Issuu

VOL. 54, NO. 18 • FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

ASALH Traces History of Black Migrations – What’s Your Ancestry? / Page 9

Capture the Moment / Page 45

Trump’s ‘Last Stand’ in El Paso Foreshadowing of 2020 Game Plan?

HOC Announces Partnership in Decision about Burial Ground

Activists Threaten National Boycott of Major Banks

Hedges on Latest Offer to Avoid Shutdown While Ramping up Rhetoric of Red, White and Blue

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins To the chagrin of activists vying for sole control, and a key role in memorializing, what’s believed to be an African-American burial site in Bethesda, Maryland, the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) continued its efforts to include other parties in the discussion about the plot of land behind Westwood Towers on River Road. During the HOC’s most recent public meeting, commissioners revealed the Maryland-National

HOC Page 46

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir

5 Spectators pack Chinatown to pay homage to the “Year of the Pig” for the Annual Chinese New Year Parade in Washington D.C. on Feb. 10.(Michael A. McCoy/Washington Informer)

Rep. Underwood to Black Nurses: Get Involved in Politics By James Wright WI Contributing Writer Freshman Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) told a receptive audience of the nation’s leading African-American nursing association that they should seriously consider entering the political realm. “Please run for office,” Underwood said to the attendees of the 31st National Black Nurses Association Day on Capitol Hill at the Washington Court Hotel in Northwest on Feb. 7. “Our country needs you.” Underwood, a registered

nurse, spoke to the 90 participants of the one-day event during its morning session. The representative spoke strongly about the need for African American nurses voices to be heard in the country’s political dialogue. “Capitol Hill needs to hear from you,” Underwood said. “We as nurses are impacted by Hill actions and we are not a part of the conversation. Throughout the history of the Congress, there have been less than 10 nurses to serve and we need more. We have to be at the table.”

NURSES Page 16

5 Rep. Lauren Underwood (D. Ill) (James Wright/The Washington Informer)

Once again, with the showmanship of a veteran ringmaster, President Donald Trump leaked word of a late-night tentative agreement on border security being reached by a 17-member, bipartisan committee Monday, Feb. 11 – while keeping oddsmakers scrambling as to whether he’ll say, “Deal” or “No Deal.” But with only days remaining before a Feb. 15 deadline, many Americans, still reeling from the impact of an historic 35-day shutdown, fear that the president will open the floodgates to more unchartered waters and a second partial federal government shutdown. Nonplussed by deadlines and drama, Trump seemed to have other things on his mind, hinting that he “may” sign off on the latest offer despite being “displeased” – before quickly transforming the “support the wall hoedown” in El Paso Monday evening into a carefully-crafted campaign rally for 2020 bragging rights. “Just so you know; we’re building the wall anyway,” Trump said, then further promoting his unique blend of hyperbole to which America and the world have grown so accustomed over the course of his two years in

EL PASO Page 14

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Around the Region............ 4-11 PG County....................... 12-13 Songstress Alicia Olatuja / Lifestyle / Page 37

Business............................ 14-15 National............................ 16-17 International.........................18 Health ............................. 20-21 Education ....................... 22-23 OpEd................................ 25-27 Black History Month......30-37 Lifestyle......................... 38-43 Sports ..................................44 Capture the Moment ......... 45 Religion............................46-47

On February 17, 1963 Basketball legend Michael Jordan is born in Brooklyn, New York.

Black Facts / Page 6

SAFE. RELIABLE. AMERICAN ENERGY. Americans rely on safe, reliable energy for everything from driving to weekend soccer Americans rely on safe, affordable energy everything driving togas weekend games to spending quality family time at for home. Thanksfrom to the natural and oilsoccer games to spending family time at home. Thanks thenearly natural gas and oil industries America isquality becoming energy independent. Into fact, two-thirds ofindustry, the America is becoming In fact, nearly two energy Americans useenergy comessecure. from natural gas and oil.thirds of the energy Americans use comes from natural gas and oil. And we put safety first – protecting our industries millions of American workers and our And we put safety firstconstantly – protecting our environment and our industry’s of workers. environment. We are improving our technologies, increasingmillions our standards and We are constantly technologies, ouroffshore standards and implementing implementing newimproving programsour that enhance theincreasing safety of our operations. new programs that enhance the safety of our offshore operations. Safely and securely ensuring America’s energy independence. Safely and securely ensuring America’s energy future.

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 3 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

around the region

Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence HUD Awards over $2 Billion DC Nurses Demand New COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR WI EDITOR

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

Help Homelessness law enforcement. Shetosaid they End threat,” she said. Safety Measures Following had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow Brutal Attack and Urban sense of uniformity in The the U.S. way Department wants to ofseeHousing implemented are De-

By Tia Carol Jones

www.washingtoninformer.com

WI Staff Writer

Visit our updated Web site and give us your comments for a chance to win a gift from The Washington Informer

When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims velopment recently awarded $202 million in and[HUD] stricter restraining order policies, District of old daughter told her the fatherThe survivors are Cotreated. FY18 Continuum Care [CoC] Program grants to moreof rights for victim's families of her daughter threatened lumbia her Nurses using Asso“She's her own personal to intervene on behalf vicsupport new homeless programs acrossofthea country, life, and the life of their child, ciation story, [DCNA] her ownre-personal pain tonearly tim, including $50a domestic million toviolence projectsassessdedicated she knew something had tocently be push demanded that Davis-Nickens forward,” ment of unit coupledviolence, with further to assisting survivors domestic dating vidone. Out of her frustration said aboutVincent Marlow. olence and stalking. Councilmember training law enforcement Lastfor month, HUD announced with law enforcement's handling anyone agencies, Child'stoLife ProtecGray andDavis-Nickens the Commit- said nearly $2 billion in CoCa grants renew funding Email comments to: of the situation, she decidedteetoon Health who reads will oftion Acthomeless and mandatory counseladdressMarlow's the tobook thousands local assistance programs rburke@ start the Saving Promise cam“get it.”forShe said shenationwide. Combined, “puts the ing for batterers. safety concerns nurses this funding represents a repaign. case in such a way, the “Ifsupport we are ever to eradiwashingtoninformer.com at St. Elizabeths Hospital cordaverage investment to state going and local efforts to “It seems to be a vicious cycle can get it.” Shereduce said atand the endcate domestic violence, we must during person the Department homelessness. that won't turn my family end of theHealth day, the book will lookBen at Carson both sides of the theannouncecoin. of Behavioral HUD Secretary made loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dianeedato address the vic[DBH] Oversight Hearing at the DC Council. The dement in AkronWe during visit to theboth Battered Womshared the brutally audi- attacked logue about domestic violence. tim and batterer,” Marlow mand her camestory after with a patient a nurse at en’s Shelter, a grantee thatthe received funding and will ence at the District Heights Also present event said. St. Elizabeths. She sustained multiple injuries includingat theuse it towas house domestic violence victims who are on Domestic Violence Symposium Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see facial fracture, fractures ribs, bruises onMildred her back, side and the verge of homelessness. on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise two black eyes. we make another critical investment to Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six“Today consec- awareness among children in Numerous patient attacks and assaults against our those persons and families living in our shelters and sium was sponsored by the utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She membersand have resulted serious injuries and DCNA Carson said. “These new programs Family Youth in Services by a Maryland jury foronhisour rolestreets,” in feels children need to be educatand our members believe that proper safety measure will join those already ondomestic the front lines in their comCenter of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about violence. could have averted the incidents, said Tinoula Shokunbi, munities working to end homelessness.” Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being paspresident of the DCNA/DBH Unit. supports a broad array interventions Up of Black Women. the founder of After theHUD Trauma, sive-aggressive with ofpoor chil“[w]e have safety concerns to designed to assist individuals and families experiMarlow hascontinually written abrought book, ouran organization that helps the dren about domestic violence,” management at DBH which and requested that it implement encing homelessness, those living in “Color Me Butterfly,” is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow particularly said. safetyabout measures protect ourofmembers fromchildren. being places not meant for habitation, locatedto in break sheltering story fourtogenerations and their Marlow has worked brutally attacked by very volatile patients with criminal programs, or at imminent risk of becoming homedomestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, history, some which include homicide. Our demands less. Each year, HUD serves more than a million inspired by herofown experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she havethose been ignored.” and of her grandmother, not an easy thing topeople come through out isemergency pushing shelter, for willtransitional, start that and nurses the DCNA thatshethey might her Many mother andather daughter.worryof,” permanent housing programs. Many states, as well said. process. be the victimtime and might not able toMildred make it home She saidnextevery she reads as the District, and theirtolocal planners, haveto emMuhammad said “I plan take these policies In Memoriam to their from families. of the excerpts her Susan book, Nelson, she still vice-president call to shift fromthem existing people who want braced HUD’s to help a Congress andfunds implore to unDr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. DCNA/DBH Unit said, “no one should have violence to fear victim can not believe the words came derperforming projectsour to create ones based domestic must change laws,”new Marlow said. on Wilhelmina J. Rolark from her.lives “Color Butterfly” for their whenMe going to work, which is a concern I, they be careful of how into that bestgo practices willnot further to prevent “I will stopefforts until these poli- and The Washington Informer Newspaper won Nationalhave “Best alongthe with2007 my colleagues, every day.” the victim's life, and end understand cies are passed.” homelessness. THE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam Books” Award. DCNA has requested a safe working environment that she may atbe in “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. “I was just 16-years-old Denise Rolark Barnes DBH facilities seeking morewhen supportmode”. staff, security ofat tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Legacy Foundation my eyebetter first equipment blackened and andimproved my Periodicals postage paid at Washing“Before you get toWalker’s 'I'm going ficers, code responses. ton, THE D.C.WASHINGTON and additional mailing ofINFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it startedLaunches as a verbal WI ‘Moms Who STAFF fices.weekly News on andThursday. advertising deadline postage Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiis Monday to News publication. AnJPMorgan, Washington Area D. Kevin Editor mailing prior offices. and advertising deadlineMcNeir, is Monday prior to publication. Enterprise’ in District dent of the National Hook-Up nouncements must be received two two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Announcements must be received Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Investment Fund of Community Black Women, said there is no weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressWalker’s Legacy Foundation, in partnership the Washington Informer. All rights Lassiter, Photo Editor by es The Washington Informer. consistency in the way domestic to The Washington Informer,All3117Shevry Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, Office of Councilman Kenyan McDuffie (Ward Expand Minority Business rightsD.C. reserved. 20032.POSTMASTER: No part of thisSend publication may be Barnes, reproduced without written Lafayette IV, Assistant PhotopermisEditor violence issues are dealt with by 5), recently announced the launch of Moms Who change addresses to TheThe Washsionoffrom the publisher. Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of Loan Program John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor ington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther Enterprise, a six-week program supported by Citi photographs. Subscription rates are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers will be received King,notJr.more Ave.,than S.E.a Washington, D.C. Dorothy Rowley, Online Community Development designed to develop week after publication. Make checks payable to: Editor JPMorgan Chase on Monday announced Ad20032. No part of this publication may financial and entrepreneurship skills for expectZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout vancing Black Pathways, an initiative to boost ecobe reproduced without written permisTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER ant or existing mothers in the District. Qualified nomic opportunities for African Americans that sion from the3117 publisher. The Informer Neville, Bookkeeper Martin Luther King, Jr.Mable Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 Newspaper cannot guarantee the return participants include women who are pregnant or will focus on job training, career-leadership pathPhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 Dr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist of photographs. Subscription rates are E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com parenting, identify as low-income or A.L.I.C.E ways and wealth building. The bank said it plans Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will www.washingtoninformer.com (asset limited income constrained yet employed) to announce related programs in coming months. be received not more than a week after Angie Johnson, Circulation publication. Make checks payable to: and currently looking to take their businesses to The newly-formed partnership also includes the PUBLISHER the next level. Washington Area Community Investment Fund, THE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes REPORTERS Research shows that 39 percent of the more than Inc. [Wacif ], Capital Impact Partners, the A. James 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E STAFF REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, 10 million low-income working families with chilWashington, D.C. 20032 and Alice B. Clark Foundation and the Latino Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, Phone: 202 561-4100 Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s dren are headed by single-working mothers. The Economic Development Center in the launching Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, Fax: 202 574-3785 Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young program provides participants with financial and County Writer), Jacqueline Fuller, Hamil of the Greater Washington Entrepreneurs of Color news@washingtoninformer.com Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper business knowledge through an accelerated sixFund – a $6.65 million effort to forge new pathHarris, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, www.washingtoninformer.com LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS week program, original curriculum, a mobile ways for entrepreneurship and wealth building in John E. De Freitas Sports Brenda Editor Siler, Sarafina Wright, James Wright Lafayette Barnes, IV, Victor Holt Photo Editor e-learning app and free childcare. Applications for John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, the region’s underserved communities. Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic PHOTOGRAPHERS Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert the program will be accepted through Friday Feb. “Equity is at the center of our work and to deepKen Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt Lassiter, John E. DeFreitas, Shevry 15. The program, slated for Saturdays (11:30 a.m. en Wacif ’s impact regionally, we need bold, new L.Y.will Marlow – 1:30 p.m.), begins March 16 and culminate Roy Lewis,CIRCULATION Jr., Mark Mahonny strategic partnerships,” said Wacif Executive DiPaul Trantham with a graduation ceremony on May 11 in advance rector Harold Pettigrew. “The Fund will advance of Mother’s Day. our efforts to make entrepreneurship more incluTo learn more or to apply to the Moms Who sive and provide small businesses with the capital Enterprise Financial Planning and Entrepreneurneeded to accelerate their growth throughout the ship program, visit www.walkerslegacy.org. Washington, D.C. and Baltimore regions.” 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com

“

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

“

4 FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

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AROUND THE REGION

James Butler Explains Terms-Limit Ballot Initiative By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins One-time mayoral candidate James Butler says name recognition and deep campaign coffers, not quality of service to the general populace, often keep elected officials in power well beyond the eight years he deems necessary to affect change. His ballot initiative, if approved by voters, the D.C. council and ultimately D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), would impose term limits on the D.C. mayor, attorney general and council members. People fulfilling those roles, under the provision of the law, could only enjoy reelection once. “People aren’t supposed to be government officials for life,” Butler said as he indicted the status quo for encouraging elected officials to stay in office out of a desire to enjoy the trappings of public service, rather than realize a progressive vision. “These are regular people who would advocate for laws to make others’ lives better before going back into private life,” he continued. “Nearly 40 states have term limits. [D.C. is] making the case for statehood and it would be nice for the congressional support to show that we’re moving in that direction.” If Butler succeeds in pushing the ballot measure, D.C. will join more than 30 states in limiting elected officials’ years of service. On March 6, he’ll stand before the D.C. Board of Elections as part of a process during which he will attempt to collect 25,000 signatures, or 5 percent of the D.C. population. Reaching that milestone will place the terms limit initiative on the 2020 ballot. Butler expressed plans to rally support among the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions,

and local and national groups, while making the case to D.C. voters, a significant number of whom he said don’t realize their elected officials can hold their seats in perpetuity. A hurdle in Butler’s efforts lies in possible council opposition as exhibited in 1994 when the D.C. Council, on which Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans (D) served at the time, turned down a similar ballot initiative that more than 60 percent of the electorate approved. Today, he and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) have the longest tenures on the council of at least 20 years. The trend of unchallenged incumbency continued during the most recent election cycle when those up for reelection retained their seats. D.C. Mayor Bowser, to whom Butler lost by a wide margin in last year’s Democratic primary before he launched his write-in campaign, acquired a significant portion of the vote in November. D.C. Councilmembers Evans and Vince Gray (D-Ward 7), and D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, didn’t answer The Washington Informer’s inquiry about Butler’s initiative or on the overall issue of term limits. As he walked out of the fourthfloor council chambers at the end of Tuesday’s Committee on Education hearing Tuesday, Mendelson expressed his unwavering opposition to term limits, saying that, since Home Rule, District officials have served a median length of eight years. Later, he went on to argue that term limits in neighboring Prince George’s County brought on those whom he described as “political novices.” Some D.C. residents, like Vanessa Robinson, had a different take saying that the absence of term limits has prevented innovation that would be of benefit to both her and her neighbors.

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“Some things need to be changed and term limits are a good step so that everyone grows,” said Robinson, a Ward 8 resident. Robinson said she laments the opening of Good Foods Market on South Capitol in Southwest, saying that a supermarket with more competitive prices would better suit Ward 8 residents. She cited it as an example of local leadership’s lack of judgment. “Officials get comfortable in their assignments and they forget about certain people,” she said. “The people getting elected don’t even bother to come across the Anacostia River. If you want to serve the people, you have to connect with them.” On Wednesday, during an appearance on The Rev. Graylan Hagler’s “What’s at Stake” program on WPFW 89.3FM, Butler spoke in depth about his campaign and how he plans to boost the appeal of term limits among D.C. voters. Hagler, currently in the midst of a battle to reverse the D.C. Council’s repeal of Initiative 77, a voter-approved ballot measure to raise the tipped worker’s min-

5 James Butler (Courtesy photo)

imum wage to that of salaried employees, said D.C. residents should embrace ideas, like that of Butler, that improve society. “The council is too entrenched and too comfortable in themselves,” Hagler said. “There has to be an instrument of accountability,” he continued. “A lot of people may have

been under the impression that [term limits have] been passed, but you have Councilmembers Evans and Mendelson who have been there forever and made a lifetime career or being in office and making attempts to stay in office rather than represent the people.” WI

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 5 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

FEB 14-20, 2019

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

FEB. 14 1867 – Morehouse College is founded in Georgia. 1946 – Actor, singer and dancer Gregory Hines is born in New York City. 1965 – The New York home of civil rights activist Malcolm X is firebombed with him and his family inside.

FEB. 15 1965 – Famed singer Nat King Cole dies in Santa Monica, California, of lung cancer at 45. 1968 – Henry Lewis becomes the first Black to head a major U.S. symphony orchestra when he takes over the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

FEB. 16 1857 – Frederick Douglass is elected president of Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company. 1923 – Blues singer Bessie Smith records her first single, “Down Hearted Blues,” which was later included in the inaugural National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress. 1972 – Wilt Chamberlain becomes the first player in NBA history to score 30,000 points.

FEB. 17 1891 – Black inventor A.C. Richardson patents an improved butter churn. 1936 – Pro football great and civil rights advocate Jim Brown is born in St. Simons, Georgia. 1942 – Political activist and Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton is born in Monroe, Louisiana. 1963 – Basketball legend Michael Jordan is born in Brooklyn, New York. 1982 – Influential jazz pianist Thelonious Monk dies of a stroke in Englewood, New Jersey, at 64.

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FEB. 18 1931 – Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison is born in Lorain, Ohio. 1965 – West African nation Gambia declares its independence from the United Kingdom. 1965 – Civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson is shot by an Alabama state trooper during a peaceful voting rights march rally in Marion, dying eight days later. 2006 – Speed skater Shani Davis becomes the first Black athlete to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics.

FEB. 19 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.” 1997 – Virginia’s House of Delegates votes unanimously to retire the state song, “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” which glorifies slavery.

FEB. 20

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

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. 1927 – Sidney Poitier, the first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, is born in Miami. 1937 – Grammy-winning singer Nancy Wilson is born in Chillicothe, Ohio. WI

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

MICHAEL JORDAN THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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AROUND THE REGION

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Several politicians, celebrities and fashion houses have recently been taken to task for the use of blackface with prominent figures such as T.I. and Spike Lee calling for boycotts. What are your thoughts? FAYE FIELDS /

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LANDREY TERRY / WASHINGTON, D.C.

This has to stop. This has gone on long enough and we must invest in ourselves and eliminate them financially. That means all minority people must band together and eradicate the problem. Pour that money back into our own financial freedom.

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First, it takes a while to come up with the idea and I’m sure there are some Black people working there. Do you think they’re going to boycott? I don’t think so. Hell no, ‘cause they want their jobs.

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I am not even a Virginian and I will not forgive the racist behavior. I don’t even trust the pediatric medical college that would openly include that type of photo content in their yearbook.

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 7 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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I remember the day as if it were yesterday when I first began to realize that something was happening to my mother’s mind. We were driving from the nursing home where she’d been forced to place my stepfather after he’d become confused, combative and unable to do simple, everyday tasks that we take for granted. It wasn’t an easy decision for her but it was the only one she, living alone and in her mid-80s could make. As we drove, she suddenly shouted that she was lost. At first, I thought she was joking. After all, she had grown up in Williamsburg, VA, the city where she and her second husband had met and lived together for over a decade. She knew those roads like the back of her hand. How could she be lost? That was the beginning. Five years later, I cook for, clean, feed, bathe and direct her every steps. Occasionally, on a good day, she’s a little like her former self: vibrant, engaging, comical, joyous, always singing, always encouraging me. She’s my best friend, again. But those days have become more and more elusive. She pre-

fers to sleep late, to watch our big screen television while watching reruns of old detective shows which in her state of mind, lead her to believe that she’s seeing each episode for the first time. She reads the paper over and over again – as if the paper had just been placed on her lap. Elaborate dresses, beautiful furs, wigs and jewelry and trips abroad have made way for soiled diapers, requests for something else to eat, after I’ve cooked to her specifi-

I can only speak to the pain I routinely experience, the tears that frequently soak my pillow, the frustration that eats at my very core when despite my best efforts, I cannot resurrect the “old Mom,” even for a few brief moments, because I miss that part of her so much. cations the meal before her and a look in her eyes that tells me she’s afraid. Nothing could have prepared me for being my mother’s caregiver. But I refuse to give up, to give in or to allow the spirit of depression to take over our home or my soul. So, I can imagine what Dan Gasby, the husband of the legendary restauranteur B. Smith is going through. What I cannot fathom is why so many fans as

well as some of Smith’s closest celebrity palls are so incensed by his decision to allow his longtime girlfriend to live in their house. I get it. But I don’t. I can only speak to the pain I routinely experience, the tears that frequently soak my pillow, the frustration that eats at my very core when despite my best efforts, I cannot resurrect the “old Mom,” even for a few brief moments, because I miss that part of her so much. I don’t know what decisions Smith and Gasby made as they realized the mental decline from which there’s no return. But I’m sure they had more than a few heart-to-heart talks. Just like Mom and I did. Moreover, I’d bet that more than anything, he wishes he turn the clock back. I’ll bet he’s prayed until his knees are sore and bloody that he’s simply having a bad dream and that when he awakes, he’ll be able to exclaim, “Wow, that was some nightmare.” But it’s reality for him – as I too have had to accept my own reality. So, before folks jump on the bandwagon and decide that he should abandon all semblances of normal life and join his wife in Never, Never Land, maybe they need to “walk a mile in his moccasins,” as the Native American adage suggests. If that’s impossible, try walking in mine – just for a day or two. Then, perhaps more people will be able to understand. Maybe they’ll be a bit less judgmental. Maybe we should just leave B. Smith and her husband alone. WI

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&pizza Comes to Capitol Hill

AROUND THE REGION Learn how to get a

By James Wright WI Contributing Writer

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&pizza, a D.C.-based pizza chain, recently set up its 33rd store in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) couldn’t have been happier. “We would like to thank you for coming to the People’s House,” Norton told a gathering of about 20 in the Rayburn cafeteria on Feb. 6. “Often when I’m in a hearing, … the question members are asking privately is, ‘What’s for lunch?’ “By locating here, you’ve made it a much better place,” she said &pizza currently operates in the District, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Miami, with plans for a joint venture in Cambridge, Mass. The House location will also welcome visitors and tourists. House members and staff have largely relied over the years on the cafeterias located in the office buildings to eat. In recent years, there has been a move by the House administrative leaders of operations to expand culinary choices for when the cafeterias are closed and the House hasn’t yet adjourned for the day. “Members and staff work hard here,” said Phil Kiko, the chief administrative officer of the

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5 Sodexo and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House (CAO) celebrated the grand opening of the &pizza restaurant at the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Pictured left to right: Larry McMarlin, district manager from Sodexo; Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton; Philip G. Kiko, the chief administrative officer of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Andy Hooper, Chief People Officer at &pizza. (House Creative Services/Phi Nguyen)

House. “They arrive early and stay late.” A Subway sandwich shop also operates in the Rayburn Building and a Dunkin’ Donuts sits in the Longworth Building. These restaurants operate in conjunction with Sodexo, a food and facilities manage Kiko said that on the HouseNet website, the second-most frequented query happens to be the featured dishes on the weekly menu.

