Heinicke threw for 730 yards against New Hampshire for the single-game yardage record while shattering the Division I record previously held by Arizona State quarterback David Klingler in 1990.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tied the record with Connor Halliday (2014) in 2016 by just four more yards.

The kid can play, said Mahomes who tweeted: "Regardless of the outcome, what a game by Heinicke!” after the 31-23 playoff loss to the Buccaneers on Jan. 9.

However, Washington has received a small sample size of what Heinicke's capable of, starting in only two NFL games, and he didn't even throw a pass for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the XFL. Heinicke has only passed for 467 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in his career during the regular season.

Still, he played well filling in for Dwayne Haskins against the Carolina Panthers in a 20-13 loss on Dec. 20, 2020. He went 12-of-19 for 137 yards and a touchdown in that game, boasting a 102.3 quarterback rating.

Heinicke has received enormous support from some notable team leaders in what they have seen so far.

Washington defensive tackle Daron Payne claimed he was "proud of him for how he came in and competed," and Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin said he "has nothing but respect for No. 4."

"That dude plays with no fear, and he's going to give us playmakers a chance to make plays," McLaurin said of Heinicke. "He's gonna do everything you asked for a quarterback to do in this league.

“To fill in Alex's shoes, in a big moment in the playoffs, his first start in the playoffs, I have nothing but respect for that guy."

WI danielkucin88

SPORTS HEADLINES

Hot off the Press

Howard University forward Krislyn Marsh led the Bison in scoring with 18 points against Delaware State University to win their 10th game of the season, 66-57 on Feb. 12.

“The injury gave her [Marsh] time to think about her role on the team,” said Howard University Head Coach Ty Grace. “She has done a great job inserting herself into our offense, and when she goes into the game, she is ready to go every time.”

Howard guard Iyanna Warren scored 14 points while forward Anzhane’ Hutton scored in double-figures with 11 points.

Howard (10-3) got off to a slow start from the beginning, going 11-of32 from the floor prompting Delaware State to go on a 9-4 run in the first quarter.

However, the Bison quickly settled down and finished the second half going on a 15-2 run, effectively putting the game away and swept Delaware State in four games this season. Howard will play Coppin State University next in a two-game slate on Feb. 20-21. WI

COMPILED BY DANIEL KUCIN, JR. WI SPORTS WRITER

5 Howard University forward Krislyn Marsh led the Bison in scoring with 18 points against Delaware State University on Feb. 12.

(Photo courtesy Howard University)

Jacksonville's Alleged Racist Head Coach Resigns It didn’t take long for Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Urban Meyer to make waves in his first stint with the NFL franchise.

Meyer hired Chris Doyle as the strength and conditioning coach during a year where the league has been under scrutiny for the lack of diversity in coaching hires and absence of equity across the board.

Doyle was previously the University of Iowa strength and conditioning coach of 21 years and left the program in June amid allegations of racism, player mistreatment, and bullying within the program.

Many former Black players have cited how uncomfortable it was to play during Doyle’s tenure, including current Tennessee Titans defensive back Amani Hooker.

“I remember whenever walking into the facility, it would be difficult for black players to walk around the facility and be themselves. As if the way you grew up was the wrong way or wasn’t acceptable & that you would be judged by that and it would impact playing time,” Hooker said in a Twitter statement.

Yet, Doyle adamantly denies engaging in racially insensitive actions and remarks. However, just a day after Meyer defended his hire in a team press conference, Doyle resigned from his new position.

“Chris Doyle came to us this evening to submit his resignation, and we have accepted. Chris did not want to be a distraction to what we are building in Jacksonville,” read a statement from Meyer.

“We are responsible for all aspects of our program and, in retrospect, should have given greater consideration to how his appointment may have affected all involved. We wish him the best as he moves forward in his career.” WI

Howard University Football Spring Season Revised On Feb. 11, Howard University Athletics decided to move the football team to a spring 2021 non-conference schedule after the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced its suspension of the spring 2021 conference football season.

More than 50 percent of the conference teams opted out of the upcoming 2021 spring season because of the pandemic.

“We are providing an opportunity for our student-athletes to compete, after working so hard to prepare for this unprecedented season,” said Athletic Director Kery Davis. “As always, the health and safety of our student-athletes remain our top priority, and we will continue to follow the D.C. and CDC health and safety guidelines.

