The Washington Informer - January 20, 2022 by The Washington Informer

WINNER OF THREE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS Don't Miss the Martin Luther King, Jr. Supplement Center Section Vol. 57, No. 14 • January 20 - 26, 2022

On King Holiday, Hundreds Walk for Voting Rights and D.C. Statehood James Wright WI Staff Writer Hundreds of people participated in a Peace Walk in Ward 8 with the family of Martin Luther King III on Jan. 17, the official holiday of his father, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to call on the U.S. Senate to pass voting rights and D.C. statehood legislation. “I am out here today with my sorors of Zeta Phi Beta, 40 of us strong, to say that voting is the answer to many of our country’s problems,” said Alisha McLeish, a member of the sorority and the MLK Holiday DC committee that served as the prime sponsor

of the 16th Annual Peace Walk. “We want the Senate and the White House to work together to pass voting rights legislation and D.C. statehood,” she said. Two voting rights bills, The Freedom to Vote Act of 2021 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, as well as The Washington, D.C. Admission Act of 2021, remain stalled in the Senate, unable to move forward due to a tactic known as the filibuster. A filibuster holds up a bill for floor consideration by a senator or senators and it takes 60 votes to break it. King, along with his wife, Arndrea 5 The King family leads the 16th Annual Peace Walk with hundreds from the D.C. area and other parts of the U.S.

PEACE WALK Page 48 (Lafayette Barnes, Sr./The Washington Informer)

Prince George’s County Residents Honor Dr. King

Glenn Youngkin Sworn-in as Virginia’s 74th Governor Executive Orders Set to Eliminate Masks in Schools, Cut Grocery Tax

Share His Message of Peace, Love and Hope William J. Ford WI Staff Writer A few dozen Prince George’s County residents braved the cold and wind outside Glenarden Municipal Building to honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message of peace, love and hope. “Let’s keep hope alive. Let’s keep peace in our heart,” said LaTasha Ward, who owns the nonprofit The Solid Foundation and helped organize the event Monday, Jan. 17 called a “Community Peace Gathering.” “We know the people in our community are hurt. Whether it’s a loss of a job, domestic violence, gun violence or unexpected deaths in families,” she said. “Black and brown people

MLK Page 31

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

5 Jawanna Hardy holds a picture of Peyton “PJ” Evans during a community gathering to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 17 outside the Glenarden Municipal Building. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Businessman Glenn Youngkin became Virginia’s governor Saturday, Jan. 15 and declared on his first day as the state’s 74th leader of the Commonwealth he would institute some of his campaign pledges. Less than two hours after being sworn-in outside the Virginia State Capitol in downtown Richmond, Youngkin planned to incorporate or address nearly a dozen directives. They includ establishing a commission to combat antisemitism, rescinding the mask mandate for all state employees and allowing parents to decide whether their children can wear masks in schools.

YOUNGKIN Page 15

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Strathmore Artists-in-Residence Put Lessons into Practice Talented young artists in Strathmore’s 2021-22 Artists-in-Residence [AIR] program are ready to show audiences what they learned in a series of “AIR Concerts.” Each participant must produce a new piece of work as their final concert for this season. Performances remain open to the public now and continue through mid-June. This year’s AIR participants include cellist Titilayo Ayangade; singer-songwriter Taisha Estrada; jazz pianist James Fernando; jazz flutist/vocalist Alex Hamburger; jazz saxophonist Langston Hughes II; and tap dancer Gerson Lanza. AIR is considered the flagship program of Strathmore’s Institute for Strathmore presents its Artists-in-Residence Artistic and Professional Development. Sponsored by The Cathy individual concerts beginning in January Bernard/Bernard Family Foundation, participants ages range through May with performances at AMP in Rockville. Pictured are (L-R) tap dancer from 16 to 32. “This is Strathmore’s 17th AIR group. One hundred artists Gerson Lanza, cellist Titilayo Ayangade, jazz pianist James Fernando, jazz flutist & have come through the program,” said Betty Scott, AIR’s program vocalist Alex Hamburger, jazz saxophonist coordinator since it began in 2005. “I always had this idea of Langston Hughes II and singer-songwriter an arts in residence program that would be comprehensive with Taisha Estrada. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washmentors and professional development seminars.” ington Informer) For information on the artists or to access the performance schedule visit the Strathmore website: https://www.strathmore.org/community-education/artist-in-residence-program/current-class WI

Edward Burroughs III Wins Special Primary for Prince George’s County Council In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Senior Editor, Copy Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Hamil Harris, Curtis Knowles, Daniel Kucin, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman

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Edward Burroughs III received 5,059, or nearly 71% of the votes to win the special primary election for Prince George’s County Council District 8. The 29-year-old former Prince George’s school board member of Temple Hills defeated five other challengers including second-place finisher Tony Knotts, who garnered 1,057, or 15%, of the votes. The seat became vacant after former council member Monique Anderson-Walker resigned in November to focus on the Maryland gubernatorial primary as a running mate with Comptroller Peter Franchot. Burroughs will run unopposed in the special general election Feb. 1. No date has been set when Burroughs will be officially sworn in. Because Walker-Anderson’s term didn’t expire until December, Burroughs must run again in the June 28 primary. That means Knotts, a former council member and state delegate, and others who ran in the special primary , can run in the June primary. The district with 55,699 registered Democrats includes Fort Washington, Oxon Hill and National Harbor. WI

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby Indicted on False Statements, Perjury A lawyer for Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said Monday, Jan. 17 she hasn’t committed any crimes for which she claimed financial hardship during the coronavirus pandemic after withdrawing money without any penalties from her retirement account and allegedly falsifying information on loan applications for two vacation homes in Florida. Mosby’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, said at a press conference in Baltimore that Mosby didn’t know about a tax lien against when she filed for a loan application. In addition, she received financial advice that allowed her to withdraw the money. “She received financial advice that she was eligible to withdraw money from her retirement account,” Bolden said. “I’m telling you she’s not only innocent but we have professionals who she consulted with and she qualifies un-

der the statute.” According to court documents, a grand jury indicted Mosby for allegedly making one-time withdrawals of $40,000 and $50,000, respectively, through a CARES Act provision. Bolden said the charges against Mosby are politically and racially motivated. Mosby plans to seek reelection in this year’s Democratic primary. “Marilyn Mosby’s not the only one that’s going to be on trial,” he said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland is going to be on trial. The criminal justice system and its attack on Black female, progressive prosecutors is going to be on trial.” WI

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AROUND THE REGION

Andre Davis: Former Teacher Now a Mayoral Hopeful for the District Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer So far, the D.C. mayoral race has turned into a referendum on the Bowser administration, especially as it relates to its stewardship of public schools during the pandemic and how it addresses District residents’ economic woes. Andre Davis, a former DC Public Schools [DCPS] teacher, counts among a group of mayoral candidates who’ve not only criticized D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s decision to open schools amid the Omicron variant but called into question Bowser’s judgment on other issues. “District residents are frustrated with the lack of transparency and concern shown by the current administration. They feel like it’s detached when it comes to education,” said Davis, a Ward 6 resident and DCPS alumnus with nearly a decade of experience in the classroom. Since declaring his candidacy last November, Davis has shaped his campaign, themed “ACT Right,” in solidarity with teachers, parents and young people who've felt silenced by the District government in areas of education, public safety and housing. ACT stands for accountability, communication and trust, three areas Davis said he wants to reestablish. If elected, Davis said he will relinquish control of District public schools to the DC State Board of Education. He also promised to forge more of an amicable relationship with the D.C. Council and place an emphasis on expanding affordable housing through community development. Davis, whose teaching experience includes stints at Leckie Elementary School in Southwest, Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School in Northeast and Whittier Elementary School in Northwest as an English, science and math teacher, left the school system in 2019 in reaction to what he described as a culture of nepotism and heavy emphasis on teacher evaluations. He said such conditions have worsened during the pandemic, to the detriment of teachers and the communities they serve.

“We saw how they have handled collective bargaining and COVID leave for teachers [and] the selection of chancellors,” Davis said. “People have also seen how the current administration handled our underhoused and unhoused residents.” On Jan. 7, Davis hosted a virtual town hall to delve into his campaign platform and answer community members’ questions. The event followed the release of an op-ed he wrote in solidarity with teachers who’ve expressed disdain about onthe-ground conditions in District schools throughout the pandemic. During the town hall, teachers highlighted safety concerns and gripes with DCPS central office administrators who didn’t follow through with infrastructure and HVAC repairs in some of the schools. Other complaints centered on the lack of KN95 masks for students and extra COVID-19 mitigtion responsibilities placed on teachers at a time when schools are experiencing staff shortages. Less than a week later, on Jan. 13, DCPS officials announced the start of targeted weekly testing for PK-3 and PK-4 students. They also revealed that the central office would extend test-to-return protocols in February and April, when students are scheduled to return from short breaks, while ramping up weekly asymptomatic testing to meet its target of 20 percent in each District public school. DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, who officially entered his role in 2019, described these developments as part of a process to review and enhance COVID-19 mitigation strategies that keep students safe while learning in person. However, questions remain about whether nonDCPS retiree substitute teachers will receive a pay increase or if the District will implement COVID leave for teachers. According to the DC Board of Elections, Davis counts among five Democrats vying for Bowser’s seat. With the District’s overwhelmingly Democratic majority, it’s often assumed that the winner of the June 21 primary would become mayor by default. As of Jan. 16, the field of Democratic mayoral candidates includes D.C. Councilmembers Robert

White (D-At large) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and James Butler, all of whom have either criticized the Bowser administration in recent weeks, or challenged her incumbency during the last mayoral race. For the most part, Davis’ opponents have experience in D.C. government, a factor he doesn’t consider essential in winning the hearts and minds of voters. “People know me as an educator and private citizen and my passion is in those particular areas,” Davis said. “Sometimes we need a breath of fresh air and not do things in the traditional sense. We need alternative pathways. I’m not engulfed in the current struggles of the D.C. government [and] I’m not engulfed in the arguments that [city officials] have had in the last four to eight years.” WI @SamPKCollins

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5 Andre Davis (Courtesy photo)

JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 5

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

JAN 20 - 26, 2022 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

served as editor-in-chief of Essence magazine in the '80s and '90s, is born in New York City. 1976 – Renowned singer, actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson dies in Philadelphia at 77 from complications of a stroke. 1977 – "Roots," a TV miniseries based on Alex Haley's 1976 novel, "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," begins airing on ABC, the first of eight consecutive nights.

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1885 – Martin R. Delaney, an early proponent of Black nationalism and one of the first three Black people admitted to Harvard Medical School, dies of tuberculosis in Wilberforce, Ohio, at 73. 1993 – Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice, dies of heart failure in Bethesda, Maryland, at 84.

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1954 – Chicago advertiser W. Leonard Evans Jr. founds the National Negro Network, the first Black-owned radio network in the country. 1986 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday for the first time. 2001 – Colin Powell is sworn in by President George W. Bush as U.S. secretary of state, becoming the first African American to hold the position. 2009 – Barack Obama is inaugurated as the first Black president of the United States.

JAN. 21

1913 – Fanny Jackson Coppin, a famed African American educator and missionary who was one of the first Black women to graduate from college, dies in Philadelphia at 75.

JAN. 22

1931 – Famed soul singer-songwriter Sam Cooke (right) is born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. 1973 – George Foreman wins by second-round technical knockout over heavyweight champion Joe Frazier in a battle of unbeatens.

1938 – Famed soul singer Etta James is born in Los Angeles. 1950 – Novelist Gloria Naylor, best known for her book "The Women of Brewster Place," is born in New York City. 1972 – Shirley Chisholm formally announces her bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, becoming the first Black presidential candidate for a major political party. 1980 – Black Entertainment Television (BET), a cable television network launched by Robert L. Johnson, begins broadcasting.

JAN. 26

1944 – Political activist, academic scholar and author Angela Davis is born in Birmingham, Alabama. 1948 – Executive Order 9981 is issued by President Harry S. Truman, abolishing racial discrimination in the U.S. Armed Forces. 1958 – R&B singer Anita Baker is born in Toledo, Ohio. WI

JAN. 23

1946 – Editor, writer and journalist Susan L. Taylor (below) , who

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Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of perjury and making false statements, stemming from Mosby withdrawing money from her retirement account to purchase two Florida vacation homes. Her legal representation says the indictment is politically motivated, coming five months before Mosby’s bid for reelection. What are your thoughts?

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She's getting indicted for lying about the reason why she borrowed her own money from her own retirement account. They had to stand on their tippy-toes to get this one.

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TOWANNA CRUTCHFIELD / WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA

Look how deep they had to dig to find something so insignificant.

SHATARA HARDAWAY / ATLANTA, GEORGIA

This literally happens all the time. Most people end up with tax penalties and fines. Somehow this ended up as a federal indictment.

SHANNON PAGE / WASHINGTON, D.C.

She lied about taking her own money and having a tax lien. We must elect better officials. No one is above the law.

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On Friday night, shortly after returning from a wonderful concert featuring Brian McKnight at the Strathmore not far from my home, I turned on the news to see what breaking events I may have missed. It was the day after I’d celebrated by 62nd birthday and while I had thoroughly enjoyed the show, I was feeling a bit lonely. I was feeling a bit disappointed because the pandemic had made it impossible for me to celebrate with my children, my grandsons, my sister, my family, my friends – someone – anyone – who loved me and cared. So, yes, I was in my feelings as they say. Meanwhile, the news alert addressed a tragedy that had occurred at a local bank, Capital One earlier that afternoon. While details remained sketchy, it seemed that a Maryland man had been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder after committing an unbelievable crime. For reasons unknown, he had struck his wife with their SUV as she exited the bank on New Hampshire Avenue as attempted to cross the parking lot. The heinous act failed to interrupt my plans as I poured myself a glass of wine and prepared to snuggle on couch with my two best friends, my dogs. So, when I finally looked at the television screen, I was shocked to see that I recognized the man who had committed the dastardly deed. He

was the co-owner of a popular beer and wine store located one short block away from my home. I screamed in disbelief, telling myself that this had to be a mistake. Surely, this could not be the husband and wife businessowners who I knew and whose store I had frequented hundreds of times over the past four years. But as more details were revealed, it became clear that Alka Himanshu Tanna, 59, of Silver Spring, had indeed struck and killed his wife, Himanshu Maganlal Tanna, 59, using the couple’s car as the deadly weapon. Montgomery County Police reported that the husband had accelerated and struck his wife several times before eventually crashing into a nearby lamp post. In the days that followed, many people placed flowers outside of the store which still remains closed. Later, I learned that Mr. Tanna was being held in police custody without bail and was being evaluated for potential mental problems prior to his court appearance scheduled for soon. A statement which he made to the police allegedly said he killed his longtime wife because he suspected that she had been taking money out of their funds which they kept at home that totaled more than $200,000. He said they’d been having financial difficulties but with that kind of money – I don’t know how. But, I digress. I can’t say I knew the couple all that well. But I liked the wife. The husband, on the other hand, was routinely gruff, almost never polite and rarely spoke in English, choosing instead to speak their native language, presumably an Indian dialect given their appearance and the few pieces of art that were displayed in the store. I found myself wishing that I had ignored his frigid attitude and demeanor which I had come to assume was based on his dislike for Black men like me or his resentment of Americans. I wished I had ignored his attitude and engaged more with him, like I had with his wife. He had always seemed to have something on his mind and sometimes I felt compelled to either

challenge him or to encourage him. I was angry with myself for ignoring what I felt in my spirit as I had not been obedient when God spoke to me about this couple. I think I had been too caught up in my own “stuff” – my own concerns and fears and anxiety of the future, particularly given how my own life had changed due to the pandemic. Since hearing the news, I have made it a point to include Mrs. Tanna in my prayers. I hope she did not suffer much before her death. I pray for their family especially their sons who I had met only once. But I also pray for Mr. Tanna as well. And I have learned a valuable lesson. In these days in which we must multi-task at breakneck speeds, many of us have begun to abandon the most precious thing about being human: the ability of forming friendships, building relationships and the joy which comes from doing so. Instead of calling our friends, family or co-workers to ask what they’re up to, how they’re feeling or what’s on their minds, we simply shoot them a quick text or email, believing that these kinds of messages suffice. But they don’t. They’re too impersonal for my taste. You can’t look into the eyes of someone when you’re texting. You can’t hear their voice and discern their joy, sorrow or frustration when you’re only communicating via email. A song I remember from my days in the gospel choir at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, “I’m Available to You,” said our hands, our voices, our entire bodies are to be used in God’s service – to hug, to offer a word of encouragement, to help someone who has fallen down, to lift up a little child who cannot walk on their own. That’s what we’ve stopped doing. We rarely utilize that which distinguishes us from animals – the human touch and the power it yields. Take time, my friends, to smell the roses, even if it’s temporarily through a mask. And when you’ve enjoyed that moment, help someone else do the same. WI

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Former Tuskegee Airman Brigadier General Charles McGee, Dead at 102

AROUND THE REGION

Distinguished Pilot Dies Peacefully in His Bethesda, Md. Home D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor Brig. General Charles Edward McGee, a distinguished Tuskegee Airman pilot and the grandson of former slaves, died Jan. 16 in his Bethesda, Md. home at the age of 102. Born Dec. 17, 1919 in Cleveland, Oh., he counts as one of the first Black pilots in the U.S. military, completing 409 combat missions during his 30-year career. McGee entered the armed forced during World War II, flying with the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-Black military pilot group formed due to segregation. Before his retirement, he also served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Among his awards for his service, McGee received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Congressional Gold Medal. In 2011, the National Aviation Hall of Fame inducted him into its ranks. Later, in February 2020, he received a promotion from colonel to brigadier general. McGee married Frances Nelson on October 17, 1942. He would be sworn in as an aviation cadet

just two days after the couple’s wedding. They had three children: Charlene, Ronald and Yvonne. As a sophomore at the University of Illinois studying engineering, a member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he enlisted in the U.S. Army Oct. 26, 1942 – just in time to join the Tuskegee Airmen. (He had earned his pilot's wings and graduated from Class 43-F on June 30, 1943). After his military service, McGee held functional and honorary positions in aviation. In 1978, at the age of 58, he completed his college degree at Columbia College, more than 30 years after his initial enrollment at the University of Illinois. Though interrupted by World War II, attaining a college degree had been a lifelong goal. In December 2019, for his 100th birthday, McGee flew with a copilot in a Cirrus Vision Jet and a Cessna Citation M2. The Cirrus flight took him to Dover Air Force Base where the base commander and many airmen welcomed him, anxious to meet the Tuskegee Airman who helped break down barriers for them.

He would later be honored at the 2020 State of the Union Address. One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, McGee died in his sleep Jan. 16. In a statement, his family described him as a “living legend known for his kind-hearted and humble nature, who saw positivity at every turn.” He’s survived by his three children, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. “He had his right hand over his heart and was smiling serenely,” said his youngest daughter, Yvonne, who lived with him and was with him upon his death. WI @mcneirdk

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D.C. Rolls Out $1.5 Million Payout Program for 132 Expectant and New Mothers James Wright WI Staff Writer

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I was getting ready to go to cosmetology school when the pandemic came in March 2020. I lost income as a result of the pandemic. And, I had children to take care of.” Hawkins said she connected with THRIVE and one of its workers made sure she had the resources she needed to pay bills and other living expenses. “I am on my way to becoming a cosmetology instructor,” she said. “I think the Strong Families, Strong Future DC program will help others like I have been helped with THRIVE.” David Lloyd, the deputy chief of programs at Martha’s Table, said people interested in the program can enroll through their website. McDuffie voiced support for the program, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “As Dr. King noted decades ago in his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize address, ‘there is nothing new about poverty,’” he said. “What is new, however, is that we have the resources to get rid of it. In the past year, we have funded baby bonds, birth-to-three child care and direct payments to new and expectant mothers. But we are not stopping there. Our city has the means to end poverty, and indeed, must do more than just that. We will create opportunities and assist with building wealth.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

Bottoms announced a pilot program where 300 low-income mothers will receive $500 a month for one year. Additionally, a report from Lending Tree revealed the average cost of raising a newborn totals nearly $29,000 a year with expectant mothers predicted to spend at least $300 per month on diapers, wipes, infant formula and baby supplies. The report also pointed to other expenses including food, housing, transportation, insurance premiums and infant day care. Martha’s Table’s THRIVE program serves as the model for Strong Families, Strong Future DC, District officials said. The THRIVE program offered cash assistance to 500 families living near or on the poverty level at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The 500 families who participated in THRIVE, a partnership of four nonprofit organizations that included Martha’s Table, consisted of Bread for the City, Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative and Building Bridges Across the River, received $5,500 over a fivemonth period. Angel Hawkins, a recipient of the THRIVE program, praised the concept and its effects. “I am very happy I participated in the THRIVE program,” Hawkins said. “Since I graduated from Anacostia High School, I have worked for SunTrust Bank and Foot Locker.

District officials announced on Jan. 13 a new $1.5 million pilot program that will give 132 expectant and new mothers who live in Wards 5, 7 and 8 cash for living expenses. The program, Strong Families, Strong Future DC, begins in February. Martha’s Table, a nonprofit that works to provide resources and services to low-income District residents, will implement the program providing recipients $900 per month for one year. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has a three-year-old daughter, said she understands the importance of mothers having financial resources to provide for their young children. “Having a newborn is a big life change and we also know how critical those first months and years are to a baby’s life,” Bowser said. “The program is about supporting new and expectant moms with cash so that they can have the autonomy and flexibility to make the best choices for them and their baby.” “The Strong Families, Strong Future DC pilot builds on the work we’ve done to address disparities in maternal health outcomes, make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible and ensure women are at the heart of our equitable economic recovery strategy,” she said. The program comes as a movement grows both in the District and across the country to give low-andmiddle income people a guaranteed income. The Biden administration supervised a child tax credit program that ended in December for eligible families to receive direct financial assistance. D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), who chairs the Committee on Business and Economic Development, proposed legislation for the pilot program for low-income District residents which will help them with living expenses. The Magnolia Mothers Trust in Jackson, Miss., has a pilot program similar to Strong Families, Strong Future DC, giving money to economically challenged young mothers. Before her recent departure as mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY First Day of Legislative Session Begins in Annapolis Black Concerns Count as Part of 90-Day Agenda William J. Ford WI Staff Writer The Maryland legislature convened in Annapolis for its 90-day session last week and third straight gathering amidst the coronavirus pandemic, with the state closing on nearly one million confirmed cases. Masks and face coverings remain required inside the State House with legislators showcasing some with a message including Del. Nick Charles (D-District 25) of Forestville outlining his support for public schools. Del. Darryl Barnes (D-District 25) of Upper Marlboro wants to ensure a Black agenda remains a priority that includes legalizing marijuana for recreational use for adults, police reform legislation from Gov. Larry Hogan and the environment. Within those proposals, Barnes said

to begin the 444th legislative session Jan. 12, mental health must be an integral component. “We need to look at diverting a lot of our dollars towards mental health,” he said. “Not only for our elderly population but our youth because of this pandemic. We are seeing more and more people who are in need of the assistance they deserve.” Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-District 47) of Cheverly said he plans to craft legislation focused on behavioral health, especially inequities among Blacks and Latinos. Augustine recommends some money from the more than $2 billion budget surplus be used to pay for mental health treatment for problems like depression, suicide and domestic violence connected with people isolated in the home. “It could be used to help [people]

immediately and it is investments in people today that will help long term,” he said. “If we can help people live a full and productive life by giving the behavioral health concerns they need, it pays off for us in the long term. We need to make sure people are safe. If there’s anything we need to do as a legislature, then we need to do that.” One bill that has received major support deals with paid family and medical leave. A recent poll from OpinionWorks of Annapolis shows 88% of respondents endorse the program for which proposed legislation would grant workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave. Two main differences from current sick leave and family leave policies: the bill called the “Time to Care Act” focuses on long term care such as following childbirth and a family member caring for someone with a “serious health condition” for which workers can receive partial wage replacement. Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore City) and Del. Kris Valderrama (D-District 26) of Fort Washington will again sponsor the legislation they say “is common sense.” Both used personal time to take care of family members. Valderrama, who joined Hayes and advocates on a virtual press briefing Thursday, Jan. 13, feels more “confident” this year the bill could pass because House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) not only made it a priority but verbally expressed it. “I feel like this is the time,” she said. “It’s such a big issue on the federal level and nationwide. It’s not just a Maryland issue. It’s resonating with [Jones] even more.” However, some Maryland groups may not offer that same support.