Andy Hooper, the chief people officer of &pizza, expressed excitement about having a store on Capitol Hill. “We wanted to have a presence in the middle of the action,” he said. Hooper said &pizza would also like to have a presence on the U.S. Senate. “We would welcome the opportunity,” he said. WI

The Black Migration

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By James Wright WI Contributing Writer Since coming to the shores of Virginia in 1619, African Americans have been on the move in the United States, whether running from their enslaved status in the South and its border states to freedom whether in the North, West or Canada before the Civil War, migrating to the North and West from 1900-1970 and, presently, headed back South. In the next edition of The In- 5 Dr. Greg Carr (Robert Roberts/ WI File Photo) former, the reasons for these migrations and the positive and negative implications of it will be analyzed by scholars of Howard University, among others and examples will be cited of the people who achieved greatness as a result of these moves. Indeed, many of America’s cities have been transformed by migrating Blacks who have contributed to the political, artistic and entrepreneurial spirit of these places. Dr. Michael Fauntroy, a political scientist at Howard University, will explain how the Democratic Party after 1936 relied on the Black vote to win political offices. Plus, Dr. Greg Carr, a noted historian on Black history at Howard, relays lesser-known reasons for Blacks leaving the South and how the journey back to the South relied on more than just nostalgia “to come home.” WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT

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WORDS TO LIVE BY “We are led into saying that there is no difference

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there is a difference produced by the unequal opportunities. To argue otherwise is to discredit the effects of slavery.”

– From ‘Stumbling Blocks,’ quoted in ‘Black-Belt Diamonds’ [1898]

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AROUND THE REGION

String of Charter School Closures Sparks Questions and Concerns Evaluation System, Financial Mismanagement Among Complaints

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins On the first morning of Black History Month, students and teachers at Democracy Prep Congress Heights Charter School in Southeast displayed their Afrocentricity during a daylong event that included drumming, dancing and exposure to continental African fashion. The second annual gathering on Feb. 1, which teachers said they organized when school officials didn’t acknowledge the annual cultural and historical celebration, occurred amid questions about what would become of the 600 young people who wouldn’t be able to return to their school next year. At the beginning of the 20182019 academic year, students, teachers and parents learned that the Democracy Prep’s school board, part of a national network of charter schools, decided to close its only District-based school. The shocking news followed years of teacher and personnel turnover and battles with the D.C. Public Charter School Board (PCSB) to preserve Democracy Prep’s charter. Those efforts culminated in a December charter board hearing at Trinity Washington University, where teachers rallied to stop the charter revocation process, to no avail. “There was no emphasis on putting things in place to get students on grade level,” said Brandi Jackson, a veteran instructor in her fourth year at Democracy Preparatory, one of the few instructors to enjoy such a designation. Jackson, a teacher of 20 years, recounted her frustration upon seeing each administration prioritize what she described as trivial matters — parking spaces and student hall passes — rather than addressing teachers’ need for printing paper and other supplies, trauma-informed instruction, building maintenance, and curricula that reflected gaps in student learning. Jackson’s biggest problem, however, centered around the collection of academic data, via what’s called the Performance Management Framework, that didn’t consider the socioeconomic conditions that complicate student learning — and how she and her colleagues went above and beyond to tackle those issues.

“That’s been the problem working with people who don’t know we’ve taken students home to buy coats,” Jackson said. “I’ve given a family all of my furniture to outfit their living room. Democracy Prep brought on a lot of the wrong people who are scared of the children. They refused the modify the curriculum until this year. Our board was hands-off.”

APPROACHING THE NADIR

Democracy Prep, a K-8 institution now in its fifth year of existence, will shutter at the end of the academic year along with City Arts + Prep Public Charter School in Northeast and, albeit for financial reasons, Chavez Prep Middle School in Northwest. Those closures, according to documentation provided by PCSB, follow the revocation of Excel Academy Public Charter School’s charter and that of Sustainable Future’s last year. At the end of this academic year, Ideal Academy Public Charter School and Somerset Academy Public Charter School will relinquish their charters. Excel Academy, located on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, has since converted to a DCPS school. Kipp DC will operate Somerset Prep and Friendship Schools will start a similar relationship with Ideal. These schools had been relegated to Tier 2 or 3 status on the Performance Management Framework, a measure of academic progress for the charter school system since 2013. That means that out of 100 points, they scored anywhere between 0 and 64.9. The Performance Management Framework assesses academic progress via school environment, student improvement and preparedness for college, and other goals specific to a school’s mission. Oftentimes, low scores on the Performance Management Framework, anywhere between 0 and 34.9 points, could be attributed to growth and achievement on the PARCC exam, low re-enrollment rate, and low attendance.

presentation of a school improvement plan and changes to the trustee board and math department. A point of contention brought up by National Collegiate leaders during PCSB hearings was the compilation of goals they said charter board members agreed would be among metrics determining National Collegiate’s status. A document provided by school officials showed that National Collegiate met eight out of nine goals compiled during its five-year review. That outcome, however, didn’t prevent the charter board from prioritizing its Performance Management Framework score of less than 27 percent as a key factor the charter revocation process. Leaders at National Collegiate Preparatory have criticized the Performance Management Framework, saying it didn’t consider the significant growth in among at-risk students who entered its program below grade level in core subjects. Heads of other local charter

5 Duvalier Malone speaking to the students at Democracy Prep Congress Heights Public Charter School for the kick-off of Black History Month (Democracy Prep PCS Facebook Grab)

schools have reached similar conclusions, not exclusively about the Performance Management Framework, but the means by which the charter board determines a school’s success. In the case of City Arts + Prep Public Charter School, a Northeast-based, arts-integration K-8 institution, PCSB didn’t defer to what

Lanette Dailey-Reese, executive director, described as the school’s unique, arts-driven mission. Instead, officials focused more on the statistics involving students’ math and reading performance, which showed percentage rates of

CLOSURES Page 15

MOVING THE GOALPOSTS

Last month, PCSB voted to revoke the charter of National Collegiate Public Charter School, a Southeast school fitting that profile, capping enrollment in preparation for its 2020 closure. Charter board members reached that decision despite National Collegiate officials’

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 11 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Both Sides Passionate in Minimum Wage Debate By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Kara Brummell works five days a week assisting adults with mental and physical disabilities to help them seek employment. Sometimes Brummell must budget at least $60 a week for gas to drive clients around at various businesses along the Eastern Shore. Personally, she receives less than $15 an hour taking care of her 3-year-old son as she resides with her brother and his family. “I’ve been hit. I’ve been cursed at. I’ve had people run away

from me,” said Brummell, 33, an employee transition specialist. “But I’ve built trust with them and their families. It’s important work me and my colleagues do.” Brummell and dozens of others direct support professionals, health care workers, advocates and others testified Friday, Feb. 8 for proposed legislation to gradually increase Maryland’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. Some of the 174 people who registered to speak waited for hours in and outside the House’s Economic Matters hearing room as they donned “Fight for $15” buttons. Others wore red T-shirts that read, “Save Our Tip$.”

5 Dozens fill a hearing room in Annapolis to testify about proposed legislation to raise Maryland’s minimum wage to $15 an hour on Feb. 8. /Photo by William J. Ford

The formal bill, labeled “Labor and Employment – Payment of Wages – Minimum Wage and Enforcement,” almost became a reality last year. However, a version in the more conservative Senate didn’t move forward. With about one-third of the Senate changed this year,

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it’s believed the long-awaited legislation may finally pass. The current minimum wage increased to $10.10 in July. According to the draft legislation, the minimum wage would gradually increase this way: • $11.50 per hour starting July 1, 2020. • $13 per hour starting July 1, 2021. • $14 per hour starting July 1, 2022. • $15 per hour starting July 1, 2023. Wages would also gradually increase to $15 an hour for employees who receive more than $30 each month in tips. Dissenters such as Brice Phillips, grandson of the late Brice and Shirley Phillips who established Phillips Seafood restaurant in 1956, said the average dinner price of $50 would increase to at least $70. “I’m going to lose everybody,” he said. “That doesn’t work.” Afshin Abedi, president of the Maryland Association of Adult Day Services, said without a reimbursement rate increase, his organization wouldn’t be able to pay the minimum wage hike. For instance, a $1 minimum wage increase would boost overall costs by 3 percent. “We’re primarily a Medicaid provider,” he said. “We cannot charge our customers [higher fees] because Medicaid prevents us from doing so.” Dissenters such as Delegate Seth Howard (R-Anne Arundel County) said small-business owners he’s spoken to are scared

the legislation could force them to lay off workers. “The conversations I am having is not about profit. It’s not about economics. It’s a genuine fear being able to offer those jobs,” said Howard, who owns Broadleaf Tobacco and Smoke Shop in Severna Park. “As an employer myself, I understand that fear. I’ve had to look at people I like very much and say, ‘I’m sorry.’ That’s a disgusting feeling.” Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, one of the first people to testify in support of the minimum wage increase, had a response. “This is not easy,” she said while sitting beside Delegate Diana Fennell (D-District 47A), sponsor of the legislation. “We’re not saying it’s convenient. We’re saying it’s the right thing to do. It’s not that we don’t recognize that this is difficult. We’re saying in many instances this is a moral issue.” Some support the measure, but with amendments. Sally McMillan Guy, associate director of state affairs for John Hopkins University in Baltimore, requested $15 hourly wage be implemented one year later by 2024 to give businesses more tim A provision in the bill prohibits an employer to take adverse actions against an employee that includes “a reduction or change in work hours.” “Many of our workers are shift workers … who change hours all the time,” Guy said after testifying. “We are not for adverse action, but we think it’s a step too far.” WI

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Senate OKs School Choice Calendar Bill Heads to House By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Senate voted along party lines Tuesday to allow the state’s 24 public school districts to decide on their own when to start and end the school year. The nucleus of the legislation focuses on a 2016 executive order by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan that forced school districts to start school after Labor Day and end by June 15. Some Democrats, school officials and advocates criticized Hogan for assisting Worcester County along Ocean City, which during that time served as the only jurisdiction in the state to start school after Labor Day. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates, which could discuss the legislation as early as Thursday during a hearing before the Ways and Means Committee. After the 31-13 vote, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said this now sits as a regional issue. In neighboring Virginia, lawmakers in the state Senate voted Monday to push its school start date back two weeks before Labor Day. If it receives final approval, it would end a decades-old tradition to start the school year after Labor Day unofficially known as the “Kings Dominion rule,” based on the popular theme park about 90 miles from the District. “[Virginia lawmakers] recognized because of snow days, AP testing, summer school [and] free lunch programs that school systems need diversity,” said Miller, a Democrat who voted in favor of the Maryland bill. “If the legislature dominated by Republicans in Virginia can recognize giving local control to local boards, we think Maryland can do the same.”

Some state school administrators and officials said beginning school after Labor Day has forced certain cutbacks in teacher instructional days and spring breaks. State law requires all students to receive 180 days of instruction. Meanwhile, Hogan posted a message Tuesday on his Facebook page urging residents to call any senator who voted “yes” on the legislation, part of a petition effort to place the matter on a referendum if the legislature votes in favor of the bill. He explained that former Gov. Martin O’Malley organized a task force in 2013 to examine the ramifications of opening schools after Labor Day, which some Democratic lawmakers supported at the time. After Hogan was elected the following year, he said he waited for lawmakers to pass legislation. Since they didn’t, he imposed the executive order that went into effect for the 2017-18 school year. “The Maryland Senate just voted against the will of over 70 percent of Marylanders who want schools to start classes after Labor Day,” Hogan said. “If that isn’t blatant, partisan hypocrisy, then I don’t know what is.” Hogan announced last week plans to submit legislation to codify his executive order in a statute. In addition, any local school system that decides to restructure its academic calendars to begin school before Labor Day must allow residents to decide at the ballot box. Sen. Benjamin Kramer (D-Montgomery County) read a portion of a letter from the Montgomery County school board that supports starting schools before Labor Day. “My elected school board unanimously said we need this,” he said. “We need to improve what we’re doing. We need to

have the flexibility to have instructional days we deem appropriate for our students.” Sen. Michael Hough Jr., a Republican who represents Frederick and Carroll counties, said local officials work on school calendars “lack common sense.” Before Hogan’s executive order, Hough said schools opened a week or two before Labor Day but would close on the Friday before the holiday. “The calendar is a total mess,” said Hough, who voted against the school board legislation. “When they start school on Aug. 22 and have the kids go back for two or three days for that first week. It’s nonsensical. I have little faith in our local school because they have proven they could not put together a coherent calen- 5 Fifth-grade students at Tulip Grove Elementary enter the building for the first day of school on Sept. 4, one day after Labor Day. /File photo by Robert Roberts dar.” WI

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The terms of the agreement, according to key lawmakers, include $1.37 billion which would pay for 55 miles of new border fencing in the form of steel slats but not a solid wall – far less than the $5.7 billion Trump has sought for more than 200 miles of walls. Democrats compromised by removing their demand for a new cap on immigrants detained in the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) described the deal as “good news,” adding that it “provides new funds for miles of new border barriers.” He promised to review the finer points of the bill with hopes that the Senate will vote for its approval “in short order.” Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) remained adamant when asked what he believes the president should do. “These months of shutdown politics must come to an end,” he said. According to Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who flew back with the president to the White House following the rally in El Paso, Trump was “reviewing his options” with one possibility still being for the president to transfer money from other programs in order to fund the building for a more expansive wall along the southern border. Closer to home here in the Greater Washington Area, William C. Smith, Jr., a state senator from Montgomery County, also an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve who received orders from the Pentagon to deploy to Afghanistan and must report for duty March 29 (10 days before the last day of the General Assembly on April 8), says he’s kept in touch with Reps. Anthony Brown and Jamie Raskin who represent Maryland in Congress and how Marylanders might suffer, again. “Maryland is particularly impacted by a shutdown like this because we have a little over 200,000 federal workers. The folks that are non-essential don’t go to work and you have the essential employees who are working for free, essentially. It’s a tremendous impact. There’s also ancillary impact with the local economy. It would be a terrible thing if they can’t get this together and come up with a deal. We will see,” Smith said. Both the House and Senate must now approve the pending legislation and secure Trump’s signature to avoid the shutdown.

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5 Beto O’Rourke (Courtesy AP)

PITCH FOR WALL MORPHS INTO OLD-FASHIONED HOEDOWN

With the sudden turn-of-events, whether by coincidence, providence or the result of chicanery committed at the highest level, Trump aptly abandoned his original script, a plea for the funding of his “wall,” instead touting victories secured under his watch, proposing what he deems to be a “mainstream, nonpartisan agenda” and calling the role of his hardand-fast “American values, traditions and beliefs which unite us all.” The throng of staunch supporters who stood for well over two hours – a crowd mostly comprised of white Americans and American families – men, women and children – repeatedly applauded Trump’s boasts, beliefs and promises. Trump referred to his comments made during the recent State of the Union address during which he says he asked both Democrats and Republicans to “choose greatness.” “We now have the hottest economy on Earth. We’ve invested $700 billion into the military that was in real trouble, we’re more powerful than we’ve ever been and we’re caring for our warriors. America is winning again,” he said, before citing a list of the many demographics of Americans he’s “proud to be fighting for” – a list that either by error or design, did not include the country’s LGBTQ [sexual orientation] citizens. “Ours is a mainstream, commonsense agenda that’s good for the American people and moves us in the direction that Americans want to go. We support the digniaty of work, the sanctity of life and we encourage faith and family over government bureaucracy. Most of all, we continue to guarantee religious freedom, freedom of speech, the right to bear and keep arms and uncompromised respect for the American flag,” he said. As the rally drew to a close, Trump

shared comments about his mission, perhaps echoing the words White House Press Secretary recently made while on a Christian radio show during which she referred to the president’s election victory being due to the “will of God.” “Like you [Texans] have done throughout this state’s history, today, we’ve made our stand,” he said. “We’ve come together, millions and millions of people, in numbers never witnessed in history. We’ve come for safety, sovereignty and the sacred rights given to us by the hand of Almighty God.” “We will make America wealthy, strong, safe and great again.”

COUNTER PROTEST EFFORTS FIZZLE

Trump gave short-shrift to a demonstration numbering hundreds of counter-protesters organized by Women’s March El Paso – a one-mile march past the president’s rally that also took place on Monday night. Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) walked in solidarity, joining scores of civic and human rights organizations determined to counter Trump’s “lies and false narrative about the U.S.-Mexico border.” Trump said in his recent State of the Union address that El Paso’s border walls helped it become one of the nation’s safest cities. O’Rourke and local leaders dispute Trump’s “facts,” calling them both inaccurate and irrelevant. Protestors walked through El Paso just before Trump took the stage, chanting “build bridges, not walls” while marching along the border fence that separates the city from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Others hoisted signs that challenged Trump on his notions of immigration including “Trump made America hate again.” “El Paso is safe not because of walls but in spite of walls,” O’Rourke said during the counter protest rally. WI

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BUSINESS

Classic Valentine Candies Much is Required to Create a Legacy Won’t Be on Shelves This Year Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer

Sweethearts, the classic candies that many Americans have grown up with, will not be on the shelves this Valentine’s Day. The New England Confectionery Co. (Necco), which manufactured the heart-shaped candies for more than a century, filed for bankruptcy protection last year. Spangler Candy Co., a lollipop, marshmallow and candy cane maker based in Ohio, bought the shuttered company in September but didn’t have enough time to get the candies on the shelves for 2019. “There are a lot of manufactur-

ing challenges and unanswered questions at this point, and we want to make sure these brands meet consumer expectations when they re-enter the market,” said Spangler CEO Kirk Vashaw. Competitors such as Brach’s are still making sweetheart candies with messages like “miss you” and “love you.” However, online retailer CandyStore.com says Sweethearts are by far the most popular brand, commanding 80 percent of U.S. market for candy hearts. The retailer also reported that consumers are expected to spend $1.8 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts, flowers and, of course, candy. WI

VALENTINE’S DAY CANDY FACTS FROM CANDYSTORE.COM

43 percent of people said they will buy themselves a box of chocolates this year.

58 million pounds of chocolate are bought during Valentine’s Day week.

The peak selling period for conversation hearts is only 6 weeks long.

It takes manufacturers 11 months to produce enough for those 6 weeks.

Vodka infused with candy remained popular with conversation hearts last year.

Children receive 39 percent of all Valentine’s Day candy and gifts.