Howard will play MEAC rivals Delaware State and South Carolina State for an undetermined amount of games with an approved schedule that will be announced later.

Until then, Howard will continue to align with the District of Columbia and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health and safety protocols. WI

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Wizards Get Big Win Over Boston

The Washington Wizards (as of Feb. 14) remain in last place in the Eastern Conference and have struggled lately. After getting back on track against the Bulls with a 105-101 victory on Feb. 8, the Wizards lost back-to-back games to the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks at home.

Washington got blown out by the Knicks 109-91 on Feb. 12, but star guard Bradley Beal did not play to get some much-needed rest. He looked spry against the Boston Celtics the next game, scoring 35 points and accounted for seven rebounds and five assists in the 104-91 victory.

“I think we were just locked in,” said Beal. “We knew who we were playing [and] knew what was at stake.”

WI

FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 45

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46 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

NAACP from Page 1 cifically to protect against conspiracies.

TRUMP’S LEGAL WOES FAR FROM OVER

Four years ago, USA Today issued a report which documented Donald Trump’s involvement with the courts.

As of June 2016, according to the publication, Trump and his businesses had been involved in 3,500 legal cases in U.S. federal courts and state court – a number far exceeding that of any previous presidential candidate.

And now that the former president has segued to just being “Donald,” there remain at least six ongoing cases – all pending – which place him in various levels of legal jeopardy.

According to data compiled by CNN, the following lawsuits will continue to plague Trump and his legal team: 1) Manhattan district attorney's office looking into financial inner workings of the Trump Organization.

This case, which is being overseen by Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance, Jr., grew out of questions regarding several hush money payments made in the run-up to the 2016 election by then-Trump fixer Michael Cohen to women alleging they had engaged in extramarital affairs with Trump. The investigation is broader than just the hush money, however.

2) New York state attorney general examining how Trump valued his assets. In the wake of Cohen's testimony alleging that Trump, along with his family members, had repeatedly "inflated his total assets when it served his purposes, such as trying to be

DENTAL from Page 20 issues head on. Even with the pandemic, 60 percent say experiencing tooth pain that won't go away would lead them to make a dental appointment.”

The survey also asked about tooth loss versus procedures to save a bad tooth, with four out of five people stating that it's better to go the root canal route versus extraction.

“If you're suffering with a toothache that wakes you up out of a sound sleep at night, or because you're eating hot or cold food, you need an endodontist,” said Dr. Alan H. Gluskin, president, American Association of Endodontists. “You should not delay

5 Donald Trump and Rudy Gulliani (Courtesy photo)

listed among the wealthiest people in Forbes, and deflated his assets to reduce his real estate taxes," New York AG Letitia James announced that she would investigate the claims to see if they elevate to the level of fraud.

3) Attorneys general of Maryland and Washington, D.C., suing over the emoluments clause. This suit was originally brought way back in 2017, alleging that Trump was violating the emoluments clause of the Constitution by profiting from foreign governments' spending in his Trump hotel in downtown Washington.

4) E. Jean Carroll's defamation lawsuit. Days before the 2020 election, a federal judge rejected an attempt by Trump, represented by Department of Justice lawyers, to effectively dismiss a case brought by Carroll alleging that Trump had raped her in the 1990s.

He denied her allegation, saying, "She's not my type." The case is now proceeding through the federal court system.

5) Defamation lawsuit filed by

Summer Zervos, a former contestant on "The Apprentice," who sued Trump back in 2017. She argued that in his denial of her allegation that he had sexually assaulted her in 2007, he had defamed her and subjected her to harassment. Trump lost a bid to dismiss the case in late 2019, but the proceedings had been placed on hold until after he left office.

6) Mary Trump's lawsuit. The niece of the president and author of the scathing bestseller "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man," sued Trump in September, alleging that he, his sister and his late brother had committed fraud to keep her from getting her fair share of the estate of Trump's father, Fred Sr. In addition, Trump could still face obstruction of justice charges for his attempts to impede and inhibit the investigation into the 2016 election and Russia's role in it by special counsel Robert Mueller. WI @mcneirdk

treatment.”