5 Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (right) walks down the steps inside the State House in Annapolis to hold a press briefing Jan. 12. Keiffer Mitchell, Jr., chief legislative officer in the Hogan administration, walks beside Hogan. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

12 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

5 Senate President Pro Tem Melony Griffith (left) shakes the hand of Senate President Bill Ferguson after he’s sworn in Jan. 12 to continue as the chamber’s leader. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Mary Presley, executive administrator with the Maryland Motorcoach Association, wrote in a Feb. 16, 2021, letter the legislation would hurt small businesses with “yet one more costly employer mandate our members can ill afford as they struggle to overcome a global pandemic…”

‘HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE’

After being sworn-in to represent the 25th Legislative District in Prince George’s County, Karen Toles paid homage to her father who brought her to the State House as a legislative page when she attended Forestville High School. “To come back in these chambers and serve in this capacity, what an honor and a privilege,” said the former Prince George’s Council member from 2010 to 2018. Toles will serve on the House Judiciary Committee, which would help after she recently graduated from University of Baltimore Law School. One topic she will focus on stems from ghost guns which are privately manufactured firearms used in crimes delivered by mail. The guns are typically made of plastic. Some can be made by 3D printers and most importantly, aren’t required to have serial numbers which makes them untraceable. Toles works as a community affairs

director for Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, who made it one of her legislative priorities. A similar ghost gun bill did not receive approval during last year’s session in Annapolis. According to a legislative summary from Braveboy, county police had about 210 cases involved in ghost guns last year. “This legislation will close the loophole for the manufacturing and use of ghost guns in violent crimes in Maryland,” according to the summary. “This legislation is aimed to make clear that ghost guns should be considered firearms for the purposes of the public safety article and for the purposes of the use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.” As for the first day Wednesday, several people drove to Annapolis to celebrate Toles including her sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “I’m so excited about her being in this body,” said Kym Taylor of Bowie who’s running for a seat in legislative district 23B that could become consolidated as District 23. “As a council member in her District 7, she did a lot for those constituents. To have her here on a different level and now with a degree in law, she’s going to be a fantastic asset.” WI @jabariwill

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Countywide Curbside Organics Composting Collection is Here! Residents who receive County provided services AND opt-in the program will be able to mix their food scraps with their yard trim for the weekly Monday yard trim curbside collection. Food scraps must be placed inside the Organics cart. Only residents who opted-in and received the appropriate program materials may put food scraps curbside for collection. Plastic bags are not accepted.

If you received a letter from DoE, Opt-In postcards are on the way! Detailed opt-in instructions are on the postcard. •

Use only one option listed to opt-in:

5 Prince George’s County’s TheBus on a route Nov. 27 near Prince George’s Plaza in Hyattsville. (FILE: Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

1. Scan the QR code on the postcard using a smart phone; OR

Residents, Advocates Push for Sustainability in Prince George’s

2. Call the telephone number and provide the requested information.

William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Prince George’s County’s “TheBus” should expand service to 10 p.m. and on Sundays, especially in the jurisdictions representing high-traveled areas and should strengthen the county’s pedestrian and bicycle networks to connect with the existing transit system. These count as just two of the several recommendations from a group of county residents and advocates that want elected officials to incorporate and on which they suggest candidates seeking office in this year’s election to concentrate. “My pitch is that you’re not only saving the environment by lowering your carbon footprint but also saving the community by engaging and interacting with the people around you,” said Kyle Reeder, 30, of Capitol Heights. “You meet more people walking somewhere than you would driving somewhere.” Reeder serves as a community activist aligned with a group that calls itself “RISE Prince George’s” which collaborates with the regional nonprofit Coalition for Smarter Growth. He said this year remains vital to

encourage residents to improve the environment in the ongoing fight to battle climate change. Vice President Kamala Harris pitched a similar message in November during a tour at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt. One month later, she visited the county’s Department of Public Works and Transportation building in Brandywine to announce a $7.5 billion plan to construct an electric vehicle infrastructure system. For RISE and the coalition, this year also remains vital to push for transit-oriented and walkable communities with more than five dozen people running for state, county and local offices. As of Friday, Jan. 14, approximately 41 people had filed paperwork through the Maryland Board of Elections for state delegate and senator. State law requires those legislators to run for four-year terms at the same time. About 23 delegates and eight senators represent all or portions of Prince George’s. Another 22 people filed documents to run for county executive and County Council. Former school board member Edward Burroughs III won in a special pri-

Your program materials will be delivered during the Month of April, in celebration of Earth Month.

Households will receive collection materials, including a 32-gallon wheeled cart, a 2-gallon kitchen mini bin, a How-To Guide, a refrigerator magnet, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). For additional information about food scraps composting email us at pgccomposts@co.pg.md.us or visit mypgc.us/compost.

mary election for County Council District 8 to advance in the special general election Feb. 4 in which he will be unopposed. The RISE platform focuses on four main areas: great places around transit, housing for all, safer streets for walking and bicycling and better bus service. Cheryl Cort, policy director for the coalition and who resides in Northwest, said she’s pleased with some of the county’s current initiatives such as achieving zero traffic

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deaths through “Vision Zero” and enhancing Metrorail’s Blue Line corridor along the four stations: Largo Town Center, Morgan Boulevard, Addison Road-Seat Pleasant and Capitol Heights. But the document labeled an “election platform” outlines several suggestions for elected officials and candidates that include: Hold the planning board and planning department accountable for guiding growth to transit-centers rather than outlying areas.

Double the county’s annual housing investment trust fund by another $10 million. Require the construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in new and reconstruction projects. “We put forth this election platform which follows on what RISE Prince George’s has been doing for over the last year to formulate and articulate our vision for a better Prince George’s,” Cort said. WI @jabariwill

JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 13

BUSINESS Former N.Y. State Senator Leads D.C. Clean Energy Group James Wright WI Staff Writer

A former New York state senator who recently led the National Association of Real Estate Brokers has become the latest leader of an organization that advocates clean energy usage in the transportation sector. Last November, Antoine Thompson became the executive director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition [GWRCCC], a public-private partnership that promotes

the use of clean American transportation fuels for homeland security, improved air quality, environmental justice, diversity and inclusion. Anne Steckel, vice chair of GWRCCC’s board of directors, said Thompson has the credentials to spearhead the organization’s initiatives. “With the nation very focused on alternative fuels, green businesses and green jobs, Antoine’s experience managing organizations, building coalitions and leadership in government and advocacy is critically important to

GWRCCC members and the clients, customers and the communities they serve,” she said. Thompson expressed enthusiasm about his new job. “I see this job as a great opportunity to advocate for green transportation,” he said. “I have long supported environmentally safe projects. As a state senator representing the Buffalo area, I received recognition for my work sponsoring and supporting legislation promoting a safe and clean environment.” Thompson, a native of Buffalo, graduated from its public schools and received his dual bachelor’s degree in History and African and Afro-American Studies from SUNY Brockport. He also studied at the University of Ghana in Accra. Thompson won election to the Buffalo Common Council in 2001 where he passed legislation dealing with fair housing, minority and women business enterprise inclusion and obtained $75 million for community development projects. However, his election to the Senate in 2006 became his platform for environmental issues. Thompson served as the deputy majority whip and chairman of the Committee on Environmental Conversation and co-chair of the that chamber’s

5 Antoine Thompson has worked as the executive director of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. (Courtesy photo)

Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Task Force. Additionally, he served as the key force behind the Green Jobs/ Green New York Law, a statewide program designed to promote energy efficiency and the installation of clean technologies to reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Later, he moved to the Washington area where he served as the executive director of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the country’s oldest organization of Black real estate profes-

Women of Color Discover New Career Opportunities Scholarships Available in Burgeoning Brewing Industry Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer In recent years, more breweries owned by people of color have opened for business. In support of career opportunities in the industry, the Talent on Tap Scholarship program has targeted women of color who can rise to leadership positions in brewing. The scholarship remains open to all women-identifying people of color 18 years or older interested in pursuing education related to the beer industry. The scholarship application deadline is February 1 and those selected will receive financial support for educational pursuits including Cicerone® Certifications which focus primarily on the hospitality industry, Beer Science programs, brewing training and other hospitality certifications.

14 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

City Brew Tours will sponsor the scholarship for a second year and continues to accept applications for the Talent on Tap Scholarship program. City Brew Tours serves as an award-winning curator of craft beer tours and experiences in North America. “Craft beer is now made and sold in every state in the U.S. including the District of Columbia, with creative expression shown in limitless brews nationwide. But for many people, there are barriers breaking into the brewing industry. City Brew Tours is dedicated to helping our industry become a more diverse and safe environment for women of all backgrounds to thrive,” said Chad Brodsky, founder and CEO of City Brew Tours. Naomi Waltengus, a resident of the Riggs Park community in the District, serves as a current scholarship recipient. Waltengus used the award to enroll in the Prud’homme Beer Certification®

5 Naomi Waltengus, a resident of the Riggs Park, is a current Talent on Tap Scholarship recipient. They are at Craft Beer Cellars at 301 H Street in Northeast Washington, picking beers produced in the DC area for certification assignments. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

program, Canada’s leading beer education program and continues to work toward building greater knowledge about the industry. “I really enjoy beer and I wanted to learn more about how it’s created. I wanted a holistic education about beer which Prud’homme provides,” Waltengus said. “I wanted to go more into beer history, pairings, tastings and how to

taste.” When Waltengus works on assignments leading to the certification, Craft Beer Cellars at 301 H Street, NE in the District represents the place to go. April Shettle-Magee serves as the manager at the store. “Naomi comes in with a list of

WOMEN Page 22

sionals. During his tenure, Thompson worked to increase Black homeownership and lobbied Congress supporting that objective. He said day-to-day management of the GWRCCC will be his primary responsibility. And he plans to speak out on an emerging issue in communities of color: transit equity. “Many of our Black and Brown communities are transit deserts,” he said. “Residents in those communities have problems getting around without a car. Even those who do have electric cars don’t have easy access to electric charging stations. Needless to say, those communities suffer from environmental racism brought on by cars that are run on fossil fuels. Those problems include excessive pollution that cause asthma, hypertension and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, especially in kids. Plus, people of color tend to ride on dirty buses instead of clean ones.” He views transit-oriented development, in which economic and residential projects develop near Metro stations, as good but bemoans nearby homes’ property values rising to the point where they are out of reach for low- and middle-income people. On Dec. 16, Thompson received national attention when he visited an electric car charging station with Vice President Kamala Harris in Prince George’s County. He said events such as that will help him deliver his message of the benefits of using clean energy for transportation projects and modes. “I will lobby Congress and local governments and speak to any group, even faith-based organizations, on making sure that our cars and buses meet green standards that will benefit all people who reside in the D.C. area,” Thompson said. WI @JamesWrightJr10

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YOUNGKIN from Page 1

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“Parents should have a say in what is taught in school because in Virginia, parents have a fundamental right to make decisions with regards to their child’s upbringing, education and care,” he said. “To parents, I say we respect you and we will empower you in the education of your children.” Education served as the main element to Youngkin’s success. A rallying cry for conservatives came after the Sept. 28 debate at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus when former Gov. Terry McAuliffe said he didn’t believe “parents should be telling schools what they should teach.” During Youngkin’s 25-minute speech with more than 8,000 in attendance, he also made other pledges to eliminate the state’s grocery tax, raise teacher pay and fully fund law enforcement. Youngkin said he will work with every Virginian, no matter their political party, race or economic status. He highlighted how trailblazers like Doug Wilder, the first Black

governor in both Virginia and the nation, agreed to attend the inauguration and served on Youngkin’s transition team, while boosting optimism for the state’s future. He said his leadership team of Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares represent the most diversity elected in the state’s history. Earle-Sears became the first Black woman ever elected to that position and Miyares became the state’s first Latino chosen as its top prosecutor. “With faith in a loving God, whose presence can be felt here today, and in partnership with Lt. Gov. Sears and Attorney General Miyares, our cabinet and the duly elected leaders of the Virginia Assembly, we will chart and sail a course through our present troubled waters,” Youngkin said. “So we reach the shores of a new and better day – with more opportunity and more prosperity. What we can do together is truly limitless.” Youngkin’s faith remains one reason why Shirley Green of Fredericksburg, Virginia, supported him. Green, who leads True Repentance

Deliverance Ministry with her husband, said his leadership team represents “true diversity.” “They stand for family. They stand for God’s values [and] principles. They stand for education,” said Green, who has lived in Fredericksburg for 21 years. The Rev. Malcolm Phillips, a pastor at International Ministry at Mok Yang Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia, said Youngkin’s election victory and seeing the people in attendance represents “hope.” Phillips, a registered Independent who voted for Younkin, became emotional as he talked about his father who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and endured racism. “As a military officer who served and was willing to die for his country he couldn’t be respected. The Jim Crow that some people are talking about now is not even Jim Crow,” he said as a tear streamed down his right eye. “I see hope while I’m here. What we need to do is just come together. When you’re together, you can talk about different things and don’t realize you have some of the same things in common.”

5 After being sworn-in as Virginia governor on Jan. 15, Glenn Youngkin (center) leads a prayer with his wife, Suzanne (third from left). Others standing include: Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (second from left) and her husband, Terence and Attorney General Jason Miyares (second from right) and his wife, Page Atkinson Miyares. (Governor's Office Pool Photo/Steve Helbert/AP)

Crystal Thompson of Richmond said she wanted to be in attendance for an event that happens once every four years. “I just came out here to wish [Youngkin] the best,” said Thompson, who declined to say whether she voted for him. “He has the right morals and will

make the changes we need.” Several people went to social media criticizing Youngkin’s first day actions including the decision for parents allowing their children not to wear masks in schools. “Pretty solid that the stated aim

YOUNGKIN Page 47

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NATIONAL VP Harris: Struggle for Voting Rights Has Foreign Leaders Questioning Democracy in U.S. Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Vice President Kamala Harris provided a message of hope while striking an encouraging tone during an exclusive meeting with the Black Press of America. The Vice President, who cut her teeth as a California prosecutor and later as an influential U.S. Senator, said despite many setbacks to voting rights, she and the entire Biden-Harris administration haven’t and won’t stop fighting. “I will tell you that I gave a speech with the President at Morehouse College, and after-

ward, I had a quiet visit with Ambassador Andrew Young because I was looking to him for inspiration,” Vice President Harris told the gathering of publishers and journalists from the National Newspaper Publishers Association [NNPA]. “Based on what history has taught us, Ambassador Young said in a nutshell that freedom is a constant struggle. But we don’t give up. That’s where I am. I’m not giving up,” she said. “We are going to keep on. This is a movement for voting rights. Coretta Scott King said the fight must be fought and won with each generation. This is certainly a

SEEKING

5 Vice President Kamala Harris strikes an encouraging tone about voting rights. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

moment that we should not have to be in, which is fighting against blatant laws that are designed to target specific communities that obstruct access to the ballot box.” Vice President Harris offered that she’s leaned on “folks from every walk of life.” She declared that everyone must remain purposely intentional and optimistic. With Democrat Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Krysten Sinema of Arizona dealing death blows to any hopes of passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote measure, Vice President Harris declined to place

blame alone on those renegade party members. “We have a fight in front of us. I will emphasize that there also are 50 Republicans who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution,” she said. “I’m not prepared to absolve them of their responsibility to stand in the shoes and in the legacy of the Republicans who, in 2006 in that chamber in the U.S. Senate, voted 98-0 in favor of the extension to the Voting Rights Act.” “Let us be clear about the challenge here and who the protagonists and the antagonists are. The bottom line is we must march on

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and fight on. It’s not new to us. We can’t be tired even though we are frustrated, and yes, disappointed, if not angered that we’re continuing to have this fight,” she said. In the news she provided exclusively to the Black Press, Vice President Harris announced the first National Roadway Safety Strategy. “It’s about putting $6 billion into state and local governments to improve safety on the roads,” she said. “It’s about funding for local communities for better streetlights, ensuring crosswalks are safe. We’re talking about the elderly, the mother with the stroller, the father with the stroller – people given enough time to cross the street. It’s a very big thing when you talk about the quality of life and when you live in communities where they rely on public streets to walk to church, to get the kids to school, to get them to the bus stop.” Vice President Harris noted her first year in office had kept her busy including meeting with heads of state, prime ministers and other dignitaries. Alarmingly, Vice President Harris noted that many had expressed concern about voting rights in America and the many voter suppression laws that have passed in Republican-led states since the 2020 election. She s said not only are those targeted by such laws affected but America’s standing as a global leader has also suffered. “I hosted at the Vice President’s residence, [former German Chancellor] Angela Merkle, and while talking about China and Russia, she asked, ‘What is going on with voting in America?’” Vice President Harris said. “We as Americans are about to take ourselves off the map as a role model for what democracy should be. [The world] is watching. You watch what a role model does. I met with the Presidents of Zambia and Ghana in my office, and they were talking about these issues. It has a direct connection to our standing around the world. We lose our legitimacy. [Voting rights] is a domestic issue but it will impact our standing in the world,” she said. When discussing the adminis-

HARRIS Page 47 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

NATIONAL Consortium of Mayors Organize to Bring Cuban Medical Brigade to U.S. Sam P.K. Collins Staff Writer Throughout the pandemic, a collective of grassroots organizers and industry leaders have coalesced around a mission to compel the U.S. government’s collaboration with Cuba’s Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade in the fight against COVID-19. As the Omicron variant makes waves across the country, a collective of U.S. mayors have geared up to encourage the Biden administration to override a longstanding trade embargo that prevents the Cuban medical brigade from assisting doctors on U.S. soil. “We have this challenge facing us where too many people are getting infected and dying,” said Johnny Ford, founder and director general of the World Conference of Mayors, an entity through which municipal leaders, domestically and abroad, establish trust and create trade and investment opportunities. “It’s happening, not only in Alabama, but in the south and throughout the country,” Ford added.

On Dec. 20, as cities and states across the U.S. reported stark increases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, Ford, former mayor of Tuskegee, Ala., conducted a virtual meeting with Cuban Ambassador to the United States H.E. Lianys Torres Rivera, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister-Counselor of the Cuban Embassy to the United States Alejandro Garcia, and Ambassador H.E. Yuri A. Gala Lopez who serves as deputy permanent representative of the Cuban Mission to the United Nations. For nearly two hours, participants discussed Cuba’s efforts, throughout a U.S-induced economic blockade, to quell COVID’s spread on its island, all while creating and distributing COVID-19 vaccines to Iran, Nicaragua, Mexico and Venezuela. Cuban officials delved into strategies the Cuban medical community implemented to encourage vaccination and reduce hospitalization among its population. With the upcoming World Conference of Mayors Convention in Eatonville, Fla. and efforts by Newark

Mayor Ras Baraka to engage the African American Mayors Association and National Conference of Black Mayors, Ford anticipated more opportunities to press the Biden administration on this matter. “Cuba can be of tremendous help to us and we want to find a way to utilize your expertise [and] we’ll work on convincing our government to allow us to do that,” Ford said. Media representatives for the White House didn’t return The Informer’s inquiry about the consideration the Biden administration has given to allowing Cuba’s Henry Reeve International Brigade to assist in domestic COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Baraka’s office also didn’t provide comment about a recent meeting between his administration and the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. . In the new year, nearly 1.5 million daily cases have been reported across the globe, albeit with fewer hospitalizations and deaths than what has been reported with previous COVID variants. Even so, Omicron’s ascent has compelled some state and local officials

5 Cuban physicians seek entrance to the U.S. (Courtesy photo)

to prioritize testing, enforce and expand vaccination mandates and strengthen hospitals' capacity to treat COVID-19 patients. Cuba, like other countries around the world, has experienced a significant bump in COVID-19 cases. With the majority of the nation vaccinated, Cuban doctors have set their sights on boosting people. Cubans have three types of domestically made vaccines from which they can choose.