CLOSURES from Page 11 college and career readiness in both subject areas hovering around the mid-20s. “Our unique mission as a predominate arts program for elementary students wasn’t attached to our charter goals,” Dailey-Reese said as she explained the circumstances of City Arts + Prep’s closure, which the charter board approved in January. Since its 2004 inception, City Arts + Prep, formerly the William E. Doar, Jr. Public Charter School for the Arts, has provided opportunities for young people to learn, at no costs, theater, arts, music, and visual arts, in conjunction with core instruction. More than 450 students, many of whom travel to school from various parts of the District, garner a bevy of opportunities to perform locally, on television, and on the national stage. Dailey-Reese made it clear that, as a Tier 2 school, City Arts + Prep had

what it took to remain open. However, because school leaders didn’t put in writing, during its 10-year charter review, that PCSB examine the rate at which students matriculate to the Duke Ellington School of Arts in Northwest and how arts instruction permeated the five core disciplines, City Arts + Prep’s success in those areas remained irrelevant. Another point that Dailey-Reese emphasized centered on City Arts + Prep’s at-risk students, who experienced significant growth in their PARCC exam scores between 2014 and 2018, outscoring their counterparts by at least seven percentage points. She said the Performance Management Framework doesn’t reflect this reality. “Our at-risk students outscore the state in English and Language Arts and Math categories, and have done so over the last few years, you see we

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As February is Black History Month we celebrate the contributions and the sacrifices that African Americans have made that have impacted the lives to follow. The commitments of those who have gone on before us have created the world and the opportunities that we have now. However, the reality of our current economic wealth gap is staggering. Many have fought for us to have the right to buy houses in communities all over the country. While African Americans have suffered from redlining, voter suppression and many forms of institutional racism we are still fighting to raise up and thrive. Our children compete on uneven playing fields. Yet, we are more than conquerors. We make the commitment to innovate and overcome. We continue to fight the fight of institutional racism that allows for health disparities and educational opportunities that often result in lower wages. Yet, power concedes nothing with out a fight, as stated by Frederick Douglass. We need to take advantage of every tool that we have access to for success. We know that the African American culture brings a value of community and heritage. The actions and the gains that have been taken by our ancestors can be lost. Using land as an example, In 1910 African Americans owned almost 20 million acres of land in the United States. In 2016 African American own approximately just 8 million acres. And the numbers continue to decline. Land is an example of the resources that are lost when there is no strategy or commitment to long term planning. The significant land lost has multiple reasons including the great migration in the pursuit of jobs, systematic discrimination in lending by the US Department of Agriculture, in addition to the lack of planning which created the opportunity for real estate developers and speculators forcible sale. In retrospect if there was the knowledge or the capacity to withstand the struggle it required to maintain the land with the understanding of what that resource would bring, the circumstances would be very different now. Land ownership provides an economic resource that is unparalleled. The willingness to sacrifice and strategize to build capacity for the generations to follow requires a fortitude that we can’t always anticipate. Legacy building is challenging. The first step is to recognize the tools that are at our disposal. The Griffin Firm has committed to moving from simple estate planning to Legacy Building. We need to do more than the basics in creating a Will that directs who will get our stuff when we die. We have created a teaching and collaborative model that incorporates partners to build together. We have adopted a model that instructs the family that includes fiduciary agents to understand what are the values that undergird the strategy for the long term impact of the plan. We can no longer afford to plan for the day. We must build a legacy. By building a legacy today we strengthen our family and community for tomorrow. Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC www.yourestateplanningattorney.com (202)379-4738 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 440, Washington DC 20015 1401 Mercantile Lane, Suite 383, Upper Marlboro MD 20774 100 International Drive, 23rd Floor, Baltimore MD 21202 1100 Peachtree ST NE Suite 200 Atlanta GA 30309 2530 Meridian Parkway Suite 300 Durham NC 27713 do that with our arts integration mission,” Dailey-Reese said. “We had two dissenting votes for renewal. If you don’t reach academic measures, you get your charter revoked. Many of the charter board members are super supportive of our work and the population we serve. The results were just based on the way the rules were written.” For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. WI

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 15 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

NATIONAL Fairfax Continues to Deny, Survive Sex Assault Allegations By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia Amid the controversy and calls for impeachment from his peers, Virginia Lt. Gov. and former District resident Justin Fairfax has managed to hang on to his job and, as each day goes by, it’s beginning to appear that he just might survive the sexual abuse scandal that’s engulfed his first term in office. Virginia delegate Patrick Hope on Monday, Feb. 11, backed off his plans to introduce articles of

impeachment against the embattled Fairfax. “I sent draft language to my colleagues on the first step of an impeachment action regarding the Lt. Governor. There has been an enormous amount of sincere and thoughtful feedback which has led to additional conversations that need to take place before anything is filed,” Hope tweeted on Monday. CNN reported that Hope’s decision came during a conference call Sunday night with Democratic members of the Virginia House of Delegates in which members voiced

their strong opinion to Hope that the caucus was not prepared for articles of impeachment to be introduced. In another tweet, Hope said, “We owe it to all parties involved — especially the victims — to make sure that we have sure that we have thought through every option the General Assembly has.” Hope, who said he believes the two women who have accused Fairfax of sexual assault, was assured during the call that Democrats will support some form of an independent investigation into the matter, according to CNN. “I promise that my work on this issue will be tireless until we have a process and outcome that treats these women with the respect they deserve going forward,” Hope wrote. He wasn’t the only Democrat to voice displeasure with Fairfax and call for either his resignation or impeachment. “We hold public officials to a higher standard than ordinary citizens for a reason — they must have the confidence and trust of the people in order to effectively govern,” said D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. “Both Justin Fairfax and [Virginia Gov.] Ralph Northam have lost the ability to successfully govern and therefore must resign,” Northam remains under heavy

scrutiny because of a photo on his 1984 medical college yearbook page that showed one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. Days after the Northam scandal broke, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring also admitted to donning blackface he said he wore during a party back in 1980. In a statement over the past weekend and in a published interview, Fairfax continued to deny the accusations that he sexually assaulted two women while in college. “I’ve been very relaxed, being able to focus on my official duties has actually helped,” Fairfax said. “I enjoy that work tremendously, presiding over the senators and the staff interactions and working with constituents. I welcome the opportunity to focus on those issues that the people of Virginia elected us to work on.” Had a resolution for impeachment been introduced, it would have been the first step in the removal process. The process begins in the House, and if it passes with a majority vote, it moves to the Senate, where a trial would be held to determine if Fairfax will be removed. The resolution must have the support of the speaker of the House, currently Republican Kirkland Cox, in order to even be brought for a vote for the House floor. Cox had not

NURSES from Page 1

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The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), founded in 1971, serves as the representative for 200,000 African-American nursing professionals, students and retirees from the U.S., the Caribbean and Africa with 90 chartered chapters in 35 states. Blacks make up 9.9 percent of all nurses, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Working under the theme “Addressing the Epidemic of Health Inequity: The NBNA Call for Action,” the participants listened to speakers on health and public policy issues in the morning and spent part of the afternoon on Capitol Hill meeting with representatives and senators and their legislative staffs. During the visits, the participants urged their lawmakers to support their areas of concern: passing the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2018 sponsored by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) that would correct deficiencies in data collecting and reporting, pushing for health care worker diversity and support for mental health initiatives; working to eliminate maternal mortality; educating and advocating on climate change and environmental justice; fighting the epidemic of gun violence and combating

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Underwood encouraged the event participants to know their local public officials and seek appointment to county and state nursing boards.

the opioid crisis. While most met with staff members, some managed to get face time with their representatives on the Hill. Participants from New York talked with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) and those from Houston had a dialogue with Rep. Al Green (D-Texas). Afterward, the participants spoke of their experiences with their lawmakers. Underwood, the youngest African-American woman elected to the Congress, said that she and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) are the only Black nurses on the Hill.

5 Justin Fairfax (WI File Photo)

indicated if he would allow that to happen, according to CNN. “I’m very confident that the entire encounter was consensual,” Fairfax said of the allegations against him. “We’re looking forward to the independent investigation to explore the facts, and assess various factors involved. Those reviews will support what I know is the truth.” WI “That’s not enough,” she said. Underwood encouraged the event participants to know their local public officials and seek appointment to county and state nursing boards. She also said the participants should take a “leap of faith” and intern for a member of Congress. “I know that will be a sacrifice leaving where you live and coming here to Washington,” Underwood said. “However, you will learn a lot about the legislative process and be able to be an effective advocate for nursing and your community.” Dr. Greg Margolis, director of health policy fellowships and leadership programs for the National Academy of Medicine in the District, spoke about the Robert W. Johnson Health Policy Fellows program and noted that Dr. Sheldon Fields, a founding president of the greater New York City chapter of the NBNA, made history as the first male registered nurse to participate in the program. “Resources do not go to the just, but to the organized,” Margolis said. “Advocacy is not an event it is a campaign. If you want things to get done on your behalf, it’s not just a oncea-year event visiting the Hill. … It should be viewed as part of a longterm campaign.” WI

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Enhancing Natural Gas Service in Washington D.C.

Delivering safe, affordable, reliable, clean-burning natural gas has been Washington Gas’ mission since our founding in the District of Columbia 170 years ago. We’re proud to call the District home and be an essential and dependable part of our customers’ lives every day as they heat their homes and prepare their meals. In delivering gas safely—our number one priority—we take every step to ensure our infrastructure is maintained to improve system reliability and reduce environmental impacts, all while meeting or exceeding the highest standards of safety and quality to better serve our customers. In Washington D.C., our accelerated pipeline replacement program called PROJECTpipes enables Washington Gas to enhance our system while maintaining excellent service.

PROJECTpipes is a comprehensive, accelerated pipeline replacement initiative authorized by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (PSC) where we focus on enhancements and improvements to our distribution system, reducing risk and enhancing safety. Progress with PROJECTpipes since June of 2014 has been steady and promising. We replaced approximately 13 miles of pipe and 3,000 service lines. In addition, Washington Gas reduced greenhouse gases released from our distribution system by an estimated cumulative reduction total of 5,674 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Last December, we filed the second phase of PROJECTpipes with the PSC so that we can continue our work to replace aging infrastructure across the District to enhance safety and increase system reliability while further reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building on the last five years of work. As Washington Gas works hard to modernize our infrastructure, we are committed to doing all we can to minimize neighborhood disruptions caused by our construction. Washington Gas also recognizes the investment we are asking customers to make to help us improve our system. The good news is, due to the substantial decrease in natural gas prices, customers actually pay less today for natural gas service than they did in 2007, even with the PROJECTpipes surcharge included in their bill. “Like all older metropolitan systems across the country, our pipeline system in Washington, D.C. is aging. This next phase of PROJECTpipes will expedite the replacement of this aging infrastructure while continuing to deliver affordable gas service to many generations of Washingtonians,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Washington Gas Adrian Chapman. PROJECTpipes Phase 2 proposes to replace approximately 22 miles of pipe and 8,274 service lines from October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2024. Washington Gas will prioritize the selection and timing of replacing certain types of facilities within specific categories, based on their relative risk, construction efficiencies, and other factors using proven pipeline integrity evaluation and risk assessment tools. “Serving our hometown of the District of Columbia is a commitment we value as we work to help our neighbors and the community enjoy the many benefits of natural gas as a fuel source,” Chapman said. “We are dedicated to using the PROJECTpipes program to upgrade our infrastructure to ensure our nation’s capital has reliable natural gas service now and well into the future.” For more information on PROJECTpipes Visit us at: https://www.washingtongas.com/projectpipes Contact us at: Project_Pipes@washgas.com

WASHINGTON GAS: COMMITTED TO SAFETY More than 177 million Americans use natural gas to heat their businesses and homes, warm their water and cook their food. At Washington Gas, safety is our number one priority. We want everyone to enjoy the benefits of clean and efficient natural gas, but also to recognize when there may be a danger.

RECOGNIZE SMELL

The most reliable sign of a natural gas leak is smell. Washington Gas adds an odorant called mercaptan to create the distinctive smell of sulfur or rotten eggs.

SIGHT Unexplained, random dead patch of lawn or vegetation in an otherwise green area of lawn or vegetation, unnatural bubbles in puddles and waterways (pond, creek, lake) or dirt being blown in the air.

SOUND A hissing sound or blowing noises, typically accompanied by a gas odor.

REACT

Immediately vacate the building or area immediately, leaving doors unlocked as you go. Warn others as you exit, if possible. Do nothing that could create an ignition source. Do not turn electrical appliances or lights on or off, operate motorized equipment or vehicles, or use any device that could cause a spark or source of ignition, including telephones and cell phones.

RESPOND Call 911, and then the Washington Gas Emergency Leak Line at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), selecting option 1. Emergency responders and Washington Gas will take action 24/7 to make sure you and the community stay safe. If a leak poses an immediate threat, the company takes quick action to make the area safe. If a natural gas leak does not pose an immediate threat, corrective action may be scheduled for a later date. washingtongas.com/safety

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 17 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

INTERNATIONAL

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Maimane Puts Foot Down on BEE Debate

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Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane quashed an attempt to reintroduce the debate on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), telling those pushing for racial classification to be scrapped from party policy to “shut up and get to work.” Maimane’s allies in the party say that the leader “found his voice” over the weekend when the federal council sat to mull over the party’s manifesto, the Johannesburg-based City Press reported. Maimane’s unexpectedly bold stance has also been seen as a signal to those discussing his removal after the elections that he will not go down without a fight. City Press reported that some parliament members, including Gwen Ngwenya — who recently resigned as policy head, saying the party doesn’t take policy seriously — as well as Ghaleb Cachalia and Mike Waters, were among those looking to reopen the debate on race. Cachalia is alleged to have advanced the argument that the DA has a “history” of standing against race-based policies. Last year, the party’s fight over which position to take spilled over into the public arena. Ngwenya announced that the DA had opted to abandon racial classification in its policy on redress and was backed up by then MP Gavin Davis, as well as Waters and Cachalia. Eastern Cape leader Nqaba Bhanga, among those who denied that the decision had been taken, is said to have added his voice on Friday, reiterating that black people had been disadvantaged and therefore the party’s policy should include race. Others who played a part in shutting down the debate are believed to include senior leaders John Steenhuisen and Athol Trollip. Maimane, often criticized for “not having enough backbone,” allegedly said it would not help party objectives to be embroiled in yet another divisive fight, particularly in the run-up to elections. DA chief executive Paul Boughey is said to have told the gathering that the party was polling above the 22% figure, which the DA got in the 2014 general elections. He did not give the exact figure. The so-called true liberals in the party, said to be gunning for Maimane, are banking on the party maintaining 22% or dipping below that in order for a strong case for his removal to be made. The claims of this plan were also addressed by party members at federal council who said that the reintroduction of the BEE debate gave credibility to the claims, since this would lead to another bruising battle and more reputational damage. Maimane also told the structure that the manifesto had been distributed some time ago to allow for inputs and that those with any objections had had ample time to raise them. A member of the federal council told City Press that Maimane reemphasized that the party had adopted a race-based policy in 2014 and that it had not changed. “I have never heard Mmusi respond so brutally to people. Some even clapped after he said ‘shut up.’ We couldn’t believe that he was actually proving to be in charge for the first time. I think everyone was stunned,” the member said. WI

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PM Wants More St. Lucians to Benefit from Tourism

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The government of Saint Lucia wants more Saint Lucians to benefit from the island’s main foreign exchange earner: tourism. “We are on a mission to ensure that more Saint Lucians can benefit from our record breaking performances in Tourism,” Prime Minister Allen Chastanet wrote on his official Facebook page. Saint Lucia recently hosted executives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and brought together stakeholders who play a key role in the management of the cruise sector. Chastanet said the objective was to better understand the sector and have direct dialogue with cruise executives on areas for development. “The year 2019 is focused on revenue generation within the tourism sector, so the Department of Tourism has also organized a forum for local suppliers and the FCCA, to dialogue on deepening linkages within the cruise sector,” the prime minister disclosed. He explained that it is anticipated that approximately 50 local suppliers (sites, attractions, excursion providers, dive operators, producers, etc.), will gain access to trade directly with cruise lines. “This is a milestone and the first of its kind, to ensure maximum benefits to local suppliers of products and services,” wrote Chastanet, the former tourism minister. WI

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 19 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 2/4/2019 5:56:40 PM

HEALTH Howard University Report Shows School’s Impact on City By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

Howard University spends more than $800 million annually and the historically Black university operates a workforce development program that trains 50 students for technology jobs while the university’s business school provides tax free services to District residents, helping them receive more than $650,000 in refunds. Further, the university has a public charter middle school on campus with nearly 300 students

enrolled from across the District and Howard participates in D.C. Public Schools dual enrollment program where approximately 20 high school students take college courses for free and earn credits upon successful completion. Those are just some of the benefits the city reaps from the university, according to “Howard University in the District of Columbia,” a new comprehensive report that provides an overview of the University’s contributions to the District and its steadfast commitment to social impact. “[The report] demonstrates the university’s critical role in

the District and our steadfast commitment to its growth,” said Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick. “Since its inception in 1867, the university has called the District of Columbia home. Its original founders, who were abolitionists, believed that African Americans deserved to have access to the same educational opportunities that they enjoyed. As such, the university played a significant role in educating former slaves, particularly in the District of Columbia.” One of the university’s founding members, Sen. Henry Wilson (R-Mass.), who later became vice president of the United States, authored legislation that abolished slavery in the District of Columbia. Howard University School of Law graduate Charlotte E. Ray was among the first women admitted to the D.C. Bar. And in response to the growing need for skilled African-American teachers in the mid to late 1800s, Howard partnered with the Institution for the Education of Colored Youth in the District of Columbia, Frederick noted. To this day, the university continues to play a critical role, he said.

5 Howard University students heading to class. (Courtesy photo)

“Howard is a major contributor to the District of Columbia economy: it has more than 9.500 alumni living in D.C., provides free legal services for residents, operates a workforce development program, offers health care services to D.C.’s most vulnerable populations, and its students, faculty and staff participate in numerous service projects around the District, giving several thousand volunteer hours annually,” Frederick said. “Additionally, many of our graduates have become prominent leaders in the District, developing and implementing public policy,” he said. To underscore Howard’s economic impact, the report noted that school has almost 500 District-based students and employs more than 1,500 city residents. In addition to the $800 million the university spends annually, student spending accounts for $26.7 million each year and Howard has an employment impact of more than 5,200 jobs, according to the report. Further, Howard is the only postsecondary institution in the District that has a middle school

offering a comprehensive curriculum for grades six through eight. The middle school was established in 2005 to create a pipeline of students and close the achievement gap. Students are enrolled from across the District and 43 percent are from Wards 7 and 8 — the two poorest wards in the city, the report notes. The Graduate School, which was awarded its first doctorate degree in 1958 in the field of chemistry, today offers 28 master’s and 27 doctoral programs and counts among the nation’s largest producers of African-American students who complete doctorate degrees in science, technology and engineering. “As you will see from the report, Howard University touches every facet of the District of Columbia and has been a longtime partner in helping the District expand and improve services and economic opportunities for its residents,” Frederick said. To view the full 24-page report, go to www.newsroom.howard.edu./howard-in-the-district. WI

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Cancer Risk for Blacks Still Higher than Others By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

African-Americans are at an increased risk for cancer — particularly pancreatic cancer. Black Americans have the highest incidence rate of pancreatic cancer of all ethnic and racial groups in the United States, up to 67 percent higher than any other group, according to data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Although there are many pancreatic cancer risk factors, including family history, diabetes, obesity and smoking, there is evidence that this racial disparity is more closely related to social and access issues rather than biology, according to a report from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN). Given the statistics, African-American History Month is also a relevant time to issue a reminder about the importance of clinical trial participation, according to PCAN. In the fight against pancreatic cancer, clinical trials often provide the best treatment options, officials said. They give patients early access to leading-edge treatments that can lead to progress in research, improved treatment options and better outcomes. Without increased enrollment, it remains very challenging to approve new and better treatment options, according to PCAN. Considering clinical trials is particularly important for pancreatic cancer patients who are part of an ethnic or racial minority group. The “I’m In” campaign encourages diversity in clinical trials, and highlights an eye-opening statistic: “Despite comprising 12 percent of the U.S. population, African-Americans make up only 5 percent of clinical trial participants. Hispanics and Latinos represent 16 percent of the U.S. population, but only 1 percent of clinical trial participants.” “Every pancreatic cancer tumor is different and treatments may work differently based on tumor biology,” wrote Kristin Reynolds for PCAN. “Studies show treatments selected based on tumor biology may increase their success.” The “I’m In” campaign explains why the patient’s ethnic and racial

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background is also so important for clinical trials: “According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), increased diversity in clinical trials could help researchers find better ways to fight diseases that disproportionately impact certain populations.” Blacks are also more likely than Whites to suffer medical conditions that lead to more severe health problems and higher health care and insurance costs as they grow older, according to a new USA Today report. Their health problems are exacerbated by financial troubles that include lower savings, homeownership rates and Social Security income than Whites, the report noted. “It’s a huge issue,” said Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, chair of the chair of the Maryland Democratic Party and CEO of Global Policy Solutions, a District-based social-change strategy firm. “Over our working life we experience pay disparities, have little wealth in our families and often support others. By the time we reach an age when chronic diseases catch up with us, we are ... dropping out of the workforce and relying on disability or taking early Social Security retirement.” That means difficult choices for low-income African-American seniors, said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of AARP Foundation. “If they pay their mortgage, can they buy medicine? If they buy medicine, can they buy food?” Ryerson said. Ronica Rooks, associate professor at the University of Colorado

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at Denver who has studied the health disparities affecting older African-Americans, told USA Today research documents higher rates of chronic diseases, more frequent disabilities and a shorter life expectancy among Black people. Among the findings from a CIGNA Health Disparities report: • Four in 10 African-American men 20 or older have high blood pressure, a rate 30 percent higher than that of White men, and their risk of a stroke is twice that for White men. For Black women, 45 percent who are 20 and older have high blood pressure, a rate 60 percent higher than that for White women. • African-American women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than White women. • Black men have a 40 percent higher cancer death rate than White men. • African Americans are 80 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites and nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized by the disease. • Blacks are more than twice as likely as Whites to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia. Dealing with the costs of these illnesses is an additional burden, Cummings said. “I think the stress of racism, sexism, poverty and the grind of having to figure out how to make ends meet on a daily basis creates a confluence of pressures that are disproportionately borne by disadvantaged communities, especially communities of color,” she said. WI

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 21 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 6-time winner of NAACP image award

EDUCATION DCPS Teachers Protest Controversial Evaluation System By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins As their colleagues received accolades at an annual awards gala, a group of DCPS teachers, with colorful signs in tow, picketed in the freezing cold along a major street in resistance to an evaluation system they say has been used to punish rogue educators. The protest, organized by the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU), took place Thursday, Feb. 7 in front of the parking garage of the District Wharf as teachers, students, and other affiliates of D.C. Public Schools attended the Stand-

ing Ovation Awards, hosted by the D.C. Public Education Fund at The Anthem in Southwest. “Evaluations are being conducted by principals and vice principals,” said a DCPS teacher of 18 years who is on the verge of early retirement. “Some of them have grudges against teachers, and teachers have seen their scores plummet.” The educator, who requested anonymity out of concern for retaliation, said her experiences with IMPACT, the polarizing effectiveness management system that D.C. Public Schools implemented in 2009, compelled her decision to leave the teaching profession. Two years ago, after she vocally

criticized leadership decisions during a staff meeting, her relationship with her principal, and ultimately her IMPACT score, significantly changed. “I was at 398 (out of 400) and my principal didn’t like some of the things I said in our staff meetings,” the teacher said. The veteran teacher said her principal really turned up the heat after WTU officials reprimanded school leadership for alleged unscrupulous on-campus activity. Other instances of abuse of power she detailed during last Thursday’s protest included warnings against speaking with parents, and days-long stints in a small room, what she called a “teacher jail,” at John Philip Sousa Middle School in Northeast with other teachers who railed against administrators. “We let the union know some of the things [my principal] said and they slapped her hand,” she added. “She paid us back. We just want DCPS employees to know that the evaluation system doesn’t work the way it was set up.” IMPACT provides feedback for teachers in the areas of instructional practice and culture, student achievement, and collaboration. Through IMPACT-plus, DCPS’ performance-based compensation system, teachers rated as “highly effective” receive annual bonuses of up to $25,000. DCPS leaders also reward “highly effective” teachers during the Standing Ovation Awards, an annual event that’s been in existence since

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2009. Teachers could earn up to an extra $3.7 million throughout their DCPS career, depending on their IMPACT score. While some DCPS officials have credited IMPACT, launched during the Michelle Rhee era, with increasing teacher quality and making D.C. Public Schools “the fastest-improving school district in the country,” critics say the teacher turnover rate of 20 percent tells a different story of burnt-out educators leaving for greener pastures -- or just quitting the profession altogether. Even Jason Kamras, creator of IMPACT and a central figure in the Rhee administration, couldn’t escape the stigma when he took over the Richmond Public School system in late 2017. In the months after he entered that role, IMPACT had been implicated in a key factor in teachers passing along nearly one out of three D.C. Public Schools graduates who didn’t meet the academic requirements during the 2016-2017 academic year. Opponents of IMPACT say pressure to show student improvement manifested out of a contract, negotiated by Rhee and union leaders, that abolished tenure in exchange for higher salaries. For years, WTU leaders have attempted, with little success, to replace IMPACT with a less stringent teacher evaluation system that considers factors beyond students’ performance and doesn’t place an instructor’s fate solely in the hands of an administrator. “The rating system should be one designed in collaboration with teachers,” said WTU President Elizabeth Davis, a participant in last Thursday’s protest, as she expressed hope that acting Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, if approved by the D.C. Council, would tackle this issue with teachers. One day prior, she testified at a public roundtable at Cardozo Edu-

cation Campus in Northwest that the D.C. Council Committee on Education hosted in advance of Ferebee’s February 12 confirmation hearing. Last Friday, Ferebee, just wrapping up a visit of Ballou Senior High School in Southeast, told The Informer that he’s committed to studying ways of improving D.C Public Schools’ teacher evaluation system. This response differed from what Davis described as former Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s “wholesale rejection” of WTU’s proposals. “We kept all those proposals,” said Davis, a former Jefferson Middle School teacher. “When Kaya Henderson left, Antwan Wilson said he wanted to see them. We need peer reviews, but teachers also need someone to model lessons. If I didn’t have a mentor during my first year as a teacher, I would have quit.” Other DCPS employees, like a sixth-year teacher and union leader who protested alongside Davis and others, said they haven’t been able to execute much of what they earned about the profession. For this teacher, who also requested anonymity, the focus on standardized testing doesn’t leave much room for arts integration, an instructional strategy that piqued his interest when a former supervisor endorsed it. “I spent the last class teaching students how to get the best answer to the test,” the teacher added, stressing that his recent WTU activities garnered him negative attention, despite his high IMPACT scores. “I’ve tried to challenge [the status quo],” he said. “I’ve never taken a bonus. I’ve never gone to this event. Three years ago, I dropped from ‘highly effective’ to ‘developing’ when I joined the union. The work I’m doing is getting recognized, and my principal wants me to quit and get out of her hair.” WI

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Council Education Committee Grills Ferebee

Confirmation Hearing Follows His Meetings with DCPS Students, Parents, Elected Officials By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins After weeks of public appearances and meetings with students, parents, teachers, education leaders, and elected officials, Acting Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, the man D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) handpicked to run DC Public Schools, belabored his commitment to educational equity during several rounds of questions from members of the D.C. Council Committee on Education. At one point, in response to a request that he specify his vision for closing the opportunity gap, Ferebee referenced a toddler named Cameron who he watched quietly frolic in a corner of the fourth-floor council chamber as his mother and others provided public testimony in the early part of the nearly nine-hour hearing. “The vision is to make sure Cameron ready for kindergarten, going from

learning to read to reading to learn,” Ferebee said on Tuesday night, during the second of five rounds of questions, in response to Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White’s inquiry. “He has experiences in middle school where he has access to college and career planning,” Ferebee continued. “He has a relationship with adults who know his name and aspirations. He has adults to help him when he enters high school and knows what he needs to do to make it to the next level. That’s my vision for him; that’s my vision for my son.” Ferebee’s interview with the Committee on Education followed hours of public testimony from a bevy of figures in local education space, including State Board of Education Representatives Frazier O’Leary (Ward 4) and Markus Batchelor (Ward 8), Ronald Mason, Jr., president of the University of the District of Columbia and Allyson Criner Brown of Teaching for Change.