The association says the public should know that it’s extremely safe to visit the endodontist or dentist in the era of COVID-19, with facilities practicing the utmost caution and disinfection protocol.

They add that people experiencing dental emergencies should call their local endodontic practice and not 911 to keep emergency rooms clear during the pandemic.

With February being National Children's Dental Month, the American Dental Association says children are also being impacted by the falling off of healthy oral hygiene.

The association created “Give Kids a Smile” to provide den-

tal health services to children whose families cannot afford it.

“Almost one in four children under the age of five already have cavities and 10 million children under the age of 18 receive no dental care, says National Today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cavities are the most prevalent infectious disease in children in the U.S.” “More than 40% of infants and preschoolers are affected by the time they're in kindergarten and about half of all children from lower-income families. Dental health is the most unmet health need among American children."

WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Violet Temple Lewis: A Black History Tribute Dr. Violet T. Lewis dreamed of someday having her own college to teach her people how to become secretaries. During the Great Depression, only white women were secretaries.

In her 71 years, Lewis got her own education at Wilberforce University in Ohio, and after working on several positions, she got the idea and did indeed open Lewis Business College. Steering it from a nine-month stenographic course to an accredited junior college, the Detroit facility was the U.S. Department of Education's only designated historical Black college in Michigan, the first and only in the state.

Violet Temple Lewis' story began in Lima, Ohio. Born May 27, 1897, to William and Eva Harrison, 34 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, she was the second of six children.

After high school graduation, her father told her to either go to college or get a job. She applied and was accepted to Wilberforce University, graduating in 1917 from the secretarial program.

Her first job at Selma University was as a secretary for the presi-

dent of the university. Violet could type, take shorthand and was qualified, so she was assigned to be an instructor in the university's business department.

To be close to her family, she began to apply for jobs in Indianapolis, and was hired by the Madam C.J. Walker Company, the largest Black-owned company in the state.

She was hired as a bookkeeper.

From 1920 to 1927, she was employed at the Indianapolis Recorder newspaper. She constantly said that there should be a school to train Black women in the community for jobs as a secretary, and one day her mother said, "Why don't you stop talking about someone needing to start a school and start one yourself?" It was as if she said what Hosea 4:6 KJV says: "My people perish from a lack of knowledge."

With only a $50 loan from a local bank made her dream a reality, while holding down a full-time job. Always extremely creative, Lewis started her own radio program, it was in 1932. She felt the radio program would boost enrollment at the school. Her program, "The Negro Melody Hour," made her the first Black radio announcer in Indiana, increased her student enrollment and eventually became so popular that she branched out to other cities, including Detroit.

Violet had saved up $1000,

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

and she was able to purchase her first school to accommodate all.

It was a mansion located at John R & Ferry. It cost $10,000 with her initial deposit of $1,000. The year was 1939, which later became a landmark in the city of Detroit. Then-Michigan Gov. James Blanchard was there to cut the ribbon when the historic marker was unveiled. Basketball star Isiah Thomas was also present.

Lewis Business College trained students as a full person, dressing for success, manners, how to sit and eat, they wore gloves, dressed appropriately. She knew her students needed the poise, grace and etiquette of a sorority similar to those collegiate types. Lewis Business College was not a part of the PanHellenic sorority; instead, it would be a business and professional sorority. She asked her sister, Elizabeth Garner to take the lead.

February 20, 1943, her dream became a reality, and Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. was born.

She died on March 22, 1968, in Detroit. After her death, her two daughters continued to run the college. The older daughter, Dr. Phyllis Ponders, became the dean, and her sister, Dr. Marjorie Harris, became the president of the college. The two sisters worked closely together, continuing to serve

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

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

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

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

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Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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.

RELIGION Page 52

(301) 864-6070

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

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 47

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

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

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

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

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Blessed Word of Life Church

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

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

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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

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

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

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

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

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church

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

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”

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

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher

Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

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

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

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

Turning Hearts Church

421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Twelfth Street Christian Church

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

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

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

Crusader 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

48 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

themcbc.org

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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.”

Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

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

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

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

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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: 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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

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

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"

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

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

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

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

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Shiloh Baptist Church

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

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

Christ Embassy DC

Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

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

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

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

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

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

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM 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 “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 49

LEGAL NOTICES In God We Trust Notice of White Flag Surrender Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “ Eliezer Ali© ”, nom deguerre: “ Maria, Eliezer© ”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘ MARIA, ELIEZER© ’’, corp.sole Dba.: ‘‘ ELIEZER MARIA© ’’. I being Trustee of ‘‘ MARIA, ELIEZER© having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the

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

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

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

2020 ADM 000914

2020 ADM 584

2020 ADM 000532

Anthony W. Thomas Decedent

Emma E. McEntyre Decedent

Gwendolyn Jean Jenkins Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

Deborah D. Boddie ProbatelawDC 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Ste. 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

Gilda Sherrod-Ali, Esq. 611 Pennsylvania Ave., SE #328 Washington, DC 20003 Attorney

northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms the following: Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III,

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

MARIA© ’’, is as a special deposit order conveyed to “ Eliezer Ali

Tori Kenner and Malik Thomas, whose addresses are 3014 Thayer Street, SE, Washington, DC 20018 & 1518 Fort Davis Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Anthony W. Thomas who died on October 22, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/4/2021. 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 8/4/2021, 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.

Trust ”. Individual Trust being an Unincorporated Divine Grantor

Date of first publication: 4/4/2021

and Lieber Code, as Taino moorish Americans, and ministers of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Persons.

Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: [1] THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH REGISTRY OF VITAL RECORDS AND STATISTICS, REGISTERED NUMBER: 134, ‘‘ ELIEZER

Inter Vivos Trust. Inter alia. 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. All Rights Reserved.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Torri Kenner Malik Thomas Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carol B. Mercer, whose address is 3927 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emma E. McEntyre who died on June 30, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/11/2021. 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 8/11/2021, 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: 2/11/2021 Carol B. Mercer Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Steven Calvert, whose address is 524 North Royal Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gwendolyn Jean Jenkins who died on November 25, 2017 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/18/2021. 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 8/18/2021, 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: 2/18/2021 Steven Calvert Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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

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

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

2020 ADM 000907

2020 ADM 904

2020 ADM 000635

2018 ADM 001323

Robert Lee Wilder Decedent

Muhammad Ayyaz Rashid Decedent

Fedilia E. Kehayias Decedent

Alean Yon Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Ave., NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

Kerri M. Castellini, Esq. Price Benowitz LLP 409 Seventh Street, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

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

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

Tayyaba Khan, whose address is 11351 Beringer Ct., Waldorf, MD 20601, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Muhammad Ayyaz Rashid who died on April 3, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/4/2021. 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 8/4/2021, 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.

Pamela K. Hamilton, whose address is 5463 Nebraska Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Fedilia E. Kehayias who died on May 30, 2020 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/18/2021. 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 8/18/2021, 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.

Wanda Robinson, whose address is 849 Stonebridge Park Circle, Lithonia, Georgia 30058, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alean Yon who died on December 19, 2007 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/18/2021. 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 8/18/2021, 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: 2/4/2021

Date of first publication: 2/18/2021

Tayyaba Khan Personal Representative

Pamela K. Hamilton Personal Representative

Wanda Robinson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Herman Lee Wilder, whose address is 152 Tywyn Drive, Middletown, DE 19709, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Lee Wilder who died on February 12, 2017 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/4/2021. 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 8/4/2021, 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: 2/4/2021 Herman Lee Wilder Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

50 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

Washington Informer

Date of first publication: 2/18/2021

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SCHEDULE from Page 12 “There are many Prince Georgians who want to get vaccines. What’s the problem?” said Sen. Jim Rosapepe, who resides in Prince George’s but also represents part of Anne Arundel County.

Schrader repeated what state officials have said that there continues to be some mistrust among Blacks and Latinos not willing to take the vaccine based on systematic disparities in health care and historical abuse among patients.

Schrader said people without identifications who arrive for vaccine appointments would not be turned away and must sign affidavits. He called it an “honor system” to not micromanage local health departments, hospitals and health care providers.

Although the vaccines come from the federal government, Schrader’s explanation didn’t sit well with Sen. Mary Washington (D-Baltimore City).

“You’re the health department, we’re the state,” she said to Schrader.

“At the end of the day, we’re responsible for all of the vaccines that we get in the state of Maryland. Our approach to taking responsibility that the shots get into the right arms is a trust, but not verify.”