“Cuban doctors, nurses and medical students actively participated in the identification of people with symptoms,” Rivera said. “The death rates in Cuba were among the lowest in the world. Some of the medications we had [before we provided our own vaccines] were highly effective in avoiding death and positive cases. That has made a difference.” WI @SamPKCollin

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ethiopia Wants Probe of WHO Chief Tedros for ‘Misconduct’

The Ethiopian government has accused the World Health Organization [WHO] director of “misconduct“ after he criticized conditions in the Tigray region. Tedros Adhanom-Ghebreyesus was nominated by the Ethiopian government to be the head of the U.N. health agency four years ago but claims he has “not lived up to the integrity and professional expectations.” He has been accused of interfering in Ethiopia's internal affairs according to a press release issued on January 13 by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Through his acts, (Tedros) spread harmful misinformation and compromised WHO's reputation, independence and credibility,” the statement said. Tedros has repeatedly criticized the situation in his home country and called for humanitarian access to the conflict-ridden region of Ethiopia. “Nowhere in the world are we witnessing hell like Tigray,” said Tedros at a media briefing January 12. He made reference to a memo WHO had recently received from a physician in the region which indicated health authorities had run out of basic medicines for diseases, including diabetes, and were now using expired stocks and intravenous fluids. Tedros accused Ethiopia of blocking international access to Tigray saying WHO had not been allowed to send any supplies to the region since July. However, the Ethiopian government says Tedros has used his office “to advance his political interests at the expense of Ethiopia” and said he continues to be an active member of the Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF]. Tedros served as foreign minister and health minister when the TPLF dominated the country’s ruling coalition. On January 14, the U.N. World Food Program [WFP] warned its food assistance in northern Ethiopia was “about to grind to a halt because intense fighting has blocked the passage of fuel and food." No WFP convoys have reached the Tigray capital since mid-December, it said in a statement, “and the last of WFP’s cereals, pulses and oil will be distributed next week.” Stocks of nutritionally fortified food to treat malnourished children and women are depleted, it said. “We’re now having to choose who goes hungry to prevent another from starving,” said Michael Dunford, WFP’s regional director for Eastern Africa. The WFP says nearly 10 million people need food assistance. WI

caribbean now Guyana Working on Sentencing Guidelines for Nation’s Justice System

The Justice System in Guyana is expected to drastically improve with the introduction of sentencing guidelines expected to come on stream by mid-2022. Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, M.P. shared the news during an interview on January 15. “The Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers are spearheading a project which includes the hiring of a consultant for the drafting of sentencing guidelines,” the minister said. “In fact, there is a public advertisement currently out, in accordance with IADB stipulations, because they are the funding agency, seeking to enlist the services of a consultant to undertake the project which is to draft sentencing guidelines. Many countries in the Caribbean have sentencing guidelines and in the United Kingdom there are sentencing guidelines.” The Legal Affairs Minister noted that these sentencing guidelines will assist in bringing regularity, consistency and predictability to sentencing because these three factors are important in sentencing and tribunals must apply the law and sentencing, uniformly and consistently. He noted that members of the public are also entitled to, with reasonable prediction, be able to say what the sentence is going to be for specified offenses, especially when there are similar facts repeating themselves. Recently, concerns were raised by residents of Region Nine where they voiced their dissatisfaction via social media and other means over the administration of justice at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court. WI

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Tips on Setting Financial Goals for the New Year By Angela Swinson Lee Special to The Washington Informer Have you decided that you’re going to do better in your finances this year? We sat down with Frederick Medley, Branch Manager of the Logan Circle Chase branch, to learn how to make 2022 your best financial year yet. First and foremost, eliminate bad habits of the past. “Look at what you did the previous year,” Medley said, “What are some of the bad habits or opportunities you had the previous year that you can eliminate this year?” One such habit that many suffer from is emotional spending. “We are in the moment, and we feel like, ‘Hey I want to go splurge and buy this,’ that’s emotional spending,” he said. “Or if you are going through different things at a point in your life and you want to compress some things and go spend, that is emotional spending.” Medley said emotional spending or overspending can hurt all the good habits you’ve developed. Try to prevent yourself from falling into a bad habit, in order to succeed in the good ones such as goal making. Setting goals is one key to financial success. But Medley cautions that it’s important to be realistic when setting goals. For instance, setting a goal to buy a house in a month, is typically an unrealistic goal, but setting a goal to buy a house in a year is realistic.

ACCOUNTABILITY IS KEY

To make 2022 the year where your goals are met, it’s important to have accountability, Medley said, adding that goals should be written down. This way you can refer to them throughout the year to keep yourself on track. He also added, it’s important to be true to your goals. “If you set a goal to say I am going to save $200 this month and you realize I have only saved $50, you want to make sure next month you are going to put back the money you didn’t reach the goal for,” he said. One way to achieve a savings goal is through Chase’s Autosave program. The program automatically transfers money from a checking into a savings account. Transfers can be made daily or periodically. The bank has even added an incentive of no monthly service fee for customer who save $25 each month. Chase recommends customers set aside money in a few different savings accounts, according to its website. • SAFETY NET: Your safety net is meant to cover you for a few months in case of unexpected life events. It’s a good idea to save at least 3-6 months of your expenses, but you can start off with what feels comfortable to you. You

can set up a repeating transfer when you create your safety net, or you can set it up later. • CUSTOM GOAL: A custom goal is anything you want to save for—from a dream vacation to a new car. You can personalize your goal by giving it a name and adding a tag. You don’t have to add money to this goal when you create it. You can choose to set up the goal, and then come back later to set up a repeating transfer. You can also add money to this goal by making one-time transfers. • GENERAL SAVINGS: General savings allows you to set up a repeating transfer to Frederick Medley is the Vice President and your savings account without Branch Manager at Chase at Logan Circle. creating a specific goal. Medley also suggests monitoring accounts on a daily basis to review your spending habits, adding that small daily goals can go a long way. “Small goals can bring confidence to reach larger ones,” he said. Finally, one of the most important ongoing habits should be credit management, Medley said. A good credit score is the key to everything, from renting an apartment, getting a loan to buying a house or a car. Medley wants to make sure people understand the “importance of credit, managing credit and the utilization of credit. It’s also important to understand how important credit can be for you not just now, but also in the long term. If you’re ever unsure for how to raise your credit score, stop into any branch and we’d be delighted to support you. More information on budgeting and saving can be found at https://www.chase.com/digital/customer-service/helpful-tips/personal-banking/mobile/budget-planner More information on budgeting and other Chase products can be found at https://www.chase.com/digital/customer-service/helpful-tips/personal-banking/ mobile/budget-planner

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JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 19

HEALTH District Teachers’ Demands for Paid COVID Leave Takes Center Stage Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer As the D.C. government inches closer to implementing paid COVID leave for its employees, teachers union representatives continue to engage DC Public Schools [DCPS] officials in dialogue about how the rollout of that benefit would look for public school educators. With a Washington Teachers’

Union [WTU]-led rally in the works, teachers have placed paid COVID leave at the top of their list of demands at a time when COVID-19 has forced teachers to burn through several hours of regular and sick leave to care for themselves and sick family members. Some teachers, like one who spoke on the condition of anonymity, remain uneasy about what will happen if those who have used

all of their personal or sick leave fall ill again or have to nurse a family member back to health. “If their child gets sick again, It’s not their fault they have to stay home,” said the teacher who asked to be identified as MK. “They’re going to run out of leave [and] teachers are prone to have a lot of leave because taking off as a teacher takes a lot. We always have guilt when we take off because we know that our students rely on us and we know there are no substitutes,” MK said.

ONGOING DISCUSSIONS ABOUT PAID COVID LEAVE

Per a memorandum of agreement signed last November, teachers who test positive for COVID-19 won’t lose any personal or sick time if they teach virtually. In recent weeks however, much of the conversation has focused on teachers and staff members who’ve been incapacitated by the virus. MK counted among hundreds of teachers who contracted COVID toward the end of last

year. Though they spent much of the winter break recovering, MK recounted needing more time to rest and restart the regiment of medicines that treat their underlying condition. Earlier this month, MK’s administrator granted them that wish, albeit questions remain of whether

Study: D.C. Residents are Major Contributors to the $300 Billion Cost of Smoking over 20 million lives in the U.S., “Evidence-based strategies, Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer With more than 34 million tobacco users in the U.S., the estimated financial cost of smoking over a lifetime has reached above $2.3 million per smoker. According to a new report from the District-based financial planning website WalletHub, the average out-ofpocket cost per smoker stands at $133,911 over a lifetime. An analysis revealed that smokers in the District of Columbia would pay the highest cost, $197,801, two times higher than in Missouri, where smokers will pay the lowest price at $96,535. Further, each smoker will incur an average of $545,166 in income loss over a lifetime. In the District of Columbia, those who smoke will lose the highest

20 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

amount, $746,669, or 1.9 times higher than in Mississippi, where smokers will yield the lowest amount at $389,500. Experts said each smoker would incur an average of $177,599 in smoking-related healthcare costs over a lifetime. Smokers in Massachusetts will pay the highest amount, $316,377, which is 2.6 times higher than in Arkansas, where smokers will pay the lowest amount at $120,430. Further, WalletHub’s latest report quotes the American Lung Association which stated that tobacco use accounts for nearly 500,000 deaths in the U.S. each year and ranks as the leading cause of lung cancer. Those who smoke may also have an increased risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19. In addition, even those around tobacco smokers aren’t safe from its harmful effects. Since 1964, smoking-related illnesses have claimed

2.5 million of which belonged to nonsmokers who developed diseases merely from secondhand smoke exposure. However, the report revealed that the economic and societal costs are just as huge. Every year, smoking costs the U.S. more than $300 billion including medical care and lost productivity. Unfortunately, some people will have to pay more depending on the state in which they live.

including the combination of FDA-approved medications like nicotine-replacement therapy and nicotine-free medications and behavioral support, increase the chances of successfully quitting,” said Dr. Mary Rezk-Hanna, a WalletHub expert and assistant professor at the School of Nursing at the University of California, Los Angeles.

SMOKING Page 21

5 Tobacco users in the District are paying the highest cost in the nation. (Courtesy photo)

DCPS officials could create systemwide policy that ensures teachers receive compensation while recovering from COVID-19. As of Jan. 16, DC Health has recorded more than 5,100 COVID-19 cases in District schools, half of which occurred on public school campuses. Since the start of the school year, one out of four COVID cases involved a teacher or staff member. This occurred as staff shortages compelled teachers and administrators to take on other roles and teach colleagues’ students during planning periods. Despite outcry among teachers about an unconventional school year, education officials have shown no signs of halting IMPACT teacher evaluations or standardized testing for students. On Jan. 13, DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee confirmed that discussions about COVID leave have been ongoing but declined to speak further. WTU President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons said dialogue with the chancellor has focused on ensuring teachers that they have protections. In the last few weeks, teachers, primarily those between the ages of 25 and 34, have reported severe COVID-19 symptoms. “Even though teachers are vaccinated and many are getting boosted, some are getting sick when they get a positive COVID result,” Pogue-Lyons said. “We’ve been telling the chancellor that we need

TEACHERS Page 21

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

TEACHERS from Page 20 more testing and more COVID leave. We may be at the peak of this variant but we don’t know what other variants will come.”

DIFFICULT DECISIONS FOR TEACHERS

At the start of the pandemic, the federal government required employers, including school districts, to implement paid COVID leave. By last September, numerous local and state governments across the country had stopped funding COVID leave. Those policies have since expired, leaving it up to local and state jurisdictions to put in place similar protections. School districts currently providing paid COVID leave include Springfield, Ill., Madison, Wisconsin and Maine’s Brewer district. Depending on the jurisdiction, paid COVID leave can fall anywhere between five and 20 days. Proponents of paid COVID leave argue that it prevents teachers and staff members from prematurely returning to work and infecting others. DCPS teacher David Ifill echoed those sentiments, saying teachers shouldn’t be forced to choose between their health and financial wellbeing when they contract COVID-19. Teachers

who attended a recent town hall meeting hosted by Ifill and other members of D.C. Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators counted COVID leave among one of their more pressing concerns. Ifill said teachers, pressured by administrators and district officials to maintain continuity in the school building, often get the short end of the stick when they contract COVID-19. “If teachers get COVID, they don’t know how long they’ll end up being sick, whether it’s two days or two weeks. The sickness doesn’t have a timeline,” Ifill said. “COVID leave is supposed to be there as a way for us to mitigate our sickness so that we can come back when we’re strong enough to teach. It’s really a sad state of affairs [when] teachers have to make difficult decisions. Those decisions might affect infection rates and schoolchildren who don’t have the vaccine yet,” he said. WI

Depending on the jurisdiction, paid COVID leave can fall anywhere between five and 20 days.

SMOKING from Page 20 “Setting a quit date and sharing it with friends and loved ones for support increases the likelihood of quitting success. As far as the method, both quitting abruptly or gradually, by reducing smoking slowly until the quit date and then quitting, produce comparable cessation rates,” Dr. Rezk-Hanna remarked. Dr. Steven A. Schroeder, the director of Smoking Cessation Leadership Center and a professor of health and health care at the University of California, San Francisco, said most smokers want to quit. “But it often takes multiple attempts before quitting is achieved, often up to 20 or more,” Dr. Schroeder said. “But the good news is that there are now more ex-smokers than current smokers.” “In addition, the odds of quitting are increased if the smoker gets counseling combined with smoking cessation medications

such as nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline. Unassisted quitting – or cold turkey – is less helpful and living with someone who smokes is also a

HEALTH

handicap,” he concluded. View the full report at https:// wallethub.com/edu/the-financialcost-of-smoking-by-state/9520. WI

5 Dr. Steven A. Schroeder, the director of Smoking Cessation Leadership Center. (Courtesy photo)

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JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 21

HEALTH Nurses Rally at Howard University Hospital for Safer Working Conditions Natalie C. Hockaday WI Staff Writer

Nurses in D.C. are demanding action to change their working conditions and improve safety for themselves and their patients. The District of Columbia Nurses Association [DCNA] joined registered nurses and members of National Nurses United to speak their truth about the nursing shortage that is impacting the

country during the pandemic. “Right now, we’re understaffed to begin with, so that’s the problem. We don’t have enough nurses now to take care of all these sick people,” said Esmeralda Salgado, a registered nurse at Howard University Hospital. Salgado is a new grandmother and says she has not seen her grandchild since Christmas out of fear of possibly spreading COVID-19 to the rest of the family. FaceTime,

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she says, has become her way of staying connected with her family. She feels unsafe and overworked. “We barely get time to eat and even go use the bathroom. Even for the nurses, it’s not even safe anymore,” Salgado said. Due to the hospital being shortstaffed, nurses like Salgado are taking on duties outside of their nursing role. Salgado claims she has not only cared for patients but has also had to take on housekeeping duties while juggling between six to eight patients at a time. “I have been here 15 years and despite all of the odds, I come to work and I put in my best. I do as much as I can. All I’m saying is we need help,” said Roseline Ukoh, a registered nurse at Howard University Hospital. The nursing shortage is a concern for nurses because it creates unsafe working environments where they are unable to give adequate care to patients. “When they open floors for COVID, it’s so disorganized. You don’t know where to get your supplies. If only things could be organized better and we [could] have better staff,” Salgado added. The goal, Salgado said, remains to decrease the patient-to-nurse

5 Esmeralda Salgado, RN at Howard University Hospital. (Natalie Hockaday/ The Washington Informer)

ratio to four patients per nurse to better the quality of care a patient receives alongside bettering the work environment and safety for everyone. “This is not a nursing shortage. This is a shortage of nurses who

will continue to work in the profession and care for patients. Many nurses are leaving because they are afraid of losing their licenses, meaning they can’t work anymore as a nurse,” said Edward Smith, DCNA executive director. WI

WOMEN from Page 14 beers and we help pick those out,” Shettle-Magee said. “We’ll come up with a very authentic European style, then an American rendition of that same style.” By definition, an American craft brewer counts as a small and independent brewer. Shettle-Magee said the rise in breweries in America has grown exponentially in the past two decades but sales have declined during the pandemic. The D.C. area has one of the largest concentrations of Black-owned breweries and beers. Local Black-owned brands include: Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company, Joyhound Beer Company, Black Viking Brewing, Urban Garden Brewing, Sankofa Beer Company and Soul Mega. While refining a beer palate,

Shettle-Magee said the rise in breweries in America has grown exponentially in the past two decades but sales have declined during the pandemic.

Waltengus wants to become proficient in beer tastings and create tasting groups and feels those unfamiliar with craft beers may see drinking the beverages as pretentious. That viewpoint has changed because of the exposure received in the scholarship program. Waltengus, an American University graduate, has tested the learned skills by hosting a tasting for a queer women of color group. “I do want to find a way to work

in the beer industry but it’s hard right now with the pandemic,” said Waltengus, who also works at an Alexandria nonprofit. “I feel that tasting groups would democratize beer knowledge and I could share my knowledge.” Information on the scholarship is on the City Brew Tours website. Visit https://www.citybrewtours.com/talent-on-tap for details. WI

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mlk holiday dc

ESSAY WINNERS Elementary Kole Corbitt kiyekole@gmail.com 5th Grade Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys Middle School Amari Ataiyero tdkornegay1@gmail.com 7th Grade Jefferson Middle Academy Kiye Corbitt kiye.corbitt@gmail.com 7th Grade Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys High School Charlie Cole charlie.mo.cole@gmail.com 9th Grade School Without Walls SHS Kemry Hughes III kemryhughesiii@gmail.com 9th Grade Maurice J McDonough Additional winners include the following: Elementary 2nd Place - Emmanuel Raheem 4th Grade - Perry Street Prep Public Charter School 3rd Place - Temmy Ogunbo 4th Grade - Perry Street Prep Public Charter School Middle School 2nd Place - Camden Cole 7th Grade - Basis DC Public Charter School 3rd Place - Zion Thomas 7th Grade - Stuart Hobson Middle School High School 2nd Place - Aziza McClain Baxter 10th Grade - Basis DC Public Charter School 3rd Place - Noah McBride 11th Grade - Choate Rosemary Hall

A highly anticipated tradition of the MLK Holiday DC observances is the annual essay contest sponsored by the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association. This year, more than 50 D.C. area elementary, middle and high school students submitted essays addressing the theme: Is voting the vehicle for effective change? The first, second and third place winners were announced and honored for their submissions during a virtual awards program held Sun., January 16. Students who received first place also delivered orally presentations. They received generous cash prizes and the opportunity to publish their essays in The Washington Informer. Congratulations to every student who participated, along with a their teachers and parents who assisted, and to the members of the MYBLI Association for sponsoring this annual event.

Charlie Cole, “Why Is Voting Important?”

When I first read this prompt, I wondered why it was important for me, a fourteen-year-old girl to know both why and how I should vote. I always just assumed that when I became old enough, I would just vote because it is my civic duty. In this essay, I will go in-depth about why it is important for someone my age to know about voting, how the voting rights act has evolved, and reasons for its evolution, and the overall reason why adults and young people need to vote. It is important to begin to learn about voting at a young age not only to introduce your child to the fact that different opinions are normal but to also demonstrate to them that their opinions matter and can dramatically affect their lives and the lives of others. According to the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, you can demonstrate that different opinions are normal and prove that their opinions matter by holding familial votes at home! By holding votes at home you can immediately implement the results of the vote into your life. This allows your child to live through the effects of their opinions reinforcing them or causing your child to rethink them. In the homes of some of the people I know, voting is used to choose what will be eaten for dinner, a movie for movie night, and games for family game night. What is the Voting Rights Act? What does it do? How has it evolved? The Voting Rights Act piece of federal legislation enacted during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination when voting. Although African American people were able to vote it was made incredibly difficult. Examples of these efforts would be literacy tests, poll taxes, intimidation, threats, and sometimes even violence. Some of these attempts involve implementing feelings of fear into voters so they either don’t vote, or their votes can be controlled. There have been efforts to threaten voting rights including a few court rulings such as Shelby County v. Holder that halted many key elements of the Voting Rights Act. These alterations have made a large impact on African American, Latinx, young, and elderly people’s ability to vote. Why should you vote as soon as you’re able? As I previously stated in paragraph two, elections have consequences. This means that you could have more control over your quality of life than you think. An example of this would be how your tax money is spent. Most people don’t even know how their tax dollars are being used. Voting is a chance for you to do research on how and who your tax dollars will be spent on. In conclusion, it is important for you to vote because even though you are one person, your vote has the biggest impact on your life. In this essay, I have proved why it is important for someone my age to know about voting, how the voting rights act has evolved, and reasons for its evolution, and the overall reason why adults and young people need to vote. Using these reasons, it has been shown that the voting system has evolved, grown, and overall been affected both negatively and positively over a long period of time. This means that we owe it to ourselves to take advantage of our right to vote. wi

Kemry M. Hughes, III, “Why I Believe Voting Is Effective For Change”

Voting is something we do to decide the president of the United States, making bills into law, electing mayors, council members, and various other very important decisions are made via voting. Voting can also be used to accomplish small things such as a vote between friends as to what game they should play, or where to go for lunch. To answer the question in the topic, I believe voting is an effective vehicle for change. For example in the 2012 general election there was an initiative to expand gambling in the State of Maryland called Question 7, also known as the Gaming Expansion Question. The measure required that just a simple majority of voters in Maryland voted yes for it to pass. This would allow existing establishments throughout the state of Maryland to expand their gaming rights. On the other hand, for the residents of Prince George's County, where elected leadership was interested in building a casino that would spur major development, the voters needed to score a 51% vote majority to secure the rights for that development. This caused a need for a major campaign effort to garner the 51% vote and convince the majority of voters that this was in the best interest of the County. Because the campaign was successful, we now have the MGM Casino at the National Harbor, which has brought over $680 million in development, new roads, jobs, new business, and more tourists to the area. This illustrates how voting is a means for effective change. Another example of voting bringing change is the Smoke Free DC Act of 2006 which bans smoking in public places, in order to promote the overall health of the city. All of these changes have been very positive as they have brought more income and jobs to certain areas and helped others in the area of health. Another way voting is an effective vehicle for change is that you have the choice as to which candidate you would like to vote for, and can hear their causes, plans for the future, and goals while in office. Voting can help voice the citizens' call for change and improvement in their communities, jobs and families. Any American citizen can vote to voice their opinion right? Well you see, in the past voting was limited to only rich white landowners above the age of 21. In addition to that the voting rights of certain groups were violated in many ways. During the early part of the 19th century black people finally got the right to vote. But that was not good enough because knowing that most black people could not read or did not have money, in 1870 voting literacy tests and taxes were imposed, and until 1920 women could not vote in the United States. But black people and women were not the only groups with struggles to exercise a right given to American citizens. For example, people with limited understanding of English were not provided assistance at poll sites until 1975. And people with mental disabilities had to struggle casting votes all the way up until 1982. My hopes for voting are that people who are able to vote actually go out and vote, without any struggle or barriers to that right. Voicing one's opinion for change is very important and most people eligible to vote just don't. For example in the 2020 election it is estimated that 239,247,182 people were eligible to vote, however voter turnout was only 159,690,457 people. This means that only 62% of people eligible to vote actually did. 62% is a better number than 1996 having only 49% of eligible voters actually voting. I believe that if voter turnout for not just presidential campaigns, but campaigns for school board members, city council members, senators and attorney generals were higher then there could be a lot of improvement in many communities, not only in DC but across the entire nation. improvements such as less gun violence, helping to decrease poverty rates, better zoning for schools, and many other quality of life issues. In 2022 I hope that there will be higher voter turnout rates for elections of all kinds. And also that voter rights will no longer be violated because the average citizen's way of asking for major change is via vote. As demonstrated before, voting can be an effective means for change and in the right hands, voting is almost like a hammer and chisel, with the people being craftsmen who shape a better future for us all. wi

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WINNERS Page 32

JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 23

EDUCATION

5 DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee. (Courtesy photo)

COVID Metrics Continue to Fuel Disputes in District Schools

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

DC Public Schools [DCPS] recently announced an expanded surveillance program that includes targeted weekly testing for PK-3 and PK-4 students, extension of safe return protocols into April, the mailing of home test kits for close contacts and ramping up weekly asymptomatic testing. However, it remains unlikely, at least for the time being, that officials will develop metrics which determine, across the board, what proportion of student COVID-19 cases schools should accumulate before they pivot to virtual instruction. “School districts have abandoned those processes [that determine] when a school might go virtual,” DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said.