Many expressed concerns about school closures and consolidation, high teacher turnover and the lack of viable middle school options. Tuesday’s public hearing counted as part of a labyrinthic chancellor-confirmation process that allowed D.C. councilmembers and members of the community to thoroughly vet Ferebee who, along with one-time Interim Chancellor Amanda Alexander, counted among the finalists in the Our Schools Leadership Committee’s search last year. The final council vote on this matter, which has yet to be scheduled, will determine whether Ferebee becomes a permanent fixture. Weeks after Bowser announced that she’d tapped Ferebee to sit at the helm of DC Public Schools, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At large), chair of the council’s Committee on Education, hosted roundtables at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Northeast and Cardozo Education Campus in Northwest. These public events rose out of

EDUCATION a concern that Bowser chose Ferebee, formerly of Indianapolis Public Schools [IPS], over Alexander, despite the latter’s intimate knowledge of DC Public Schools in the aftermath of Antwan Wilson’s resignation and without the level of transparency desired by DC Public School teachers. For some community members, an Achilles’ heel for Ferebee involved allegations that he overlooked a sexual relationship between an IPS counselor and two students while superintendent. While he didn’t reveal the details of his response to the controversy during Tuesday’s hearing, out of respect to still ongoing litigation on the matter, Ferebee vehemently denied stalling the release of information about the complaint. He later said the situation taught him to prioritize transparency and be clear in his communication to the school community. Weeks earlier, during the January 30 and February 6 roundtables, some teachers lamented what they described as conditions reminiscent of Wilson’s installment. On many occasions, as Ferebee sat in the audience, council members inquired about Fer-

ebee’s plans for DC Public Schools and scrutinized his call for charter schools taking over low-performing elementary schools in Indianapolis. During the latter part of Tuesday night’s hearing, he clarified his views on the Innovation Schools model – one under which IPS institutions and charter schools coexisted. He went on iterate that school closure and privatization, as described by At-large D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I), wouldn’t be an option. “I don’t draw a connection between the Innovation Schools model and DCPS,” Ferebee said. “Part of the challenge in Indianapolis was limited communication between charter and public schools. We had an oversaturation in some schools and others lacking students. Part of the challenge was not establishing schools right next to each other if they didn’t have the population to support it.”

FEREBEE TAKES HIS MESSAGE TO THE STREETS

Since becoming acting chancellor,

FEREBEE Page 44

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL

Choice of Ferebee Causing Black and White Still Matter as America Clings to Double Standards Many to Give Pause A brief refresher course on American history reminds us that since 1865 and the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, whenever Blacks have made advances toward full participation in our democracy, white reaction – usually in the courts and legislatures – have engineered an intentional and relentless reversal of those gains. Black Codes and Jim Crow or the so-called Southern Strategy and the War on Drugs illustrate methodical approaches employed to keep African Americans firmly entrenched in a state of second-class citizenry while white skin alone guaranteed their right to greater privileges – white privilege. Of course, one would think that after 400 years, society would have evolved to a place where the rhetoric we espouse in our Constitution, our pledges and our personal proclivities would reflect a country where double standards, particularly in regard to race, no longer exist. But they do. Just consider the distinctly different ways that Ralph Northam and Justin Fairfax are being tried in the court of public opinion where it seems that we’ve been asked to choose which of two crimes is worse – racism or rape? Northam, while admitting to his wrongdoings, appears to have made his case to stay in office following a persuasive, heart-wrenching “mea culpa.” Meanwhile, Fairfax, subjected to America’s double standards, has been deemed “guilty until proven innocent.” That said, we were troubled when talk surfaced about the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Fairfax even before he’d been allowed to defend himself and refute the now two claims of sexual abuse in a court of law. We are not so naïve as to hold fast to conspiracy theories that make all whites evil and all Blacks angelic. Bad spirits live in all kinds of people with all kinds of skin colors and ethnicities. But, as Northam has admitted to his wrongdoings, while Fairfax has not, why does it seem like folks have given the Virginia governor a “get out of jail free card” while Fairfax has already been found guilty, banished forever to the netherworld of purgatory? Such is the way that white privilege continues to reign supreme in America where the more things change, the more they remain the same. Wake up Black America. As the philosopher Thomas Hobbes once said, “Hell is truth seen too late.” WI

The D.C. Public Schools has had a troubling and contentious history not only in the classroom but among its leadership. Over the past 39 years, 19 school superintendents, later called chancellors, including those who were interim and acting, have served. Lewis Ferebee, if confirmed by the D.C. City Council, will become the 20th. Ferebee, 44, was nominated by Mayor Muriel Bowser in December 2018. He is the former superintendent of the Indianapolis schools and is currently serving as acting DC schools chancellor. For the preceding 11 months, Amanda Anderson served as interim chancellor, following Antwan Wilson who was forced to resign last February after only serving for one year. While many education and parent leaders believed Anderson was a great choice for chancellor, after rising through the ranks of the D.C. School system and articulating a forward-thinking vision for DCPS, the mayor decided to go outside to find a new leader. Ferebee is clearly not a standout candidate. This week’s council hearing proved that as he faced a grilling from members who expressed a deep concern for his commitment to traditional public education versus charter schools, his commitment to neighborhood schools and his ability to close the achievement gap and bring equitable resources to schools across the city. A controversy over his handling of a sexual assault case between a teacher and a student is still in litigation in which he is a defendant. Since his nomination, Ferebee has visited numerous schools across the District where students grilled him even more. They, too, are demanding better academic choices, greater resources and improved safety. During a visit to Ballou SHS in Ward 8, students reportedly told the nominee that he will be expected to visit often, not just once to get a job. The next time, they told him, don’t come in a suit and tie. “We want a chancellor who we feel we can relate to.” The council has until April 9 to disapprove Ferebee’s nomination, allowing time for more concerned citizens to weigh-in. Ferebee may not be the cream of the crop, but if education advocates don’t weigh-in, he’ll be all we’ve got. WI

TO THE EDITOR B. Smith Deserves Better

During Delta Sigma Theta’s 100th anniversary in 2013, I was passing through Union Station and decided to go in B. Smith’s restaurant. Lo and behold, B. Smith was actually there. She was so beautiful and graceful and it was a pleasure seeing a Black female icon in the flesh. To know that since then she’s been suffering with an insufferable disease and obviously an insufferable husband makes me disheartened. Why would he tarnish her legacy this way? And why are people aiding and abetting his foolishness?

Columnists Truly Represent Blacks Each week I look forward to the opinions section with the columnists. They are always on point and truly capture the pulse of Black America, what we feel and our interest. I’d much rather listen to them than the puppets that are often propped up as the voice of us. Thanks, Informer, for keeping it real! Tanya Latimore Washington, D.C.

Valerie Macklin Washington, D.C. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 25 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

Our Planet is Melting — Who Cares?

The Right Rev, William Barber has revived Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign. He has reminded us that the triple evils of an age were racism, militarism and poverty. But he has advanced the struggle for social and economic justice by including ecological devastation and the intersection be-

tween religion and morality. Dr. King indicated that one of the evils could not exist without another. Racism, militarism and poverty were intertwined. Moving it forward, capitalism, militarism and racism have been responsible for much of the ecological devastation we have experienced. Rev. William Barber has made it plain. His namesake son (William Barber III) has been involved in the environmental movement and took his dad to Alaska, where the melt-

ing of the glaciers was obvious. “We could see where they were five years ago, and where they are today. We are losing our glaciers.” The young Dr. Barber told his dad that we might see seismic changes in as few as 20 years. Melting glaciers in Alaska. Melting glaciers in Antarctica. Government reports were delayed because of the government shutdown, but a final report from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (noaa.gov) said that 2018

Guest Columnist

was one of the four hottest years on record for the globe. The heat makes a difference. It accelerates storms and hurricanes. It places low-lying areas at risk. And trivially (but some of us live this), the fluctuations between cold and heat affect the quality of roads. Many Republicans are oblivious to the challenges of climate change. That man who occupies the People’s House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue spent 82 minutes bloviating

without mentioning climate change or global warming (or the 400th year since enslaved people crossed these wretched borders), but even as he ignored a pressing issue, there were official acknowledgments of the ways that global warming has shifted our climate realities. In the name of party loyalty, some Republicans are willing to imperil our planet. Democrats aren’t much better.

MALVEAUX Page 53

By Glenn Ellis

Doctors, Lawyers with Monetary Motives Endanger Women

Women, especially women of color and poor women, tend to suffer disproportionately in our health care system. The problem is growing worse now that there’s a group of trial lawyers eager to exploit female victims, under the guise of offering help. Take, for instance, that roughly one-quarter of U.S. women suffer from pelvic floor disorders, and according to The Washington Post, about 3-4 million of them have been treated with transvaginal mesh. The

vast majority of these women receive repairs using transvaginal mesh without complications, but a significant minority experienced serious problems. After the publicity surrounding this issue hit the fan, the lawyers pounced. It has come to light that a collaboration involving some law firms, doctors, and finance companies are pressuring women into unnecessary surgeries to remove the mesh. Giving new meaning to the term “insult to injury,” this phenomenon, according to The New York Times, is leading unsuspecting women to the operating table — even in cases when the removal could worsen the symptoms.

If that’s not enough, some unscrupulous hedge funds are financing companies connected with law firms specializing in suing manufacturers of the mesh. These law firms often use overseas telemarketing callers in countries such as India and the Philippines to contact women, known to have had the mesh surgery, with offers to join in lawsuits to sue the mesh manufacturers. The New York Times highlighted a growing problem that tends to target women: the industry grown out of medical device settlements. For example, a court-ordered, charitable fund, the Common Benefit Trust, established out of the Dow Corning breast implant settlement fund,

Guest Columnist

which also resulted from a faulty medical device. The Common Benefit Trust appears to have used some of this money to fund policy centers, advocacy groups, and a conference on litigation. Pelvic organ prolapse, a medical issue sought to be treated by the transvaginal mesh, is one of the most common reasons for women to have surgery. It is ranked among the top three reasons that women have hysterectomies. Then there are racial disparities. Compared with African-American women, Latina and White women had four to five times higher risk of symptomatic prolapse, thought to be in large part due to the lower

rates of African-American women reporting the condition as a problem to doctors. Researchers see this pattern as part of a culture where African-American and/or poor women will not typically see the condition as a problem requiring them to consider surgery. Issues such as the transvaginal mesh that has revealed disparate treatment of women are not new. All patients — but especially women patients and minority patients that have traditionally been marginalized — deserve better than to be exploited in some of their most vulnerable

ELLIS Page 53

By Marc H. Morial

Blackface is a Flaunting of White Privilege

“Blackface isn’t just another costume. It’s a mask of privilege, the kind of unchallenged power that comes through denying the experience of others.” — Justin Ellis As a Black student in overwhelmingly White schools in Louisiana, I faced my share of racial insults and slights. But one of the more memorable incidents was not even a deliberate slight directed at me. The offenders probably didn’t even think of me. But when a group of my classmates contemptuously affected exag-

26 FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

gerated accents mocking Black people, as part of a school production, I walked out. The governor and attorney general of Virginia are under fire for having worn blackface to parties in the 1980s, and the Senate majority leader there edited a college yearbook that featured blackface photos and racial slurs. NBC News anchor Megyn Kelly lost her job after defending blackface Halloween costumes. Fashion design house Gucci was forced to apologize for marketing a balaclava sweater that resembles blackface. Not by accident, the rise of the minstrel show coincided with the rise of the abolitionist movement.

The portrayals were intended to dehumanize Black people, to sabotage any nascent empathy for those held in bondage. The stock character Zip Coon made a mockery of free Blacks, with all his attempts at dignity undermined by his foolish tastes and lack of education. The “coon” part of his name, which remains an all-too-common racist slur, referred to his preference for raccoon meat over more sophisticated fare. Other stock characters included the overly-sexualized “Buck” and “Jezebel,” which simultaneously fueled a fear of Black men seducing White women and justified the rape of women slaves. The sympathetic minstrel characters, the “good ones,”

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were portrayed as content with their place in society. For White people in much of the country, the demeaning stereotypes of the minstrel shows were their only exposure to Black life. The minstrel shows functioned to solidify the concept of White supremacy at a time when support was waning for the inhumane institution of slavery. The stereotypes — lazy, hypersexual, violent, incapable of social grace — persist to this day and are at the root of the inherent bias that infects our institutions. So prevalent were these characters, so powerful was their role in establishing racial hierarchy, that the name of one character, Jim Crow,

became shorthand for the entire system of racist suppression and terrorism that followed the collapse of Reconstruction. When White people darken their skin or otherwise distort their facial features to resemble Black people, it’s not an “homage” and many have tried to claim. It’s an act that is almost always performed for laughs. It is mockery. Blackface is a White person exclaiming with derisive glee, “Look at me, pretending to be Black! Isn’t that hilarious?” Those who defend blackface aren’t simply ignoring history; they’re ignoring the very structure of contem-

MORIAL Page 53

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnists

By Kimberly Lewis and Michelle Moore

Solar, Powered by the People

Solar power is abundant, affordable and accessible in the District of Columbia. Every single solar panel that is installed with the projected $300 million that will go to build solar projects in our nation’s capital over the next five years will cut utility bills, create jobs and build wealth — but for whom? There are only three certified minority- and woman-owned solar businesses operating in D.C. The problem with our new green economy is that it’s

propagating the same old inequities instead of reflecting the beautiful diversity of the places we live. That’s why we’re celebrating Black History Month by calling for a new chapter in the story of the solar industry in America, starting right here in Washington, D.C. We see the disparities firsthand as part of the leadership team of Groundswell, a D.C.-based nonprofit that builds community power. When we issued our first RFP for a community solar project, there were few to no minority- or woman-owned solar businesses and hardly any woman or people

Guest Columnist

of color on the leadership teams of the companies that responded. We wanted to know why and what we could do about it, so we reached out to NYMBUS Holdings, a local minority-owned research firm, for answers. Their new report is a wake-up call that includes immediate and measurable steps we can take together to close the gap and make sure that solar is delivering on the promise of being power to, for and by the people. It’s the right thing to do. The District of Columbia is a richly diverse community that is blessed with some of the most progressive solar energy policies in the country. Not

only is our city committed to using 100% clean energy, we have the nation’s biggest solar incentives and a Solar for All program that delivers free solar power to our low-income neighbors who are struggling to pay utility bills. The policies that make D.C. a great place for solar are enabled by the people of Washington, D.C. Our thriving local solar industry should look like Washington, D.C., too. We’re not alone. These same inequities are tragically common themes at every level within the green movement. A new report about diversity in the environmental field by Green 2.0 shows that

it is still predominantly male and increasingly white. The solar sector is no exception. Nationally, fewer than 30% of the people working in the solar industry are female. But when you look at who pays the most for energy, more than half of families paying disproportionately high electricity bills across the United States are African American. It’s not fair. We’ve got to do better. The growth of the solar industry generates more than clean power – it creates jobs and builds wealth. It holds the promise of lifting more lives

LEWIS/MOORE Page 54

By E. Faye Williams

In a Perfect World

In a perfect world, for a State of the Union address (SOTU), we likely would’ve heard a president who actually made sense and who likely would’ve been truthful even if we disagreed with the content of what he said. We’ve learned to set a low bar for #45, yet he goes beneath it consistently! About 500 years ago, Michelangelo said, “It’s not that

our aim is too high, and we miss it; but that it’s too low and we reach it.” He must’ve had someone like #45 in mind when he said that because at this year’s SOTU, some of us expected him to try to be civil, and tell few truths. Didn’t he know the fact-checkers were working that night? He could’ve avoided some of the untrue statements by speaking a lot less time. The longer he talked, the more lies he told. #45 doesn’t even bring us close to a perfect world, but immediately following his rambling

Askia-At-Large

remarks, a shining star did what we would’ve expected a president to do. Stacey Abrams delivered a powerful response to #45’s SOTU message. She was inclusive. She even said she didn’t want #45 to fail. Some might have disagreed with her on that point, but she was right on point on everything else she said. She was being overly kind to #45 and refused to stoop to the level of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who once said the most important thing for his party to do was make Barack

Obama a one-term president. In other words, he wanted President Obama to fail! Abrams was better than that with #45. Stacey, who ran for governor of Georgia, captured our imagination in that race and won the hearts of people all across the nation, was better than that for a man who didn’t deserve to be spoken of kindly. She was forceful and truthful without expressing meanness or hatred as did #45. Not even the fact-checkers found grounds upon which to disagree with Stacey.

Stacey’s remarks were forward-looking. She represented the needs of all Americans. She reminded us of the big tent that should be represented in our country. She made us feel included without regard to race, creed, color, the poor, immigrants and others. She spoke to those who were impacted by #45’s shutdown of the government. She left no stone unturned and ran circles around #45. She spoke against hateful acts

WILLIAMS Page 54

By Askia Muhammad

Forget Being Great — Can America Even be Saved?

If you let Donald J. Trump tell it, America will be “Great Again.” Sorry, Donald. It ain’t gonna happen. What is the more likely outcome in my opinion are the words of abolitionist John Brown, in a note handed to his hangman: “I, John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.” Now let’s be real. Trump is the

sitting president of the United States. Brown was hung for treason on Dec. 2, 1859, for leading an attack on the federal armory at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, hoping to spark an uprising among the millions of lowly slaves. It didn’t happen. Brown was betrayed by a free Black man who warned the townspeople before Brown could get his garrison in place. If they could ever come face to face, this argument would be laughed out of any moot court in the land: a treasonous religious fanatic, a martyr, who sympathized with the plight of the

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If you let Donald J. Trump tell it, America will be “Great Again.” Sorry, Donald. It ain’t gonna happen. lowly slaves, and who believed he was an instrument of God, versus a president of the United States who courts today’s religious

zealots, who support him back because he supports their opposition to abortion. No contest. No regard for justice, but no contest just the same. But if The God of Justice has anything to say about it, maybe John Brown was correct — the Civil War notwithstanding. It was the bloodiest war in U.S. history, with more than 600,000 dead on both sides. I don’t believe that was the blood purge that will cleanse this guilty country’s crimes against the enslaved Africans and against the native peoples.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,” the King James Bible says in Galatians 6:7. The United States was not absolved of her sins after the bloodbath in the 1860s, because the same wicked acts that were perpetrated against innocent Black people then are still being wrought on Black people today. I mean today — literally, at this very moment — an atrocity is being committed against some innocent man, woman or child, for no reason except the person is Black. WI

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 27 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

  

do your best work What would you like the power to do? At Bank of America we are here to serve, and listening to how people answer this question is how we learn what matters most to them, so we can help them achieve their goals. We had one of our best years ever in 2018: strong recognition for customer service in every category, the highest levels of customer satisfaction and record financial results that allow us to keep investing in how we serve you. To serve you well, we need a great team. We have one. And we are investing in them. • We are proud of our 16-week paid parental leave policy — maternity, paternity and adoption — along with a new parent kit, backup child care and more enhanced resources coming in 2019. • We increased our starting wage to $15/hour in Feb 2017 — two years ago — becoming one of the first financial services organizations in the U.S. to do so. • Health care premium increases for two-thirds of our U.S. employees have been held to less than one-third the national average for eight years. • More than 50% of our global workforce are women and more than 45% of our U.S.-based workforce is racially diverse. • Support for employees experiencing personal loss, including 20 days paid bereavement. Standing by employees impacted by crisis, with dedicated specialists on the Life Events Services Team. We are proud to be recognized for how we help our employees and for our commitment to being a great place to work.

World’s Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion

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Washington, D.C. is home for me and my team. We know this community and we are here to serve your needs and help you achieve your goals. That’s why we’re always asking:

What would you like the power to do? Let me know at: jjeffrey_wood@ml.com Jeff Wood Greater Washington, D.C. Market President

As always, protect your personal data. For assistance with a personal financial issue, please visit your nearest financial center. From Working Mother, September 25, 2018 © 2018 Bonnier Corporation. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this Content without express written permission is prohibited. From Working Mother, March 8, 2018 © 2018 Bonnier Corporation. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this Content without express written permission is prohibited. © 2019 Bank of America Corporation. | Member FDIC | ARGHCTHN | TAD-01-19-2240

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BLACK HISTORY month

Many Expressions of Black Love

By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill

There are a few definitions of love, but Webster’s Dictionary also describes it as unselfish, loyal and benevolent concerns for the good of another. Three individuals interviewed by The Washington Informer explained the various ways of love in their personal and professional lives.