As of Monday, about 4 percent of the first vaccine doses went to Latinos who represent 11 percent of the state’s population. Blacks represent 31 percent of the population but only 15 percent doses received.

In comparison, whites account for 59 percent of the population and received 62 percent of the doses.

As of Monday, the state administered almost 894,000 vaccines.

The state hopes a public outreach campaign called “GoVAX” with trusted voices such as community leaders, pastors and local celebrities help people in underserved communities to have no fear in taking the vaccine.

Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21) of College Park, whose part of the grassroots campaign, said the message can be shared to where people live and shop. Peña-Melnyk received a vaccine as part of the CDC guidelines a “continuity of government” that includes all delegates and state senators.

“We have to go to the supermarkets.

We must have mobile distribution,” said Peña-Melnyk, who’s Black and Latina. “We must have a more centralized distribution. As the supply increases, we should be able to do that.” WI @jabariwill

RELIEF from Page 12 four months, totaling $12,000.

Before the votes occurred in both chambers, Ferguson and Jones released a joint statement which noted that legislation will be presented next week to allow low-income workers who are not residents to receive an earned income tax credit benefit.

However, workers must have a valid Social Security number if they wish to claim the credit.

Legislators want all residents to benefit from the bill.

“No Marylander deserves to wonder where their next meal will come from, how to buy their child’s diapers, or how to pay for life saving medicine – especially when they go to work every single day,” the joint statement added.

WI @jabariwill

Before the votes occurred in both chambers, Ferguson and Jones released a joint statement which noted that legislation will be presented next week to allow low-income workers who are not residents to receive an earned income tax credit benefit.

Stay Informed!

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FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021 51

CULTURE from Page 39 Massiah and Stanley Nelson and filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

The success of “Soul!” drew disdain, including threats of reduced Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding for programming aimed at Black audiences. But Haizlip, who grew up on Sheriff Road in the District’s Deanwood community and graduated from Dunbar High School, had a clear vision.

“We are trying to create shows of Black love, Black strength, Black encouragement, and we hope you agree with what’s going down,” Ellis once said directly into the camera.

Trailer for “Mr. Soul!” https://youtu.be/V5bLjXSFR7o WI

CHURCH from Page 16 Tenn.) delivered the annual Dr. C.D. Hubert Lecture.

The political victories by the Democrats during the 2020 elections were greatly fueled by an army of faith and Monday Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, standing alongside Georgia’s two new senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, credited their victories in Georgia with flipping power in the U.S. Senate and allowing Democrats to draft a relief package that will help those in need.

“I want to emphasize that point because many of us have been fighting for the expansion of Medicaid for years,” said Warnock, who is pastor of the Ebenzer Baptist Church in At-

LAWSON from Page 17 appointed Lawson to the President’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity as well as vice chairman of the District Crime Commission. She resigned from the Juvenile Court in 1965 when President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed her U.S. representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In later years, she co-founded and served as the general counsel for the Model Inner City Community Organization, a citizens group focused on urban renewal.

Lawson hailed from Pittsburgh

52 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

RELIGION from Page 47 citizens of Detroit in the original mansion for eight more years.

In 1976, the sisters moved the college to Meyers Road with an 11-acre campus. Lewis received a posthumous honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Wilberforce University. In 1978, the university received accreditation from the North Central College of Business and Schools as a junior college offering a liberal arts program. Then in 1987, the U.S. education secretary designated Lewis College of Business as one of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and in 1992, Lewis was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.

Her school gave thousands of men and women the opportunity for development and growth and a chance for a better life. In its 80-

plus years, it educated over 40,000 students. Violet knew that men and women were employed as elevator operators, maids, cleaning men and ladies bathrooms, janitorial services, window dressers for department stores, she made history.

The first African Americans hired by the "Big Three" — General Motors, Chryslers and Ford Motor Car Company — were graduates of Lewis Business College. The first from Detroit and Wayne County were also students from Lewis. The federal government was beginning to hire Blacks, and Michigan Bell hired Lewis students, too.

Her grandchildren from both sides also worked for the college.

Her granddaughter, Dr. Violet Ponders, became the third college president after her Aunt Marjorie retired.

WI

lanta where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was once pastor.