Apply today to DCPS and public charter schools for school year 2022-23 at MySchoolDC.org

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24 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

“This affirms why [the] situations are on a case-by-case basis. Parents will be notified. Our virtual experience should be guided by health authorities whenever they recommend a transition to virtual. The consideration is educational continuity,” he said. To prevent interruptions to in-person instruction, families of PK-3 and PK-4 students had to upload weekly negative COVID-19 test results to DCPS’ safe return web portal beginning Jan. 18. As for other students, they would only be required to test upon their return from break in February and April. Ferebee also revealed a test-tostay program for close contacts of cases reported in school, the details of which would be revealed later. In the aftermath of a COVID-19 surge that induced a pivot to virtual learning at several schools, teachers and elected officials have spoken about the need for a metric that determines when a school makes the pivot to virtual learning. Currently, individual public schools make that determination, in conjunction with DCPS, after examining the number of staff members who test positive for COVID-19. Earlier this month, Jefferson MIddle School counted as the sole District public school that pivoted to virtual learning for 10 days. Some charter schools, including DC International School in Northwest, followed similar protocols when a significant number of teachers reported positive COVID-19 test results. Since then, as the Omicon variant continues to ravage the D.C. metropolitan area, teachers have taken to social media to report understaffed school buildings and document empty classrooms. Amid a teacher shortage and campaign to pay substitute teachers higher wages, some schools continue to struggle with COVID-19 mitigation. That’s why, weeks after schools reopened, some people, including Washington Teachers’ Union President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons, continue to advocate for a metric

that guides the pivot to virtual learning. Since DCPS has cooperated in the realms of student and teacher testing, Pogue-Lyons said ensuring consistency ensures that community members in understaffed schools have clarity about when to take drastic measures. “We need to talk about what the threshold needs to be with the schools,” Pogue-Lyons said. “We can come up with a metric that involves the percentage of staff. The metric would also involve students. If COVID-19 is running rampant through someone’s school, it might be time to turn down the heat a little and [leave] to stop the spread for a little bit.” As of Jan. 16, teachers and staff members counted among 25 percent of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in District public, public charter, private and parochial schools since the start of the school year. Cases in District school have surpassed 5,100 and continue to climb. The D.C. Council recently passed legislation requiring 24hour notice about COVID cases in DCPS schools, regular asymptomatic testing and dispatch of COVID coordinators. Weeks earlier, D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large) attempted to introduce this bill as emergency legislation that also mandated a metric for pausing in-person learning. Much to the chagrin of teachers, parents and other community members, D.C. Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson (D) declined to place the bill before the D.C. Council Committee of the Whole. In explaining his apprehension about the COVID metric, Mendelson questioned whether COVID-19 infection rates painted an accurate picture of its severity. “It was clear to me that the metric sounds good but problematic,” Mendelson said. “Parents opposed having a simple formula that wouldn’t allow for flexibility. People also said case rate is not the right standard. Case rate doesn’t matter but the number of hospitalizations.” WI

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COVID Spike Has After-School Programs Demanding Better Collaboration with Partners Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As District public and public charter schools continue to solidify COVID-19 mitigation strategies in the new year, several out-of-schooltime partners continue to demand that school leaders maintain communication and transparency about cases to ensure the safety of volunteers that conduct afterschool programming. Over the last few weeks, the ascent of the Omicron variant has further complicated a tenuous relationship between District schools and out-ofschool partners. Since the start of the academic year, several organizations including the Community Enrichment Project [CEP] have struggled to navigate the sea of vaccination mandates, background checks and virtual liability insurance along with a convoluted onboarding process that

has decimated their capacity to serve students at Anacostia HIgh School in Southeast and Phelps ACE High School in Northeast. “Because of program interruptions, we lose funding and staff,” said Lauren Grimes, founder of the local youth civic engagement program and service provider. By the time Anacostia shuttered in December, CEP staff members had been in the school for a month. While she intends to return, Grimes said it remains unclear how or when CEP would be able to do so. “We want to be in the classrooms but the procedural changes cause us to never know what happens next,” Grimes said. “We have to be prepared for any scenario. It’s tough for a small nonprofit like ours. We’re one of the organizations on the ground from the community, serving the communities.”

EDUCATION

ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUE ON-THEGROUND ADVOCACY

Throughout the pandemic, the more than 60 organizations involved with the DC Action’s Outof-School Time Coalition identified challenges affecting providers of afterschool and summer programs and determined how best to engage DC Public Schools [DCPS], the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and the D.C. Council. Not only did concerns center on the DCPS clearance process, which has taken at least two months for many volunteers to navigate, but also on providers’ anxiety about entering schools amid breakdowns in communication with school leaders about COVID-19 cases. After Omicron induced a sudden pivot to virtual learning at numerous schools toward the end of last year, most District schools im-

5 Early last year, the Washington Teachers Union held a demonstration outside of Mayor Bowser's home to protest their objection to returning to the classroom. (Courtesy photo)

plemented test-to-return policies. Out-of-school time program leaders counted among many volunteers who passed out rapid COVID-19 test kits last week. Within the same week, nearly two dozen District schools reportedly canceled programs. Most District public schools conducted in-person learning on Jan. 06 after officials collected more than 36,000 families and 8,000 staff members submitted COVID-19 test results. Among local public charter

schools, administrators postponed in-person learning, opting instead to conduct virtual learning and allow families to self-test and quarantine after the winter break. Before DCPS officials announced the extension of test-to-return protocols into the remainder of the school year, teachers have expressed concerns about the health risks involved with not allowing students and

AFTER SCHOOL Page 47

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JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 25

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A strange thing occurred in 2006 when I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. For the first time in my life, I experienced what it was like to be among “Salt-of-the-Earth” Americans, dyed in the wool patriots, and some of the kindest people you’d ever want to meet. They were also largely unfamiliar with non-White people. In quick order, I learned the difference between racists and people who simply had no frame of reference. It was a regular occurrence to have strangers stare – and these were adults who should know even if I had a unicorn’s horn protruding from my forehead, to divert their gaze. Once it became clear that I was no visitor, but firmly living among them, White people routinely approached me and asked if they could touch my hair or feel my skin. What would have been grounds to assert that D.C. “homegirl” posture, instead impressed upon me the sheer, naked ignorance of my neighbors. I chose to address “a false supremacy” – the one Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaks of in a recently surfaced, lost speech from 1962 [See Page 4]. Everything became a “teachable moment” that would later inform my historical research into identity formation and eugenics. One student at the University of Nebraska, scheduled an appointment to meet with me so that he could introduce his father to his “pure Black” teacher. A very nice, but ill-informed gentleman politely asked if he could touch my hair (which was in Senegalese twists) and delighted in surprise by its softness. “Did you believe my hair would not be soft?” I asked him. “No, I heard someone say that Black women’s hair was so sharp that it could cut you and that’s why you all wear scarves on your head and won’t let Black men run their fingers through it.” I stopped short of laughing in his face. “Who told you that?” I asked him total shock. “That comedian, Chris Rock, who said it during a stand up I went to see.” Needless to say, we had a long talk about Rock and a few others. Cornhusker dad, who was easily 50-plus in age, also admitted that he and his family enjoyed dressing in blackface for annual pageants and gatherings – which had begun when he was in grade school. Sure enough, there were pictures from yearbooks, religious socials, and fraternity parties he shared with me of his family blackened up with boot polish and mimicking the stereotypical behaviors of imaginary Black people. He never understood why it offended people when it was merely a bit of “fun.” I was very kind in explaining the offenses to Cornhusker Dad. I showed him archival clips of little Black children being hit in the face with baseballs at state fairs as part of the African Dodger games and other children being dropped into vats of water for the amusement of carnival goers in the African Dip game (later simply called the Dunking Booth). Turning Black people into things which you could take pleasure in harming and win prizes to boot, was racist, demeaning, and savage. By turning Black people into “things” no one had to take their concerns – their housing, education, feelings, or lives – into consideration. It also meant that should someone you’ve hit in the head with baseballs or dressed up to mimic for Halloween earn a position as your supervisor, you would feel angered. It would likely convince you that it was good form to fall over yourself to meet your son’s professor, the “pure Black.” Fortunately, Cornhusker dad and I became good friends and much of what I discussed with him traveled into his home and community. Sixteen years later, I count them as transformed people, card carrying members of the NAACP, and staunches supporters of civil rights. Dr. King wrote that “By burning in the consciousness of white Americans a conviction that Negroes are by nature subnormal, much of the myth was absorbed by the Negro himself, stultifying his energy, his ambition, and his self-respect. Inferiority as a fetter is more subtle and sophisticated than iron chains; it is invisible, and its victim helps to fashion his own bonds.” As The Washington Informer celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we ask our readers to take a bold stand against inequality and teach our fellow Americans our truths. Let’s break apart the chains of inequality that bind us by checking (and addressing) our own biases.

Read, Learn, Grow. Dr. Shantella Sherman THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 2022 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR SUPPLEMENT / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

DYK: Did You

know?

Americans Remain Divided over Issues of Equality ByWILeeStaffRoss Writer The latest national survey by Pew Research Center, conducted July 8-18 among 10,221 adults, finds sizable differences between parties – as well as differences within parties – over how to ensure equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. 58 percent Black Americans surveyed say that in order to achieve equal rights, most of the nation’s laws and major institutions need to be completely rebuilt because they are fundamentally biased; 19 percent say needed changes can be made by working in the current systems. Reflecting back over the last 50 years, more than nine-inten Americans say the country has made progress toward “ensuring equal rights for all Americans regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds.” About half of the public (48 percent) say a lot of progress has been made, while nearly as many (45 percent) say a little progress has been made. Only 7 percent say the country has not made any progress toward racial equality.

8/10 Nearly eight-in-ten Black adults say a lot more needs to be done to ensure equal rights for Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Among White adults, 42 percent say a lot more needs to be done to ensure racial equality: 18 percent say most laws and institutions need to be completely rebuilt, while 24 percent say necessary changes can be made within the current systems. Younger adults are not only more likely than older adults to say a lot more needs to be done to ensure racial equality, but those who do are also more likely than their older counterparts to say most U.S. major institutions need to be rebuilt to ensure racial equality.

Nearly four-in-ten adults ages 18 to 29 (37 percent) say this, compared with 21 percent of those 50 to 64 and 16 percent of adults 65 and older.

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Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘Lost’ Speech (1962) In November of 2013, an intern at the New York State Museum in Albany uncovered the only known recording of a speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sept. 12, 1962, at the Park Sheraton Hotel in New York City. In the 26-minute speech, King spoke of the inequality that African Americans still faced in the 1960s – and which we, unfortunately, still grapple with to some extent today. King discussed the history and importance of the Emancipation Proclamation and its failures to truly free African Americans, as well as what the nation needed to do to create full equality. Mankind through the ages has been in a ceaseless struggle to give dignity and meaning to human life. It is that quest which distinguishes man from the lower animals. If our nation had done nothing more in its whole history than to create just two documents, its contribution to civilization would be imperishable. The first of these documents is the Declaration of Independence and the other is that which we are here to honor tonight, the Emancipation Proclamation. All tyrants, past, present, and future, are powerless to bury the truths in these declarations, no matter how extensive their legions, how vast their power and how malignant their evil. The Declaration of Independence proclaimed to a world, organized politically and spiritually around the concept of the inequality of man, that the dignity of human personality was inherent in man as a living being. The Emancipation Proclamation was the offspring of the Declaration of Independence. It was a constructive use of the force of law to uproot a social order which sought to separate liberty from a segment of humanity. Our pride and our progress would be unqualified if the story ended here. But history reveals that America has been a schizophrenic personality where these two documents are concerned. On the one hand she has proudly professed the basic principles inherent in both documents. On the other hand, she has sadly practiced the antithesis of these principles. If we look at our history with honesty and clarity, we will be forced to admit that our Federal form of government has been, from the day of its birth, weakened in its integrity, confused, and confounded in its direction, by the unresolved race question. We seldom note or give adequate significance to the fact that Thomas Jefferson’s text of the Declaration of Independence was revised by the Continental Congress to eliminate a justifiable attack on King George for encouraging slave trade. It was

changed lest it offend the southern representatives, just as today still legislation is discarded or emasculated lest it too give offense to southern representatives. Jefferson knew that such compromises with principle struck at the heart of the nation’s security and integrity. In eighteen-twenty, six years before his death, he wrote these melancholy words: “…but this momentous question, like a fire bell in the night awakened and filled me with terror. I considered it at once as the knell of the Union. I regret that I am now to die in the belief that the useless sacrifice of themselves by the generation of seventeen-seventy-six to acquire self-government and happiness to their country is to be thrown away, and my only consolation is to be that I live not to weep over it.” Our nation has experienced a ceaseless rebellion against the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Supreme Court by one region. In the Revolutionary War powerful slave elements in the south fought with the British. The development of the nation to the west was complicated and hindered by the slave power, and only the holocaust of war settled the direction and character of our growth. But the rebellion against equality continued into the second half of the 19th century and into the 20th century, diminishing the authority of the Federal government and corroding its authority. It has contaminated every institution in our society. Today that single region of our country still holds a veto power over the majority of the nation, nullify-

ing basic constitutional rights, and in the exercise of its illegal conduct, retarding our growth. The south in walling itself off from the application of laws and judicial decrees behind an iron curtain of defiance, becomes a law unto itself. It is an autonomous region whose posture toward the central government has elements as defiant as a hostile nation. The unresolved race question is a pathological infection in our social and political anatomy, which has sickened us throughout our history, and is still today a largely untreated disease. How has our social health been injured by this condition?

The legacy is the impairment of the lives of nearly twenty million of our citizens. Based solely on their color, they have been condemned to a sub-existence, never sharing the fruits of progress equally. The average income of Negroes is approximately thirty-three hundred dollars per family annually, against fifty-eight hundred dollars for white citizens. This differential tells only part of the story; however, the more terrible aspect is found in the inner structure and quality of the Negro community. It is a community artificially but effectively separated from the dominant culture of our society. It has a pathetically small, grotesquely distorted, middle class. There are virtually no Negro bankers, no industrialists; few commercial

enterprises worthy of the name of businesses, the overwhelming majority of Negroes are domestics, laborers, and always the largest segment of the unemployed. If employment entails heavy work, if the wages are miserable, if the filth is revolting, the job belongs to the Negro. And every Negro knows these truths and his personality is corroded by a sense of inferiority, generated by this degraded status. Negroes, north and south, still live in segregation, housed in slums, eat in segregation, pray in segregation, and die in segregation. The life experience of the Negro in integration remains an exception even in the north. The imposition of inferiority, externally and internally, are the slave chains of today. What the Emancipation Proclamation proscribed in a legal and formal sense has never been eliminated in human terms. By burning in the consciousness of white Americans a conviction that Negroes are by nature subnormal, much of the myth was absorbed by the Negro himself, stultifying his energy, his ambition, and his self-respect. The Proclamation of Inferiority has contended with the Proclamation of Emancipation, negating its liberating force. Inferiority has justified the low living standards of the Negro, sanctioned his separation from the majority culture, and enslaved him physically and psychologically. Inferiority as a fetter is more subtle and sophisticated than iron chains; it is invisible, and its victim helps to fashion his own bonds. Inequality before the law is so pervasive in the life of the Negro that its detailing is impossible. We boast that ours is a government of laws, but every Negro knows a thousand examples in which law and government do not protect him. In the past three weeks, three Christian churches have been burned in a single community in Georgia. If a government building were bombed in Washington, the perpetrators would be apprehended immediately. But if violence affects a Negro church, all of the agencies of government cannot find or convict

the arsonists. This is the essential texture of freedom and equality for the Negro one hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation; and one hundred and eighty-six years after the Declaration of Independence. This somber picture may induce the somber thought that there is nothing to commemorate about the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation. But tragic disappointments and undeserved defeats do not put an end to life, nor do they wipe out the positive, however submerged it may have become beneath floods of negative experience. The Emancipation Proclamation had four enduring results. First, it gave force to the executive power to change conditions in the national interest on a broad and far-reaching scale. Second, it dealt a devastating blow to a system of slave- holding and an economy built upon it, which had been muscular enough to engage in warfare on the Federal government. Third, it enabled the Negro to play a significant role in his own liberation with the ability to organize and to struggle, with less of the bestial retaliation his slave status had permitted to his masters. Fourth, it resurrected and restated the principle of equality upon which the founding of the nation rested. When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation it was not the act of an opportunistic politician issuing a hollow pronouncement to placate a pressure group. Our truly great presidents were tortured deep in their hearts by the race question. Jefferson with keen perception saw that the festering sore of slavery debilitated white masters as well as the Negro. He feared for the future of white children who were taught a false supremacy. His concern can be summed up in one quotation: “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” Lincoln’s torments are well known, his vacillations were facts. In the seething cauldron of sixty-two and sixty-three Lincoln was called the “Baboon President” in the North, and “coward,” assassin, and savage in the South. Yet he searched his way to the conclusions embodied in these words; words already quoted this evening: “In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free, honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve.” g For the full speech, visit us at www.washingtoninformer.com.

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Recommended Books About Racial Equality By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

equality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.

tribution to wide-reaching debates on race, gender and space.

“whitelash” in the actions of social movements.

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism By Dr. Robin DiAngelo The New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality. Antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility. Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial in-

Space Invaders: Race, Gender and Bodies Out of Place By Nirmal Puwar I n c r e a s i n g l y, women and minorities are entering fields where white male power is firmly entrenched. The spaces they come to occupy are not empty or neutral but are imbued with history and meaning. This book uncovers the hidden processes that undermine female and/or racialized bodies in spaces marked by masculinity and whiteness. How are positions of authority racialized and gendered? How do people manage their femininity and/or blackness while in a predominantly white male context or in what Dr. King labeled “false supremacy’? Uniting social, cultural and political theory, and engaging with a range of substantive material from a variety of institutions, this book is a timely con-

Protecting Whiteness: Whitelash and the Rejection of Racial Equality By Cameron D. Lippard, J. Scott Carter, David G. Embrick This book examines White resistance to racial equality since Dr. King’s speech on false supremacy and documents its shifts into more subtle beliefs and actions. It examines spaces like art museums that enforce their boundaries as elite white spaces, “right on crime” policies that impose new modes of surveillance and punishment for people of color, and environmental groups whose work reinforces settler colonial norms. In this incisive volume, twenty-four leading sociologists assess contemporary shifts in white attitudes about racial justice in the U.S, using case studies and investigations of entrenched white privilege in institutions, new twists in anti-equality ideologies, and

Diversity, Inc: The Fight for Racial Equality in the Workplace By Pamela Newkirk One of Time Magazine’s MustRead Books of 2019, this book illustrates how workplace diversity initiatives have turned into a profoundly misguided industry--and have done little to bring equality to America’s major industries and institutions. Diversity has become the new buzzword, championed by elite institutions from academia to Hollywood to corporate America. In Diversity, Inc., award-winning journalist Pamela Newkirk shines a bright light on the diversity industry, asking the tough questions about what has been effective--and why progress has been so slow. Newkirk highlights the rare success stories, sharing valuable lessons about how other industries can match those gains.

The False Cause: Fraud, Fabrication, and White Supremacy in Confederate Memory By Adam H. Domb The Lost Cause ideology that emerged after the Civil War and flourished in the early twentieth century sought to recast a struggle to perpetuate slavery as a heroic defense of the South. Adam Domby reveals this goal was founded on falsehoods. The False Cause focuses on North Carolina to examine the role of lies and exaggeration in the creation of the Lost Cause narrative. In the process the book shows how these lies have long obscured the past and been used to buttress white supremacy in ways that resonate to this day. The book concludes with a penetrating examination of how the Lost Cause narrative and the lies on which it is based continue to haunt the country today and still work to maintain racial inequality. g

MLK MLK

MLK MLK MLK MLK MLK MLK “The time is always right to do what is right” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

is proud to honor the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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8 Timeless Songs in the Key of Change

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer Historian Reiland Rabaka wrote in Civil Rights Music: The Soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement, that “singing marchers of the Civil Rights Movement did not merely inspire

each other, but they also influenced and seemed to stir something deep within the more noted leaders of the movement.” And whether facing police dogs, fire hoses, or white mob violence, the songs of protesters steeled their resolves and quieted their fears. The secular and sacred

converged, mingled with their faith, and floated across segregated spaces and down dirt roads, like cadence. Onlookers heard them, long before they saw them. Eventually, their spirit-fueled protests messages would blare from radio stations and turntables across the nation. There are

thousands of these songs that still promote civil and human rights or encourage personal and social improvement – but these are the eight that we believe have stood the test of time. Be sure to check our social media posts to add your own favorites to this list. Nina Simone, “I Wish Knew Now it Would Feel to Be Free” (1967) One of the most symbolic anthems of the Civil Rights Movement and the internal struggles of marginalized people across the globe. Simone imagines what it would be like to live in a world without racism and segregation.

WGL Supplier Diversity Program As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is essential to speak to his commitment to economic empowerment. This initiative continues today and aligns with our aspirations in being a responsible corporate member in the business community. Washington Gas is committed to supporting diverse and protected class businesses through its Supplier Diversity Program. For our company, procuring goods and services from diverse suppliers is a sound business strategy and produces competition in the marketplace, and benefits our customers, the community, and employees.

Stevie Wonder, “Higher Ground” (1973) Higher Ground is a soul song with a bit of funk measured in and written by the incomparable Stevie Wonder. It first appeared on his 1973 album Innervisions and reached Number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the U.S. Hot R&B Singles chart. Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions, “People Get Ready” (1964) Music critic Stanley Crouch wrote that “People Get Ready” was Mayfield’s very powerful and creative reaction to the March on Washington. “By saying ‘There’s a train a-coming, get ready’ that was like saying, okay, so regardless of what happens, get yourself together for this because you are going to get a chance. Your chance is coming.” Sam Cooke, “A Change is Gonna Come” (1964) The Library of Congress called A Change is Gonna Come a soulful ode to the struggles, yet prevailing hopes, of a Black citizen living under the oppression of Jim Crow laws in the segregated South. Haunting in its lyrics, and chilling in Cooke’s delivery, the song continues to inspire activists to fight on.

Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On?” (1971) Originally inspired by a police brutality incident witnessed by Renaldo “Obie” Benson, the song was composed by Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye. The song topped the Hot Soul Singles chart for five weeks and crossed over to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over two million copies, becoming Gaye’s second-most successful Motown song to date. The Staple Singers, “Respect Yourself” (1971) The Staple Singers easily claim top billing in the ranks of social justice leaders with songs that inspired the civil rights movement. In fact, they wrote and performed much of the movement’s soundtrack. Respect Yourself focuses on both community and social issues we can fix by changing our attitudes with lyrics like, “If you’re walking around thinking that the world owes you something because you’re here; You’re going out the world backwards like you did when you first come here.” Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror (1988) Written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard, the song declares that the way to ‘’make the world a better place’’ is to ‘’take a look at yourself and then make that change.’’ The call to look inward first, makes its lyrics pivotal in encouraging personal and social uplift. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Wake Up Everybody (1975) Wake Up Everybody” is a classic R&B song written by John Whitehead, Gene McFadden and Victor Carstarphen. The song spent two weeks at number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart in early 1976. It also enjoyed success on the pop charts, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. g

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If you can’t fly then

RUN, if you can’t run then WALK, if you can’t walk then CRAWL,

but whatever you do you have to

KEEP MOVING FORWARD! Martin Luther King Jr.

washingtongas.com

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I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. – Martin Luther King Jr.