‘HONOR HUMANITY’

David Johns credits the love of his education, policy and activist work from his grandfather, a Baptist minister still preaching the word today in Austin, Texas. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, passionately speaks out on Black liberation that includes those in the LGBTQ community. His organization continues to urge Congress to pass the “Equality Act,” which would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity that includes housing and public accommodations. “All people who honor and celebrate humanity … should appreciate that this type of violence

is endemic and is getting worse based on where we are,” said Johns, who turns 37 this month. “These things that become national issues that don’t really affect people until somebody that they know incidentally shows up in that way.” His unapologetic love of Black people began in college at Columbia University where he achieved a triple major in English, African-American studies and creative writing. After his bachelor’s degree in 2004, he received his master’s degree from Columbia in sociology and education policy. He participated on a panel in November during the National Action Network’s legislative and policy conference on Capitol Hill. Although the topic focused on the 2018 midterm election results, Johns reminded the audience “white supremacy and anti-Blackness still exist.” However, everyone in the Black community must teach, support and love each other, especially young and LGBTQ people, he said. “There have been too many people that have called themselves race warriors that have accepted checks to do work around liberating Black people, but who

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imposed the same problematic and discriminatory ideas, beliefs and practices that ensure that none of us will get free,” Johns said. “I’m going to have fun calling them out.”

‘IN MY DNA’

Maria Wood of Northeast wakes up daily to travel 13 minutes and arrive at about 6 a.m. at William W. Hall Academy in Capitol Heights. After the second-grade reaching teacher instructs, laughs and, of course, reads to three differ-

5 Maria Wood (Robert Roberts/The Washington Informer)

ent classes composed of 58 students, sometimes Wood stays after school to assist the school’s Drama and William Hall Cares clubs. “Since third grade, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher” Wood,

32, said. “It can be hard. It can be challenging at times, [but] I love it. It’s in my DNA.” She obtained her formal education at Bowie State University

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 29 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Boycotts, Movements and Marches

By Cheryl Bond-Nelms, AARP Special to the Washington Informer

The 1950s and ‘60s were the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the continued struggle for social and racial justice for African Americans in the U.S. The Civil War abolished slavery but it did not end discrimination. Blacks, along with help from many white colleagues, mobilized and began an unprecedented journey for equality. Here are some of the major boycotts, movements and marches instrumental in bringing social change during the civil rights movement.

1955 – MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT

This boycott was born after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery to a white male passenger. The next day, Dec. 1, 1955, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. proposed a citywide boycott against racial segregation on the public transportation sys-

tem that continued for 381 days. In June 1956, a federal court ruled that the laws in place to keep buses segregated were unconstitutional, and the U.S. Supreme Court eventually agreed. The Montgomery bus boycott was one of the first major movements that initiated social change during the civil rights movement.

1961 – ALBANY MOVEMENT

This movement protested the segregation policies in Albany, Ga. and included the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, local activists and King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King’s goal was to offer counsel rather than become a participant but he was jailed during a demonstration and given a sentence of 45 days or a fine. He chose jail but was released three days later. Despite concessions, the movement disbanded after nearly a year of protests without accomplishing its goals.

1963 – BIRMINGHAM CAMPAIGN

The campaign included a boycott of certain businesses that hired only white people or maintained segregated restrooms. Protesters used nonviolent tactics such as marches and sit-ins with the goal of getting arrested so that the city jail would become crowded. Police used dogs and high-pressure water hoses against protesters. This campaign came to a successful end when many signs of segregation at Birmingham businesses came down and public places became accessible to people of all races.

1963 – MARCH ON WASHINGTON

This was the largest political rally for human rights ever in the U.S. An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 participants converged on the Mall in Washington, D.C., Aug. 28, 1963, to protest for jobs and freedom for Blacks. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps

5 1963 March on Washington (Courtesy photo)

of the Lincoln Memorial. The March on Washington is credited with helping pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

1965 – BLOODY SUNDAY

This march went down in history as Bloody Sunday for the violent beatings state troopers

inflicted on protesters as they attempted to march peacefully from Selma, Ala., to the state capital, Montgomery. The march was aimed at fighting the lack of voting rights for Blacks. An estimated 600 protesters were to travel from Selma on U.S. Highway 80 to the state capital on March

AARP Page 40

BLACK HISTORY. PASS IT ON.

Pass on your stories, your knowledge and your love. AARP celebrates Black History Month. Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY 15

Tcheka - 6 pm - Millennium Stage The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - 2700 F St NW kennedy-center.org/Video/ Performance/68197 - 202 467-4600 “Strada” means road or way in Cape Verdean Creole. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Tcheka takes his audience on a journey of dynamic sounds and rhythms that make up his exciting repertoire. Presented in partnership with David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center. AKWAABA - $ - 7 - 10 pm Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) - 3200 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE chacc.org/akwaaba - info@chacc.org 202 505-1938 AKWAABA returns this February to Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) and NationHouse will host the founders’ birthday celebration featuring live jazz from Akua Allrich + The Tribe.

FEBRUARY 16

93rd Annual AASALH Black History Luncheon Featured Authors Event 10 am - Washington Renaissance Hotel 999 Ninth St NW - asalh.org/luncheon - 202238-5910 ASALH’s 2019 theme Black Migrations emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities. This theme focuses especially on the twentieth century through today. The event is free and open to the public! Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives monthly Open House Event 10 am – 2 pm - Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives - 1201 17th St NW sumnermuseumdc.org - 202 730-0478 The official Museum and Repository containing archives and material culture documenting the history of DC Public Education will celebrate Black History at our monthly Open House Event. Please join us as we celebrate with student presentations and highlighted history connected to Black achievement and history. The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A One-Woman Performance by Cortenia Smith - 2 pm - Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Library - 115 Atlantic St SW dclibrary.org/node/62099 bellevuelibrary@dc.gov - 202-243-1185 Please join us for “The Legacy of Harriet Tubman” featuring the brilliant actress Cortenia Kay Smith. This one-woman performance reveals the true spirit of Harriet Tubman, a legendary former slave, abolitionist and hero who defined courage and strength. Drawn from the pages of history and passionately retold by Smith, it tells a story of survival, endurance and faith. Cotton Field to Concert Hall - 6 pm - Millennium Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - 2700 F St NW - kennedy-center.org/Video/ Performance/68198 - 202 467-4600 Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) presents an original narrated musical journey highlighting the life of a slave woman and her travails on a cotton plantation. Her love of music manifests itself in the successful life of her great-great-great granddaughter, who has become a classically trained opera diva on the grand stage.

FEBRUARY 17

Frederick Douglass in Anacostia Walking Tours - $20 - 9:30 am Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Visitors Center - 1411 W St SE - eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-frederick-douglass-old-anacostia-tickets-54283595696?aff=ebapi lionofanacostia@gmail.com Join local reporter and historian John Muller on a walk through Old Anacostia, examining the neighborhood through the eyes of residents past and present. Blending historic research and contemporary Ward 8 politics, our guide will lead the group on a walk through time, exploring our city’s most historic Historic District. Stories of presidents, famed one-time resident Frederick Douglass, 19th-century architecture and neighborhood folklore will be woven throughout. Questions and photography are encouraged throughout the walking tour! Wear walking shoes, total travel is 1.5 miles. Not ADA accessible. $20. The Reminisce, An Ode to Shaw Junior High - 1 - 4 pm - African American Civil War Museum - 1925 Vermont Ave NW afroamcivilwar.org - 202 667-2667 Join Ateya Ball-Lacy, Master Educator and Author of “An Ode to Shaw Junior High” for a panel discussion with former Shaw teachers and students on the legacy of Shaw JHS and the joys of when we were Chocolate City. Portrait Story Days: Barack Obama 1 - 4 pm - National Portrait Gallery, Education Center - 8th & F Sts NW - npg.si.edu/ calendar?month=2019-02 npg.eventbrite.com Listen to a story and create art inspired by someone in the Portrait Gallery’s collection for kids and families. Black History Jeopardy - 2 pm Woodridge Library - 1801 Hamlin Street NE dclibrary.org/node/62517 - woodridgelibrary@ dc.gov - 202-541-6226 How much Black History do you know? Test your knowledge and skills, learn more and contribute to a winning intergenerational team. Hands of Mercy – The Challenges of Racism - 2:30 - 5 pm - Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle - 1725 Rhode Island Ave NW - stmatthewscathedral.org - Lydia D. Clegg 202 468-2778 clegg_1carroll@ comcast.net The Social Justice Committee invites all to celebrate African American Black History Month with one talk being on the challenges of racism, and three short talks will be given by our own St. Matthew’s parishioners between 10-15 minutes on what black history means to each of them. North Conference Room, refreshments will be served during the event. African American Men Sing Songs of Praise - 3 pm - Greater New Hope Baptist Church - 816 Eighth St NW - dcblackhistory. com - Chuck Hicks - 202 421-8608 Annual DC Black History African American Men Sing Songs of Praise, MC Sam Ford, WJLA U.S. Army Band - 6 pm - Millennium Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - 2700 F St NW - kennedycenter.org/Video/Performance/68199 202 467-4600 The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”

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presents a performance featuring African American composers. They celebrate the life of George Walker and the path he paved with his String Quartet No. 1.

FEBRUARY 18

Young Portrait Explorers: Barack Obama - 10:30 - 11:30am - National Portrait Gallery, G Street Lobby - 8th & F Sts NW - npg.si.edu/calendar?month=2019-02 - npg.eventbrite.com Explore the Portrait Gallery in a program that touched on art and history through storytelling. For toddlers up to age five and their adult companions. The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A OneWoman Performance by Cortenia Smith - 1 pm - Anacostia Neighborhood Library - 1800 Good Hope Road SE - dclibrary. org/node/62100 - anacostialibrary@dc.gov 202 715-7707, 202 715-7708 Please join us for “The Legacy of Harriet Tubman” featuring the brilliant actress Cortenia Kay Smith. This one-woman performance reveals the true spirit of Harriet Tubman. Drawn from the pages of history and passionately retold by Smith, it tells a story of survival, endurance and faith.

FEBRUARY 19

Black History Month Edit-a-thon Moorland Spingarn Research Center @ Howard University - 500 Howard Pl NW - 2.howard.edu/black-history-month-editthon-feb-19-moorland-spingarn - kamili. anderson@howard.edu The Black History “Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon” event focuses on entries that cover a range of interests, including classical African civilizations, Trinidadian intellectuals, and a number of notable Black scholars and professionals. Wikimedia DC sponsored the event. The Howard University event is part of Moorland Spingarn Research Center’s Black History Month Initiative. Black History Month Story Time 11:15 am - Takoma Park Library - 416 Cedar St NW - dclibrary.org/node/62072 takomaparklibrary@dc.gov - 202 576-7252 Share the fun of reading with your children ages 3-5 years as we celebrate Black History month and the continent of Africa. Children and their caregivers, will explore stories and activities to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. These 30-to-40 minute programs are designed to promote language and listening skills, expand children’s imaginations and arouse their curiosity about the world around them. 30th Annual Black Film Festival: DC Public Library’s Celebration of Black American Cinema - 6 pm - Georgetown Library - 3260 R St NW dclibrary.org/ node/62463 - georgetownlibrary@dc.gov * 202 727-0232 Daughters of the Dust - Drama about a community of descendants of West African slaves living on an island near South Carolina in 1902. Starring Cora Lee Day and Alva Rogers. Directed by Julie Dash. 112 minutes, 1991, rated PG.

Lost Kingdoms & Ancient Mysteries of Africa - 7pm Greenbelt Branch - 11 Crescent Rd - Greenbelt MD 20770 pgcmls.info/event/1341144 - 301 345-5800 2019 African History and Culture Lecture Series, a stunning voyage to bygone states, forgotten events, and puzzling phenomena that have tantalized explorers and scientists for generations by CR Gibbs. Author Talk: E. Ethelbert Miller - 7 pm Lamond-Riggs Library - 5401 South Dakota Ave NE - dclibrary.org/node/62520 - lamondriggslibrary@dc.gov - 202 541-6255 In observance & celebration of Black History Month, the Lamond-Riggs Library is happy to host local Author/Activist E. Ethelbert Miller on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. Mr. Miller is a writer and literary activist. He is the author of several collections of poetry and two memoirs. For fourteen years he has been the editor of Poet Lore, the oldest poetry magazine published in the United States. Miller’s most recent book is If God Invented Baseball, published by City Point Press.

FEBRUARY 20

Black History Month Story Time for Preschoolers - 10:30 AM - LamondRiggs Library - 5401 South Dakota Ave NE - dclibrary.org/node/62076 lamondriggslibrary@dc.gov - 202-541-6255 Join us for a special story time for preschoolers. We will read and share some beautifully illustrated picture books such as One Word From Sophia by Jim Averbeck, Princess Truly in I am Truly by Kelly Greenawalt, Dear Dragon: a Pen Pal Tale by Josh Funk, and Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper. Soul Journeys: Black Migrations in America - CR Gibb - 7 pm - Woodridge Library - 1801 Hamlin Street NE - dclibrary. org/woodridge, portofharlem.net/cgibbs woodridgelibrary@dc.gov - 202 541-6226 2019 - African History and Culture Lecture Series: How we got to be where we are today and slavery was not the only reason. Icons of Black Music and Politics - 7 pm - Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Library - 3935 Benning Road NE - dclibrary.org/node/62438 - benninglibrary@dc.gov * 202 281-2583 Come to listen and enjoy a lecture by Mr. Donnie Gooden as he gives an oral history and arts exhibit in color prints of the giants in Jazz and Politics. Light refreshments will be served. Rain/Snow date is Wednesday, Feb.27, 2019 at 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 21

Migrations: The African Presence Around The World, Past & Present - CR Gibb - 7 pm - Deanwood Neighborhood Library - 1350 49th St NE - dclibrary.org/ node/62788 - deanwoodlibrary@dc.gov - 202 698-1175 An eye opening chronicle of the many travels of people of African descent to distant lands from ancient times to today.

FEBRUARY 23

Bright Star Theatre: Meet Dr. King - 9:30 am - The National Theatre - 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW - eventbrite. com/e/bright-star-theatre-meet-dr-kingtickets-53970811149 - 202 628-6161 The story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one

of both triumph and tragedy. In this dramatic show, audiences come to see that the rights won during the American Civil Rights Movement came with a heavy price. Portrait Story Days: Michelle Obama - 1 - 4 pm - National Portrait Gallery, - Education Center - 8th & F Sts NW - npg.si.edu/calendar?month=2019-02 - npg.eventbrite.com Listen to a story and create art inspired by someone in the Portrait Gallery’s collection for kids and families. This event runs February 23 and 24. Going for Freedom: True Accounts of Flight in Verse - 2:30 PM - Southeast Library - 403 7th St SE - dclibrary.org/ node/62102 - southeastlibrary@dc.gov * 202 698-3377 Celebrate Black History Month at the Southeast Neighborhood Library! In costume and using monologue and original poetry, Marcia E. Cole will recount dramatic and imaginative escapes on the Underground Railroad with her performance, ‘Going for Freedom’. Tales highlight the daring exhibited and the importance of collaboration with black and white sympathizers. Marcia E. Cole is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia. She is passionate about literacy, history and all art forms and believes the arts are particularly effective as teaching tools.

Donvonte McCoy & CP Time - 6 pm - Millennium Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - 2700 F St NW - kennedy-center.org/Video/ Performance/68200 - 202 467-4600 Donvonte McCoy & CP Time is a contemporary music ensemble dedicated to sharing the music of Charlie Parker with fresh new audiences around the world. Let Your Motto Be Resistance: Great Black Slave Revolts - 2 pm - South Bowie Branch - 15301 Hall Road - Bowie, MD 20721 - pgcmls.info/website/event/1411546 - 301 850-0475 2019 African History and Culture Lecture Series, Black folks have always fought for their freedom. Learn the seldom taught but immensely inspiring story of black resistance to enslavement by CR Gibbs.

FEBRUARY 24

Spelling Bee! - 9 am - All Nations Baptist Church - 2001 North Capitol St NE allnationsbaptistchurch.com/index.html - 202 832-9591 All youth – all grades are invited to participate! Call the All Nations Baptist Church for details! “We are a Nation Building Church!” Taste of All Nations and African Attire Day! - 11 am - All Nations Baptist Church- 2001 North Capitol St NE allnationsbaptistchurch.com/index.html 202 832-9591 Taste of All Nations immediately following the dynamic 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service and awe-inspiring sermon by the Rev. Dr. James Coleman, pastor. “We are a Nation Building Church!” “Blue Sunday” Church Service - 11 am - Faith United Church of Christ - 4900 Tenth St NE - nqueeniabpff@msn.com IABPFF: Progressive Fire Fighters Association of Washington DC, EMTs and Policemen’s “A Service not a Funeral”

CALENDAR Page 32

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 31 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR from Page 31 AKWAABA - $ - 11 am - 2:30 pm Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) - 3200 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE chacc.org/akwaaba - info@chacc.org 202 505-1938 AKWAABA returns this February to Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) and NationHouse will host a brunch and the children’s show.

Please Join Us for Our 32nd Annual Black History Month

Gospel Choir Concert

FEBRUARY 24

FEBRUARY 25

Sunday, February 1 7, 2019- 3:45 PM East Washington Heights Baptist Church 2220 Branch Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020 Rev. Kip B. Banks, Sr. , Pastor

Soul Journeys: Black Migrations in America - CR Gibbs - 7 pm - Georgetown Library - 3260 R St NW dclibrary.org/ node/62719 - georgetownlibrary@dc.gov * 202 727-0232 How we got to be where we are today, and slavery was not the only reason. Historian C. R. Gibbs brings his lively and engaging lecture style to the library in celebration of Black History Month. Passionate and knowledgeable, his talks are always T:9.5” informative and his scholarship accessible. S:9”

FEBRUARY 26

30th Annual Black Film Festival: DC Public Library’s Celebration of Black American Cinema - 6 pm - Georgetown Library - 3260 R St NW - dclibrary.org/node/62464 georgetownlibrary@dc.gov - 202 727-0232 The Gospel According to Andre - Black fashion editor Andre Leon Talley’s life and perspective are chronicled through archival footage and interviews with Talley’s peers and celebrity friends. Starring Andre Talley and Naomi Campbell. Directed by Kate Novack. 93 minutes, 2017, rated PG-13

FEBRUARY 27

Illusions of Emancipation: The Pursuit of Freedom and Equality in the Twilight of Slavery - 12 pm - William G. McGowan Theater, National Archives - 700 Pennsylvania Ave NW - archivesfoundation.org/event/illusions-ofemancipation/ - 202 357-5946 In Illusions of Emancipation, professor Joseph P. Reidy discusses how emancipation was not only a product of Lincoln’s proclamation or Confederate defeat. It was a process. Slavery did not die quietly or quickly, nor did it fulfill every dream of the enslaved or their allies. It unfolded unevenly bringing drastic change, sensations of disorientation, and disrupted lives, but it through it all, the former enslaved maintain the ideal that the struggle for freedom would result in victory. A book signing will follow the program. Purchase this book on the day of the event from the National Archives Store and receive a 15% discount (members get 20% off).

The Ghosts of DC’s Past: A Hip Hopera $ - 6:30:00 pm - KIPP DC Douglass Campus Auditorium - 2600 Douglass Rd SE - eventbrite.com/e/the-ghosts-of-dcspast-a-hip-hopera-tickets-55392104275 - njones-cooper@somersetprepdc.org - 917 299-7838 A story of a forgotten past and untold truth of the history of Southeast DC and its people. Join us as we follow Quincy on his journey with some of the most prominant figures of Southeast DC through the past, present, and future of Southeast. Along his journey he travels through historical sights such as historic Hillsdale, Dunbar High School, Campbell AME Church and many more. Meet historical figures who made an impact not just on Southeast, but the entire nation!

FEBRUARY 28

Soul Journey: Black Migration in America - CR Gibbs - 7 pm - ParklandsTurner Library - 1547 Alabama Ave SE - dclibrary. org/node/62721 - parklandsturnerlibrary@ dc.gov - 202 645-4532 How we got to be where we are today, and slavery was not the only reason. Historian C. R. Gibbs brings his lively and engaging lecture style to the library in celebration of Black History Month. Passionate and knowledgeable, his talks are always informative and his scholarship accessible. SUPPORTED BY

BLACK HISTORY. PASS IT ON.

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T:6.1”

S:5.6”

Pass on your stories, your knowledge and your love. AARP celebrates Black History Month. Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Black History: Gladys West Invents the GPS By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

Did you know that a Black woman from Virginia was instrumental in creating a convenience we use every day and almost can’t live without? Dr. Gladys West invented the Global Positioning System, or GPS, and has finally received the recognition she deserves by being inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame by the United States Air Force, according to Business Ghana, in Accra. The 87-year-old scholar knew as a child that she did not want to work in fields, picking tobacco, corn and cotton or in a factory, beating tobacco leaves for cigarettes and pipes like her parents did. “I realized I had to get an education to get out,” she said, according to Business Ghana. And that she did, studying math at Virginia State University and graduating top of her class. West became a teacher but then returned to school for her master’s. In 1956, she began to work at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, where she was the

second Black woman ever to be employed. There, she collected data from satellites, and that job is what eventually led to the development of the GPS. In 1986, West published “Data Processing System Specifications for the Geo-sat Satellite Radar Altimeter,” a 60-page illustrated guide, which was based off data created from the radio altimeter on the Geosat satellite, which went into orbit on March 12, 1984. She worked at Dahlgren for 42 years and retired in 1998. West is being celebrated during Black History Month, particularly on social media. “A mathematician who collected data from satellites that eventually lead to the development of Global Positioning System. You can thank her the next time you use your GPS,” educator Devin Heggie wrote on Twitter. “GPS is a technology we use every day,” wrote author Soraya Chemaly. “Do you know who Dr. Gladys West is, what she did or how GPS was developed? I had no idea.” Blue Marble Geographic’s CEO Patrick Cunningham wrote: “I

learned something today. Did you know Dr. Gladys West was the inventor of GPS? In recognition of Black History Month, I think we should take a moment to thank her.” Interestingly, West’s story had largely gone untold until the BBC did an story on her early in 2018. When West started her career at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in the US state of Virginia in 1956, there were just one other Black woman and two Black men who worked alongside her. “I carried that load round, thinking that I had to be the best that I could be,” West told the BBC. “Always doing things just right, to set an example for other people who were coming behind me, especially women. I strived hard to be tough and hang in there the best I could,” she said. So how did inventing the GPS come about? West would collect and process data from satellites, using it to help determine their exact location. It was this information that would go on to help develop GPS. “We would come in and sit at our desks and we would logic away, go through all the steps anyone would

have to do to solve the mathematical problem,” she explained. Then she would work with programmers on the functions the massive computers needed to do. “The operators would call us to tell us our program was running now and we could come down and watch it,” she said. “So we would come down and watch this big computer churn away. Then you’d get some results. “Nine times out of 10 they weren’t completely right so you had to analyze them and find out what was different to what you expected,” West said. It was only when a member of her university sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, read a short biography West had submitted for an alumni function that her achievements were brought into the spotlight. Since then, articles about West have appeared, students have done class reports on her and she has been officially recognized by the Virginia Senate. A joint resolution, passed one year ago, commended her “for her trailblazing career in mathematics and vital contributions to modern technology.” WI

5 Dr. Gladys West (Courtesy photo)

A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PLACES WE’VE BEEN. AND WHERE WE’RE GOING. During Black History month, we remember the past in order to create a prosperous future. We salute and acknowledge the innovations, accomplishments and culture of AfricanAmericans. From scoreboards to boardrooms and from concerts to congress, you are making differences that can be felt every day. Toyota salutes those who are driven to succeed because determination can lead to elevation.