“Folks here in the Congress had been trying to get states like Georgia to expand Medicaid. I literally got arrested in an act of civil disobedience trying to get our state to do the right thing.”

Church leaders voiced hope that 2021 will usher in a new era of political change and social activism lead by people of faith.

“The pandemic has already pushed us to the streets,” said Rev. Henry P. Davis, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Highland. “Right now the greatest impact of our churches outside of our walls we have been feeding since last March we have been helping in our community and the greatest

thing the church is to go outside.”

Rev. Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME, said in an interview, “The pandemic has caused us to remember that we don't go to church. We are the church.”

“It has been our job to show up in the community, ” Lee said.

“Even though we have service on line, we have been feeding, we have been providing services, we have given out tens of thousands of rolls of toilet paper, of boxes of food and meals.”

Lee went onto say that despite the greater need, “we have still been conducting funerals añd ministering to people and trying to helping people emotionally. In times like these people need to feel the presence of hope.” WI

and obtained a bachelor’s degree of sociology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. She moved to the District to attend the now defunct Terrell Law School, a predominantly Black institution that offered evening classes from lawyers who volunteered their time as instructors.

She earned a law degree from Terrell in 1939 but also received her juris doctorate from the Columbia University School of Law in 1950. She and her husband, Belford V. Lawson Jr., a civil rights lawyer and political operative, became well known in the

District as an influential couple.

U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell (D-NY), one of two Black members of the U.S. Congress in the 1940s, rented the top floor of the Lawson’s Logan Circle home for years. And Lawson wrote a column for the Black-owned Pittsburgh Courier, one of the nation’s most influential African-American newspapers, from 1941-1955.

She died Oct. 11, 2002 at her home in Bethesda at the age of 90.

WI @JamesDCWrighter

5 Derrick and Ramunda Young stand outside the couple’s second MahoganyBooks store at National Harbor scheduled to open in June. (Courtesy of Derrick and Ramunda Young)

BOOKS from Page 41 Thursday, Feb. 19 of W. Franklyn Richardson’s book, “Witness to Grace: A Testimony of Favor.” He is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y. Linsey Davis, an anchor with ABC News Live Prime, is to join the conversation.

Once the pandemic eases, they said, they plan to offer in-person activities such as financial literacy workshops, summer reading programs and networking for entrepreneurs.

Both sites will present some differences.

The District location occupies 500 square feet inside the Anacostia Arts Center with books highlighting the history of the Nation’s Capital and include photos of fa-

mous Washingtonians like the late Mayor Marion Barry.

They said they haven’t set the size of the workforce for the 1,400-square-foot National Harbor storefront but Black-owned businesses are playing a key role in the new venture.

Define Design Group of Southeast continues to work on the scheme for National Harbor. And Jirani Coffeehouse of Manassas, Va., will sell desserts, snacks and, of course, coffee.

“Part of the impact for me is understanding how business can be an important instrument in improving our communities as Black folks,” Derrick Young said.

“This is a part about creating economic power for ourselves in our communities. We need to support each other.” WI Twitter: @jabariwill

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MALVEAUX from Page 25 at least 27 million workers a raise.

Most of them are women. A third are Latino, and 40 percent are African American. Raising the wage would reduce inequality and poverty. Sen. Sanders is prepared to push this legislation through by reconciliation if he can't get Republican support. If Republican senators value their constituents' voices, they will support legislation that brings relief to some of them.

There may also be some assistance coming to working people via the

WRIGHT from Page 25 down from hosting the Oscars as to not be a “distraction.” Some LGBTQ individuals rejoiced while others shrugged. But many counted it as a win for “social justice warriors” or cancel culture.

Cancel culture or call-out culture is defined as a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – either online or on social media, in the real world, or both.

Those who are subject to this ostracism are said to be “canceled.”

Some argue that cancel culture counts as little more than a bunch of millennials and Gen Z women’s studies majors online making a fuss about anything they deem to be offensive and who hope their condemnation will stick.

DESCANO from Page 25 Even in Virginia, the first colony to stage an execution and the state that has executed the most individuals in our nation’s history, both chambers of the General Assembly passed abolition bills last week – nearly ensuring that the Commonwealth will be the first southern state to strike the death penalty from its books. Further, in the initial days of the Biden Administration I was proud to join over 100 criminal justice leaders on two letters to the President urging him to commute the sentences of those on federal death row and take aggressive action to end the federal death penalty.