By The

numbers How the Voting Rights Act Shook the False Supremacy of Black Inferiority ByWILeeStaffRoss Writer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, prophetically, in the “loss” speech on ending a false supremacy that there would be gains and new oppositions to fight, making it feel at times like African Americans were fighting a never-ending battle for equality. “We must all maintain faith in the future and believe that the American dream can and will become a reality. This is my faith. I know that dark days still lie ahead. Gigantic mountains of opposition will still stand before us.” King said. “And there is something in this universe which justifies William Cullen Bryant in saying, ‘Truth crushed to earth will rise again’.”

The DC Lottery honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the countless African-American heroes who’ve contributed in our journey toward civil rights, equality and freedom.

Washington Informer | 1/2 pg V | 5.85” x 9.5” | 4c | New | MLK

Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com

The Voting Rights Act invalidated the use of any test or device to deny the vote and authorized federal examiners to register voters in states that had disenfranchised Blacks. As a result, more Blacks became politically active and elected Black representatives. Additionally, with new representatives, came better jobs, contracts, facilities, and services for the Black community. Combined, these struck a blow against the false supremacy tied to disenfranchisement.

The law had a huge impact on many Southern states. For example, Black voter registration rates in Mississippi increased from a mere 6.7 percent in 1965 to 59.8 percent in 1967, according to the US Commission for Civil Rights. For a state that’s historically around 40 percent Black, this represented a massive shift in politics — a change that much of the predominantly white leadership at the time feared but would have to accept due to the Voting Rights Act. By the end of 1965, a quarter of a million new Black voters had been registered, one-third by Federal examiners. By the end of 1966, only 4 out of the 13 southern states had fewer than 50 percent of African Americans registered to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was readopted and strengthened in 1970, 1975, and 1982.

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The Voices of the Civil Rights Movement – a virtual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day from past to present. Unlock your firsthand experience featuring recounts from marchers, Civil Rights pioneers, and civic leaders. Plus, explore articles, photo galleries, and video biographies that forever captured the moment that ignited inspiration in all of us. Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

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In 1963, millions started marching down the paths we continue to walk today. Xfinity invites you to listen to the stories of those who helped Dr. King create history told directly from their voices.

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All of this was organized without a single tweet

5 Tips to Removing Chains of Bias By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer Many Americans have embraced racial stereotypes or socially toxic beliefs taught in schools or their communities. get retooled. Since many neighborhoods remain segregated in 2022, much of what different communities know of each other comes from television, film, news, and social media. This is, by and large, a fail. Today, a bevy of short courses and tips exists to engage a changing world where the past, present and future tussle for empower the public. Here are a few tips offered by mental health

organizations and social equity firms, including Very Well Mind that will help you remove the shackles of misinformation.

USE VALUES AS A BRIDGE, NOT A BYPASS.

Opening conversations with shared values helps to emphasize society’s role in affording a fair chance to everyone. But starting conversations here does not mean avoiding discussions of race. We suggest bridging from shared values to the roles of racial equity and inclusion in fulfilling those values for all. Doing so can move audi-

ences into a frame of mind that is more solution-oriented and less mired in skepticism about the continued existence of discrimination or our ability to do anything about it.

TALK ABOUT THE SYSTEMIC OBSTACLES TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EQUAL JUSTICE.

Often our culture views social problems through an individual lens – what did a person do to “deserve” his or her specific condition

or circumstance? But we know that history, policies, culture, and many other factors beyond individual choices have gotten us to where we are today, reports Very Well Mind. When we’re hoping to show the existence of discrimination or racism by pointing out racially unequal conditions, it’s particularly important to tell a full story that links cause (history) and effect (outcome). Without this important link, some audiences can walk away believing that our health care, criminal justice, or educational systems work fine and therefore differing outcomes exist because non-White people are doing something wrong.

RECOGNIZE YOUR OWN PREJUDICE

All of us are born with or grew into certain biases. If you think things like, “I’d never do anything racist,” you might want to check yourself. Research shows people who claim they’re never prejudiced are the most likely to be prejudiced.

LEARN ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE

Educate yourself about other races as well. Learn about the history of racism and discrimination and strive to learn more about what other people are experiencing today. Read books, watch documentaries, and attend cultural events to learn more about others’ experiences. Get your news from a variety of sources, including Black,

Latino, Jewish, and student newspapers.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Children are observant and complex thinkers. They look to people around them including parents, teachers, and other children, to make sense of who they are. They learn how people who look and don’t look like them are treated. Research shows children as young as two-years-old can articulate ideas about racial differences and develop judgments on what those differences mean. In short, watch you mouths and your behaviors because your children do and say what you (and those around you) do and say. g

“The imposition of inferiority, externally and internally, are the slave chains of today.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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What’s a great way you can help someone today?

The kids in Mrs. Kelsey’s class painted some posters to give kids ideas about the kinds of things they can do to help in their neighborhood. Make your celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. But they fell off the line while Day “a day on, not a day off.” This year, thousands drying and got mixed up. of people will do just that by volunteering. committee Can you match the two halves of elect each poster? r mayo the and igh ing the m an d council spring, sk ill s by we AMHERST, MA – Every hool in counting the seeds. hearing kids at the Common Sc further d an s kin y mp the pu ng continues as Am he rst , pla nt rni lea e Th until for e car proceed to learn how to ds come me asu re ing red ien ts to ma ke a wall see ad, se bre the n m them. And fro dozens of loaves of pumpki nearby distu study and service. which they donate to the neighbor center. ior sen with the t ves har y In the fall, after the th ma ce cti pra ts den stu s, pumpkin

Standards Link: Civics: Students understand the importance of volunteering as a characteristic of American society (e.g., people should volunteer to help others in their family, schools and communities. Standards Link: Language Arts: Use reading skills and strategies to understand a variety of texts.

elderly 1. Clearing an dewalk. si ’s or hb neig nned 2. Collecting ca od bank. fo a r fo s good a younger 3. Help coach . am te child’s

• The 4 students filled a total of 15 bags. • No one filled more than 7 bags. • None of the students filled the same number of bags. • Cassidy filled 5 bags. • Owen filled 3 less than Cassidy. • Sam filled the most bags. Standards Link: Mathematical Reasoning: Use a variety of strategies to solve problems.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

SERVICE TUTOR DONATE VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SENIOR SUPPORT PROMOTE COLLECT ENERGY KING LOAVES SEEDS CARE POSTER

Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.

S S D E E S B R C T

U Y G R E N E E O C P D O N A T E E M E P P I E I C A T M L

O O V O I K L N U L

R S E V A O L U N O T T R O T U T L I C

U E A P R O M O T E

S R C N T E E V Y R

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Thank You Ads

Find ads in the newspaper that thank and acknowledge community volunteers. Create a newspaper “Thank You” ad for participation in a Book Drive. Contact your local newspaper to find out the cost of running this ad.

hbor with 4. Help a neig k. or w rd some ya at the 5. Play a game er nt senior ce .

The volunteer coordinator asked four students to collect as many bags of garbage as they could find in the park. How many did each student find? Use the clues to complete the chart.

Starting at the R, move clockwise around the circle and write every third letter on the lines to find out something you can do today to help someone.

Standards Link: Reasearch: Use the newspaper to locate information.

How many stars can you find on this page in 60 seconds? Now have a friend try. Who found the most?

Make a Difference

Look through the newspaper to find: An organization that helps others A person helping others Adjectives about helping Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events Standards Link: Civics: Know how various American holidays reflect values, principles and beliefs of Americans.

Tell how you make a difference in someone’s life within your family, your school or in your community.

… helping people in your community whenever possible.

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“The time is always right to do what’s right.” Give back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and every day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s own words remind us of the importance of leadership, hope and service. And at AARP, we believe your experience, skills and passion have the power to inspire others to make a difference. We encourage everyone to continue his legacy by lending a helping hand in their community. And we can help. Join us in making a difference on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and every day. Go to createthegood.aarp.org to find ways you can volunteer in your community Please serve your community and others safely by following all CDC COVID-19 guidelines and federal, state and local regulations.

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EDITORIAL

The Children Have Spoken on Protecting Voting Rights This week’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday observances focused squarely on voting rights. Hundreds of voting rights supporters converged on the Nation’s Capital on the King Holiday. They marched across the Frederick Douglass Bridge carrying signs and banners while chanting strong messages to members of the U.S. Senate to pass two significant voting rights bills this week. Most observers, including the media, are already pronouncing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act dead due to all 50 Senate Republicans and two Democrats – Sens. Krysten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia – refusal to vote for the bills. What stands in the way is the proposed end to the filibuster, a process by which a member of the minority party can simply prolong a debate without voting. It is a tactic that has been allowed and amended by both political parties since the early 1800s, and the proposed change in the current bills Republicans charge is unacceptable. Joining demonstrations across the country and in D.C. on Monday was the family of Dr. King. Martin Luther King, III, his wife Arndrea, and daughter Yolanda who called upon the nation to adhere to “No celebration without legislation.” But it was 13-year-old Yolanda who brought the message home to marchers and students at the National Cathedral, “If you are 9 years or older, and you look like me, then you will have fewer voting rights on your 18th birthday than the day you were born.” Yolanda and young people here and across the county have declared their commitment to protect the right to vote. Student essayists who addressed the theme: “Is voting the vehicle for effective change?” promised to be the generation that fights equally as hard to protect voting rights for their children and grandchildren as their ancestors did for them. The lives lost and the battles won “are empowering,” Yolanda said, because 50 years later, “we are following in their footsteps on Freedom’s Road.” Despite the Senate’s actions or inaction, or the state’s laws to suppress the vote, or individual actions to discourage and intimidate voters, the fight for voting rights will not end. The children have spoken. WI

Youngkin Makes Good on Promise to End Mask Mandate in Schools – But Will He Regret It?

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has only been in office a few days but he hasn’t wasted any time in reversing the policies of his Democratic predecessors, most notably on the controversial issue of mask requirements in schools. Not only is he facing opposition from the counties he lost in the November election but he has a growing number of parents who are “breathing fire” over his executive action about mask wearing in schools which comes in the middle of the latest spike in coronavirus cases. Youngkin, taking advantage of parents’ frustrations with remote learning and what many viewed as a lack of autonomy over their children’s schooling, signed the order last Saturday – his first day in office. His order says, “parents should have the ability to decide whether their child should wear masks for the duration of the school day,” which counts as a clear attempt to end mask mandates in public schools. The mask mandate order, as well as nine other orders and two directives, has set off a firestorm of controversy and will inevitably become the new governor’s first of many huge tests. While the former governor, Democrat Ralph Northam, made mask in schools part of a public health emergency order, Youngkin has moved in the opposite direction, making good on his campaign promise which was key to his victory and which goes into effect on January 24. Already, school officials in Northern Virginia, including Arlington and Fairfax counties, as well as Henrico County in the Richmond area, say they’ll maintain mask requirements for children despite Youngkin’s order. And there’s more. Youngkin asserts that masks are ineffective, providing little or no health benefit – something which the science behind mask wearing clearly disputes. He also argues that vaccines should not be mandated for children ages 5 – 12, adding that vaccines are available should parents chose to have their kids vaccinated. Of course parents should have a say on safety measures which impact their children and the curriculum that is taught in the classroom. But in this case, it feels like citizens of the Commonwealth have become entangled in a potentially deadly game of ping-pong or tennis. And rather than a small ball being the object of focus, it’s the welfare and lives of our children. WI

TO THE EDITOR One Nation?

Chump Change

The cover of last week’s Washington Informer was breathtaking. It’s true what they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and a cracked American flag certainly tells it all about the condition of our country.

I disagree with putting Maya Angelou on U.S. coins, the same as I disagreed about putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. The same country that enslaved us is now putting us on their currency? What a joke. Truly honoring and acknowledging wrongs committed against Black men and women will be returning our stolen wealth! Bump these symbolic, do-nothing gestures. The powers that be need to put their money where their mouth is — reparations, period.

Thelma Innis Washington, D.C.

Rashawn Palmer Annapolis, Md.

Readers' Mailbox

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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. JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 27

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

Warrior Lawyers Like Lani Guinier

The amazing attorney, law professor, lawyer, author and activist Lani Guinier made her transition on Jan. 7, 2022, even as Black folks and our allies were engaged in the legislative battle to solidify our voting rights. In the middle of the struggle, a beacon, a woman who loved voting rights and fair representation more than life itself, was taken from us. Guinier was a woman who turned chicken spit (or something) into chicken salad. In a unique act of personal and po-

litical betrayal, former President Bill Clinton first nominated Guinier to be assistant attorney general for civil rights, then bowed to right-wing pressure to withdraw her nomination. If Guinier had her way, she would have preferred to defend her record against inaccurate attacks. Instead, she went on to write brilliant books and provocative articles. Her theme often being the tyranny of the majority. The loonies on the right who vilified Guinier might take a more careful look at her work. They called her a "Quota Queen" and ridiculed her views on cumulative voting as "anti-democratic." Cities like New York and San Francisco

Guest Columnist

now use ranked-choice voting to elect leaders. Both London Breed in San Francisco and Eric Adams in New York won their seats thanks to ranked-choice voting. Legacy Guinier. Some Republican minorities that attacked Guinier might find some solace in her views. She wrote that a 51-49 split should not mean that the 51% gets all the power. Instead, there have to be methods of power-sharing. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and his cronies don't get that. They want it all. Guinier wanted to find a way to share power, manage compromise, and ensure that the 49% had a say. Republicans have so rigged the rules that they

flex majority muscles even when they are in the minority. Democrats have forgotten how to fight back, complacently leaning into an unfair process that includes filibusters, gerrymandering and downright theft. Lani Guinier was inspired by Constance Baker Motley, the first woman to work for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, when she was hired in 1946. Guinier was 12 when she learned of Attorney Motley and saw her as an inspiration. Lani Guinier had many others to inspire her, including Elaine Jones, director-counsel of the NAACP LDF from 1993 through 2004, and the first woman to lead the

organization. Guinier benefited from Elaine Jones' mentorship and, as an LDF attorney, won 31 of the 32 cases she prosecuted. I'm not trying to write an obituary. I'm just thinking out loud about an amazing woman who blazed trails, made a difference, shrugged off adversity and fought passionately for the Black vote. As she makes her transition, we are struggling. One of her contemporaries, fellow Harvard Law grad and civil rights attorney Gail Wright Sirmans, observed that we "recycle our struggles." From the end of enslave-

MALVEAUX Page 49

Marian Wright Edelman

Honoring Dr. King Through the Right to Vote

In January 1967, 55 years ago this month, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took a very rare sabbatical at an isolated house in Jamaica far away from telephones and the constant pressures of his life as a civil rights leader to write what would become his last book, "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?" He opened Chapter One in the middle of a joyous scene a

year and a half earlier: "On August 9, 1965, the President's Room of the Capitol could scarcely hold the multitude of white and Negro leaders crowding it. President Lyndon Johnson's high spirits were marked as he circulated among the many guests whom he had invited to witness an event he confidently felt to be historic, the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The legislation was designed to put the ballot effectively into Negro hands in the South after a century of denial by terror and evasion … In signing

Guest Columnist

the measure, the President announced that ‘Today is a triumph for freedom as huge as any victory that's ever been won on any battlefield … today we strike away the last major shackle of … fierce and ancient bonds." But, as Dr. King already knew, those shackles had not really been destroyed. He went on to describe how much of the promise of that historic day already seemed to have disappeared one year later. Riots had erupted in Northern and Western cities. Civil rights workers were murdered in the South. Groups

who had been united in the fight for voting rights in Selma were bitterly divided over what should happen next. And in politics, Dr. King noted, "the white backlash had become an emotional electoral issue in California, Maryland and elsewhere. In several Southern states men long regarded as political clowns had become governors or only narrowly missed election, their magic achieved with a ‘witches'' brew of bigotry, prejudice, half-truths and whole lies." He would surely recognize the parallels in our nation today.

Dr. King argued then that the Voting Rights Act had ended one phase of development in the civil rights revolution, the fight to treat Black Americans with "a degree of decency," but had opened a new phase: the fight for equality. More than a half century later we are still in that fight. And just as the battle for equality continues, the long struggle for voting rights is not over yet either. As protections in the Voting Rights Act have been dismantled following the

EDELMAN Page 49

Barack Obama

We Need to Follow John Lewis' Example and Fight for Our Democracy

When I spoke at John Lewis' memorial service two years ago, I emphasized a truth John knew better than just about anyone. Our democracy isn't a given. It isn't self-executing. We, as citizens, have to nurture and tend it. We have to work at it. And in that task, we have to vigilantly preserve and protect our most basic tool of self-government,

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which is the right to vote. At the time, various state legislators across the country had already passed a variety of laws designed to make voting harder. It was an attack on everything John Lewis fought for, and a challenge to our most fundamental democratic freedoms. Since then, things have only gotten worse. While the American people turned out to vote at the highest rate in over a century in the last presidential elec-

tion, members of one of our two major political parties — spurred on by the then-sitting president — denied the results of that election and spun conspiracy theories that drove a violent mob to attack our Capitol. Although initially rejected by many Republicans, those claims continued to be amplified by conservative media outlets, and have since been embraced by a sizable portion of Republican voters — not to mention GOP elected officials who do, or at least should, know better. Those

Republican officials and conservative thought leaders who have courageously stood their ground and rejected such anti-democratic efforts have found themselves ostracized, threatened, and subjected to primary challenges. Meanwhile, state legislators in 49 states have introduced more than 400 bills designed to suppress votes. Some of these bills we've seen before: legislation that would discourage voters — including racial minorities, low-income voters, and young people — from cast-

ing a ballot. Others aim to treat certain polling locations differently, creating one set of rules for voters living in cities and another set for people living in more conservative, rural areas. We're also seeing more aggressive attempts to gerrymander congressional districts. Gerrymandering, which essentially allows politicians to choose their voters instead of the other way around, isn't new — and both par-

OBAMA Page 48

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Wilmer J. Leon III

Reagan's 'Shining City on a Hill' Was Really a Mirage

"I've thought a bit of the shining 'city upon a hill.' … After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the Pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home." — President Reagan, Jan. 12, 1989 In his farewell address to the nation, as well as in a few other speeches, President

Reagan used this "shining city upon a hill" metaphor. It was previously used by President Kennedy and later used by President Obama and others. American politicians have used this phrase to communicate their vision of America and how they hope we are perceived globally. Americans have been indoctrinated to believe that this country is on a special mission, ordained by God to civilize the "heathens" and the "savages" and spread democracy around the world. There have been other doctrines and worn yarns spun over the years such as Manifest Destiny, American Exceptionalism, and White Man's Burden. All of

Guest Columnist

them used to justify or rationalize militarism, colonialism and oppression. What a true reading of history has taught and continues to teach the rest of the world; the victims of America's "largesse", is that this "shining city on a hill" is truly a mirage. "American Internationalism" comes at a very high cost to those it is imposed upon. American or "Jeffersonian – democracy" is not about one-person one-vote, sovereignty, and self-determination. It's really about unbridled capitalism, the insatiable lust for resources and the exploitation of foreign labor and markets. Following in Reagan's imperialist

and hegemonic footsteps, in December 2021 President Biden held the first Summit for Democracy. Its stated purpose was to bring together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to confront authoritarianism, fight corruption and promote human rights. Let's unpack some of these terms to understand the true purpose of the Summit. It's important to not only look at who attended, but also look at who was not invited. The Venezuelan Juan Guaido' (a president without a country) was in attendance. One could reason that the very definition of authoritarianism is the

US's appointment of him as president of Venezuela, since the U.S. does not like the democratically elected president of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro. The racist Zionist government of Israel was in attendance. Yet, the human rights plight of the Palestinians was not addressed. China, Russia, Iran and Cuba (yes, they are democracies) were not invited. Also not invited were countries like Ecuador, El Salvador, Chile, and Nicaragua. All of these countries have just held elections where the people voted out those cor-

tions from the bonds of experience and an understanding of traditional challenges. In his characterization of Walter Lee and a myriad of others in his long career, Sidney Poitier escorted the Black community to a wide variety of places and experiences and, as the "only" Black male lead in Hollywood, afforded white America the privilege of understanding the Black community with more than the typically held monolithic viewpoint. One would be mistaken if he/she were naïve enough to think of Mr. Poitier as just an actor. While he was an actor par excellence, he was much more than

that. He is known as a principled gentleman who, in selecting roles, only chose those roles that served to elevate the image of the Black male. His Academy Award-winning role as Homer Smith in "Lilies of the Field" is just one of numerous roles that rejected and reversed the Hollywood standard of portraying Black men as shuffling, stumbling and bumbling buffoons. Admittedly, although I've not seen all of his films, bu I can attest to the fact that I've never seen him perform in a film for which he had

coifed wigs and hair sew-ins, falls and weaves, costing hundreds of dollars per appointment, not including hundreds more for fingernails, a pedicure, and an eyebrow shaping, as if the most important thing in life today is looking like a model on a runway in a TikTok video, at all times. Imagine, if occasionally the hundreds spent on cosmetics was saved by us for the down payment on a house, or on music lessons, rather than on weaves for the children. What are we doing with our lives?