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Movie Review: ‘What Men Want’ Gets Into Brothers’ Heads By Shevry Lassiter WI Contributing Writer A pretty face, a sculpted body, a good cook, smart and financially stable are just some of the qualities women think men want. But if women had the ability to get in a man’s head and hear their thoughts, would more relationships thrive? That question isn’t answered in the movie “What Men Want,” but it hilariously shows what might happen if a woman could read a man’s mind in the bedroom, boardroom, or while handling daily tasks. Taraji P. Henson gives a noteworthy performance as Ali Davis, a sports agent in a traditionally male field, showing viewers what it’s like to hear voices that no one else hears. Some will undoubtedly try to “mansplain” the movie or find the male-bashing theme. But it’s not that deep – it’s a comedy

filled with comedic actors. Some known comics and others, who knew? One such person is singer Erykah Badu, who plays a psychic named Sister. Badu is convincing, funny and realistic. See Erykah Badu in concert – the makeup is similarly Sister. Tracy Morgan as Joe “Dolla” Barry walks on set with the funny. He is not the typical father whose son is headed to the big leagues – he is the dad that won’t go away. Appearances by Grant Hill, Shaquille O’Neal and Lisa Leslie brought cheers. “What Men Want,” according to Paramount, is a remake of the 2000 Nancy Meyers film “What Women Want” starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt, which had a mostly-white cast outside of Loretta Devine. The updated, inclusive version is sure to make its mark in the entertainment industry and might

just surpass the $182 million box office success of the 2000 film. Looking over the films produced by Will Packer, there’s no question he knows comedy. And as with 2017’s “Girls Trip,” women all over the country are gathering groups for a “ladies’ day out” with a trip to the movie theater. During last week’s screening, attendees put on their critics’ hats. Andre said, “I think it’s a woman’s movie. The movie was relatable by mostly women because they have these preconceived notions about what men think. The [directors] obviously talked to some men and got their deepest, darkest opinions. I think it was good. It was not a man bashing movie; it was honest and the characters didn’t go so far that they could no longer be believed.” Joyce said, “It actually made men look a little bit better, es-

5 Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederickson on the red carpet with Taraji Henson and Adam Shankman during the screening and conversation about the movie in Northwest on Thursday, Feb. 7. (Mark Mahoney/The Washington Informer)

pecially the guy she [Taraji] was dating, it showed a nicer side.” A male friend of Andre’s said, “Black men are amazing because Black men don’t cheat. When one woman tried to flirt with

him what did he do? He told her he had an amazing woman by his side, that’s what this movie was about. The other women were with boys. She was with a man. Black men don’t cheat.” WI

As we celebrate Black History Month in February, we recognize and honor the accomplishments of so many African Americans who have helped shape the face and future of our nation. FREDERICK DOUGLASS

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black Georgetown Revisited

Part of The Washington Informer’s Historic Examination of Black America 1619-2019

To Recover, Recognize & Commemorate

One-On-One with Black Georgetown Remembered Historian, C.R. Gibbs

Shantella Y. Sherman WI Special Sections Editor WI: What is the importance of examining Georgetown in more racially and culturally-inclusive terms as both residents and scholars? GIBBS: Georgetown is, in many ways, a microcosm of this region and this nation. There are experts who believe that this community went through multiple shifts on the road from tiny hardscrabble, tobacco port to a tony, upscale neighborhood. By studying, particularly, the social, historical, and economic forces behind these phases, we can illuminate the engines of change that have affected us in the past and continue to affect us all today across the nation. WI: Much of the Black heritage of Georgetown is ‘hidden in

5 Dr. Shantella Y. Sherman (Photo by India Kea)

plain view’ -- most notably for me, the Dean and Deluca on M Street which once served as a slave auction site. How necessary is it to uncover these spaces and name their historical value? GIBBS: Back in the 1980s, after I had researched and written a brief Black history of Georgetown with specific locations, I took it to a leading local white civic leader who solemnly informed me that there was no physical history left of Blacks in Georgetown so that there was nothing that he could do with my material. A short time later, a good friend of mine who worked at the university and knew what I had done, informed officials there who were planning the school’s 1989 bicentennial. My manuscript became the nucleus of the book, “Black Georgetown Remembered.” The market building at 3276 M Street, Northwest, Dean and Deluca, has a special resonance for me as well. I think it’s primarily the architecture. Even though the current structure dates only from the mid-1860s, the basement is believed to contain remnants of its horrid past. The truth, however, is that enslaved Black folk were sold at many other locations in Georgetown. Our battle, I believe, is to recover, recognize, and commemorate the history and continuing presence of people of African descent in the “town of George.” I was honored to play a

small role in the Herculean task undertaken by Mrs. Adrena Crockett in the location, documentation, and celebration of Black sites in this neighborhood. WI: What opened your initial inquiry into Black Georgetown as a scholar? GIBBS: Personal curiosity and inspiration from the elders and ancestors. WI: Now, more than two decades removed from your pivotal work, Black Georgetown Remembered: A History of Its Black Community from the Founding of “The Town of George” in 1751 to the Present Day, how has your research shaped the discourse? How has the initial inquiry expanded? GIBBS: I think that the work of myself and my co-authors has become an essential source authority on African Americans in Georgetown. The continuing public and scholarly interest in the work even after the passage of a quarter of a century proves its value. The book has demonstrated its usefulness to academics, lovers of history of all kinds, and even to writers of fiction. WI: You’ve mentioned Georgetown as an area encompassing enslaved and free, immigrants, working-class, and affluent

Valentine’s Day, B) Advisors warned it would be better accepted by whites as it had fewer days, C) the celebration could also pay respect to Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass – both of whom had birthdays in February; or D) It was a random decision.

By Shantella Y. Sherman WI Special Editions Editor

Just Residence, or E) All of the Aforementioned.

1. Which of these African American scholars lived in Washington, D.C.’s historic LeDroit Park community? A) Anna Julia Hayward Cooper, B) Dorothy Boulding Ferebee, C) E. Franklin Frazier, D) Ernest Everett

2. Carter G. Woodson initially chose the February to celebrate the heritage of Africans in America through the observance Negro History Week, later Black History Month. Why did he select the month of February? A) It included

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3. What D.C. neighborhood, bordering Georgetown, also served as an African American enclave from the 1860s-1970s before being gentrified? A) Foggy Bottom / West End, B) Glover Park, C) Tenley or D) Dupont Circle.

5 Zionette Circle, arm of the Women’s Society, social club at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, in the 1940s. (Photographic copy courtesy of Mount Zion United Methodist Church Archives.)

Blacks. How do those variables inform the larger discussion of Black Georgetown? GIBBS: The presence of these different groups of Black people and the stories of their strivings reminds us that while many of us have common concerns, we are not monolithic. The study of the variations on a theme represented by each of these groups should enliven and enrich our appreciation of Black Georgetown. WI: What is the one thing (or maybe two things) you would like each person taking part in The Washington Informer Charities African American Heritage Tour’s Black Georgetown visit to embrace? GIBBS: That we helped build this neighborhood and that we are still here. WI

5 C.R. Gibbs’ work, Black Georgetown Remembered remains the most pivotal examination of African American life across socioeconomics and condition. Key points of interest featured in the book will be discussed during his tour of Georgetown as part of the Washington Informer Charities annual African American Heritage Tour. (Courtesy photo)

can police chief in 1978? A) Maurice T. Turner, Jr., B) Isaac Fulwood, C) Burtell M. Jefferson, or D) Fred Thomas 6. In what year did the migration of African Americans from the South to Washington, D.C., reportedly tip their percentages to majority status, and lead to the informal use of the term “Chocolate City?” A) 1918, B) 1930, C) 1955, D) 1957 or E) None of the Aforementioned

4. What was the name of the D.C.-grown music doo-wop group with which Marvin Gaye performed in the mid-1950s? A) The Moonglows, B) The Rainbows, C) The Senators, or D) The Rockets.

7. In 1977, which native Washingtonian was named the first female chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission? A) Eleanor Holmes Norton, B) Donna Brazile, C) Sharon Pratt, or D) Dorothy Height

5. What native Washingtonian became D.C.’s first African-Ameri-

Visit www.washingtoninformer.com for answers to this week’s trivia! WI

5 D.C.’s first African-American Chief of Police. / Courtesy photo

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 35 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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J.J. Kirkpatrick

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The New Renaissance The history of arts and entertainment has evolved, keeping the integrity and passion of the past weaved into today’s work. This Black History Month, Xfinity is celebrating the current wave of heavy hitters, from Franchesca Ramsey keeping it real online, to Aldis Hodge capturing our eyes on the big screen and J.J. Kirkpatrick playing to our souls. They’re paving a path for the next generation of creators to find their own voices. Just say “Black Film & TV”, into your X1 Voice Remote to immerse yourself into powerful Black stories or watch on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream App. Xfinity, where Black History is always on.

Visit xfinity.com/discovermore

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Vocalist for Obama’s Inauguration Honors Ancestors on New CD, Songs Composed by Women

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5 Alicia Olatuja (Courtesy photo)

I’m going to sing jazz or perform as a jazz musician. I love jazz and its many different worlds, forms and variations. And I’ve had great opportunities as a jazz singer that you’d expect a pop or R&B singer to have. But people like singers who can actually sing. You can’t hold the human experience locked into one genre.” “I just sing what I feel and

hear. I learned that when I first began to sing in church. Once I learned to give myself permission to try whatever I believed, whatever I could emotionally identify with and to give the fullest to what I’m feeling at any given moment, that’s when the music began to take over.”

ALICIA Page 45

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Photo of Korinn Walfall and Solomon Parker III by Christopher Mueller

St. Louis native Alicia Olatuja first burst on the horizon, captivating her fellow Americans and the world with her exquisite vocal artistry – unleashed after being cast as the featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in a powerful performance of a treasured American classic that has long inspired hope and patriotism during President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. While it may have been a scene unlike anything she’d ever conceived of or hoped for during a childhood filled with pinafores, ponytails, pink satin slippers and Barbie dolls – she realized that this was her moment, the reason why she had even embarked upon the road less traveled to make music her sole focus. “I wanted to be a vet because I loved animals,” she said. “It was a good, safe career. So, I majored in premed and minored in music at Mizzou [University of Missouri]. I didn’t have any role models who could help me. We didn’t know anyone making a living as a professional musician. I had no blueprint. But one day I heard this girl singing in one of the recital halls. She was really singing. I figured if she had courage like that, I did too. I wanted to try. I didn’t want to have any regrets so I gave myself two years to see if music was really for me.” Since then, she’s been about the business of becoming a singer – one dedicated to learning her craft and willing to push boundaries and herself. In her rendering of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in the company of President Obama, she cast an aplomb possessed by only a very special, gifted few: Marion Anderson,

Leontyne Price, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone – the list goes on. Now with the final touches already made on a tribute to female composers revealing her mastery of multiple musical styles, from soul and jazz to classical, Latin and gospel, Olatuja anxiously awaits the release on Feb. 22nd of her sophomore album, “Intuition: Songs From the Minds of Women” – a compilation that’s undeniably both appropriately titled and timed. Produced by Kamau Kenyatta and Ulysses Owens, Jr., selections include masterpieces penned by Brenda Russell, Sade,

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By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir

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Versatility Opens Windows of Opportunity for Songstress Alicia Olatuja

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Tracy Chapman, Angela Bofill, Kate Bush and Linda Creed. Her motivation for the project: “Championing women.” “We have to be each other’s cheerleaders if we want anyone else to cheer for us. That’s how all movements have grown – others get on the bandwagon as they see the new wave coming. Hearing what women have to say in a new way makes sense to me – it drives me. I want to bring the artistry of women and their works to the forefront,” said Olatuja who says she grew up in a home filled with women who emphasized education and encouraged a love for all kinds of music. “My father lived in a different state, Washington; I lived in a home with a big sister, my mother who was a teacher and my grandmother – an incredible educator, nurse and counselor. We had a really special matriarchal energy all around us and it had a profound impact on my life, how I grew to understand relationships and to appreciate the importance of them,” she said. When pushed to define her genre and clarify where she fits along the musical spectrum, Alicia, described by Downbeat as one who “possesses a special instrument” and by the New York Times as a “singer with a strong and luscious tone,” simply pushes back. “When I get behind the mic, I’m not thinking about whether

ain’t misbehavin’ The Fats Waller Musical Show Now through March 10 Free parking 16 area restaurants

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Couple’s Exhibit Opens at AU After Husband’s Death By Eve M. Ferguson WI Contributing Writer It was with shock and sadness that the opening of the exhibit “Michael B. Platt + Carol A. Beane: Influences and Connections” was less the presence of half of the artistic team that created the visually stunning and deeply meaningful works on display. In the predawn hours of Jan. 20, the image-maker, Platt, died suddenly and unexpectedly, turning the exhibit opening into a memorial, a wake and an opportunity to partake in the works that he and his wife, poet Carol A. Beane, created together for the last time. The exhibit came out of the couple’s trips to Australia, where they encountered the aboriginal people and felt a kindred spirit that inspired the works on display. “[Our] trips to Australia were for art exhibitions [yet] they provided opportunities to see the country (as much as one could in a short time) and museums — amazing places/ spaces with complicated relations with aboriginal culture that per our observations and conversations with people, was in an ongoing process of being reevaluated,” Beane said in her own poetic manner.

“Acknowledgement of the first peoples, efforts being made to demonstrate respect and to have them tell their own stories,” she said. “[The] first trip was in 2012, the second [in] 2014. It’s an enormous country and we were privy to slivers. They really got under our skin, they have stayed with us — visual and visceral experiences — touchstones.” The title “Influences and Connections” derives from “what we saw, conversations we had, overheard,” Beane said. “We experienced our times there as a different part of the African Diaspora, and certainly historically there were similarities — their colonial experience, considerations of difference and identity,” she said. “Also with our pre-trip perceptions informed to a certain extent by the films we’d seen about Australia — ‘Rabbit Proof Fence,’ ‘10 Canoes’ and others — and the aboriginal art we’d seen in the States. “Friends here who knew artists there, or who had traveled there, are also part of the ‘Influences and Connections,’” Beane said. “The generosity and hospitality of folks we met, artists and friends and friends of friends [and the] stories [they] share[d].”

Platt’s images are multifaceted, richly layered and textured, and require deep gazing to register all the elements present in just one piece. Many of the works are accompanied by Beane’s powerful words, which both complement and enhance the visual images. While most of the images are of women, Platt also included reworked images of aboriginal elders, such as in “Four Shells and the Storyteller,” which places a full figure image of a bearded elder against a backdrop of colorful designs, which on closer inspection reveal patterns created by what look to be spears and shields in a richly colored palette one might normally associate with many traditional aboriginal works of art. The elder appears again as part of a group in “They Used to Come Out Only at Night #1” from 2018 that places the images of people within a deep muted-blue background as well as the forefront, where a group of intricately patterned women gathers at the feet of the elder. Perhaps the strongest, most resonant images are those that are augmented by the words of Beane, who T:9.5” interprets and elucidates what we see in the images.

5 Exhibit portrays life of Austrailia’s aboriginal people. (Courtsy of the artist)

“When We Dance” is particularly powerful as three earth-toned figures stand in formation, while Beane’s words printed in white against a black background alongside, encompass the action and traditional aboriginal rituals filtered through her poetic vocabulary and phrasing. “The poems just come,” Beane said. “Some, a line or two, at differing times, sometimes all at once. Sometimes from a recollection of an experience, or a bit of conversation, sometimes from a line or a mark Michael had made, or from something I feel I have not yet expressed to my satisfaction.”

For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com. “Michael B. Platt + Carol A. Beane: Influences and Connections” is on view at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center (4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW on the American University campus) through March 17. An artist discussion about the exhibit, “Free Parking: Michael B. Platt and Carol A. Beane,” will take place Thursday, Feb. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Go to www.american.edu/museum for further information and to RSVP for the artists’ talk. WI

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Ganz Concert a Breathtaking Delivery of Chopin’s Works for Pianoforte Pianist Continues Quest to Perform Composer’s Complete Repertoire of 250 By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir Pianist Brian Ganz “tickled the ivories” to perfection during a recent performance of Frédéric Chopin’s works for pianoforte, while also achieving a landmark in his professional career – reaching the halfway point in his quest to perform all of the composer’s 250 works for piano. The concert, “Chopin: Recollections of Home,” held at The Music Center at Strathmore on Feb. 2, also showcased the internationally-acclaimed mezzo-soprano Magdalena Wór as the duo celebrated the Polish maestro’s songs for voice and piano, original Polish poetry and a composition for unaccompanied singer. The presentation, featuring 10 of Chopin’s rarely-heard songs, marked Ganz’s ninth recital in his goal to both master and perform the complete works of the composer written for the piano. Ganz opines: “Chopin was, without question, the greatest Polish composer of all time [and while] he spent only the first half of his life in Poland, much of his music reveals his deep love for, and connection to, his homeland as reflected in this recital.” “Chopin’s probably the best of the Romantic Era with a gift for beautiful melody writing and harmonic vocabulary. He’s often called the poet of the piano but I like to think of him more as a uniquely-talented storyteller who approaches every conceivable and even inconceivable, emotion in a profound exploration of what it means to be human,” Ganz added. Since January 2011 during his sold-out recital that launched the inaugural partnership between Ganz and the National Philharmonic, “Extreme Chopin,” he has maintained an impressive, if not exhaust-

ing concert schedule which, upon its completion, will secure him as one of a handful, if not the sole pianist, to perform Chopin’s entire oeuvre. National Philharmonic Music Director Piotr Gajewski speaks highly of the goal Ganz has set for himself, also acknowledging the pianist’s skills and talent. “Brian is the first musician to attempt to perform all of Chopin’s works,” acknowledging the recent concert that featured Polish dances for solo piano, polonaises, mazurkas and several folkloric songs – the majority of which have rarely been heard – and which further confirm the appropriateness of Chopin possessing “the spirit” of his homeland. But for Ganz to achieve his goal, he’s had to follow a strict rehearsal regiment that includes one of his proven strategies: “mental practice.” “I imagine playing away from the keyboard and do a lot of work with hands alone because it helps me notice different things about the music,” he said. “It’s a way of getting deeply inside the work – like uncovering its DNA. Truthfully, I’ve been doing this for so long that I can’t say for sure if I came up with this process myself or not.” Along the way, Ganz notes that he’s learned things about Chopin that have been surprising – things he says have only increased his admiration for the gifted composer. “Some of his works have been lost; others he was unable to complete before his death,” Ganz said. “I played that composition during the concert and actually stopped at the point where Chopin ended. This project, for me, represents a deep honoring of all of his gifts to humanity. Even some of his less mature works serve stepping stones toward his more mature pieces.”

“Just a few months ago, I discovered his composition for unaccompanied voice which we performed during the concert and which may well be its American premiere. When I say, ‘Extreme Chopin,’ I’m not kidding.” What’s a typical day entail for the concert pianist? One that requires flexibility, he says. “I do a fair amount of teaching including private lessons, classes at St. Mary’s College of Maryland where I’ve been the longest and at the Peabody Conservatory,” he said. “Teaching keeps me alert and it’s stimulating. But I have to balance teaching and practicing around each other. Finding time to practice as much I would like can be a challenge so I’ve learned to make every minute count.” “Three or four hours a day is a good day but when a major concert is approaching, I put in more time – at least 15 hours in a week’s time and I keep track of my practice hours too. Some of Chopin’s pieces have taken me 10 hours or more to learn and perfect. But I can recall working on others that have taken me considerably longer to learn like Rachmaninov’s ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini’ or Brahms’ ‘Piano Concerto No. 2,’ both of which took me around 175 hours of practice before I was ready to perform them.” As a child, Ganz remembers wanting to be a professional football player, hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps – an accomplished athlete on the gridiron. Together, they frequently attended Baltimore Colts football games which Ganz says further added to his boyhood dreams. Then, at the age of nine, he began taking piano lessons and the world became a very different place. “After my first few lessons, I was hooked and fell madly in love with the piano,” he said. “I quickly became enamored with the works of Chopin. And while I may have been

5 Pianist Brian Ganz and Messo-Soprano Magdalena Wór perform Chopin’s works in “Recollections of Home” at The Music Center at Strathmore on February 2. (Photo courtesy Jay Mallin)

just a little boy, I knew even then what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” If you haven’t seen Ganz in concert performing the splendid works of Chopin, you’re missing a true treat. As for his recent pairing with

Wór, the evening was a delightful experience that showcased their indisputable talent. The concert was, in a word, ‘glorious.’ For more information about Brian Ganz and his upcoming performances, visit www.brianganz.net. WI

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) Bid Opportunity The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) is soliciting quotes from qualified firms to provide Supply of Stage, Stage Parts and Equipment. Interested parties can view a copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) by accessing the Event DC’s E-procurement website at www. wcsapex.com and opening APEX BID #19-S-073-555. Key Date Proposal Due Date: 5:00 PM, EST, Friday, March 1, 2019

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 39 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE

AARP from Page 30

7, 1965, led by John Lewis, then chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and the Rev. Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Police violence against protesters brought the march to a shocking end. Footage of the brutality broadcast across the nation sparked public outrage and boosted support for the civil rights movement.

1965 – CHICAGO FREEDOM MOVEMENT

The Chicago Open Housing Movement, also called the Chicago Freedom Movement, was formed to protest segregated

housing, educational deficiencies and employment and health disparities based on racism. The movement included multiple rallies, marches and boycotts to address the variety of issues facing Black Chicago residents. By Jan. 7, 1966, King announced plans to get involved in the Chicago Freedom Movement, and on Aug. 5, 1966, he led a march near Marquette Park in a white neighborhood. The marchers were met with rocks, bottles and firecrackers. Thirty people were injured, including King, who was hit in the head with a brick. After negotiations with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, an agreement was announced on Aug. 26, 1966, to build public housing in predominately white areas and to make mortgages available

regardless of race or neighborhood. The Chicago Freedom Movement continued through 1967 and credited with inspiring the Fair Housing Act, passed by Congress in 1969.