I have witnessed personally the emotions associated with retiring the death penalty. Shortly after taking office, a federal court ordered that a man who pled guilty to brutally murdering a Fairfax County woman and was sentenced to death under my predecessor be resentenced. I stood by my pledge to the community not

Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act. This legislation protects workers' rights to form unions, limits employers' right to interfere with union activities, and strengthens other workers' rights. With several dozen new provisions, the PRO Act represents the first attempt to overhaul the National Labor Relations Act in more than 70 years. The legislation passed the House in 2020, passing mostly along party lines, but the Republican-controlled Senate declined to deliberate. This time, Democrats control the schedule, and the legislation will receive some review and

deliberation. But Chambers of Commerce and other business groups are likely to oppose it. Research shows that the presence of unions in the workplace increases wages. Equally importantly, it protects workers from unsafe working conditions.

Perhaps legislation will provide workers with some relief this year. It is also possible, though, that working people, especially those near the bottom, will get caught up in partisan squabbling. Workers need a break, need a raise, need safe working conditions. Can Washington deliver?

WI

Some say it doesn’t hold any weight because those who are canceled never face any real consequences for their actions. Others believe cancel culture is very real and has taken down entertainment giants like Bill Cosby and R. Kelly both for their alleged sex crimes.

But if cancel culture is real why did Kevin Hart just sign an eight-figure Netflix deal in which he’s slated to star in four films? Or what about his new original SiriusXM podcast? Oh, and I can’t go a day without seeing the comedian in one of several Chase commercials. Canceled where? Cancel culture is internet culture. And like many things in “internet culture” the norms don’t quite translate to the real world. Disgraced celebrities like Cosby and R. Kelly and their prison stays aren’t a result of

a bunch of Twitter accounts saying they're canceled. They’re the legal consequences for having committed illegal acts.

Sure, you can personally choose to cancel whoever you’d like for whatever reasons that may suit you.

After all, this is America – the land of free speech. But unless there’s a judge and a jury involved the celebrity or public figure whom you may loathe probably isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. At best cancel culture serves as a means of calling out people for their unsavory and sometimes hurtful behavior.

At worst, it’s simply more internet noise that goes away as something more interesting emerges for headline news.

WI

to seek the death penalty. The result: the man was sentenced to life without parole.

My predecessor proclaimed that it was “a bad time for victims, justice and public safety;” The comments sections in coverage quickly turned vile; And nearly one year later I still get loaded questions about this case at town halls.

Of course, I understand why this case, and cases like it, would evoke such strong emotions. But at the end of the day, despite the associated emotions, this was a straightforward decision. The bottom line is that we should not abide a justice system that exacts vengeance through the application of a racist and ineffective mode of punishment. We should instead build a system that recognizes our nation’s legacy of systemic racism and is grounded in fact-based interventions proven to enhance community safety.

I hope that moving aggressively to end the federal death penalty is a similarly straightforward call for our new

president. The federal killing spree of the Trump Administration in its waning days, during which 13 people were executed in six months, underscores the necessity of taking every conceivable step to permanently dismantle the machinery of the federal death penalty. By commuting all federal death row sentences, urging the Department of Justice to instruct federal prosecutors not to seek the death penalty, and supporting legislation to abolish capital punishment, President Biden can seize on the historic racial awakening of the past year to begin building a more fair, equitable, and effective criminal justice system.

We in Fairfax County and other local prosecutors across the country committed to not seeking the death penalty – along with states like Virginia that are moving toward abolition – have demonstrated the momentum behind the movement to abolish this racist and ineffective practice. The time is now for the federal government to act. WI

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54 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

see this truth. But it is here and it is powerful. And we must embrace it.

We must together reform policies and institutions and thinking where injustice resides and restore people to the status of neighbors, not opponents.

The great UAW President Walter Reuther, who was a close friend and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., summed it up like this: "There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well."

President John F. Kennedy famously put it just a bit differently: "Ask not

what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your county."

With those words, he inspired a generation of Americans.

So, this is our time. It is time for our generation. Our historic moment. There are Americans who need our help. COVID-19 has ravished us as nothing we have ever experienced.