What are we aiming to be, as individuals, as Black people? Don't we want our children to live better, more upright lives instead of just being 'cuter' than the generation before? I think too many of us are living in a fantasy world where we are always trying to enhance our "brand" rather than trying to discover our purpose in life, and trying to live up to that ambition. When I got a start in national jour-

LEON Page 50

E. Faye Williams

The Exceptional Artist

Actors, poets and graphic/visual artists are engaged in a continual quest to touch the hearts, minds and souls of their audiences. It's a daunting challenge and, if successful, leads to respect, admiration and adoration. I can't imagine that when writing the poem, A Dream Deferred, Langston Hughes could recognize the lasting impact it would have on our society. Many in the civil rights community say that "A

Dream Deferred" was the inspiration for what's considered one of the greatest speeches in the history of the nation, Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Nor can I imagine that when writing the play "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry knew that the line she took from Hughes' poem could so powerfully communicate the emotions of a people. When I played Ruth Younger in a Grambling University production of "A Raisin in the Sun," I never imagined meeting Ruby Dee, the actress who played that same role in the initial production. She congratulated me for

Askia-At-Large

participation in the play and remarked that, based upon the person I had been described to her, she would want to play me in a production about my life! We both agreed that "A Raisin in the Sun" was a timeless expression of the challenges — then and now — of many Black families. All of the actors performed excellently, but central to the story was the character Walter Lee Younger and central to the expression of his character was the powerful portrayal by Sidney Poitier. Over 60 years later, viewing his portrayal of Walter Lee still evokes a torrent of emo-

WILLIAMS Page 50

Askia Muhammad

Betrayed by Our Own Cultural Success

Despite the horrors of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., bloody riots all over the country, and a bloody immoral war in Vietnam, 1968 was a pivotal year, a turning point for Black progress in every arena in this country. Uhuru! We Black people knew freedom was near. At last, Black men and women were

getting an opportunity to compete culturally and excel on equal terms. Jazz, poetry, art, civil rights, dance, films, Black excellence was coming into view, represented by a generation also confronting and becoming a part of an anti-war consciousness. The doors of opportunity were opening. But alas, Uhuru. Now, influenced by the material success of the Black cultural genius that was unleashed in 1968 and beyond, from music to sports, we replaced the

militant 'Uhuru' message of the 1970s with the 'My Brand' message of today. The beauty standard shifted from Angela Davis to Cardi B. Who can be surprised therefore, when Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) gives an exclusive interview to Cardi, rather than to MSNBC's Joy Reid, or to NPR's (now CNN's) Audie Cornish? Or to any other conventional Black journalist? The Afro hairstyle-wearing Sisters of the '70s have been replaced in our visions by "side chicks" in elaborately

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ASKIA Page 50 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 29

LIFESTYLE Critical Race Theory and the Banning of Black Authors Schools, Libraries and Prisons Yield to Controversial Issue Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Celeste Headlee paused as she contemplated how Black authors have for decades endured the banning of their books in schools, libraries and even in prisons across the country. In the summer of 2020 in the after-

30 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

math of the murder of George Floyd, a major publishing house turned down the opportunity to obtain Headlee’s book “Speaking of Race: Why Everybody Needs to Talk About Racism and How to Do It.” But why? “They said they had enough books on race and that this topic is covered

for us,” Headlee recounted. “It was very surprising since we were offering it in the summer of 2020.” Headlee, who co-hosts the Retro Report on PBS and is affectionately known as the “light-skinned Black Jew,” eventually sold her book to Harper Collins Publishing who published it in 2021. She counts among dozens of Black authors whose works are being pulled from school libraries under the pretext that they’re teaching critical race theory. As noted in a recent report, most of the books targeted don’t teach critical race theory. However, they’re written by and focus on people of color. According to the American Library Association, its Office for Intellectual Freedom reported 273 books affected by censorship attempts in 2020, many with content highlighting race, gender and sexuality. Since September 2021, at least 230 challenges have been made against Black-authored books. Tiffany D. Jackson, the author of the 2018 novel “Monday’s Not Com-

ing” about missing girls of color, remains in the throes of a similar controversy. Yahoo! News Writer Tat Bellamy-Walker reported that during a school board meeting in Loudoun County, Virginia, parents demanded that officials ban Jackson’s work for “sexual content.” In an email to Bellamy-Walker, Jackson, a Black woman, said the book discusses friendship, dyslexia, community, healing and mentions sex, although intercourse never actually occurs or is described. Celebrated Black children’s author and illustrator Jerry Craft told NBC News that he also received a message saying a school library in Texas had pulled some of his books. “I was caught off guard,” said Craft, the Newbery Medal-winning author of the 2019 graphic novel “New Kid.” “I felt bad for the kids because I know how much they love ‘New Kid’ and ‘Class Act.’ I know what my school visits do. … I felt bad if there would be some kids who’d be unable to take advantage of that.” NBC reported the individual who sent the message to Craft hailed from Katy, Texas, a town near Houston that has come under fire for attempts to limit the public’s access to books that teach about racism. In October, the Katy Independent School District made headlines for temporarily yanking two of Craft’s books which tell the stories of Black boys who experience racism in schools from school libraries and postponing his virtual visit. “Apparently, I’m teaching critical race theory,” Craft wrote in response to a parent confused about the ban, citing the decades-old academic and legal framework that teaches about racism in America. The banning of works by Black authors extends to American prisons. Andy Chan and Michelle Dillon, who serve on the board of the nonprofit organization Books to Prisoners, said the need for educational and self-empowering materials in prisons remains vast. In an op-ed, they contended that prisons routinely impede access for arbitrary and biased reasons despite the need. The duo pointed out that it’s a practice long overdue for public

examination. “A recent rejection from South Central Correctional Facility [SCCF] in Clifton, Tenn., epitomizes this issue. In late December, SCCF returned a package of rejected books to Books to Prisoners,” the pair summarized. “Inside were three books we had sent to an incarcerated reader and a note scrawled by a prison guard reading simply: ‘Malcolm X not allowed.’ The offending book, ‘Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary,’ is a Scholastic biography intended for grades 7-12,” Chan and Dillon asserted. “Prison censorship is still shocking to us, even after years of work with Books to Prisoners but it rarely surprises us now.” Headlee noted that even the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Maya Angelou endured censorship. “For quite some time, Maya Angelou was called the most banned author in America,” Headlee said. “Her book, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ was banned several times.” “She is an author who won the Pulitzer Prize and an Emmy. But there was one case in which they claimed her book caused bitterness and hatred toward white people. So, here we are again. It has happened again and again. You can’t get through a decade in the United States without seeing books by Black authors banned,” Headlee said. She said her book could offer some assistance. “It’s meant to diffuse some of the apprehension that people feel about talking about race without getting into an argument,” Headlee said. “And maybe make a little progress.” WI

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LIFESTYLE

CHRISTMAS TREES AND HOLIDAY GREENERY COLLECTION

5 Former U.S. Education Secretary John King, Jr. speaks during a community gathering Jan. 17 to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 17 outside the Glenarden Municipal Building. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

MLK from Page 1 can come together and fix things. This is our county. This is our community. These are our people.” Former U.S. Education Secretary John King, Jr. traveled to Glenarden with advice on selfless love. King, a Democratic candidate running for Maryland governor, told a short story about a former student named Herman when King worked as a school principal. “He came to us and was struggling in middle school but he worked hard. Teachers invested in him and his mom invested in him. He succeeded when he got to high school and was playing sports. He was getting good grades,” King said. “Then Herman was killed in a case of mistaken identity getting off a bus. We can’t do something for Herman but we can do something different for all the young men who get off track, just as teachers did for me,” he said. Attendees also received the push to follow Dr. King’s advice of nonviolence. Prince George’s County has endured an uptick in violence during the coronavirus pandemic, especially when it comes to gun violence. One major part of Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy legislative priorities for Maryland lawmakers this year deals with ghost guns – privately manufactured firearms used in crimes mainly delivered by mail and typically made of plastic.

According to Braveboy’s legislative summary, county police had about 210 cases involving ghost guns last year. “I believe that . . . there is a fierce urgency now,” she said. “It is now we must address the violence in our community but it is also now we must address those issues that have plagued our community like mental health, poverty and the absence of hope. As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let’s not forget those who are no longer here.” Her comments prompted Jawanna Hardy of Capitol Heights to raise a large picture of eight-yearold Peyton “PJ” Evans taped on a piece of cardboard. In August, Peyton died after being shot during a drive-by shooting at an apartment complex in Landover. Hardy runs a D.C.-based organization called Guns Down Friday which offers services including planning funerals, purchasing groceries and providing mental health support for families whose children have died due to gun violence. She attended middle and high school with Peyton’s mother and both attend the same church, Community of Hope in Temple Hills. Hardy said she visited Peyton’s gravesite in Suitland on Sunday, Jan. 16. “It still gives me chills thinking about his death,” she said Monday. “The community needs to be consistent and come together.” WI @WJFjabariwill

NOWW--FEBRUARYYYYYYYYYY

Place your trees and greenery curbside or at your normal point of collection without lights or decorations between now and February 28, 2022. Holiday trees and greenery collected after February 28 will be collected with trash as space permits in the trash truck. Holiday trees and greenery will be used for compost when collected between now and February 28, 2022.

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Stay Informed! www.washingtoninformer.com JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 31

LIFESTYLE WINNERS from Page 23

Amari Ataiyero, “Is Voting the Vehicle for Effective Change?” Voting is a positive vehicle and impact for change. By voting, you have the chance to influence your local and national governments. Many countries do not allow their citizens to have the same voting rights as we do in the United States. Voting has shown to be a positive change for minorities and the democratic party. But voting is not the only vehicle for change, those who vote must be active in their vote. This means that they should be active in their local communities to ensure that their elected officials are keeping their work to stay in office. If you don't view and stay active, you don't have a voice. You should always vote, even if you do not want to. Many people died so that most of us would have the right to vote. Voting is your civic duty that was fought for and makes a difference in your everyday life. Local elections are important because the community can decide who they want to represent them locally, such as the mayor. If the mayor him or herself cannot make a change, they can talk to someone that has that higher power to see if the change can be made. In national elections, people vote one who they want for president based on their personal views, to see if the president can make changes and differences based on voters' needs and wants. Voting is important because it allows the community to decide who they want in charge to assist in changing, fixing, creating new activities, laws, safety measures, etc. It also allows a local community to have things that they might need and what can protect them. Voting locally can lead to good results on voting nationally. If local communities vote for the right official, that is put into office, they could influence a national representative like the president of the United States to create change. Both mayor's and presidents have votes of their own as well, within their offices to help make decisions. Without voting, there would be a lot that could not happen in the world. There would be no structure for our country or our people. Voting affects our education system, our workforce, housing, and health care. Voting can help change your quality of life such as public transportation and the national minimum wage. Not voting is allowing others to decide what your future will be like. If you pay taxes, voting helps you decide how your tax money is spent. Voting is your responsibility as a citizen and empowers you. Voting has been a great vehicle for change because so many people have been bout to get through different trials, elections, and lawsuits, etc. I jury votes during trials and lawsuits, registered citizens vote in local and national elections. Voting also helps fight for the people that haven't done wrong during jury trials. Voting also allows judges to think hard and discuss who will win a challenge or a prize on a game show or a death survival run like a squid game. Voting is helpful and useful in so many ways. WI

Kole Corbitt, “Is Voting the Vehicle for Effective Change?” Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Unfortunately, when voting is because of greed, hate, or discrimination, it can be a vehicle for negative change and move us backwards. I believe that voting is the vehicle for effective change, because it makes a difference, and when done fairly and for the right reasons, it moves us forward. Voting has a long history in this country but not everyone was able to exercise this right. Black men were not allowed to vote until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1870 and white women were not allowed to vote until the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920. Even with these amendments Black people were lynched, bombed, and beat up for trying to vote and they often had to take unfair reading and writing tests. Early on people like Frederick Douglass fought for the rights of women and Black men, even though it took a long time to make a difference and move us forward. During the civil rights movement Black people kept fighting for the right to vote, even though it was dangerous. They knew that if they could vote, they could change laws and elect people that cared about their rights. They knew that voting was a way to end segregation, in school, at work, and in our community to move us forward. In addition to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lots of people in the 1960s fought for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 because they knew that voting could bring about change. Rosa Parks took a literacy test three times and paid a high poll tax so that she could vote. Malcolm X encouraged us to vote wisely because he knew the power of voting. Fannie Lou Hamer was beat up and lost her job trying to register people to vote. Congressman John Lewis spent his entire life trying to make “Good Trouble” because he knew about the power of voting. All of these people and many more have made sacrifices to move us forward. In conclusion, voting is the vehicle of effective change. Although I have eight years before I can vote, I always will. I am glad that I now have the right, I am thankful that so many people fought for that right, and many of my ancestors died for my rights. Some people are still trying to take away our rights to vote, but I will fight not to let that happen, even if I have crawl, because voting keeps us moving forward. WI

32 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

YOUR

VOTE Kiye Corbitt, “Voting is the Vehicle for Change” Voting is the vehicle for change because it lets you choose leaders, like the president and governors. When you vote for the right person, you can help create history. Voting can let you create history by creating firsts for the country, like the first Black president, or the first female president. That is a change that voting helps create. Voting changes the leaders. That supports the fact that it is the vehicle for change because changing the leaders will help the country support certain people and stop oppression. Effective voting requires research and evaluating your values which can be difficult, but it's worth the time and the effort. Unfortunately voting can also cause change in a negative way. If a person is elected into a seat of power that does not have the best intentions for the overall good, they can undermine the laws of our country. For example, presidents have been voted in that have tried to “Make America great again” by oppressing people, losing allies, and even trying to start wars. If more people had voted, maybe a different outcome may have come to be, and we would have the first female, as our president. This supports the fact that voting creates change by showing how voting can change who is oppressed, who our allies are, and who our enemies are. My third reason why voting is the vehicle for change is because people have fought so we can create change by voting. Civil rights activists like Martin Luther King, have fought and died for our rights. There have been many boycotts and marches for voting rights, this shows how important it is because people use their time to fight for being able to vote. Voting is important, we should honor their sacrifices by voting. Lastly, I believe voting creates change, because voting itself has changed. Voting used to be a thing for whites. Blacks used to be allowed to vote, technically, but they had to take impossible tests to prove that they were smart enough to vote. These tests, as I said, were impossible and no one was able to pass them. Even after these tests were gone, racist groups like the KKK would murder blacks if they tried to vote. But now, voting has changed. Blacks vote a lot now, without having to worry about impossible literacy test or being lynched by racists. Even though a lot of blacks get to vote nowadays, there are lots of them that don’t get to vote because of unfair felony convictions. That shows that voting not only starts change, but has also been through many changes itself. Overall voting has changed. It's been through changes and inspires changes, whether good or bad. It is extremely important to vote and research who you are voting for. If you don’t, someone bad can be selected to be in a seat of power, then oppress you. Another reason it's important to vote is because it will let you elect someone good into a seat of power, and help stop others from being oppressed. Voting is the vehicle for change, and we, as Americans, must drive it. WI

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What’s a great way you can help someone today?

The kids in Mrs. Kelsey’s class painted some posters to give kids ideas about the kinds of things they can do to help in their neighborhood. Make your celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. But they fell off the line while Day “a day on, not a day off.” This year, thousands drying and got mixed up. of people will do just that by volunteering. committee Can you match the two halves of elect each poster? mayor the and igh ing the m an d council spring, ski lls by we ds. ery Ev – MA T, RS HE see AM hearing hool in counting the kids at the Common Sc further d an s kin y mp the pu Am he rst , pla nt rning continues as lea e Th until for e car to proceed to learn how ds come me asu re ing red ien ts to ma ke a wall see ad, se bre the n m pki fro them. And dozens of loaves of pum nearby distu or study and service. which they donate to the neighb senior center. with the t ves har y the er aft In the fall, th ma e ctic pra pumpkins, students

elderly 1. Clearing an dewalk. si ’s or neighb nned 2. Collecting ca od bank. fo a r fo s good

• No one filled more than 7 bags.

SERVICE TUTOR DONATE VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SENIOR SUPPORT PROMOTE COLLECT ENERGY KING LOAVES SEEDS CARE POSTER

Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.

S S D E E S B R C T

U Y G R E N E E O C P D O N A T E E M E P P I E I C A T M L

O O V O I K L N U L

R S E V A O L U N O T T R O T U T L I C

U E A P R O M O T E

S R C N T E E V Y R

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recongized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Standards Link: Reasearch: Use the newspaper to locate information.

at the 5. Play a game senior center.

• The 4 students filled a total of 15 bags.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

Thank You Ads

a younger 3. Help coach child’s team. hbor with 4. Help a neig k. or w rd ya e m so

The volunteer coordinator asked four students to collect as many bags of garbage as they could find in the park. How many did each student find? Use the clues to complete the chart.

Starting at the R, move clockwise around the circle and write every third letter on the lines to find out something you can do today to help someone.

How many stars can you find on this page in 60 seconds? Now have a friend try. Who found the most?

• None of the students filled the same number of bags. • Cassidy filled 5 bags. • Owen filled 3 less than Cassidy. • Sam filled the most bags. Standards Link: Mathematical Reasoning: Use a variety of strategies to solve problems.

Make a Difference

Tell how you make a difference in someone’s life within your family, your school or in your community.

… helping people in your community whenever possible.

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JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 33

T:9.875"

T:10.935"

Whoa

America’s most reliable network is going Ultra. Ultra-fast, ultra-powerful 5G Ultra Wideband is now in more and more places.

5G Ultra Wideband available in select areas. Most reliable based on RootMetrics® US National RootScore® Report 1H 2021. Tested on 3 nat’l mobile networks across all available network types combined, excl. C-Band. Not specific to 5G networks. Results may vary. Not an endorsement.

34 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

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Magenta,

Yellow,

Black

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Struggle for Affordable Housing” Austin R. Cooper, Jr. Managing Editor

into the open so that this community will be forced to deal with it.”

Housing was a crucial part of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision for economic justice. Unfortunately, 93 years after his birth, 50 years after he moved into a dilapidated Chicago apartment, and 53 years after his assassination, followed by the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, King’s vision of equitable and fair housing remains unfulfilled.

WHAT DID THE MOVEMENT ACHIEVE IN CHICAGO?

The reviews are mixed. Mayor Daley surprised many when he called for an audit of housing conditions in poor neighborhoods considered to be a “hazard to human life.” Daley met with King to negotiate an agreement to commit the city to fair and open housing policies. Some KING BRINGS THE MOVEBlacks considered the agreement weak, MENT TO CHICAGO lacking any enforcement. In January 1966, King announced plans Dr. King, however, called the agreeto bring his crusade to Chicago, Illinois. ment a “first step in a thousand-mile Leaders of the Chicago Freedom Movejourney” and declared victory. On the ment, a coalition of 44 civil rights organizaother hand, Daley told reporters it was tions, invited King to help bring attention a “gentlemen’s agreement” that was unto the racist and discriminatory practices enforceable. impacting Blacks in the North. Yet, one significant outcome of the King agreed, and on January 26th, 1966 summer of rallies, protests, and he captured national attention when he 5 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson and other civil rights leaders joined the Chicago Freedom marches in Chicago was the enactment moved his family into a railroad apartment Movement demanding an end to discrimination in housing. On July 10, 1966, King delivered a major of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This speech at Chicago’s Soldier Field, then led marchers to City Hall where he taped a letter to the door demandon Chicago’s West Side to protest living legislation, which became law one week ing Mayor Richard Daley open the city and end housing discrimination. (Photo ©RoyLewisLewis1966) conditions. after the King assassination, expanded A contributing writer to Chicago Magathe Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the zine, David Bernstein recounted this period. In his article titled Martin Luther Ing Jr.’s inclusion of Title VIII known as the Fair Housing Act, which prohibited discrimination 1966 Chicago Campaign, Bernstein wrote, “King had come to Chicago to make the city in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, the next proving ground for his nonviolent revolution.” (and as amended), and family status. “If we can break the system in Chicago, it can be broken any place in the country,” King declared at a summit of community organizations in 1965.

KING FACES NORTHERN RESISTANCE

Indeed, by moving north and concerning himself with housing, equality, and employment, the movement encountered increased resistance. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley considered King an outsider and initially denounced King’s efforts. Throughout the spring and summer of 1966, King held numerous rallies and marches to highlight housing conditions in Chicago, including in predominantly White neighborhoods, where he and the marchers encountered physical and verbal hostilities. Late that summer, protestors marched with King in Gage Park. The protest turned violent, and King was struck in the head by a rock thrown by a group of hecklers. When asked by a reporter if he was surprised by the welcome by residents, King said, “Oh yes, it’s definitely a very closed society, and we’re going to make it an open society. And, we feel we have to do it this way in order to bring the evil out

KING’S VISION OF EQUITABLE AND FAIR HOUSING REMAINS UNFULFILLED

Civil rights organizations continue to address racial inequities and injustices related to housing. While housing discrimination is not what it was, and Blacks have the right to live wherever they desire, racism and discrimination still exist, and civil rights still use testing as a method to expose it. In a recently reported story, a Black couple had a White friend pretend to own their Northern California home to test the appraisal. The appraisal value increased nearly half a million dollars for the White friend over the estimate previously given to the Black couple. The National Association of Real Estate Brokers issued a report last June on the State of Housing in Black America: “Blacks today have a higher homeownership rate than in 1921 and have the legal right to live in the community of their choice. Yet the Black to Non-Hispanic White homeownership gap has increased over the past 80 years. Today, fewer than 45 percent of Black households own their homes compared to nearly 75 percent of White households.” May we all continue King’s fight for equality and justice, particularly in the area of fair housing and increased Black homeownership.