1967 – VIETNAM WAR OPPOSITION

Many groups and individuals vehemently opposed the Vietnam War in the massive peace movement of the 1960s and ‘70s. King compared the antiwar movement to the Civil Rights Movement and denounced U.S. involvement in a series of speeches, rallies and demonstrations. His first public speech against the war, called “Beyond Vietnam,” was delivered in April 1967 in front of 3,000 people at River-

side Church in New York. He called for a stop to all bombing in North and South Vietnam, as well as a declaration of a unilateral truce and a move toward peace talks. His stance cost him many allies, including President Lyndon Johnson, but King maintained his antiwar position until his assassination exactly one year to the day after he delivered his “Beyond Vietnam” speech.

1968 – POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN

The goal of the Poor People’s Campaign was to gain more economic and human rights for poor Americans from all backgrounds. A multicultural movement, the campaign included Asian Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Native Americans and whites along with African Americans. A march on Washington was planned for April 22, 1968, but when King was assassinated on April 4, the movement was shaken and the march postponed. By May 12, approximately 50,000 demonstrators had

converged on the Mall in Washington and erected a tent city, called Resurrection City, in what became a live-in. The campaign’s major march occurred at the Solidarity Day Rally for Jobs, Peace and Freedom on June 19. The occupation lasted six weeks and ended when bulldozers arrived, mowing down Resurrection City on June 24. The bill of rights the campaign strived to establish never became law but the federal government enacted several programs to end hunger. WI

5 Vietnam War Opposition (Courtesy photo)

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LIFESTYLE Baltimore Comedian Wins NBC StandUp Competition By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

If you don’t know comedian Mike E. Winfield, he at least wants to make sure that you say his name correctly. “Mike … pause … E … pause… Winfield,” said the excitable Baltimore native, the winner of the 15th annual StandUp NBC comedy competition. Winfield beat out 1,600 applicants during the peacock network’s annual search for comedians from diverse backgrounds. “It was incredible,” Winfield said. “I try to feel like a winner on a daily basis but when someone hands you a trophy, it just legitimizes you and I haven’t stopped grinning since that day.” For his triumph, Winfield received a talent holding deal with NBC Universal and a headlining spot at the National Association for Campus Activities annual convention, where he will perform for talent bookers from across the country. It means the up-and-coming comic will have an opportunity

to achieve his dreams of superstardom with a much larger audience than he’s ever had. Also, because he won the competition, Winfield will headline the regional semifinalist showcases for the 2019 StandUp NBC competition later this year. “Since its inception, StandUp NBC has forged a path for some of today’s most sought-after comedians,” said Karen Horne, senior vice president of programming talent development and inclusion for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television. “Following the program, many of our finalists have appeared in substantial roles on notable TV series and feature films as well as hosted their own stand-up specials on major networks. Their continued success speaks to their undeniable talent as well as the effectiveness of our program to help launch emerging comedic talent.” A total of 1,600 stand-up comedians auditioned last year through online submissions and open calls in Charlotte, Chica-

go, Houston, Las Vegas and New York. Winfield and fellow finalists join Michelle Buteau (“Isn’t It Romantic?”), Deon Cole (“Grown-ish”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Hasan Minhaj (“Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”), Phoebe Robinson (“2 Dope Queens”), and Dulcé Sloan (“The Daily Show”) as alumni of StandUp NBC, one of the network’s tentpole talent infusion programs. A special celebratory event honoring the program’s 15th anniversary and a finale showcase hosted by comedian and StandUp NBC alumnus Orlando Leyba (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) were held in December at The Improv in Hollywood. The finalists performed their sets in front of an audience of NBCUniversal television executives, casting directors, agents, managers and industry tastemakers. Winfield credits his success to his Charm City upbringing. “Baltimore molded who I am,”

5 Mike E. Winfield (Courtesy photo)

he said. “I have thick skin and I believe in myself more than anyone else.” Winfield said he’s always allowed everyone else to talk, but he prides himself on being a risk-taker. “I’m attracted to thrills and

that’s how I got here,” he said. “My Baltimore surroundings and the energy from hip-hop has been a driving factor — [going] from rags to riches has fueled me to want more than what I was raised with. The sky is the limit.” WI

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LIFESTYLE

‘BLKS’ Explores Roller-Coaster Lives of Three Female Friends

In 24 Hours, Things Go from Funny to Scary to Love By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

5 Cyndii Johnson stars as Octavia in “BLKS” at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in D.C. on Feb. 8. (Teresa Castracane/Woolly MammothTC)

Young Black women navigating careers, relationships, physical and mental health while carrying a lifetime of baggage is the journey audiences experience through “BLKS,” the latest production at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Written by Aziza Barnes and directed by Nataki Garrett, this play takes a mostly funny look at what happens as three Black female roommates deal with some surprising scenarios within a 24hour period. Barnes, the playwright, wanted to create a play that created a safe haven where Black women and Black femmes can be seen and heard. “Femme” describes a lesbian who is seen as traditionally feminine. “I wrote this play in 2014 when Obama lived here,” Barnes said of bringing “BLKS” to the District. “It feels very much like a call to arms because Black women really matter.” It’s New York City in 2015. Octavia (Cyndii Johnson), a writer who has an over-the-

top reaction to just about everything and doesn’t understand why others don’t react to life in the same way. Imani (Shannon Dorsey), one of the roomies, is obsessed with Eddie Murphy’s “Raw” (We eventually learn why). June, played by Tatiana Williams, is a CPA who cannot free herself from a cheating boyfriend. This is the threesome, Octavia, Imani and June, Black women living under one roof. A day of mishaps that includes Octavia getting fed up with her current lover, Ry, who doesn’t show interest in a health scare she has. June discovers her boyfriend has cheated, again. Imani is caught in the middle of listening to all the madness between her roommates. The ladies decide to shake it off by going to a club. Their adventure is fueled by alcohol and marijuana, so the ladies are more than ready for the club. Interesting encounters occur en route to and at the club that are a bit brutal, somewhat comical and very revealing about the three friends. The club is a space that welcomes whatever is one’s sex-

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ual orientation, so there is action for everyone. At the club, Octavia sees Ry, who we thought was sent walking. Ry is making out with another woman, whose name in the program is “That B-tch on the Couch,” played by Madeline Joey Rose. Well, Octavia breaks that up. Then the “Couch B-tch,” who is White, is attracted to Imani. Imani is reluctant to give any time to this woman. June meets an interesting fella who appears to show an understanding of her day of frustration. Justin, played by Justin Weaks, is a bit strange. It’s easy to throw out the word “crazy” to describe the three roommates and the people who are drawn to them. But peeling back the layers, it goes much deeper. “A lot of Black women and Black femmes do not have access to therapy,” Barnes said. “Even if they do have access, there is a cultural stigma around unpacking what you have.” The three friends call each other out on their stuff, but are supportive and share joy. That is what allows them to make it through 24 hours of drama. The play brings the audience along for a thought-provoking, joyfilled ride. “BLKS” deserves our attention. That was confirmed by the standing ovation from the packed house at Woolly Mammoth. Attend with some of your friends and you will be engaged in conversation for a long time following the play. “These three women, Octavia, June and Imani are lucky to have conflict and then have kindness,” Barnes said. “It’s showing I can have the fullest expression of myself.”

“BLKS” plays at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company until March 3. For ticket information, go to woollymammoth.net, call 202-393-3939, email tickets@woollymammoth.net or the box office at 641 D Street NW. Patrons who are 30 and younger may, at any time, purchase Section C tickets for $20 to any performance. There are also discounts available for educators, first responders and active U.S. military personnel, spouses and veterans. wi

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review “What is Given from the Heart”

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

ARIES If you feel hemmed in by circumstances, the early part of the week could see you making a dash for freedom. As feisty Mars, your ruler, ties with electric Uranus in your sign, you may have had enough of a situation. The only way to resolve this might be to depart suddenly so that you can get the relief you desire, but is this the best way forward? Lucky Numbers: 27, 30, 45

by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison

TAURUS While all may be calm on the surface, tension may be bubbling within and could spill over during the early part of the week. There are times when your naturally placid nature erupts in a volcano of frustration and anger, and this could be one of those times. Lucky Numbers: 1, 22, 52

c.2019, Schwartz & Wade Books

GEMINI A friend may spring a surprise on you that comes as a bit of a shock. It could disrupt your plans, but it could also completely change your opinion of the person in one way or another. If it does, this might be a lesson in embracing them as they are rather than who you’d like them to be. If you disagree with whatever they’re doing, perhaps you should ask yourself why. This revelation could put distance between you unless you’re willing to bridge the gap. Lucky Numbers: 16, 33, 43

$17.99 ($23.99 Canada) 40 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Oh, how you love opening presents! You love the surprise, first of all. What did you get? You won’t find out until you rip off the paper and just the sound of that is exciting. Maybe there’s a box next, or plastic to open, or there’s simply a gift for you to enjoy. Getting presents is awesome but in the new book “What is Given from the Heart” by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison, its doubly special when you have nothing to give in return. Mama always seemed so sad. James Otis did what he could, but it was “a rough few months.” Nearly a year ago, Daddy fell asleep one day and didn’t wake up; after that, the farm was repossessed and Mama had to move herself and James Otis to a tumbledown shack and there never seemed to be enough money. The final blow came when James Otis’s dog ran off. Mama liked to point out that they had each other. They had God, and they had small holidays and such, but James Otis knew it had been a struggle. Then one day near Valentine’s Day, he and Mama were in church when Rev. Dennis made a special announcement. As always, the church was giving to the needy that spring but Mrs. Temple and her 7-year-old daughter, Sarah, had been victims of a fire and they needed a special “love box.” The Temples had lost everything, and on the way home that day, Mama said she wanted to help. She wanted to find something nice to give to the Temples but James Otis had no idea what that might be. Mama reminded him of Reverend Dennis’s words: “Remember, what is given from the heart touches the heart.” And so James Otis began to think. His crayons were broken. Sarah probably wouldn’t appreciate an old toy truck. His whistle had spit all over it. His favorite old puzzle was missing two pieces. What would a little girl like? Better question: how can you give anything when you have nothing yourself? “What is Given from the Heart” is a book that seriously needs to come with its own choir, one that would softly sing, just when you get about halfway through reading it. Yes, this story is just that wonderful. It’s OK if you don’t have access to tenors and sopranos, though. Your child will get the message all the same because author Patricia C. McKissack tells a tale that shows loud and clear how giving has its own rewards and riches. Even kids who turn into Gimme Monsters will see it — in part, because of McKissack’s quiet, loving text and in part, because of the collage-like illustrations by April Harrison. Rounding it off, the uplifting ending couldn’t be more heartwarming. This is a book that’s perfect for soft-hearted kids ages 4 to 8, but materialistic older kids might need to hear it once or twice, too. For them, or any generous child, “What is Given from the Heart” could make a great present. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

horoscopes

CANCER The early part of the week could bring an unexpected event in the form of a job offer or other opportunity. It’s also possible that a contract could come to an end, and this could seem like a loss. With fiery Mars embracing restless Uranus in your sector of goals and career, know that if one door closes, another will open. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 18 LEO A surprise offer could see you heading off on an adventure quite out of the blue. The early part of the week could bring exciting news and a chance say yes to a trip or other opportunity that’s too good to miss. But it could disrupt aspects of your life if you have plans brewing. You’ll need to decide whether it’s worth following your heart or doing your duty. Lucky Numbers: 13, 17, 25 VIRGO Sometimes you can dither about, trying not to upset the apple cart and yet all the while wanting things to change. This week, a situation could shift before your eyes - and more quickly than you have time to think about it. As pushy Mars embraces revolutionary Uranus in your sector of change, the thing you wanted to happen could occur spontaneously, liberating you at the same time. Lucky Numbers: 36, 37, 56 LIBRA Other people could be a cause of disruption, especially early in the week, when promises may be broken or when someone could distance themselves from you. This may not be a permanent situation, yet it might cause you to wonder about this person’s motives. If you’ve felt let down once too often, you might have a decision to make. Lucky Numbers: 26, 43, 44 SCORPIO Ready, steady, stop! Whenever you had planned early this week could come to an abrupt halt when unexpected events occur. This is something you may have no control over and that you’ll likely have to take in your stride. Assertive Mars ties with revolutionary Uranus in your lifestyle zone, which can be a tad chaotic. Lucky Numbers: 12, 34, 45 SAGITTARIUS An adventurous mood could overtake you at the start of the week and see you heading off to do your own thing. With feisty Mars embracing restless Uranus, your thoughts may not be so much on other people as on how much you can enjoy yourself. While there’s no harm in this, someone could be upset if you go off without saying anything. A few words or a text can set their mind at ease. Lucky Numbers: 19, 25, 52 CAPRICORN An unexpected visit could cause a touch of chaos on the home front early in the week. This might be someone you didn’t expect to see who causes mixed feelings in you. Still, their appearance can encourage conversation, which could bring closure to a past event. Lucky Numbers: 3, 27, 54 AQUARIUS Be careful what you say, especially around Tuesday, because the wrong words at the wrong time could upset someone. A very restless tie between fiery Mars and revolutionary Uranus suggests that you could be in an edgy mood and not inclined to make polite conversation. You could even be little too truthful with someone who may be feeling rather sensitive. Lucky Numbers: 7, 18, 29 PISCES If you have money to burn, the restless and lively tie between Mars and eccentric Uranus early in the week could encourage you to splurge. It could be that shopping becomes a form of release and a way to let off steam after a busy or stressful time. If so, give yourself a limit. However, better than that may be treating yourself to a relaxing massage or perhaps a short trip and a chance to do something exciting. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 23

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 43 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

SPORTS For more photos go to washingtoninformer.com

Wizards Drop Cavaliers 3 Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton fends off Washington Wizards center Thomas Bryant during the Wizards’ 119-106 win at Capital One Arena in D.C. on Friday, Feb. 8. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

FEREBE from Page 23 Ferebee has worked nonstop to familiarize himself with DC Public Schools students, teachers, personnel and parents, volunteering at Ron Brown College Preparatory in Northeast, Anne Beers Elementary School in Southeast and joining Bowser in celebrating the opening of Ketcham Elementary School’s child development center in Southeast. He also engaged community members at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School in Southwest about the Every Student Succeeds Act, touted as a viable, more parent-centered alternative to No Child Left Behind. For two consecutive Fridays, Ferebee hosted “Ferebee Friday” gatherings in Wards 5 and 8, respectively. The most recent Ferebee Friday took place at Cheers at the Big Chair on Martin Luther King Ave in Anacostia. Hours before attending the February 8 event, Ferebee toured Ballou Senior High School, at times entering classrooms, watching students work on media projects and speaking with them about school attendance, school equity and the stigma of attending a school they said has been severely mischaracterized. As a show of solidarity with D.C. youth, Ferebee followed a group of students, Ballou Principal Willie

Jackson and others along Fourth Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Congress Heights shortly after the bell rang at the end of the school day. While along the avenue, Ferebee greeted residents and briefly conferred with Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. For Ferebee, hearing impassioned pleas from student leaders that their chancellor develops a genuine relationship with all students, regardless of academic standing or reputation, resonated with him, so much so that that he reflected on how best to consider external factors that impede students’ ability to consistently attend school on time, let alone succeed in the classroom, when writing policy. “There has to be a way to strike a balance when policy and procedures are written,” he said. “I will talk to our team about it and see how policy disincentivizes student attendance. I will look into tapping into agencies [for their help]. There’s still a student responsibility but balancing that with what I heard from a young man about being a primary caregiver, we have to be mindful of special situations where younger people have to do what they have to do for their families.”

A TRACK RECORD OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

44 FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

As head of IPS, Ferebee oversaw a graduation rate increase of 15 percent, with Black and Latino student high school completion reaching levels surpassing the state average. He also implemented a student-based budgeting process as part of an effort to increase equity and transparency around spending. Prior to his five-year stint at IPS, Ferebee served as chief of staff for Durham Public Schools where he reduced the number of educational institutions designated as “turnaround schools” to zero. In North Carolina’s Guilford County Schools, Ferebee, an alumnus of North Carolina Central University, The George Washington University in Northwest and East Carolina University, served as an instructional improvement officer, regional supervisor and later principal. What some critics described as a dearth of on-the-field teaching experience didn’t deter offers from Bowser and the Los Angeles Unified School District, which Ferebee turned down. Upon accepting his nomination for chancellor, Ferebee reportedly said he had no immediate plans to make radical changes. More than a month later, especially after touring Ballou and Eastern senior high schools, both of which are located in Southeast,

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Bulldogs Nip Hoyas 5 Georgetown guard James Akinjo drives against and as Butler guard Aaron Thompson during Butler’s 7369 win at Capital One Arena in D.C. on Saturday, Feb. 9. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

Ferebee hinted at plans to bridge the gap between students, their school buildings and the greater D.C. community. “When I saw the indoor track, I saw communities where the elderly can walk after school hours,” Ferebee said. “I wonder if we can open it up so that it becomes a hub for extracurricular activity and summer programs,” he continued. “From a public-private perspective, there’s an outcry for internships and apprenticeships and we have to do a better job of making those connections. The business community has to show possible career routes and how students can enter them.” As chancellor, Ferebee would report directly to Bowser and maintain control of a school system dealing with questions about the efficacy of student performance data, transparency in spending and equity in resources for students living in the eastern part of the city, among a bevy of other issues. Last year, opponents questioned Bowser’s assertion that PARCC scores incrementally increased for the third consecutive year. The D.C. Council later passed legislation establishing an advisory board and collaborative, independent of the Executive Office

of the Mayor, that would measure long-term student progress and audit performance data. On Friday afternoon, a group of Ballou students, many of whom continue to be impacted by a scandal during the 2018-2019 academic year that placed their school in the national spotlight, implored a revamping of DC Public School’s attendance policy. Students told Ferebee during a panel discussion that they wanted more of their city leaders to be genuine in their approach to students. The group, comprised of nearly 10 Ballou student leaders, invited Ferebee back to their school, advising him to trade his dress clothes for more comfortable attire and spark conversation with their peers in the cafeteria. Principal Jackson, in his first full year as principal at Ballou, said his students demonstrated the ability to advocate for themselves and their peers – those who attend Ballou or other D.C. schools – during their meeting. “It’s a positive relationship and a good start for [Acting Chancellor Ferebee] making more visits and being in tune with what students are saying,” Jackson said. “The children want to see their chancellor more.” WI

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CAPTURE th e mo me n t

6 Doug Williams (left) and Cornelius Green (center) were celebrated for their accomplishments as Black History Makers and received awards from the Barry LeNoir, president of the United Black Fund at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Southeast on Saturday, Feb. 9. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

ARE YOU FACING EVICTION OR FORECLOSURE? Legal Counsel for the Elderly may be able to help. Call 202-434-2120. LCE serves D.C. residents 60 and older. Income eligibility applies.

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HOC from Page 1 5 Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo spoke before a crowded room on Saturday, Feb. 9 in efforts to raise funds for a new cathedral to be built in the African nation. (Rob Roberts/Washington Informer).

ALICIA from Page 1 “I’m a singer – not of any particular style or genre. I break the rules of classical chord structure. I try things, even on stage in front of an audience that don’t always work. And that’s okay as music, for me, exists in that one unique moment. It’s not like painting where you can come back and analyze your work. Music calls for spontaneity and a willingness to improvise any time it feels right.” “But I don’t mind if people really want to call me a jazz singer since my musicians, my stylings

and my repertoire all happen to be associated with jazz,” she said laughing. She says she wants her new release to be the beginning of something special, even more something that’s long overdue. “We’re hearing what women have to say in many new ways – that’s what I want to be a part of. But finding music written solely by a woman is still difficult. More often it’s done in a collaborative way. In the classical world where I studied in school, it’s almost impossible to find female composers. How many

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female producers or engineers can you name who are making it today? We have to start somewhere.” “So, I celebrate both the older and the newer works. I encourage those from the next generation. I want people to hear what I’m doing and champion me as well. I want to sing in such a way that I can encourage people to step forward – to take their place in the world. I want to share songs that, even after I’m convinced that they’re finished works, that they can continue to even inspire me.” WI

Capital Parks & Planning Commission as a partner in determining the future of Moses African Cemetery, which has been estimated to hold the remains of nearly 500 formerly enslaved Africans who formed a vibrant community along River Road during the Reconstruction Era. “We recognize the [county’s] nasty history and the community of freed slaves who made their homes [on River Road],” HOC Executive Director Stacy Spann said a day after the HOC’s Feb. 6 meeting at its Kensington headquarters. Since HOC, the county agency charged with fulfilling affordable housing needs, purchased Moses African Cemetery from a private developer more than a year ago,

members of the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition (BACC), a group that includes congregants of nearby Macedonia Baptist Church, have stormed monthly HOC meetings in search for answers about how commissioners would pay homage to the hundreds of decadents. BACC launched their campaign with the goal of securing a transfer of the deed to the land on which Moses African Cemetery sits to Macedonia, a remnant of the vibrant Black community that developed on River Road from the 1860s until the 1950s, when legions of Black families lost their homes. Residents allege that, years later, developers paved over what they knew to be a burial site. In the weeks before the HOC

HOC Page 46

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 45 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

HOC from Page 45

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46 FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

made known their decision to partner with the Parks & Planning Commission, Spann met with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. In November, a day after his electoral victory, Elrich attended an HOC meeting where he responded to Spann’s announcement of a community advisory board with a pledge to serve as a mediator in the discussion that he only wanted to involve HOC and BACC. While he didn’t directly respond to a text inquiry, that followed an unanswered phone call, about Parks & Planning’s involvement, Elrich confirmed that he asked Spann for a site layout of the site in question in advance of a community meeting, the date of which has yet to be determined. Spann, however, hasn’t wavered in his desire to allow more people to weigh in on the specifics of Moses African Cemetery’s memorialization. “That’s the entire community’s history, [but] there are certain folks who think that others should not be involved,” he said. “I can’t define the timeline, but we’re ready to move toward memorialization and figure out who’s participating.” At the Feb. 6 meeting, a white Takoma Park resident, who prayed for people buried at Moses African Cemetery, and The Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Hip-Hop Caucus counted among those who gave impassioned testimony in support of preserving Black history. Shortly after, toward the end of the public comments portion, a sergeant with the Montgomery County Police Department arrested three BACC members, including Macedonia Pastor Segun Adebayo and congregant Lucy Perez, who continued chanting and singing “We Shall Overcome” with signs in hand, even after repeated requests to stop. Minutes before her arrest, Perez, a mother who lives in Montgomery County, explained what she described as the correlation between a lack of knowledge about ancestral history and a person’s self-confidence. “I’ve raised a young Black man in Montgomery County and I never knew about the rich heritage of River Road and Moses Cemetery” she said in her address to commissioners. “As a pediatrician, I know the lifelong damage of devaluing and belittling someone. I have looked in your faces. We have substantiated quite a body of evidence that shows how damaging it is to do what you continue to do without explanation.” Perez’s arrest followed that of four other BACC members, in-

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Protest held November 1, 2017 pending the desecration of Bethesda African Cemetery at Housing Opportunities Commission in Kensington, Md. The Housing Opportunities Commission, along with developer Regency Centers. The cemetery is the final resting place of members of River Road’s once thriving African American community, dating back to the first generation of freed enslaved persons. (Photo courtesy/HOC)

cluding Macedonia’s social justice coordinator Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, during HOC’s January meeting, an outcome that HOC denied in a public statement. Coleman-Adebayo, who also testified on Feb. 6, remained steadfast in a commitment to Macedonia gaining absolute control of Moses African Cemetery. “I will keep coming back until the deeds to the land is conveyed to Macedonia,” Coleman-Adebayo said in her public testimony. She later announced plans to lead a national boycott PNC Bank and Union Bank, both of which have a relationship with the HOC,

if HOC continues what she described as its private negotiations. “I have heard the talk that they’re dedicated to memorialization but for more than two years after Macedonia established that Moses African Cemetery lies under the Westwood parking lot, HOC has shown they have no plans,” Coleman-Adebayo said. “You never had nor will you have legitimate interest in Moses African Cemetery. Macedonia will not accept any contingency that we do not participate in.” WI

Sheila R. Hicks-Jackson Sheila R. Hicks-Jackson aged (62) died on Friday, February 1, 2019 at George Washington Hospital. She was born in Washington DC to parents Yvonne & James M. Hicks, she was the oldest daughter of their 4 children. Preceded in death by brother Vernon Hicks and survived by three sisters Michelle Hicks, Gemanie Hicks, Paulette Roach, brother Sonny A. Hicks and estranged husband Eugene Jackson. Three daughters LaShawn Hicks, LaNita Wrenn, LaGenia Hicks. Eight Grand Children, LaShae, Larry, James, Darrickia, Kayas, Ja’Shon, Karron, Asia. Four Great Grand Children Alexander, Josiah, Dakota, Semaja, Ja’Dore. Along with many Nieces, Nephews and other relatives, including Best friend JoAnn. Sheila was a Washingtonian, attended DC Public Schools and worked for the Montgomery County Public School System. She loved cats, playing cards, reading, or just listening to her slow jams while sipping her Special Cocktail. She will be Missed but Never Forgotten. May she Forever Rest in Peace. Memorials Service: TBD For more information visit, Facebook Pages Lovemyfourkids & La’Nita Wrenn WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Giving Howard Thurman His Due

A portrait of an influential African-American theologian, preacher, writer and civil rights leader will be seen in “Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story,” a documentary for Black History Month by award-winning filmmaker Martin Doblmeier premiering this weekend. The film explores the life of Thurman, the man who inspired Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, Vernon Jordan and others. (Thank you to Mary Lugo for providing details of this movie.) “Backs Against the Wall” premieres on public television stations throughout the month of February. The documentary will also screen in D.C. on Feb. 25 at the Landmark E Street Cinema, sponsored by the National Museum of African American History and Wesley Theological Seminary, with a panel discussion to follow. Tickets are free. Call Mary Lugo at CaraMar Inc. at 770-623-8190. The documentary explores the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century. Born the grandson of slaves, Howard Thurman became the “spiritual foundation” for the civil rights movement, inspiring many of its leaders — including his close friend Martin Luther King Jr. Featured in the film are a host of scholars, theologians, and civil rights pioneers including Rep. John Lewis, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Vernon Mt. Zion Baptist Church Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold”

Jordan and more. Born in 1899, Howard Thurman distinguished himself at an early age, becoming the first African American to graduate from the eighth grade in his hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida. He went on to become valedictorian of his class at Morehouse College, studied at the Rochester Theological Seminary and Haverford College and would eventually be an influential teacher at Morehouse, Spelman College and Howard University. In the mid-1930s, Thurman’s life was transformed when he was the first African American invited to India to meet Mohandas Gandhi. Gandhi suggested that it would be through the African-American experience that the nonviolent resistance movement could take on global significance. When Thurman returned to America, his writings and speeches planted the early seeds for the nonviolent civil rights movement. “Thurman helped establish the philosophical framework of how to struggle,” Jackson said. “They may be able to break your bones or your arms, but not your spirit.” Thurman would go on to write the influential Jesus and the Disinherited, which firmly connected the life of Jesus with the struggles of the oppressed everywhere. Thurman is also remembered for helping launch The Fellowship Church for All People in San Francisco, considered to be the nation’s first interracial, multicultural church community. Launched in 1944, the church experimented with new forms of worship including

theater and dance and counted Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune as at-large members. In all of his teachings, Thurman was determined to break down what he saw as the artificial walls between races, nationalities and denominations. He went on to serve as dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University (1953–1965), eventually retiring to San Francisco where he died in 1981. Doblmeier, the creator of dozens of award-winning films on faith, will be my featured radio show guest Friday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. “Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story” is produced by Journey Films, Inc., and is a presentation of Maryland Public Television. Major funding provided by the Lilly Endowment. Go to the Journey Films website to learn more about the film, view video clips, see a list of screenings and events, download educational materials, screening guides and more. WI Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958 Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

(301) 864-6070

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

www.mtzbcdc.org

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 47 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 a.m. 7 10:00 a.m. Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00am 5th Sundays: 9:30am 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30pm 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

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30am 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00am Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30pm Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30pm Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00am “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

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

Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30pm Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

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

Rev. Dr. Alice Greene Interim 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

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

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00am Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30pm

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30pm (dinner @ 5:30pm) Sunday School: 9:00am – Hour of Power

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

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

Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am Sunday Church School: 8:45 am Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 pm Thursday: 7: pm “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

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

Sunday Worship Service: 8 AM and 10:45am Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45am; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45am; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6am & 6:30pm 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

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

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: 9:00am Worship Service: 10:00am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45pm Thur. Bible Study: 7:15pm

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (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 Gerald H. Hesson Interim 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

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

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

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

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Turning Hearts Church

421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445

Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Church School: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 pm Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30am

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 : 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10am

48 FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

themcbc.org

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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church

All Nations Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471

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

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

Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 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 Sunday Worship Service: 10:15AM Sunday School: 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

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 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 pm Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

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

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert 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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

“Where Jesus is the King”

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10: am Holy Communion: First Sunday 10: am Sunday School: 9: am Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30pm Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 P.M Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 P.M. 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

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

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

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

Salem Baptist Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church

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

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Rev. Joan E. Buchanan Executive Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 7:30am Worship Service: 11:00am New Member’s Class: 9:45am Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00am Church School: 9:45am Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00pm Saturday Bible Study: 11:00am Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00am

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

Christ Embassy DC

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Friday Evening Service: 7:00 P.M. ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class 8:00 am Sunday School 9:00 am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:00 am Wednesday Service 12:00 pm

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

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Rev. David McIntosh-Peters Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III 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

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

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

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

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

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 a.m. Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 p.m.

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 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon

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

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15 am Sunday School: 9:00 am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting / Bible Study: Tuesday at 7 pm Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church with an Emphasis on “Evangelism and Discipleship” Email: pastorstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 a.m. Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30 a.m. Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 p.m. 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 14 - 20, 2019 49 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2019 ADM 40 Evelyn B. Taylor Decedent Joan M. Wilbon 1120 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Eric W. Taylor and Lynne T. Hundley, whose address is 479 Ridgewood Rd., Middletown, CT 06457 & 1124 Buchanan St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Evelyn B. Taylor who died on August 16, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/31/2019. 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 7/31/2019, 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: 1/31/2019 Eric W. Taylor Lynne T. Hundley Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2018 ADM 001073

Administration No. 2018 ADM 000041

Administration No. 2018 ADM 001456

Lory Shaw Decedent

Roscoe Hemsley aka Roscoe L. Hemsley aka Roscoe Larry Hemsley Decedent

Eileen Juanita Thomas Decedent

Sherman Wade Eason Decedent

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

Valerie J. Edwards, Esq. 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

Nakia V. Gray, Esquire 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Veronica Lynn Riley Guyther, whose address is 16021 Dorset Road, Laurel, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eileen Juanita Thomas who died on December 18, 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 7/31/2019. 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 7/31/2019, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Kenneth Brown, whose address is 3000 Pineview Court, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sherman Wade Eason who died on October 26, 2018 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 7/31/2019. 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 7/31/2019, 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: 1/31/2019

Veronica Lynn Riley Guyther Personal Representative

Kenneth Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2018 ADM 001531

Patricia Ouzts, whose address is 504 Millrace Court, Capital Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lory Shaw who died on November 25, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/31/2019. 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 7/31/2019, 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.

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

Date of first publication: 1/31/2019

Roscoe Larry Butler, whose address is 1324 Talbert Court, SE, Unit A, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Roscoe Hemsley aka Roscoe L. Hemsley aka Roscoe Larry Hemsley who died on April 13, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/31/2019. 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 7/31/2019, 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.

Patricia Ouzts Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 1/31/2019 Roscoe Larry Butler Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000038

Administration No. 2019 ADM 42

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000044

Foreign No. 2019 FEP 000006

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000088

Mary V. Murphy Decedent

Mary M. Thomas aka Mary Magdeline Thomas Decedent

Lee Dawson aka Lee Anita Dawson aka Rhode Anita Dawson Decedent

June 4, 2016 Date of Death

James A. Alston Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Joseph W. Murphy, whose address is 1311 Queen Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary V. Murphy who died on 9/26/2018 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 August 7, 2019. 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 August 7, 2019, 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: February 7, 2019 Joseph W. Murphy Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nakia V. Gray, Esq. Gray Legal P.C. 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ivy Thomas, whose address is 4801 Iroquois Street, College Park, MD 20740, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Thomas aka Mary Magdeline Thomas who died on October 14, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 7, 2019. 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 August 7, 2019, 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: February 7, 2019 Ivy Thomas Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

David Robert Baylor, whose address is 3017 Massachusetts Ave., SE, Apt. 3, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lee Dawson aka Lee Anita Dawson aka Rhode Anita Dawson who died on October 8, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 7, 2019. 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 August 7, 2019, 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: 2/7/2019 David Robert Baylor Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Janice Browne Sellers Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Kimberly Sellers Miller, whose address is 10402 Bending Brook Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Janice Browne Sellers, deceased, by the Amherst Circuit Court for Amherst County, State of Virginia, on October 6, 2016. Service of process may be made upon Anthony Jones, Jr., 1406 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate: 4200 Lane Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: 2/7/2019 Kimberly Sellers Miller Personal Representative Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Julia E. Peeler and Billy C. Alston, whose addresses are 139 Elmira St., SW WDC 20032 & 240 Savannah Street, SE, WDC 20032, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of James A. Alston who died on 9/20/2018 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 8/14/2019. 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 8/14/2019, 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: 2/14/2019 Julia E. Peeler Billy C. Alston Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

50 FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2001 ADM 1240

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000073

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000045

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000081

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000089

Geneva T. Jones Decedent

James Mitchell aka James Anthony Mitchell Decedent

Catherine Armstead Decedent

Mary Jean Hopkins Decedent

Carolyn Rueben Prioleau aka Carolyn R. Prioleau Decedent

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

Larry C. Williams 7600 Georgia Ave., NW Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Joan M. Wilbon, Esq. 1120 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

Janet W. Blassingame, Esq. 1413 K Street, NW Suite 1500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

Mary E. Wood, whose address is 6731 13th Place, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Catherine Armstead who died on December 16, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 7, 2019. 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 August 7, 2019, 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.

Jon Wyatt Hopkins, whose address is 10502 N. Pine Ridge Cir., Mequon, WI 53092, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Jean Hopkins who died on December 5, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/14/2019. 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 8/14/2019, 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.

Spencer R. Crew, whose address is 2330 Darius Lane, Reston, VA 20191, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carolyn Rueben Prioleau aka Carolyn R. Prioleau who died on November 24, 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 8/14/2019. 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 8/14/2019, 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: 2/7/2019

Date of first publication: 2/14/2019

Mary E. Wood Personal Representative

Jon Wyatt Hopkins Personal Representative

Spencer R. Crew Personal Representative

Nakia V. Gray, Esq. Gray Legal, P.C. 9701 Apollo Dr., Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lenora Lee, whose address is 2269 Pointer Lane, Hayes, VA 23072, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geneva T. Jones who died on February 15, 2001 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 7, 2019. 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 August 7, 2019, 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: February 7, 2019 Lenora Lee Personal Representative

Jai-Ahmal Mitchell, whose address is 216 Jefferson Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Mitchell aka James Anthony Mitchell who died on September 2, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/7/2019. 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 8/7/2019, 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: 2/7/2019 Jai-Ahmal Mitchell Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY of PIERCE No. 18-3-04316-5 In re: Antwanne Fludd Petitioner Monique Medina Respondent Summons Served by Publication To Monique Medina, The other party has asked the court to: End your marriage or domestic partnership. You must respond in writing if you want the court to consider your side. Deadline! Your Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this summons is published. If you do not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline: • No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and • The court may approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgement). Follow these steps: 1. Read the Petition and any other documents that were filed at court with this Summons. Those documents explain what the other party is asking for. 2. File a Response form FL Divorce 211, Response to Petition about a Marriage You can get the Response form and other forms you need at: • The Washington State Courts’ website: www. court.wa.gov/forms • The Administrative Office of the Courts – call: (360) 705 – 5328 • Washington LawHelp: www.washingtonlawhelp. org, or • The Superior Court Clerk’s office or county law library (for a fee)

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

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000055

Administration No. 2018 ADM 001088

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000054

Administration No. 2018 ADM 001288

Doreatha Alexander Decedent

Elois R. Lawson Decedent

R. Scott Gardner 110 N. Washington Street, #205 Rockville, MD 20850 Attorney

Bradley A. Thomas 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

TRUE TEST COPY

3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at the address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. 4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Superior Court Clerk, Pierce County 930 Tacoma Ave. S #841 Tacoma, WA 98402 5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. This Summons is issued according to Rule 4.1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the State of Washington.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Elenora Battle, whose address is 6821 Dower House Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doreatha Alexander who died on January 29, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 14, 2019. 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 August 14, 2019, 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.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Bertina Cleveland, whose address is 4090 Ferry Landing Road, Dunkirk, MD 20754, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elois R. Lawson who died on March 7, 2018 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 8/14/2019. 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 8/14/2019, 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.

Lloyd C. Holmes, Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lloyd C. Holmes, Jr., whose address is 11837 Federalist Way, Apt. 11, Fairfax, VA 22030, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lloyd C. Holmes, Sr. who died on December 10, 2018 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 8/14/2019. 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 8/14/2019, 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: 2/14/2019

Louise L. Green Decedent Jennifer C. Concino, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jennifer C. Concino, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, #700, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louise L. Green who died on July 14, 2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/14/2019. 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 8/14/2019, 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: 2-14-2019

Date of first publication: 2/14/2019

Elenora Battle Personal Representative

Bertina Cleveland Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

Lloyd C. Holmes, Jr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Jennifer C. Concino, Esq. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 51 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

CL ASSIFIEDS

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MALVEAUX from Page 26

BLACK LOVE from Page 29 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 2009. She received a master’s degree in reading and literacy online from Walden University in 2017. Wood shared how she continues constant optimism for the profession and at the same school where she started her teaching career 10 years ago. When walking inside her colorful classroom, there’s a Word Wall, a fish tank with five goldfish and an algae eater fish, and

on others. But it is the very definition of White privilege to decide for oneself what is and isn’t — or what should and shouldn’t be — offensive to Black people. When you step on someone’s foot, even accidentally, you step off and apologize. You don’t stomp down harder and say, “But I didn’t do it on purpose, and I can’t feel it so it must not hurt.” The fact that blackface gives offense, whether intended or not, is reason enough. WI

her favorite spots: two library areas with “hundreds of books.” A unique part of the classroom most without a trained eye would miss: no perfect lines of desks and chairs. Through some research, Wood discovered “flexible seating,” which allows children to eschew assigned seats. Inside her classroom, students can sit on garden stools, bean bags, step stools and two small lawn chairs. Two students can also perch inside a blue and white tent and read books to each other.

Wood still exhibits faith among her students and parents. “My parents are very invested in their kids,” she said. “We have families that may not have a lot, but they still find a way to help others in need. I’ve enjoyed that about my time here.”

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porary American society. Whiteness, in 21st-century America, conveys status and privilege as much as it ever did. The status and privilege of whiteness are at the heart of blackface. The cruel humor depends upon the chasm between privilege and disadvantage. It is a kind of flaunting of White privilege. It’s why you almost never see the reverse; Black people manage to get through costume parties dressed as White characters

without lightening their skin or disguising their facial features. A Black child in with an S on his chest and a red cape is pretty clearly Superman, and almost no one would think his costume was incomplete without white makeup. Even though we are once again having a national dialogue about this hurtful practice, there are those who will continue to defend it, who refuse to understand why it is offensive, who insist that is their own intentions that matter, and not the effect

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MORIAL from Page 26

unnecessary and unneeded vaginal mesh removal surgeries. According to reports, doctors, lawyers, financiers and others who may have been involved in the sham have been subpoenaed. So if you’re considering medical treatment, be an informed consumer. Be sure to have your health care provider explain all of your options, as well as their possible risks and benefits. Though if these risks are not avoided, by all means, beware of financial lures to have surgeries that you do not need and could leave you in a condition far worse than before. WI

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times. Those vulnerable times include childbirth and other areas of maternal health. Dr. Niva Lubin-Johnson, president of the National Medical Association, which represents more than 50,000 African-American physicians on issues of health disparities and justice, says, “There is a crisis for African-American women that is related to maternal mortality — and that’s across any economic level and educational level for African-American women. We are losing in that area.”

As for the transvaginal mesh, Lubin-Johnson says women must take extreme precaution when contacted by anyone about removals of that or any other device. “No, you go talk to your own physician about that and not to someone who is doing a cold call because of some possibility of joining a lawsuit,” she said. “Talk to your own physician first, even if they were not the one who put the mesh in.” Since The New York Times began shining a light on these bad behaviors, federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York have begun investigating the allegations of

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ELLIS from Page 26

How does ecological devastation shape issues of social and economic justice? When folks choose to disrespect the environment, they mainly want to disrespect those who are most vulnerable — people who are at the periphery of the economy, those who have garbage dumps and toxic waste placed near their homes. There was a focus on environmental justice with the Environmental Protection Agency before this administration decided that there was no need to protect the environment. And there has been a stunning silence among civil rights organizations who don’t think that the melting of our plant is essential. Our planet is melting. A few legislators care. What about the rest of us? Do we understand that, in the words of Rev. William Barber, that without a healthy planet, we have no platform to fight for social and economic justice, for our civil rights? WI

Photo

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been focused on climate change and has assembled a congressional panel to deal with the matter. The New Green Deal says that the speaker’s focus is insufficient, and first-year legislator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has promoted a “Green New Deal” that addresses comprehensive ways to deal with social, economic and environmental justice. Pelosi and Ocasio-Cortez both care about the ways our planet is melting, although they approach legislative fixes in different ways. Pelosi would take a deep dive in environmental issues. Ocasio-Cortez would connect environmental devastation to wages, education, and quality of life. The two dynamos are on the same page, but their approach is different. Pelosi is the more skilled leader and negotiator

and will find her position enhanced if she can use the Ocasio-Cortez agenda to advance her own. The bottom line, though, is that our planet is melting. We hear a “State of Disunion” address that mentioned climate change not once. In the days after the pathetic campaign speech masquerading as a State of the Union address, we saw Democrats lift the challenges of climate change, and Republicans to ignore those challenges. And our world melts on. Our world is melting. Glaciers are disappearing. Oceans are rising. Lowlands (mostly populated by low-income and Black people) are disappearing. And, before Democrats took power in this term, few other than Pelosi and the New Green Deal have been able to address matters of climate change and, in the words of the New Poor People’s Campaign, “ecological devastation.”

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BLACK LOVE from Page 54

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2019 53 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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beyond financial stability towards greater ease. If more solar power just makes the same people richer, we’ve failed. We can’t wait. We’ve got to get serious, set goals and keep score. As the NYMBUS report highlights, while all the data sources tell the same story about the sad state of solar industry when it comes to di-

WILLIAMS from Page 27

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and policies. She spoke of a party expanding the electorate and preserving the right for all to vote, “We must reject the cynicism that says allowing every eligible vote to be cast and counted is a power grab.” She supports the right of all to health care, inclusiveness, fair pay and the right to basic human dignity. Stacey made us proud as the

versity, there are no comprehensive, consistently measured and validated annual reports. Equitable economic participation belongs right next to 100% renewable energy on Washington, D.C.’s clean energy scorecard. To win, we’ve got to recognize that the technical, regulatory and financial complexity of the solar industry presents significant barriers to new people and businesses entering the field. Taking a page from the

tech industry’s playbook, launching a clean energy incubator could support local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and networks they need to succeed. That’s just the beginning of what turning Washington, D.C.’s solar leadership into equitable economic empowerment could mean. The opportunity is now, and Washington’s got what it takes. Let’s put the people in solar power and make it

first time a Black woman had the opportunity to deliver a SOTU response. Despite challenges, Black women continue to knock down barriers because all that we ever needed were opportunities. Stacey is an example of what former first lady Michelle Obama meant when she said, “When they go low, we go high.” Her remarks were expressed firmly and with the right temperament. She provided that strong contrast with

#45. To the contrary, #45 spoke like a dictator with his attempt at being poetic. One of his most memorable remarks was, “If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation.” In 11 minutes, Stacey’s remarks were far more meaningful than #45’s nearly 90 minutes of rambling. In a perfect world, he would do his job and allow Congress to do theirs. WI

BLACK LOVE from Page 53

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most important job, though, he says, is being a father and helping Black men become better fathers. “My dad is 94 and he is still driving,” said Malone, 69, who resides in the District’s Ward 5. “I don’t mess with him, either. It’s about respect.” Some of that esteem Malone seeks to encapsulate in his 100 Fathers Inc., a nonprofit organization which began in 2000 in Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked on the initiative with the city’s first black mayor, William Euille. Malone said the fatherhood movement in the region began to blossom in 2009 when 250 fathers attended a “DC Dad Cares” program at John Burroughs Elementary in Northeast. “They came from all over the city to be in the lives of their children,” he said. “We wanted to show that dads care.” Within the 100 Fathers program, those seeking help — returning citizens, single and married fathers — must participate in classroom instruction. Malone’s group plans to hold its seventh annual “Father’s Week” celebration in June throughout the D.C. region that includes a program on Capitol Hill, at Catholic University in Northeast and in Prince George’s. “Even though a Black father may not be in the house … he will take care of his children no matter what,” he said. “Anybody can be a father, but being a dad is a lifetime commitment. It’s all about love.” For the full version of this story, go to washingtoninformer.com WI

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