But here too I see hope ahead. I see President Biden moving quickly to put battling COVID-19 front and center and to put good practices and science and the federal government back in the driver's seat. I see us recommitting to our better angels, to help fellow Americans who are suffering and struggling.

In this vein we must also support

our veterans. Those brave men and women who make the greatest sacrifice to protect all of us and our great nation. And we must participate in this democracy of ours, just like we saw in this past election.

We must stand strong and united against bigotry and hatred and heed the call we saw this past year as hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets to demand a fundamental change.

So, there is real work ahead, but I believe we are up to the task. Let us meet 2021 head on and with solidarity. We are more than ready to bring our A-game.

Are you all in?

WI

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CURRY from Page 26

JEALOUS from Page 26 evant and deceptively out-of-context video clips of Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Maxine Waters.

And maybe most shamefully, they tried to equate the attack on voting and democracy with last summer's Black Lives Matter protests.

Trump's attempt to overturn the election was grounded in disrespect for Black voters and contempt for the Constitution. Protests against police killings of Black people were grounded in a demand that the Constitution's promise of equal protection of the law be respected and made real for everyone — something this country has yet to do. There is no equivalence

ASKIA from Page 26 Negroes in Mississippi at the time were beaten, castrated and lynched for just looking, for what was called "eyeball rape."

What Emmett was alleged to have done was far, far worse. So, four days later, Roy and J.W. visited his house in the middle of the night.

They took the boy and forced him to carry a 75-pound cotton gin fan to the bank of the Tallahatchie River and ordered him to strip. The men beat him nearly to death, gouged out his eye, shot him in the head, then threw his body, tied to the fan with barbed wire, into the river.

That a trial was held at all is a wonder, like the recent impeachment trial of The Donald. The scoundrels were acquitted, almost immediately.

Months later, the culprits — knowing that they could not be charged again for their heinous crime because of Constitutional protection against double jeopardy — con-

between the two.

Let's be clear about what has really been going on. Trump's defenders wanted to prevent an impeachment trial because they know that the facts do not only convict Trump. The facts convict everyone who joined Trump

in spreading lies about the election.

The facts convict every one of the gutless, unprincipled politicians — all but six of the 50 Republican senators — who voted not to even hold the trial.

The history of this country is clear.

As long as lynchings and other violence meant to keep Black people from building political power went unpunished, the violence continued.

The right-wing resistance to holding Trump accountable signaled that he and other unprincipled politicians who will try to follow his path to power will continue to tell lies, inflame divisions and provoke more violence.

The cowardly Republican officials who fear Trump's supporters too much to face the truth put all of us — and our democracy — in danger. WI

fessed to their dastardly deed in an interview with Look magazine.

Then, in 2017, in a book "The Blood of Emmett Till," Carolyn Bryant confessed to author Timothy Tyson that her testimony at the trial was untrue. It was all a lie.

So, here we are still witnessing the nine-foot-tall fences, topped with razor wire, surrounding the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the White House and other federal buildings in Washington, just weeks after what might reign as the Crime of the 21st Century, and another arch-deceiver and famous prevaricator — an inveterate liar who told more than 30,000 falsehoods while he was president — has gotten off after inviting a mob of his lied-to supporters to come to Washington, where he incited them to march to the seat of the U.S. government to attack the Congress in order for him to unlawfully remain in office. He walks free, even though Ray Charles can see he's guilty as sin.

All this brings to mind the words of Benjamin Franklin, which are hard to digest under these circumstances: "It is better a hundred guilty persons should escape than one innocent person should suffer."

But Black people in this country know all too well that time after tearful time, innocent folks have been put to death by wicked cops, turned judge-jury-and-executioner, only to see the guilty escape punishment.

Indeed, if we could examine the records, we could see where countless Black men and women have been sent to the gallows, the gas chamber, the electric chair for crimes they did not commit. Thankfully, in recent times, literally hundreds of innocent Black folks have been exonerated — some even from death row.

And so, we watch with grief and anguish, as another guilty fiend goes free. Remember, acquittal is not the same thing as innocence! History will judge. WI

Trump's attempt to overturn the election was grounded in disrespect for Black voters and contempt for the Constitution.

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56 - FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2021

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