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review "Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? A Novel" By Lilzzie Damilola Blackburn c.2022, Pamela Dorman Books/Viking $26 384 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer "I just want you to be happy." You've heard that before, and yet, unsolicited advice never does. All the y'oughtas ("What y'oughta do is …") and the unexpected help make you want to scream, even though you know that people really do mean well when they offer it. The thing is, they are not the CEO of your life. As in the new book, "Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?" by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, they need to mind their own business … It was almost getting so that Yinka Oladeji didn't want to go anywhere. Every time she went out, someone — her Mum, her Aunty Debby, Big Mama — someone was asking when she was going to find a huzband. Pronounced auzband in the British-Nigerian way, it was a total embarrassment. It probably didn't help that Yinka's little sister, Kemi, was expecting her first baby, or that her friend, Rachel, just got engaged and Ola just had her third child. It also didn't help that Yinka lost her job, and the man she loved, Femi, who'd dumped her and moved to America, was back in the city with his beautiful fiancée. Femi had broken up with Yinka two years ago. She should have a huzband by now, right? Maybe so. Yinka had to admit that romance would be nice, and so she created a spreadsheet and filled it with sticky-note ideas, vowing that she'd have a date for Rachel's wedding. She agreed to let Aunty Debby fix her up with Alex, but he was pretty clear that he really liked Yinka's BFF, Nana. Yinka went online, on many dating sites and she swiped, swiped, swiped. She considered Derek, but she didn't like him like that. Donovan was kind of a jerk, Marcus wanted just one thing (ahem!), and Emmanuel had someone with lighter skin in mind. And so, Yinka began to look harder. She even considered men she rejected once before but the more she looked for a date-slash-potential huzband, the more her other relationships suffered. Now, nobody wanted to be around Yinka. Where's the happily-ever-after in that? At this point in your life, the pandemic, your career, whatever, you've had your fill of nosy-but-well-meaning questions and advice you don't need. And so, "Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?" is a book for you. Indeed, this sweet little rom-com removes any sting a busybody might leave by taking the ultimate in none-of-your-business literature and turning it upside down. Author Lizzie Damilola Blackburn inserts way too many meddlers into Yinka's life, and the resulting mess is hilarious — especially when the lies pile up and readers are given a peek at several obvious solutions, only one of which has anything to do with a huzband. Not to be a spoiler or anything, but peace is made, but not before readers get the lightest touch of feminism from this completely enjoyable story. Beware that there are Briticisms inside this novel but nothing that's too difficult to understand. Mostly, understand that "Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?" is going to just plain make you happy. WI

horoscopes

JAN 20 - 26, 2022

ARIES Early in the week, you might experience a burning urge to stay in and spend time alone. Meditation, journaling, and restorative yoga are all activities that can help you make the most of this time. Although part of you feels like you need to get out and be social, this period is about practicing self-care and tuning in to your intuition so you can recharge and be your most vital self. Later, the cosmos inspires you to connect one-onone with your SO or close business colleagues on creative projects. Lucky Numbers: 7, 17, 34 TAURUS Your imagination should be firing on all cylinders at the beginning of the week. Whether you've been wanting to take an impromptu weekend trip with your lover or friends, or you want to propose taking on a major, exciting project to higher-ups, now is the time to make your pitch. Your passionate delivery is sure to be especially convincing now. Lucky Numbers: 11, 18, 32 GEMINI You'll do well to have a meaningful heart-to-heart conversation with a loved one when the week begins. Putting your deepest emotions into words comes even more organically now, and the discussion can lead to a harmonious, healing experience for you both. Later, you might be called upon to head up a major project or make a crucial presentation. Basically, you can't escape the spotlight and you won't want to. The more you can step up to the plate now, the more likely you'll impress higher-ups. Lucky Numbers: 9, 12, 21 CANCER You might find yourself having intellectually stimulating, animated conversations early in the week. Exchanging ideas with friends and your partner can prove satisfying for you mentally as well as emotionally. The experience of connecting in this way can also bolster your bond. And if you've been feeling burned out or bored with your current work, you might find yourself itching to get out of your comfort zone later in the week. Lucky Numbers: 23, 38, 51 LEO At the start of the week, you might want to experiment with pushing boundaries in your closest relationship. This moment is an opportunity for you to get especially clear on what you need while also respecting what your partner or dear friend needs. You'd do well to be open to swimming in some fairly deep emotional waters while you figure out how to strike a balance. Lucky Numbers: 5, 24, 25 VIRGO You'll be inspired to express your deepest, sweetest emotions at the week's start. Writing your partner a love note, another loved one a heartfelt email, or journaling about recent relationship experiences can feel especially therapeutic. As long as you're letting your intuition and heart guide the way and leaning into any creative impulses you have, you'll feel like you're right on track. Lucky Numbers: 2, 15, 35 LIBRA At the beginning of the week, you'll be feeling especially magnetic and interested in prioritizing selfcare routines. It also wouldn't be unusual for your focus to turn to all the ways you can bolster and enjoy your most intimate relationships. You'll want to plan gatherings with your friends and find time for special dates with your significant other or a potential partner. This can serve to strengthen your bonds and have you feeling amazing inside and out. Lucky Numbers: 4, 7, 19 SCORPIO You might be frustrated if it feels like your outlets for creative or loving self-expression have been blocked recently. This stagnated feeling could push you to rebel against your current circumstances and take a stand, putting in a request for vacation days, enjoying a midday rendezvous with a romantic partner, or diving into an artistic project that you feel particularly passionate about. Lucky Numbers: 2, 9, 30 SAGITTARIUS When the week begins, you'll be compelled to share your most imaginative ideas with colleagues and higher-ups. Make sure these are the proposals that are nearest and dearest to your heart, because others will pick up on your enthusiasm and want to get on board! Lucky Numbers: 12, 17, 55 CAPRICORN It's easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed by minor, everyday, but quickly mounting to-dos when the week begins. Whether you're returning emails, submitting invoices, running errands, brainstorming with colleagues, or connecting with loved ones through nonstop text marathons, you might feel positively stretched to your limit. The best fix is to make it a priority to carve out time for self-care. Even one evening spent taking a soothing soak or meditating can do wonders to calm your nerves. Lucky Numbers: 9, 18, 26 AQUARIUS Early in the week, language and intellectual conversation are even more of a turn-on for you than usual. Enjoying a thought-provoking experience with your partner or a potential SO (like a sound bath or museum exhibit) can prove enlightening for you both and set the stage for you to get even closer mentally, emotionally, and physically. Lucky Numbers: 7, 29, 48 PISCES You might feel energetically drained and struggle to get ahead on projects you've been focused on for the past couple weeks. You might also be aggravated if you feel like your efforts aren't being recognized. Cope by doing a grounding ritual that helps you get in touch with your truest needs and emotions. By feeling more centered, you'll be able to soar through this challenging moment. Lucky Numbers: 19, 30, 40

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JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 37

CAPTURE the moment

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL

5 Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at a press conference on voting rights at Union Station on the holiday set aside in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) (top left) Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi with the family of Martin Luther King III speaks at a press conference on voting rights at Union Station on the holiday set aside in remembrance of his father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 23, 2022 Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful is co-organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art, Virginia, and The Columbus Museum, Georgia. Aflac is proud to sponsor Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful. The exhibition has also been made possible in part by major support from the Henry Luce Foundation, the Andy Warhol Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts Generous funding is provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Robert & Mercedes Eichholz Foundation,the Robert Lehman Foundation, and Dina and George Perry. Additional support provided by John and Gina Despres, Linda Lichtenberg Kaplan, and the Ednah Root Foundation Alma Thomas, Pansies in Washington (detail), 1969, Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 48 in., National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Vincent Melzac)

Experience the museum anytime, anywhere.

Download the Bloomberg Connects app to explore our digital guide.

5 Sorority members of Zeta Phi Beta participate in the MLKHolidayDC Committee's peace walk carrying a banner created by students from Murch Elementary School in Northwest. The peace walk was held in Ward 8 on Monday, Jan. 17. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer) 3 Community residents receive coats during the Health and Wellness Fair held in Ward 8 on the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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38 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

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SPORTS Even in Defeat, Howard University Shows its Mettle in MLK Classic Bison Lose to Notre Dame, 71-68, in Nationally-televised Thriller Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer The final score read: Notre Dame 71, Howard University 68. And while it was a gratifying win for the Fighting Irish and a disappointing setback for the underdog Bison, there really was no loser. The game, billed as a historic event in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, proved to be secondary to all the other events, which was featured before a live national TV audience. "The best thing you can say is that we escaped," said Norte Dame Coach Mike Brey who hails from the DMV area and graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School. "But to see the importance of honoring Dr. King and his contributions and being here on the campus at Howard University was an experience that these young men will never forget," he said. Howard head coach Kenny Blakeney echoed Brey's sentiments. "It was historic to host Notre Dame,” he said. “We wanted to win the game because it would have been huge for our program but there were no losers. I would say most of the student athletes

on the Notre Dame team have never been on a HBCU campus. Coach Brey is to be commended for bringing his team to Howard because 99 percent of Power 5 schools won't come to Burr Gymnasium.” FoxSports, with the encouragement of HU alum and broadcaster Gus Johnson, along with Brey and Blakeney, brought the rescheduled game to Howard’s campus. And the atmosphere proved to be electric with a nearly full house and live entertainment from the HU Showtime Marching Band, the cheerleaders, the Ooh La La Dancers and a DJ. The game would be tightly contested with the Fighting Irish from the ACC the heavy favorites over the Bison from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Notre Dame played its fourth game in seven days while Howard (6-8) sought to rebound from a tough 71-68 home loss to Norfolk State on Saturday after a threeweek hiatus. The Fighting Irish held a 3130 lead at the half, building a 12-point lead with less than eight minutes in the second half. But the resilient Bison clawed their way back on the scoring of sophomore guard Steve Settle III, senior

guard Kyle Foster and freshman guard Elijah Hawkins. Settle, who is 6-10 and shows signs of becoming a special player for the Bison, added seven rebounds and three steals. "I'm really proud of Steve," said Blakeney, who like Blakeney prepped at DeMatha. "When he defends, rebounds and scores, his all-around game shines. He's bought in and I'm extremely proud of him." Foster, a 6-5 senior from Virginia and one of the top three-point shooters in the country, finished with 12 points and contributed several big shots during the second half run. Hawkins, a 5-10 freshman guard, who also played at DeMatha, spurred the comeback, tallying five assists and three steals. He counts as one of the nation's leaders in steals. But the veteran Fighting Irish got a late basket to extend their lead to three with just seconds remaining. A long Hawkins threepoint attempt fell just short as Notre Dame avoided the upset. "It was a really tough game for us," said Brey in his post-game interview. "They did a lot of things that forced changes in some of the things that we want to do. We escaped."

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(Clockwise from top left) Freshman guard Elijah Hawkins (3) tallied 12 points and five assists in Howard's loss to Notre Dame in the MLK Classic on Jan. 17. Steve Settle III (2) of Howard led all scorers with 25 points in a tough 71-68 loss to Notre Dame in the MLK Classic on Jan. 17. Kyle Foster (11) of Howard contributed 12 points in Howard University's 71-68 loss to Notre Dame in the MLK Classic on Jan. 17 (Photos courtesy Yusuf Abdullah)

Blakeney, in his third season at the helm, said, "We are in the process of building this program. We have had some close calls this year and have yet to get to where

we want to be. But I am proud of the effort that we showed and I am confident we will continue to grow in this process." WI

JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 39

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

You'll Never Walk Alone!

With your hand in God's hand, you will always get the last laugh! In the words of a song from "The Sound of Music," "When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don't be afraid of the dark/At the end of the storm is a golden sky, and the sweet silver song of a lark/Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone." God's desire for you is in the treasure that is in knowing Him and His ways, His provision, His caring, His discipline, His teaching. To be prosperous is to be filled with God. Scripture also says, "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." This scripture reminds us to shape the world, and don't allow the world to make us. We came to earth for a reason, and we must be about our Father's business! Continue to transform the world, by being who you were destined to become; even when they thought you were only trash! Did you have hopes that someone would come along to help you make it to another level, yet nothing happens! Things had changed suddenly in your life, for example, you may have become very poor and lonely after a breakup or di-

vorce; but since you didn't let go of God's hand, everything turned around. Now you have a life of prosperity, filled with friends, family and others. You are not walking alone. When my brother's floor sanding business crashed about 40 years ago, he had to rebuild. Next time, he did not simply go after one huge contract; that was how he failed previously. His major contract suddenly disappeared, then he was left with nothing. That "good money" didn't last but so long, then he found himself nearly homeless. Another way to describe this is the saying "don't put all of your eggs in one basket." His one huge contract was indeed putting all of his eggs in one basket. Kind of new in business, my brother was excited to have such a huge job, and he was enjoying the fruits of his labor. However, the economy began to crash, and the company pulled the contract. Here is when you must put all of your hope in God! My brother was not walking alone — God was on his side. It took years, but he never did quit. His business became an award-winning company featured on magazine covers, and celebrities in Hollywood spread the news about his successful floor compa-

ny. He knew for sure that he would have several streams of income the second go-round. Another example of a love story in which a woman learned she supposedly wasn't good enough for a man she had fallen for. Yet when things changed, and she became successful, this same man became interested. He is not interested in her, only her success. My parents were proof to me that love is not about success only. Be careful with all of your newfound friends when you become successful! She was not alone — her hand was in God's hand. Did money make her better? No, she was still herself; a woman with dreams and goals. Yet others (especially this young man that broke her heart) cast her aside. He couldn't see the big picture! Unfortunately, many times, others think they are defining your life with their thoughts! Wrong! Only your own thoughts working along with the Holy Spirit will guide you to the success you desire and deserve! True prosperity has nothing to do with material possessions, personal ability or accomplishments. The only way we can be truly prosperous is not based upon anything of this world, but instead upon things of God and your commitment to Him and His ways. WI

(301) 864-6070

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness / Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland / Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

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JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 41

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Blessed Word of Life Church

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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

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

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

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

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

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

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

Campbell AME Church

Twelfth Street Christian Church

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

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

Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

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

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

headline and photo for Mount Olivet LIF - MALCOLMXLutheran Church DAY John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

themcbc.org

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM

42 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

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

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

Crusader Baptist Church

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

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

All Nations Baptist Church Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor 2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591 Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor 2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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

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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

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

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

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Shiloh Baptist Church

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

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

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

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

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

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

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

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

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

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jerryl V. Moody Pastor-Elect

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 43

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001408 Daniel J. Elias aka Daniel Joseph Elias Decedent Gretchyn G. Meinken 616 N Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Elaine Esber, whose address is 3145 Ellicott Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Daniel J. Elias aka Daniel Joseph Elias who died on April 27, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 6, 2022. 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 July 6, 2022, 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: January 6, 2022 Elaine Esber Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001663 Estate of Peter J. Caws aka Peter James Caws NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Nancy Ann Breslin for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Order any interested person to show cause why the provisions of the lost or destroyed will dated December 30, 2014 should not be admitted to probate as expressed in the petition Date of first publication: 1/6/2022 Lauren A. Jenkins 7501 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1000W Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 001488

2021 ADM 001506

2021 ADM 001040

Baseemah Najmah Beyah Decedent

Harold Agnew Decedent

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

Jacob LeVern Dwight, whose address is 3701 Robertson Court, Mobile AL 36693, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Baseemah Najmah Beyah who died on August 7, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/6/2022. 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 7/6/2022, 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.

Mavis Davis, whose address is 6510 Walters Place, Forestville, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harold Agnew who died on 7/2/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/6/2022. 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 7/6/2022, 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: 1/6/2022

Jacob LeVern Dwight Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Mavis Davis Personal Representative

Estate of Albert James Shorter NOTICE OF PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATION Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in the Court by Christine J. Spruill, personal representative of the Estate of Rhoda J. Shorter, for Letters of Administration. Any heir at law or beneficiary of the estate objecting to this petition must file an objection showing cause why the petition should not be granted on or before 2/6/2022. If no objection to the petition is filed, the Court may enter an order finding that the decedent, Albert James Shorter, died intestate and grant Letters of Administration to Christine J. Spruill. Date of first publication: 1/6/2022 Edward G. Varrone, Esq. Unified Bar No. 257147 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Petitioner/Attorney

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Jessica Maria Lewis© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " LEWIS, JESSICA MARIA© ", corp.sole Dba.: " JESSICA MARIA LEWIS© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Jessica Maria Lewis© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ablaa fawziya bayyacht© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State File Number 0109260-1982, " JESSICA MARIA LEWIS© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Ancestral Freedom Lineage Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " ablaa fawziya bayyacht© ", nom deguerre: " Jessica Maria Lewis© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Ancestral Freedom Lineage Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001608 Robert E. Schofield, Jr. Decedent Priya Prakash Royal, Esq. Royal Law Firm PLLC 67 West Street, Suite 401 Brooklyn, NY 11222 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Doug M. Schofield aka Douglas Schofield, whose address is 3100 North Toronto St., Arlington, VA 22213, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert E. Schofield, Jr. who died on 2/10/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/6/2022. 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 7/6/2022, 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: 1/6/2022 Doug M. Schofield aka Douglas Schofield Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

44 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001620 Estate of Thelma Samuels NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Imogene Newsome for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 107 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses to the will, the Court will enter an order admitting the will to probate and appointing one or more personal representatives. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, the Court will enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate and appointing one or more personal representatives. Date of first publication: 1/6/2022 Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Eddie J Green Jr© ", I am that I am: " Eddie J Collier- Green Jr© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “EDDIE J GREEN JR ", corp.sole Dba.: “EDDIE J COLLIER-GREEN JR ", corp.sole Dba.: " EDDIE J GREEN JR© ", " EDDIE J COLLIER-GREEN JR© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Eddie J Green Jr© ", " Eddie J Collier-Green Jr© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " bosco da indigo© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: STATE OF OHIO : STATE FILE NUMBER: 1989133604, " EDDIE J GREEN JR© ", " EDDIE J COLLIER-GREEN JR© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "Eddie J Green Jr Trust© ","Eddie J Collier-Green Jr Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " bosco da indigo©, nom deguerre: " Eddie J Green Jr© "," Eddie J Collier-Green Jr© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Eddie J Green Jr Trust© ","Eddie J Collier-Green Jr Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.!

2021 ADM 000934 Maggie Miller Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Emmille Woodfork, whose address is 1346 4th Street, SE, #328, Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maggie Miller who died on 2/15/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 13, 2022. 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 July 13, 2022, 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: January 13, 2022 Emmille Woodfork Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 1030

2019 ADM 001011

2021 ADM 001645

2021 ADM 001648

Marjorie B. Neal aka Marjorie Bailey Neal Decedent

Sybil Hebert Decedent

Clarence Johnson aka Clarence Henry Johnson Decedent Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew & Associate PC 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt MD 20770 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Clarence Henry Butler Jr., whose address is 1424 T Street SE, Washington DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clarence Johnson aka Clarence Henry Johnson who died on January 5, 2021 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/13/2022. 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 7/13/2022, 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: 1/13/2022 Clarence Henry Butler Jr. Personal Representative

Estate of Parker Jones Sr. aka Parker D. Jones Sr. aka Parker Dunford Jones, Sr. NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Barbara Jones-Jenkins for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: January 13, 2022 Barbara Jones Jenkins/Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Petitioner/Attorney:

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION IN RE: DEBORAH WARD : AND DAVID WARD, : Plaintiffs. : Case No. 2021 CA 003690 R(RP) : : : : Judge Heidi M. Pasichow AMENDED1 ORDER OF PUBLICATION In accordance with D.C. Code §§ 19-301, 19-306, 16-3301, and 13-341, the object of this proceeding is to convey by deed the following real property situated in the District of Columbia: Square 3736, Lot 0109, also known as the property located at street address 685 Oglethorpe Street, Northeast, Washington, D.C. 20011; and assessed for taxation to Plaintiff Deborah Ward. The Complaint states, among other things, that Plaintiffs Deborah Ward and David Ward are the only surviving children and heirs of David W. Ward, and the subject property descended to Plaintiffs in fee simple pursuant to D.C. Code §§ 19-301 and 19-306. Pursuant to D.C. Code § 13-341, it is this 30th day of December 2021, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in the Daily Washington Law Reporter and The Washington Informer, both having a general circulation in the District of Columbia, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, notifying all persons interested in the real property described above to virtually appear in this Court on February 18, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. To log in to the virtual courtroom, please follow this link https://dccourts.webex.com/meet/ctb516 or dial the toll-free number 1(844) 992-4726 or (202) 860-2110 2, enter Meeting ID 129 776 4396#, press # again to enter the Courtroom. Heidi M. Pasichow Associate Judge 1 This Order was originally issued on December 27, 2021 and stated that the Initial Scheduling Conference was set for January 28, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Based upon the Court’s grant of Plaintiff’s Motion for a Continuance, the Initial Scheduling Conference has been postponed until February 18, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in virtual courtroom 516.

In God We Trust. Declaration ov Nationality. Notice ov White Flag Surrender. Notice ov Special Appearance: i am that i am: " Virgil Morgan Butts, Virgil-Morgan Butts © ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the living beneficiary and heir ov: “VIRGIL MORGAN BUTTS, VIRGIL-MORGAN BUTTS, & BUTTS, VIRGIL MORGAN, et al," corporate sole D.b.a.: " VIRGIL M BUTTS, VIRGIL BUTTS, V MORGAN BUTTS, & V M BUTTS © ", having reached the age ov majority, be aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores ov Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, be duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree [sub]scribes, a moorish American; not a Citizen of The U.S. nor The United States; i declare & proclaim permanent and unalienable, allegiance to the Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, the Constitution for the united States ov North America, 1789 / 1791, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions ov 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], and all natural laws governing moors, i do hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith, a moorish American. i am that i am: "Virgil Morgan Butts, Virgil-Morgan Butts, & Virgil M Butts © ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall know to be: " virgil-morgan butts bey © " in red ink, in capitis diminutio nolo. Know; fidelity to my lawful consort, crystal-felita bey, whom i wed in holy matrimony on Gregorian calendar day 31, accounting month May, year 2019, under authority ov the almighty divine creator Allah, upon this land, know to be al morocco, by way ov delaware republic. Notice ov White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister ov The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice ov: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice ov Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice ov Bailment Merging ov Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title and interest in the property, Re: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: STATE FILE NUMBER: 101705-1969 " VIRGIL MORGAN BUTTS© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "el hammett butts divine Trust©". All property ov the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order ov the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " virgil-morgan butts bey©, in red ink, in capitis diminutio nolo Nom De guerre: " Virgil Morgan Butts, Virgil-Morgan Butts, & Virgil M Butts © ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit ov: "el hammett butts divine Trust © ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets ov any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is including but not limited to: discharge and set off ov any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, & judicial proceedings ov every other State. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

Law Office of Robert P. Newman Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jeffrey Neal, whose address is 8333 Grubb Rd., Apt. 103, Silver Spring, MD 20910, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marjorie B. Neal aka Marjorie Bailey Neal who died on 10/26/21 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/13/2022. 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 7/13/2022, 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: 1/13/2022 Jeffrey Neal Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration ov Nationality. Notice ov White Flag Surrender. Notice ov Special Appearance: i am that i am: " Crystal Felita Laws, Krystal Felita Laws, Kristal F. Laws & Crystal-Felita © ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the living beneficiary and heir ov: “CRYSTAL FELITA LAWS, KRYSTAL FELITA LAWS, KRISTAL F. LAWS & CRYSTAL-FELITA, et al," corporate sole D.b.a.: " CRYSTAL F LAWS, KRISTAL F. LAWS, CRYSTAL LAWS, KRYSTAL LAWS, KRYSTAL F LAWS & CRYSTAL-FELITA© ", having reached the age ov majority, be aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores ov Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, be duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree [sub]scribes, a moorish American; not a Citizen of The U.S. nor The United States; i declare & proclaim permanent and unalienable, allegiance to the Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, the Constitution for the united States ov North America, 1789 / 1791, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions ov 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], and all natural laws governing moors, i do hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith, a moorish American. i am that i am: "Crystal Felita Laws, Krystal Felita Laws, Kristal F. Laws & Crystal-Felita© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall know to be: " crystal-felita bey © " in red ink, in capitis diminutio nolo. Know; fidelity to my lawful consort, virgil-morgan butts bey, whom i wed in holy matrimony on Gregorian calendar day 31, accounting month May, year 2019, under authority ov the almighty divine creator Allah, upon this land, know to be al morocco, by way ov delaware republic. Notice ov White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister ov The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice ov: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice ov Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice ov Bailment Merging ov Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title and interest in the property, Re: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: STATE FILE NUMBER: 18906-R, & 104201-1964 " CRYSTAL FELITA LAWS, &, KRYSTAL FELITA LAWS© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "el wesley laws divine Trust © ". All property ov the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order ov the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " crystal-felita bey©, in red ink, in capitis diminutio nolo Nom De guerre: " Crystal Felita Laws, Krystal Felita Laws, Kristal F. Laws & Crystal-Felita© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit ov: "el wesley laws divine Trust © ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets ov any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is including but not limited to: discharge and set off ov any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, & judicial proceedings ov every other State. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Aris Hebert, whose address is 3456 21st Street SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sybil Hebert who died on 7/26/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/13/2022. 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 7/13/2022, 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: 1/13/2022 Aris Hebert Personal Representative

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In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Tony Shawn Lewis© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " LEWIS, TONY SHAWN© ", corp.sole Dba.: " TONY SHAWN LEWIS© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Tony Shawn Lewis© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " aadil aahga muhammad© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Health, Pennsylvania Department Of; COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; State File Number: 048157-1979, " TONY SHAWN LEWIS© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Nml Family Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " aadil aahga muhammad© ", nom deguerre: " Tony Shawn Lewis© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Nml Family Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001662 Deborah Ciardo aka Deborah Longhi Ciardo Decedent Lauren A. Jenkins, Esq. Offit Kurman, PA 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000W Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Alessia Blythe Ciardo, whose address is Via Pulica 5, 50031 Barberino di Mugello FL, Italy, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deborah Ciardo aka Deborah Longhi Ciardo who died on 9/19/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/13/2022. 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 7/13/2022, 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: 1/13/2022 Alessia Blythe Ciardo Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am:" Deanne Sophia

Lorne © ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " LORNE,

DEANNE SOPHIA © ", and “JERNIGAN, DEANNE SOPHIA “, corp.sole Dba.: " DEANNE SOPHIA LORNE © ", DEANNE SOPHIA JERNIGAN © ”, having reached the age of majority, being duly certified,

hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree

subscribes, as an: American National, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to the united States of America, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, and all natural laws

governing We the People, and hereby declare and proclaim my

nationality in good faith as a: " Israelite ". I am that I am: " Deanne Sophia Lorne © ", from this day forward, in harmony with my

Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " dana bit

ashayah © ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as " hors de combat ", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of

Ahayah’s covenant: Law of the People, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47.

Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203.

Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all

rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: N/A : N/a , " DEANNE

SOPHIA LORNE © ", “DEANNE SOPHIA JERNIGAN © “, is as a special deposit order conveyed to "Deanne Lorne Trust © ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be

returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor /

Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " dana bit ashayah © ", nom deguerre: "DEANNE SOPHIA LORNE ©” and “DEANNE

SOPHIA JERNIGAN © ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of :

Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general

assets of any bank , nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee

/ debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 45

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am:" Christopher Ladonta Foster© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " FOSTER, CHRISTOPHER LADONTA© ", corp.sole Dba.: " CHRISTOPHER LADONTA FOSTER© ", having reached the age of majority, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as an: American National, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to the united States of America, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, and all natural laws governing We the People, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: " Ohioan ". I am that I am: " Christopher Ladonta Foster© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " christopher foster© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as " hors de combat ", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of yhwh's covenant: Law of the People, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: " Cleveland Metropolitan: ", " CHRISTOPHER LADONTA FOSTER© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Bender Family Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " christopher foster© ", nom deguerre: " Christopher Ladonta Foster© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Bender Family Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank , nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: "Jadili Damu Johnson© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " JOHNSON, JADILI DAMU© ", corp.sole Dba.: " JADILI DAMU JOHNSON© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Jadili Damu Johnson© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " jadili damu johnson el© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV ), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: California Department Of Health: 104-75280185, " JADILI DAMU JOHNSON© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Heal And Feel Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " jadili damu johnson el© ", nom deguerre: " Jadili Damu Johnson© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Heal And Feel Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

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

Date of First Publication: January 20, 2022 Nicholas A. Mueller Signature of Trustee

2021 ADM 001416

2021 ADM 001651

Janice Marie Stewart Decedent

Robert Kweku Abam Yaasi Decedent

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Joey N. Ofori, Esq. 11215-B Lockwood Drive Silver Spring, MD 20901 Attorney

Washington Informer

Colline Silvera 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, MD 20781 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Brenda Carroll, whose address is 5016 Silver Hill Ct., Apt. 102, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice Marie Stewart who died on March 9, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 20, 2022. 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 July 20, 2022, 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: January 20, 2022 Brenda Carroll Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Francesca Yaasi and Joana Oteng Yaasi, whose addresses are 6846 Lost Thickett Dr., Houston, TX 77085 & 1511 Laurel Wood Way, Frederick, MD 21701, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Robert Kweku Abam Yaasi who died on September 9, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/20/2022. 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 7/20/2022, 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: 1/20/2022 Francesca Yaasi Joana Oteng Yaasi Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

46 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

LEGAL NOTICES 2022 NRT 000001 Diane Della-Loggia Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST Diane Della-Loggia whose address was 3525 Chesapeake St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 created a revocable trust on July 28, 2005, which remained in existence on the date of her death on September 23, 2020, and Nicholas A. Mueller, whose address is 21806 Princeton Street, Hayward, CA 94541, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to the following: Valerie Edwards at Antonoplos & Associates, 1725 DeSales St., NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances. Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before June 20, 2022 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), September 23, 2021 (one year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) June 20, 2022 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding. The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification. This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

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CL ASSIFIEDS

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5 The Rev. Malcolm Phillips, a pastor at International Ministry at Mok Yang Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia, attended the inauguration of Glenn Youngkin saying he inspires hope. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

YOUNGKIN from Page 15 of Virginia’s new government is to expose kids to disease but not history,” Fairfax Commonwealth Steve Descano said on his Twitter page Saturday. Others also commented on Youngkin’s announcement for public schools to end the teaching of critical race theory [CRT]. The Brookings Institute summarized it as U.S. social institutions are laced with racism embedded in rules

AFTER SCHOOL from Page 25

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Lupi Quinteros-Grady, president and CEO of the Latin American Youth Center [LAYC] in Northwest, shared similar sentiments. Since last week, she has been in meetings with staff members who

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and regulations that lead to different outcomes by race. Virginia educators have said CRT isn’t incorporated in the public-school curriculum. Richmond Superintendent Jason Kamras posted on his Twitter page Sunday, Jan. 16, the city’s school district will continue to teach students about the state’s history. “The Commonwealth was literally created on the backs of enslaved Africans,” he said. “At [Richmond Public Schools], we will continue to study have assignments at the 16 schools where students receive her organization's services. She described her goal as assessing communication between LAYC staff and school partners to ensure staff members can safely address food insecurity. Quinteros-Grady said LAYC members at four out of 16 schools reported the need for better communication, a scenario she said could compel staff members to leave out of frustration if not addressed. That’s why LAYC has equipped staff members with cleaning supplies and KN95 masks, restricted access to LAYC headquarters and developed communications plans with school partners with varying policies about school closures. “Staff members had to be creative in the relationships they made with administrators in order to access information so they’re aware if they’ve been exposed to COVID,” she said. “We’re trying to figure out these things, support the community and make sure our staff feels safe enough to work in the schools. There’s no protocol and all of these things are chaotic so we're trying to put the pieces together.” WI @SamPKCollins

tration’s success, Vice President Harris noted the massive bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed last year. She pointed out that the bill contains significant funding for public transportation, a vital issue for people of color and the poor. “African-American workers are four times more likely to take public transit than white workers,” she said. “If we’re not putting funding in public transportation – $90 billion specifically – it means that if you miss your bus, you might lose an hour waiting for the next, and you could lose your job. So, it’s a big deal.” She noted that the bill funds broadband in areas where none exist, and many find it hard to afford. Additionally, the infrastructure bill removes lead pipes and lead from paint, a serious problem facing many African-American and low-income households. When the administration began, the pandemic had taken its toll on much of the country and the globe. Since taking office, Vice President Harris said more than 200 million Americans have received COVID-19 vaccines and 75 million have gotten booster shots. She noted the economic bounce back in the 6 million jobs the administration has created and the near-record-low 3.9 percent unemployment. “One of the things I’m so proud of is to put the issue of Black maternal mortality on stage at the White House,” she told the NNPA. “Black women are three times more likely to die from childbirth, and that’s a function of several things including racial bias in the medical health system.” She said she intentionally put training at the top of the list. “The training community would be doulas and midwives who understand and know communities and who will give dignity to the families they serve,” Vice President Harris said. “Another issue that disproportionately affects African-American women is fibroids. Again, I’m talking about fibroids inside the White House and what we need to do to address particular health needs of Black women in connection to what they do as wives, mothers, grandmothers and leaders in the community,” she said. WI

JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022 47

PEACE WALK from Page 1

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Waters and 13-year-old daughter, Yolanda Renee, came to Washington to say his father’s holiday should not be celebrated. Instead, efforts should be intensified to see the filibuster suspended so that the voting rights and D.C. statehood bills will be considered by the Senate. The Kings also want President Biden to use his power to see that the bills move. The usual parade which occurs on King’s holiday did not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Many of the walkers gathered on the grounds of Nationals Stadium near Potomac Avenue., S.E., a new part of Ward 8, the result of recent redistricting. The walkers listened to speakers including Stuart Anderson and Denise Rolark Barnes, co-chairs of the MLK Holiday Committee, and Jamal Holtz, lead organizer of 51 for 51, a pro-statehood organization aimed at persuading the Senate to eliminate or suspend the filibuster for consideration of the D.C. statehood bill. The King family immediately took the podium when they arrived. Yolanda, despite her young age, expressed optimism about the bills. “We need to have faith and hope,” she said. “We will get these bills passed.” The King family joined Rolark Barnes, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) and others at the front of the line, positioning themselves on Potomac Avenue. The procession moved briskly before embarking upon the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. As the walkers continued, they soon reached Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue before concluding their two-mile walk on Good Hope Road in Southeast. In addition to McDuffie, D.C. Councilmembers Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Robert White (D-At Large) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) participated in the Peace Walk. Both Whites count as candidates for

OBAMA from Page 28 ties have engaged in it. But what we're seeing now are far more aggressive and precise efforts on the part of Republican state legislatures to tilt the playing field in their favor. In states that have approved new congressional maps, there are now 15 fewer competitive districts than there were before. Fewer competitive districts increases partisanship, since candidates who only have to appeal to

5 Participants in the MLK Holiday Peacewalk march along the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Southeast. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

the Democratic nomination for mayor on June 21. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser did not participate in the Peace Walk but did speak during a news conference, organized by Martin King III at Union Station. Jenny Tang, sporting a Green Bay Packers cap and carrying a sign calling for voting rights, said she personally walked to “deliver Martin Luther King’s legacy.” “We cannot give up the fight,” she said. “We have to stay engaged in order to win.” Monica McEaddy, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., who belongs to a District-based chapter, said she joined McLeish to send a message that denying people the right to vote will no longer be tolerated. “Our sorority believes in social action,” she said. “One of our major initiatives is getting the vote out. Voting makes a difference. Voting is a priority.” Preston Mitchum, a District LGBTQ activist, said “voter suppression is as American as apple pie.” “What is going on in Georgia, Texas and Ohio is illegal,” Mitchum, an attorney, said. “It is an illegal tactic to deny people the right to vote. Those

who oppose us know the power of our vote. People turned out in 2020 despite COVID-19. We have to keep the pressure on.” Several vendors participated in a Health and Wellness Fair set up in the street and the park in front of the Ambassador Baptist Church following the conclusion of the walk. Belinda Whittle, a registered nurse and Ward 7 resident, said she participated in the fair to help Ward 8 residents become vaccinated against the coronavirus. “We are administering shots as well as speaking to people about vaccines,” she said. “We need to raise the number of vaccinated residents in Ward 8.” Carissma McGee, a junior physics and computer science major at Howard University, said health and wellness also means focusing on mental health. “When people think of Dr. King, they think of someone who is a leader,” McGee said. “They need to know he had struggles, too. At times, he battled depression. We have to get the message out to Black people to help ourselves and uplift others.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

primary voters have no incentive to compromise or move to the center. Finally and perhaps most perniciously, we've seen state legislatures try to assert power over core election processes including the ability to certify election results. These partisan attempts at voter nullification are unlike anything we've seen in modern times, and they represent a profound threat to the basic democratic principle that all votes should be

counted fairly and objectively. The good news is that the majority of American voters are resistant to this slow unraveling of basic democratic institutions and electoral mechanisms. But their elected representatives have a sacred obligation to push back as well — and now is the time to do it. Right now, there are bills in front of

OBAMA Page 49

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

MALVEAUX from Page 28 ment, the issue of Black voting rights has been a challenge to our nation. There were grandfather clauses and poll taxes, and when they were eliminated, there were other hurdles to clear. This is not just a Black thing. To discourage disabled voting, some polling places have been put on a hill, challenging to navigate in a wheelchair. People are prohibited from bringing absentee ballots to their grandmothers and grandfathers, discouraging elder voting. To prevent youth voting, stu-

EDELMAN from Page 28 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, voter suppression efforts targeting Black, Brown, and young voters are once again on the rise. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, 19 states have enacted 34 new laws making it harder to vote in the wake of the 2020 election, "justifying these measures with falsehoods steeped in racism about election irregularities and breaches of election security." We still need to "make good on the promise of the 15th Amendment — that no citizen be denied the right to vote based on race." This King holiday, let's honor Dr. King not with words or statues but actions and policies to protect the

OBAMA from Page 48 the Senate that would protect the right to vote, end partisan gerrymandering, and restore crucial parts of the Voting Rights Act. The bill's sponsors have diligently reached out to their Republican colleagues to obtain their support. Sadly, almost every Senate Republican who expressed concern about threats to our democracy in the immediate aftermath of the January 6th insurrection has since been cowed into silence or reversed their positions. When one of the bills in front of the Senate today was introduced in November, every Democrat supported it. And every Republican but one voted against moving it forward. Protecting our democracy wasn't always a partisan issue. The Voting Rights Act was the result of Democratic and Republican efforts, and both President Reagan and President George W. Bush signed its renewal when they were in office. But even if Senate Republicans now refuse to stand up for our democracy, Democrats should be able to get the job done with a simple majority vote. There are already 50 senators who support bills

dents who spend the majority of their year in their college town have to clear hurdles to have the right to vote. Not to mention the shenanigans such as robocalls that say voting will be the next day, the threat that immigration officials will show up at a voting place to check citizenship, the ways that polling places change at the last minute. Lani Guinier was down for this fight, and she was aware of the attacks on our right to vote. She represents a long line of Black warrior lawyers like Constance Baker Motley, Elian Jones, Sherylinn Ifill, Kristen Clarke, Barbara Arnwine

and others. These sisters are warrior lawyers. Lani Guinier was among the best of them. These warrior lawyers are necessary in these times. We count on them to strap on their armor and prepare for this next fight. There are no rights without voting rights. There are no rights without voting rights. President Biden, step up. You said you had our backs. Vice President Harris, continue to speak up. Lani Guinier, rest in peace and power. Guide our leaders, through your spirit, to do the right thing. WI

fundamental right to vote. Urge your members of Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act now. And if you are eligible to vote, recommit to exercising your right this year and every year, no matter what new Jim Crow obstacles others are trying to put in our way. We must fight back against any and all efforts to suppress our votes and take every necessary step to cast a vote in every election, every race, every time. As King Center CEO Bernice King said, "This is critical, because as important as it is that voting rights legislation is passed — and I can't overemphasize how important that is — it is equally important though that we mobilize people to vote and ensure that the

masses are educated on how to leverage our votes toward creating a just, humane, equitable and peaceful nation and world." She is urging others to "educate, advocate and activate." Through his words and his example, Dr. King reminded us to keep moving forward and taking action. He said: "Structures of evil do not crumble by passive waiting. If history teaches anything, it is that evil is recalcitrant and determined, and never voluntarily relinquishes its hold short of an almost fanatical resistance. Evil must be attacked by a counteracting persistence, by the day-to-day assault of the battering rams of justice." Let's listen to his voice this King holiday and heed his daughter's call to educate, advocate and activate! WI

to safeguard elections. The only thing standing in the way is the filibuster — a Senate procedure that allows a minority of just 41 senators to prevent legislation from being brought up for a vote. The filibuster has no basis in the Constitution. Historically, the parliamentary tactic was used sparingly — most notably by Southern senators to block civil rights legislation and prop up Jim Crow. In recent years, the filibuster has become a routine way for the Senate minority to block important progress on issues supported by the majority of voters. But we can't allow it to be used to block efforts to protect our democracy. That's why I fully support President Joe Biden's call to modify Senate rules as necessary to make sure pending voting rights legislation gets called for a vote. And every American who cares about the survival of our most cherished institutions should support the president's call as well. For generations, Americans of every political stripe have taken pride in our status as the world's oldest continuous democracy. We have spilled precious blood and spent countless treasure in defense of democracy and freedom abroad. But as we learned during the

Jim Crow era, our role as democracy's defender isn't credible when we violate the rights and freedoms of our own citizens. And at a time when democracy is under attack on every continent, we can't hope to set an example for the world when one of our two major parties seems intent on chipping away at the foundation of our own democracy. No single piece of legislation can guarantee that we'll make progress on every challenge we face as a nation. But legislation that ensures the right to vote and makes sure every vote is properly counted will give us a better chance of meeting those challenges. It's how we can overcome the gridlock and cynicism that's so prevalent right now. It's how we can stop climate change, reform our broken immigration system, and help ensure that our children enjoy an economy that works for everyone and not just the few. Now is the time for all of us to follow John Lewis' example. Now is the time for the U.S. Senate to do the right thing. America's long-standing experiment in democracy is being sorely tested. Future generations are counting on us to meet that test. WI

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50 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

rupt politicians who support American neo-liberal policies and replaced them with those who support self-determination and protecting the rights and interests of all the citizens of their countries, not just the elite. Civil society organizations such as the National Endowment for Democracy and USAID were in attendance. Both of these organizations are front operations for the CIA. According to teleSUR, they"…meddle in the internal affairs of key Latin American countries, under the flagship of "human rights", "democracy" and "entrepreneurship."" Since the end of the Cold War, the language of American Internationalism has evolved. During the '40s, '50s and '60s, the focus was on Communism. Now, the fight is against authoritarianism. Biden, Secretary of State Blinken and others say Chinese President Xi is an authoritarian. However, according to the Harvard Gazette, "In 2016, the last year the survey was conducted, 95.5 percent of respondents were either 'relatively satisfied' or 'highly satisfied' with Beijing. In contrast to these findings, Gallup reported in January of 2020 that their latest polling on U.S. citizen satisfaction with the American federal government revealed only 38 percent of respondents

WILLIAMS from Page 29 reason to be ashamed or that caused me to leave a theater with a sense of embarrassment or regret. In a time when "successful Negroes" were reluctant to upset the status quo, Sidney Poitier was front and center in support of and participation in protest-

ASKIA from Page 29 nalism at Newsweek magazine in 1968, I just wanted a chance to ply my skills in the "big league." (At the time Newsweek was one of U.S. media's major "Seven Sisters" of news: ABC, CBS, NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Time.) Circumstances bent me toward radical causes and ideologies, however, and I've never regretted the shift. There were a lot of journalists of like mind who were beginning to break through into the mainstream, and together began to make a change in the landscape. We have traveled a great distance on this Freedom's Highway since 1968 when Dr. King was murdered. Sadly, I would say, we have been headed in the wrong direction. We have fought, and gained entry into Da Massa's House, and are yet to discover that the house is uncontrolla-

were satisfied with the federal government." The U.S. also refers to Vladimir Putin as an authoritarian. Pew research shows, "Despite the negative economic mood in Russia, President Putin still receives overwhelming support from the public. In the domestic realm, overwhelming majorities support his energy policy (73%) and his handling of the economy (70%). Nearly nine-in-ten (88%) also express confidence in his ability to handle international affairs, including 66% who have a lot of confidence." According to Aljazeera, In Cuba, "Nearly 87 percent of Cuban voters approved new constitution, which updates some financial, electoral and criminal laws… Both President Miguel Diaz-Canel and his predecessor, Raul Castro, received 94 percent approval in their last elections." If people in China like their president and government and people in Russia and Cuba support theirs, who is the U.S. to say that such "authoritarians" are bad for their countries. Especially when, according to the Los Angeles Times, as of Dec. 21, 40% of registered voters had a favorable opinion of Vice President Harris and 53% had an unfavorable opinion of her. According to Reuters, "The national poll, conducted Dec. 9-10, found that 48% of U.S. adults ap-

proved of Biden's performance in office, which is up about 4 percentage points since mid-November. Meanwhile, 48% disapproved." If the U.S. stands for democracy, why is it fomenting "regime change" in foreign countries that are pleased with their governments? Could the real reason be that truly free democracies will no longer tolerate the U.S. and other western countries intervention and stealing their resources to enrich western-based, multinational corporations? That was not a summit for democracy, it was a summit of hypocrisy. During his Democracy Summit, Biden said, "We have to stand for justice and the rule of law, for free speech, free assembly, a free press, freedom of religion, and for all the inherent human rights of every individual." President Biden, if you really stand for these principles then you should have sent a delegation to Nicaragua to witness the inauguration of President Daniel Ortega. You should lift the sanctions against Iran. Stop supporting the Saudi atrocities in Yemen. Lift the sanctions against Venezuela, Cuba and allow for real democracy to develop in Haiti. Secure the rights of democracy for those in your own country. Otherwise, it will continue to be a mirage. Remember, charity begins at home. WI

ing racial discrimination. He not only loaned his professional reputation to the struggle, he gave financial support. Undoubtedly, he understood that Black people and those of color were bound in circumstance and that even their greatest achievements were diminished by the imposition of contrived limitations. He has undoubtedly earned the dis-

dain of many who recognize his contributions to the "leveling of the playing field" and who, because of his efforts, are less secure in their whiteness. Paraphrasing the words of his "In the Heat of the Night" character Virgil Tibbs, with respect and honor, we call him Mr. Poitier! WI

bly on fire! Our adversaries do not take Black people seriously. We demanded reparations (reparative justice) from them for our wounds suffered in slavery, we were given Juneteenth. Stop that. We already had Juneteenth. We didn't need white folks' permission for that. The mantra among the now ascendant millennials is, 'someone who looks like me,' in whatever complimentary role there is to discuss. In the news media, what we end up achieving is not a vibrant Black Media, but rather a new White Media, only in black faces. Black cast members added to the "Sex and the City" reboot, and we celebrate that as progress. A Black Little Orphan Annie, live on network TV. I don't care if I never see another gripping, realistic, well-acted, brilliant, inner-city crime or cop drama, or a romantic reboot of "West Side Story" with a cast that "looks like me." No.

I want to see the original story of the romance between Kwame Touré (Stokely Carmichael) and Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa). I want to see the heroism of Marcus Mosiah Garvey and his companions on the screen, organizing a Black shipping line before being betrayed by Negro stool pigeons. I want to see the prison drama of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and his followers, fasting, sometimes eating only potatoes to avoid pork in the prison diet, and praying and becoming a massive force of reform within the prison system, in the Black inmate population, and changing the carceral system from within. So, I don't care how successful our artists have become relating the cultural messages they are permitted by White people to tell us, thank you. I'll take the struggling, sometimes starving Black artistic symbols over the trampy, pop culture icons we worship today. WI

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Beginning Saturday, January 15, people 12 and older will need to show proof that they have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter select indoor venues. By Tuesday, February 15, people 12 and older will need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated.

GOING OUT? MAKE SURE YOU TAKE: Mask Proof of vaccination (actual CDC card, photo/digital record of the card, or a COVID-19 vaccine verification app) ID (people 18 and older will need to present ID that matches their vaccine card)

Proof of vaccination will be required to enter and enjoy:

Food & Drink Establishments

Entertainment Venues & Nightclubs

Gyms & Fitness Facilities

Conference & Meeting Spaces

Find more information at VaxDC.dc.gov. Need a vaccine? Find a walk-up vaccination site at vaccinate.dc.gov.

52 JANUARY 20 - 26, 2022

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM